Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Would You Help Me?: Linking Robot's Perspective-Taking to Human Prosocial Behavior

Despite the growing literature on human attitudes toward robots, particularly prosocial behavior, little is known about how robots' perspective-taking, the capacity to perceive and understand the world from other viewpoints, could influence such attitudes and perceptions of the robot. To make robots and AI more autonomous and self-aware, more researchers have focused on developing cognitive skills such as perspective-taking and theory of mind in robots and AI. The present study investigated whether a robot's perspective-taking choices could influence the occurrence and extent of exhibiting prosocial behavior toward the robot. We designed an interaction consisting of a perspective-taking task, where we manipulated how the robot instructs the human to find objects by changing its frame of reference and measured the human's exhibition of prosocial behavior toward the robot. In a between-subject study (N=70), we compared the robot's egocentric and addressee-centric instructions against a control condition, where the robot's instructions were object-centric. Participants' prosocial behavior toward the robot was measured using a voluntary data collection session. Our results imply that the occurrence and extent of prosocial behavior toward the robot were significantly influenced by the robot's visuospatial perspective-taking behavior. Furthermore, we observed, through questionnaire responses, that the robot's choice of perspective-taking could potentially influence the humans' perspective choices, were they to reciprocate the instructions to the robot.
Do You Follow?: A Fully Automated System for Adaptive Robot Presenters

An interesting application for social robots is to act as a presenter, for example as a museum guide. In this paper, we present a fully automated system architecture for building adaptive presentations for embodied agents. The presentation is generated from a knowledge graph, which is also used to track the grounding state of information, based on multimodal feedback from the user. We introduce a novel way to use large-scale language models (GPT-3 in our case) to lexicalise arbitrary knowledge graph triples, greatly simplifying the design of this aspect of the system. We also present an evaluation where 43 participants interacted with the system. The results show that users prefer the adaptive system and consider it more human-like and flexible than a static version of the same system, but only partial results are seen in their learning of the facts presented by the robot.
A cross-sectional study of anxiety and depression caseness in female competitive figure skaters in Sweden

Objectives Little is known about figure skaters’ mental health. This study aimed to describe anxiety and depression caseness (defined as a screening condition qualifying for psychiatric examination) in competitive figure skaters and analyse factors associated with such caseness. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed in April 2019 among all competitive figure skaters in the south-eastern region of Sweden (N=400). The primary outcomes were anxiety caseness, measured using the short-form Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and depression caseness, measured using the WHO-5 index. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to determine the association between anxiety caseness and explanatory factors. Results In total, 36% (n=142) of the invited skaters participated. Only females (n=137), mean age 12.9 (SD 3.0) years) were selected for analysis. Of the participating skaters, 47% displayed anxiety caseness and 10% depression caseness. Overweight body image perception (OR 5.9; 95% CI 2.0 to 17.6; p=0.001) and older age (OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.1 to 1.4; p=0.005) were associated with anxiety caseness. Skaters reporting no caseness were younger than those reporting only anxiety caseness (mean age difference −1.9 years; 95% CI −3.1 to −0.7; p=0.001) or anxiety and depression caseness (OR −3.5 years; 95% CI −5.6 to −1.5 years; p<0.001). Conclusion Anxiety caseness was associated with overweight body image perception and older age in female competitive figure skaters. Older skaters reported generally worse mental health. More research on the mental health of figure skaters is warranted, considering comorbidity and focusing on those needing further assessment and support.
Analyzing the interaction of the challenges of big data usage in a cloud computing environment

The main purpose of this study is to identify and prioritize the challenges of big data in the cloud computing environment in the Iranian banking sector. Based on an in-depth analysis of the relevant literature the main challenges regarding the utilization of big data in cloud computing environment were determined. Using the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) the important factors from the perspective of the managers and experts of the surveyed banks were screened and finalized. To address the vagueness of human judgments using fuzzy logic and a hybrid approach consisting of decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and analytic network process (ANP), known as FDANP the identified challenges were prioritized. The obtained results revealed that the most important challenge (influential) factor is “Availability”, whilst “Transformation” is the most permeable factor. The findings of the study contribute to the knowledge of the managers and policymakers of the Iranian banking sector.
Nonlinear controllers for nonlinear systems with input nonlinearities

We develop an optimality-based nonlinear control framework for nonlinear systems with time-invariant sector-bounded memoryless input nonlinearities. Specifically, using an optimal nonlinear control framework we develop a family of globally stabilizing controllers parametrized by the cost functional that is minimized. Furthermore, it is shown that the control Lyapunov function guaranteeing closed-loop stability over a prescribed set of input nonlinearities is a solution to the steady-state Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation for the controlled system and thus guarantees stability and performance.
Intergenerational Kinship Networks of Support Within Transnational Families in the era of COVID-19 in the South Africa–Zimbabwe Migration Corridor

ABSTRACT Intergenerational support is a common cultural expectation and obligation in most African families. It is a form of reciprocal solidarity wherein a generation uses its privileges to assist a generation in need. This is typical of care and support relationships between parents and their children. As parents care and provide for their children, the unspoken expectation is that they are investing as their children will be obliged to take care of them in the future. In Zimbabwe, the obligations of this social contract have led many to migrate to other countries in search of economic opportunities. However, with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant economic hardships, these reciprocal relationships have been negatively impacted. This paper assesses the impact of COVID-19 and the economic difficulties faced by migrants in South Africa, drawing from the life histories of dyads of five parents and five adult children. It explores how the governance systems implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic and the precarity of transnational migrants in South Africa affected intergenerational material support within transnational families. Findings reveal that the pandemic significantly affected intergenerational support within transnational families. The restrictive measures crafted to curb the spread of the pandemic led to notable adaptations in the provision of parental support by migrant children in South Africa. Parental support went beyond reciprocity and altruism, exhibiting a profound moral value embedded in the moral economy perspective, where children remain committed to providing support to their parents despite the economic struggles presented by the pandemic.
Transnational Family Practices and Use of Polymedia Methods for Inter-Family Communication among Zimbabwean Women Migrants in South Africa

ABSTRACT This article investigates the transnational family practices among Zimbabwean migrant women living in South Africa. The study draws on polymedia theory to examine two sets of research on Zimbabwean women in South Africa. The first set of research results, conducted in 2011, using in-depth interviews with 10 Zimbabwean refugee mothers living in Hillbrow, looks at transnational family practices and discusses intergenerational support from adult children to elderly parents and between grandparents and grandchildren. Building on this, the second set of research results on 10 Zimbabwean women living in South Africa examines how platforms such as WhatsApp, Mukuru and Malachia are key to experiencing a sense of intimacy and virtual care, particularly among Zimbabwean transnational families. As mobile phones increasingly evolve, there is a continuous need for up-to-date research on contemporary transnational family practices, and comparing these two data sets, over a 10-year period, shows how transnational care practices evolve over time. The findings reveal several examples of care practices toward their children, siblings and elderly parents who remained in Zimbabwe and to maintain a sense of togetherness. Findings indicate that transnational family practices are not free from challenges and issues such as Internet access, connectivity and affordability, which remain core issues for both the migrant women in South Africa as well as the families left behind in Zimbabwe. This article contributes to international literature about women migrants from countries of the South and for the African continent about intergenerational relationships and care practices in transnational families.
Dual-polarization slot-coupled printed antennas fed by stripline

This article presents recent techniques in the field of dual-polarization printed antennas for designing shielded radiating structures with high-quality performances in terms of cross-polarization level and input-port isolation. The use of gridded patches provides a natural solution to filtering surface currents and is of key importance in limiting inter-element coupling in arrays. Experimental results obtained on various designs are presented. >
Subtle Anomaly Detection of Microscopic Probes using Deep learning based Image Completion

Automated defect inspection in manufacturing of microscopic probes is an important task and often requires machine learning driven solutions. A supervised only approach can be challenging, because production manufacturing process typically have few defects, thus large amounts of labeled training data are generally not available. In this work, we instead employed multiple models in a multi-step process to achieve the end goal of identifying defect and non-defect probe tips.
An Intelligent Shadow Play System With Multi-dimensional Interactive Perception

Abstract We developed an intelligent shadow play system (ShadowTouch) based on multi-dimensional interactive perception technologies to let user interact with the shadow play figure naturally. ShadowTouch included a shadow play hardware subsystem and a multi-dimensional interactive software subsystem. In shadow play hardware subsystem, each joint of the shadow play figure was actuated by the connecting rod which was rotated through one steering gear. In multi-dimensional interactive software subsystem, a somatosensory interaction module synchronized motions between shadow play figure and human body based on skeleton point detection, and an automatic choreography module generated the motions automatically for the shadow play figure based on musical emotion recognition. The proposed system improved the immersive interaction experience and let users feel involved during the performance of shadow play, and the motions of shadow play figure (steering gear motion angles) could be saved digitally to further be applied for the reactivation and inheritance of traditional culture.
Description of a new strain and displacement estimator for elastography

A new estimator, which estimates directly strain as scaling factor or time delay is presented. The algorithm is based on the zero seeking of cross-correlation imaginary part. This term can be calculated using only real RF signals. Estimator performances are evaluated on simulated noisy images and show that strain estimation is correct up to 10% strain, and delay estimation is correct up to the half central period with a good accuracy for the small delays, 0.01 /spl times/ Ts (sampling period).
European Winter Climate Response to Projected Arctic Sea‐Ice Loss Strongly Shaped by Change in the North Atlantic Jet

Previous studies have found inconsistent responses of the North Atlantic jet to Arctic sea‐ice loss. The response of wintertime atmospheric circulation and surface climate over the North Atlantic‐European region to future Arctic sea‐ice loss under 2°C global warming is analyzed, using model output from the Polar Amplification Model Intercomparison Project. The models agree that the North Atlantic jet shifts slightly southward in response to sea‐ice loss, but they disagree on the sign of the jet speed response. The jet response induces a dipole anomaly of precipitation and storm track activity over the North Atlantic‐European region. The changes in jet latitude and speed induce distinct regional surface climate responses, and together they strongly shape the North Atlantic‐European response to future Arctic sea‐ice loss. Constraining the North Atlantic jet response is important for reducing uncertainty in the North Atlantic‐European precipitation response to future Arctic sea‐ice loss.
Very Low Frequency Earthquakes Modulate Regular Fast Earthquakes at the Central Range in Taiwan

Slow earthquakes in the form of tremors and low frequency earthquakes (low‐frequency earthquakes) occur along the south‐central range of Taiwan (Aguiar et al., 2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016gl072148; Chao et al., 2012, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246x.2011.05261.x; Tang et al., 2010, https://doi.org/10.1029/2010gl043918). This study detects discrete very low frequency earthquakes (VLFEs) using a grid‐search moment tensor inversion algorithm (Ghosh et al., 2015, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015gl063286; Hutchison & Ghosh, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018jb016138). By applying a matched filtered technique, we have created a robust VLFE catalog for 3 years. The two VLFEs closer to the tremor‐producing region show a temporal relationship, but the western VLFE is the most active among the three. Our VLFE catalog of high temporal resolution allows us to identify a significant increase in VLFE activities preceding earthquake swarms. An empirical comparison of the VLFE catalog with regional and local cataloged fast earthquakes reveals two such instances. We show that fluid migration from deeper to shallower crust explains this modulation of regular fast earthquakes by VLFEs.
Transonic airfoil design and optimisation by using vibrational genetic algorithm

In this study, the power of vibrational genetic algorithm (VGA) for transonic airfoil design and optimisation problems, which are generally characterized by multi‐model topology in the design parameter space, has been introduced. This type of problem is characterized by search and computational time to achieve satisfying solutions. In order to obtain more robust and faster algorithm, vibration concept, our earlier study, is further developed. This developed VGA is coupled with a full potential flow‐field solver for inverse design and airfoil optimisation problem in transonic case. The performance of this implemented strategy is compared with that offered by a classical or more commonly used genetic algorithm.
Floating Versus Sinking

Small objects that are more dense than water may still float at the air-water interface because of surface tension. Whether this is possible depends not only on the density and size of the object, but also on its shape and surface properties, whether other objects are nearby, and how gently the object is placed at the interface. This review surveys recent work to quantify when objects can float and when they must sink. Much interest in this area has been driven by studies of the adaptations of water-walking insects to life at interfaces. I therefore discuss these results in the context of this and other applications.
Vorticity Analysis of a Cavitating Two-Phase Flow in Rotating

An expression of moment acting on blades is established in this research via applying boundary vortex flux (BVF). The diagnosis of the cavitation of the two-phase flow in a rotating reference frame for hydraulic turbomachinery is introduced. The cavitating flow vortex analysis is carried out numerically using a mixture model of two-phase turbulent flow. The numerical simulation is applied to the complete turbine flow passage from the inlet of spiral casing to the outlet of draft tube, and to all the fixed and moving components. The study is carried out by using RNG kappa - epsilon turbulence model and an improved mass transfer expression between cavity phase and liquid phase in the mixture model. Based on the computational results, the BVF and the skin friction distributions on blades have been obtained. The flow in the runner is estimated by vorticity dynamics method. Compared with traditional analysis method and experimental data, the feasibility of vorticity analysis of cavitating flow in rotating reference frame has been confirmed.
Region-based adaptive anisotropic diffusion for image enhancement and denoising

A novel region-based adaptive anisotropic diffusion (RAAD) is presented for image enhancement and denoising. The main idea of this algorithm is to perform the region-based adaptive segmentation. To this end, we use the eigenvalue difference of the structure tensor of each pixel to classify an image into homogeneous detail, and edge regions. Ac- cording to the different types of regions, a variable weight is incorporated into the anisotropic diffusion partial differential equation for compromising the forward and backward diffusion, so that our algorithm can adaptively encourage strong smoothing in homogeneous regions and suitable sharp- ening in detail and edge regions. Furthermore, we present an adaptive gradient threshold selection strategy. We suggest that the optimal gradient threshold should be estimated as the mean of local intensity differences on the homogeneous regions. In addition, we modify the anisotropic diffu- sion discrete scheme by taking into account edge orientations. We believe our algorithm to be a novel mechanism for image enhancement and de- noising. Qualitative experiments, based on various general digital images and several T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance simulated images, show significant improvements when the RAAD algorithm is used versus the existing anisotropic diffusion and the previous forward and backward diffusion algorithms for enhancing edge features and improving image contrast. Quantitative analyses, based on peak signal-to-noise ratio, the universal image quality index, and the structural similarity confirm the su- periority of the proposed algorithm. C 2010 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation
Lethal giant larvae gene family (Llgl1 and Llgl2) functions as a tumor suppressor in mouse skin epidermis

Loss of cell polarity and tissue disorganization occurs in majority of epithelial cancers. Studies in simple model organisms identified molecular mechanisms responsible for the establishment and maintenance of cellular polarity, which play a pivotal role in establishing proper tissue architecture. The exact role of these cell polarity pathways in mammalian cancer is not completely understood. Here we analyzed the mammalian orthologs of drosophila apical-basal polarity gene lethal giant larvae (lgl), which regulates asymmetric stem cell division and functions as a tumor suppressor in flies. There are two mammalian orthologs of lgl (Llgl1 and Llgl2). To determine the role of the entire lgl signaling pathway in mammals we generated mice with ablation of both Llgl1 and Llgl2 in skin epidermis using K14-Cre (Llgl1/2-/- cKO mice). Surprisingly, we found that ablation of Llgl1/2 genes does not impact epidermal polarity in adult mice. However, old Llgl1/2 cKO mice present with focal skin lesions which are missing epidermal layer and ripe with inflammation. To determine the role of lgl signaling pathway in cancer we generated Trp53-/-/Llgl1/2-/- cKO and Trp53-/+/Llgl1/2-/- cKO mice. Loss of Llgl1/2 promoted squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) development in Trp53-/- cKO and caused SCC in Trp53-/+ cKO mice, while no cancer was observed in Trp53-/+ cKO controls. Mechanistically, we show that ablation of Llgl1/2 causes activation of aPKC and upregulation of NF-kB signaling pathway, which may be necessary for SCC in Trp53-/+/Llgl1/2-/- cKO mice. We conclude that Lgl signaling pathway functions as a tumor suppressor in mammalian skin epidermis.
Promyelocytic leukemia protein regulates angiogenesis and epithelial–mesenchymal transition to limit metastasis in MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells

Promyelocytic Leukemia Protein (PML) is the core protein of nuclear bodies (NBs) that regulate a large number of cellular processes, including, context dependent, tumor –suppressor and pro-oncogenic effects. PML knockdown (KD) in breast cancer lines MDA-MB-231, but not MCF7, cells showed higher cell proliferation, increased migration properties and prolonged stem cell –like survival in line with gene enrichment results from RNA sequencing analysis. MDA-MB-231 PML KD cells showed an increase of hypoxic and mesenchymal characteristics manifested by higher HIF1a and the EMT-TWIST2 protein levels respectively. Mechanistically, PML loss caused an increase of HIF1a and TWIST2 RNA levels. Interestingly, TWIST2 binds to PML. Moreover, PML directly opposed the action of HIF1a and TWIST2 on VEGFa and CD24 reporters, respectively. Tumor xenografts of MDA-MB-231 PML KD cells showed a higher micro vessel content, grew faster and had higher metastatic ability with a preference for lung. Thus, PML opposes the aggressive cancer phenotype by multiple mechanisms that antagonize the HIF-hypoxia-angiogenic and EMT axis.
Structurally divergent and recurrently mutated regions of primate genomes

To better understand the pattern of primate genome structural variation, we sequenced and assembled using multiple long-read sequencing technologies the genomes of eight nonhuman primate species, including New World monkeys (owl monkey and marmoset), Old World monkey (macaque), Asian apes (orangutan and gibbon), and African ape lineages (gorilla, bonobo, and chimpanzee). Compared to the human genome, we identified 1,338,997 lineage-specific fixed structural variants (SVs) disrupting 1,561 protein-coding genes and 136,932 regulatory elements, including the most complete set of human-specific fixed differences. Across 50 million years of primate evolution, we estimate that 819.47 Mbp or ~27% of the genome has been affected by SVs based on analysis of these primate lineages. We identify 1,607 structurally divergent regions (SDRs) wherein recurrent structural variation contributes to creating SV hotspots where genes are recurrently lost (CARDs, ABCD7, OLAH) and new lineage-specific genes are generated (e.g., CKAP2, NEK5) and have become targets of rapid chromosomal diversification and positive selection (e.g., RGPDs). High-fidelity long-read sequencing has made these dynamic regions of the genome accessible for sequence-level analyses within and between primate species for the first time.