Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECTS OF MAGNETIC FIELDS AND INHOMOGENEITIES ON ACCRETION DISK SPECTRA AND POLARIZATION

We present the results of one- and three-dimensional radiative transfer calculations of polarized spectra emerging from snapshots of radiation magnetohydrodynamical simulations of the local vertical structure of black hole accretion disks. The simulations cover a wide range of physical regimes relevant for the high/soft state of black hole X-ray binaries. We constrain the uncertainties in theoretical spectral color correction factors due to the presence of magnetic support of the disk surface layers and strong density inhomogeneities. For the radiation-dominated simulation, magnetic support increases the color correction factor by about 10%, but this is largely compensated by a 10% softening due to inhomogeneities. We also compute the effects of inhomogeneities and Faraday rotation on the resulting polarization. Magnetic fields in the simulations are just strong enough to produce significant Faraday depolarization near the spectral peak of the radiation field. X-ray polarimetry may therefore be a valuable diagnostic of accretion disk magnetic fields, being able to directly test simulations of magnetorotational turbulence.
Effect of robot's title in human-robot interaction

The collaboration between humans and intelligent agents keeps increasing as the technology advances. In this sense, each can rely on the other's strengths to achieve the best overall performance. But as intelligent agents play an increasingly escalating role as a partner rather than mere tools, it is imperative that we understand how humans are influenced by such agents. This is so as to achieve a certain level of persuasiveness to ensure human compliance with intelligent agents in times of need, and also prevent over-reliance on such agents, which may make humans susceptible to manipulation. Reviewing the literature from human-computer interaction, persuasion, and decision-making processes, this study examined the effect of labelling source expertise (i.e., title) on the human decision-making process, when there is not an agreement between human and robot partners. Specifically, we conducted an experiment (n = 88) to investigate how perceived expertise of a robot resulted in the attractiveness, intelligence and credibility of the robot, and how these perceptions influence the level of cooperation and compliance in a desert survival game. The results showed that participants evaluated the robot as more credible when labelled as expert, compared to when labelled as novice. The results of a mediation analysis also showed that perceived credibility successfully mediated the effect of title on cooperation and compliance when there was a conflict in the ranking order of items between each participant and the robot. Implications for future development of artificial intelligence and future research directions are discussed.
Abnormal fibrillin assembly by dermal fibroblasts from two patients with Marfan syndrome

The microfibrillar glycoprotein fibrillin is linked to the Marfan syndrome, an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder. In this study, fibrillin synthesis, deposition and assembly has been investigated in Marfan dermal fibroblast lines from two unrelated patients for whom distinct mutations in the fibrillin gene FBN1 have been identified. In patient NB, a point mutation has occurred which causes an amino acid substitution and the other patient (GK) has a deletion in one allele. The two cell lines were broadly comparable with respect to de novo fibrillin synthesis and its distribution between medium and cell layer compartments. Electrophoresis of fibrillin immunoprecipitates confirmed the presence of fibrillin in medium and cell layers. GK cells secreted an additional higher relative molecular mass fibrillin-immunoreactive component. The time-course of fibrillin secretion was similar for the two lines, but differences in fibrillin aggregation were apparent. Rotary shadowing electron microscopy of extracted cell layers demonstrated the presence of abundant and extensive microfibrils in NB cell layers. These were abnormal in their gross morphology in comparison to microfibrils isolated from control cultures. No periodic microfibrillar structures were isolated from GK cell layers. These studies underline the need to classify fibrillin defects in terms of biochemical and ultrastructural criteria. Examination of the effects of individual mutations on microfibril organization will be particularly informative in elucidating the relationship between microfibril dysfunction and the complex clinical manifestations of Marfan patients.
Investigation of mechanical stress effect on electrical behavior of Trench Punch Through IGBT under short-circuit condition at low and high temperature

Mechanical stress applied to the power devices can influence their static and dynamic electrical behaviors. The electrical characterization under mechanical stress might be exploited to monitor the mechanical state of the power assembly and then provide useful information regarding the health monitoring. In this study, we propose to evaluate the effect of mechanical stress on a Punch-Through Trench Gate IGBT under short-circuit configuration at low and high temperature using 2D finite element simulation. Whereas compressive mechanical stress do not influence the short-circuit current (current flow-lines and applied mechanical stress in the same direction), tensile mechanical stress will impact directly on the device current level and associated with the self-heating will induce a lower short-circuit current.
On ‘good sex’ and other dangerous ideas: women narrate their joyous and happy sexual encounters

Abstract Existing studies of women’s sexual happiness and pleasure most often centre on sexual satisfaction, orgasm, and sexual dysfunction, largely failing to allow women to narrate their own experiences. With the recent release of the first drug to ‘treat’ women’s waning libidos a qualitative examination of women’s notion of ‘good sex’ is more pressing and urgent than ever. We need to extend feminist critiques of power, control, patriarchy and agency to the study of women’s sexuality and sexual happiness. Using semi-structured interviews with 20 women from a 2014 community sample collected in a large southwestern US city, we analyse women’s descriptions of and definitions of ‘good sex’ (as defined by respondents), as well as their experiences of sexual encounters that felt joyous and happy. Analysis revealed four themes in women’s descriptions of good, happy and joyous sex: (1) Physical pleasure, wanting and orgasm; (2) Emotional connection and relationship satisfaction; (3) Comfort and naturalness; (4) Control over sexual scripts. Ultimately, our findings suggest that women prioritized relational components of sexuality – particularly reciprocity, bonding, focus, attentiveness and flexibility of sexual scripts – over the more physical, orgasm-based, ‘release’ aspects of sexual encounters. We discuss the implications of the gendered study of happiness as framed within patriarchal and male-dominant definitions and in the clinical treatment of sexual dysfunction.
Designing Nanoelectronic-Compatible 8-bit Square Root Circuit by Quantum-Dot Cellular Automata

After basic mathematical operations i.e. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, square root is regarded as the most useful and applicable operations in scientific calculations. There are various methods for hardware implementation of square root. One of the most common methods in this field is non-restoring algorithm. In this paper, the improved classical non-restoring array structure is successfully designed and implemented by Quantum-dot cellular automata technology in a single layer scheme. In order to accomplish a high performance square root circuit, our proposed design is leveraged using Nanoelectronic-compatible elements. The simulation results achieved from QCA Designer tool authenticate the correct functionality of the proposed structure.
The Effect of “ Front-Loading ” Problem-Solving on Product Development Performance

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the link between problemsolving capabilities and product development performance. In this article, the authors apply a problem-solving perspective to the management of product development and suggest how shifting the identification and solving of problems—a concept that they define as front-loading—can reduce development time and cost and thus free up resources to be more innovative in the marketplace. The authors develop a framework of front-loading problem-solving and present related examples and case evidence from development practice. These examples include Boeing’s and Chrysler’s experience with the use of “digital mock-ups” to identify interference problems that are very costly to solve if identified further downstream—sometimes as late as during or—after first full-scale assembly. In the article, the authors propose that front-loading can be achieved using a number of different approaches, two of which are discussed in detail: (1) projectto-project knowledge transfer —leverage previous projects by transferring problem and solution-specific information to new projects; and (2) rapid problemsolving—leverage advanced technologies and methods to increase the overall rate at which development problems are identified and solved. Methods for improvingproject-to-project knowledge transfer include the effective use of “postmortems,” which are records of post-project learning and thus can be instrumental in carrying forward the knowledge from current and past projects. As the article suggests, rapid problem-solvingcan be achieved by optimally combining new technologies (such as computer simulation) that allow for faster problemsolving cycles with traditional technologies (such as late stage prototypes), which usually provide higher fidelity. A field study of front-loading at Toyota Motor Corporation shows how a systematic effort to front-load its development process has, in effect, shifted problem-identification and problem-solving to earlier stages of product development. They conclude the article with a discussion of other approaches to frontload problem-solving in product development and propose how a problem-solving perspective can help managers to build capabilities for higher development performance. © 2000 Elsevier Science Inc.
A Spectral Expression for the Frequency-Limited H2-norm

In this paper, a new simple but yet efficient spectral expression of the frequency-limited H2-norm, denoted H2w-norm, is introduced. The proposed new formulation requires the computation of the system eigenvalues and eigenvectors only, and provides thus an alternative to the well established Gramian-based approach. The interest of this new formulation is in three-folds: (i) it provides a new theoretical framework for the H2w-norm-based optimization approach, such as controller synthesis, filter design and model approximation, (ii) it improves the H2w-norm computation velocity and it applicability to models of higher dimension, and (iii) under some conditions, it allows to handle systems with poles on the imaginary axis. Both mathematical proofs and numerical illustrations are provided to assess this new H2w-norm expression.
Social accountability 8000: ein praktikables Instrument zur Implementierung von Unternehmensethik in international tätigen Unternehmen?

This article presents a new instrument for the implementation of business ethics within multinational companies: the certification in compliance with the standards “Social Accountability 8000” (SA 8000). SA 8000 is a global standard for workplace conditions and a system for independently verifying factories’ compliance. SA 8000’s acceptance has been growing because many major corporations know that their reputation and social accountability is a competitive asset. And, they are beginning to see it as an issue of risk management. After presenting the SA 8000 the article concludes with a critical evaluation from the perspective of business ethics in order to answer the following question: does SA 8000 actually represents a practicable instrument for the implementation of business ethics within multinational companies?
A Survey of Control Issues in PMSG-Based Small Wind-Turbine Systems

In the field of wind energy generation particular interest has been focused in recent years on distributed generation through small wind-turbines (power unit 200 kW) because of their limited size and lower environmental impact. The field of small generation was dominated by the use of asynchronous generators directly connected to the grid, while recently permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSG) with power converter, either partially or fully controlled, became popular. This paper reviews the control issues related to these small wind-turbine systems: generator torque control, speed/position estimation, pitch control, braking chopper control, dc/dc converter control, and grid converter control. Specific issues for small wind-turbines arise in the wind energy extraction optimization and limitation and in the innovative concept of “universal” wind-turbine operation, that leads these system to operate grid-connected, standalone or in load supporting mode.
The star-formation rate in the host of GRB 990712

We have observed the host galaxy of GRB 990712 at 1.4 GHz with the Australia Telescope Compact Array, to obtain an estimate of its total star-formation rate. We do not detect a source at the position of the host. The 2 upper limit of 70 Jy implies that the total star-formation rate is lower than 100 M yr 1 ,u sing conservative values for the spectral index and cosmological parameters. This upper limit is in stark contrast with recent reports of radio/submillimeter-determined star-formation rates of500 M yr 1 for two other GRB host galaxies. Our observations present the deepest radio-determined star-formation rate limit on a GRB host galaxy yet, and show that also from the unobscured radio point-of-view, not every GRB host galaxy is a vigorous starburst.
Image Completion for Overlapping Chromosomes

In this paper, we proposed a novel approach to image completion for overlapping chromosomes. In our system, only given missing regions, the task can be performed automatically without human intervention. We address the problem of image completion for overlapping chromosomes in the context of a discrete global optimization problem. In order to reconstruct the original chromosome image as faithfully as possible, the objective cost function of this problem is defined under constraint conditions of band patterns in chromosomes image, and corresponds to the energy of a discrete Markov random fields. For efficiently optimizing this MRF, a loopy Belief Propagation algorithm is utilized to perform it. Experiment results on input overlapping chromosomes images are presented, which demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Supporting the Reification Process within a Community of Practice

Organizations have been implementing, even "cultivating" communities of practice (CoPs) to capitalize on information sharing and increase their members' experience and knowledge. In this context, it is crucial to support the process of reification with appropriate tools. The PALETTE European IST project addresses this issue to develop tools and Web services to support the needs of CoPs. This paper focuses on Did@cTIC, a CoP of university teachers, and addresses the issue of capitalizing their teaching experience as well as that of reifying their practices in the form of structured documents. This paper first presents the theoretical framework describing the reification process along with the instrumental approach for tool development. Then, the contextual background and the reification scenario with its tailored tools are presented. In the third and final part, the results from the reification scenario trial and the tools used in the trial are discussed.
The child as word learner

concepts of reference point and polarity, which presuppose concepts of dimension of comparison and zero point. These concepts can be probed nonlinguistically. For example, animals can be taught to choose the smaller, or larger, of two stimuli. It is likely that the standard sizes of objects are represented conceptually for the purpose of object recognition. Presented with a box the size of my desk, I am not likely to entertain the hypothesis that it is a box of Kleenex. Underlying the feature system characterizing the dimensions are many aspects of man's representation of space; concepts like vertical and horizontal, cross-section, and spatial extent itself are reflected in many nonlinguistic sensorimotor routines (see Miller and JohnsonLaird 1976; H. H. Clark 1973). As the child learns a new spatial adjective, what aspects of its conceptual underpinnings are mapped onto it early and what aspects, if any, take years to work out? Two positions within the framework of the missing-feature theory have been held. The first position is that the child's initial mapping is between the word and the features specifying the relevant dimension of comparison. The missing feature is polarity, the direction from zero. On this view, both narrow and wide would have the incomplete lexical entry: [Adj] [comparative] [spatial extent] [-primary] [ vertical], making the two words synonyms (Donaldson and Wales 1970; H. H. Clark 1 970; E. V. Clark 1973; Klatzky et al. 1973). The two words need not have identical incomplete lexical entries simultaneously. For example, [+pole] might be added to the representation of wide before [ pole] is to narrow. In this case narrow means what wide did before
Consensus-Based Torque Control of Deloaded Wind DFIGs for Distributed and Fair Dynamic Dispatching

In this paper we aim to address the problem of dynamically dispatching a group of state-of-the-art deloaded wind generators (WGs) in a fair-sharing manner. We use the term dynamically since the WGs aim to dispatch themselves according to a varying committed WF power output. We first propose a leader-follower protocol whose execution guarantees asymptotically, two control objectives. These are 1) reaching asymptotic consensus on the utilization level of all WGs and 2) the total power output of the WGs asymptotically converges to the reference value. Thereafter, we combine singular perturbation and Lyapunov theory to prove that, under certain conditions, the proposed protocol will asymptotically converge to its equilibrium. Finally, we derive a cooperative Control Lyapunov Function-based (CLF) controller for the rotor side converter (RSC) of each WG that realizes the protocol in practice. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed protocol and the corresponding RSC controller design via simulations on the modified IEEE 24-bus RT system.
Using psychometrics to identify traditionally-aged and mature students at risk of non-completion

Returning to higher education can be a life-enhancing step, but returning then not completing can have a deleterious effect on self-esteem. Early identification of those at risk of non-completion would enable focussed deployment of supportive interventions. The work reported was designed to evaluate the use of two psychometric scales to predict successful completion of the first year of study in Higher Education. The aim of this paper is to explore the efficacy of these tests for both traditionally aged and older students returning to study. In both studies participants were asked to complete the Performance Expectation Ladder and the Academic Behavioural Confidence (ABC) Scale at the start of the academic year. These data were then analysed by the subsequent outcome data from the examining boards at the end of that year. The first study comprised 160 Foundation Year students from four courses across two universities in different countries in the UK. For the sample as a whole, one subscale on the ABC Scale, Attendance, was significantly associated with successful end of year outcome. Broken down by age group, this applied to traditionally aged students and returning students under 40, but not to the small number of older returning students (N=5). The second study comprised 503 first year degree students from 19 courses across two universities. Again the Attendance subscale was the most effective predictor of end of year outcome for students under 40, with the 21 older students showing a different pattern. In both studies the older students had high scores on the Attendance subscale, but lower end of year success rates than their younger contemporaries. It is acknowledged that the examining board outcome data provided a relatively crude distinction between those who were able to progress at this juncture from those who were not; this lack of subtlety in grouping however is likely to underestimate any real differences between successful and unsuccessful students. The findings suggest that the ABC may be used to identify those at risk of non-progression for traditional aged and younger returners. It appears ineffective as a diagnostic tool for more mature students. The latter’s high level of confidence in attending yet relatively poor outcome is worthy of further consideration in the context of thwarted commitment for the mature returner to education. It would be informative to extending this research to compare graduation outcomes although it is noteworthy that national statistics evidence that student withdrawal peaks during the first year of study.
A Method to Determine Superior QoS Configurations for Mission Objectives : Aligning the Network with the Mission

Abstract Across the system-of-systems, network components must be configured and aligned to organizational objectives, missions and tasks to maintain best performance. This alignment is especially critical when resources are inadequate to meet all the demand. A method is presented to find and promote the alignment by conducting an iterative heuristic search to identify a superior Quality of Service (QoS) configuration for a combination of mission and network requirements. Results using OPNET Discrete Event Simulation confirm the method which enables maintaining a consistent network service value under increasing traffic conditions.
HDAC Inhibition Decreases the Expression of EGFR in Colorectal Cancer Cells

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a receptor tyrosine kinase which promotes cell proliferation and survival, is abnormally overexpressed in numerous tumors of epithelial origin, including colorectal cancer (CRC). EGFR monoclonal antibodies have been shown to increase the median survival and are approved for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Histone deacetylases (HDACs), frequently overexpressed in colorectal cancer and several malignancies, are another attractive targets for cancer therapy. Several inhibitors of HDACs (HDACi) are developed and exhibit powerful antitumor abilities. In this study, human colorectal cancer cells treated with HDACi exhibited reduced EGFR expression, thereby disturbed EGF-induced ERK and Akt phosphorylation. HDACi also decreased the expression of SGLT1, an active glucose transporter found to be stabilized by EGFR, and suppressed the glucose uptake of cancer cells. HDACi suppressed the transcription of EGFR and class I HDACs were proved to be involved in this event. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that HDACi caused the dissociation of SP1, HDAC3 and CBP from EGFR promoter. Our data suggested that HDACi could serve as a single agent to block both EGFR and HDAC, and may bring more benefits to the development of CRC therapy.