Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gait rehabilitation system for stair climbing and descending

This paper describes the development of a gait rehabilitation system with a locomotion interface (LI) for stair climbing or descending. The LI consists of two 2 DOF manipulators equipped with footpads. These can move the user's feet while his or her body remains stationary. The footpads follow the prerecorded motion of the feet of a healthy individual. For gait training, the user progresses iteratively through successively more advanced modes. In this study, three modes, enforced stair climbing/descending, semi-voluntary stair climbing/descending, and real stair climbing/descending were used. Comparisons were made between the modes for healthy individuals and a patient. The effectiveness of the system was examined using EMG and foot pressure data.
An orchestrator of network and cloud resources for dynamic provisioning of mobile virtual network functions

Virtualization of network functions combined with the cloud paradigm enables the derealization of mobile network functionalities in data-centers (DC). Such virtualized mobile network functions (MNF) can be then provisioned dynamically and flexibly, leading to more scalable and cost-effective mobile services. Although advantageous, the provisioning of mobile network functions imposes a significant burden on the DCs and on the transport network. Furthermore, derealization is expected to increase the latency. This paper focuses on the problem of provisioning on-demand resources in the DCs (storage/computational resources) and in the flexible optical network (network resources) interconnecting the DCs, in order to support MNFs. An orchestrator is proposed for handling the DC and network resources in a unified way. Two orchestration strategies targeting either the minimization of the latency or the blocking probability are presented and assessed through simulation. High performance improvement is achieved through the use of the unified orchestrator.
The Australian Health Informatics Education Council

Given health librarians' particular professional expertise within the health information domain, there are opportunities for collaboration between Health Libraries Australia (HLA) and the Australian Health Informatics Education Council (AHIEC), as Kathleen Gray, who sits on both the HLA Executive and working committees of the AHIEC, explains.
Formation and Function of Social Capital for Forest Resource Management and the Improved Livelihoods of Indigenous People in Bangladesh

This paper examines the status and formation of social capital, and its contribution to forest resource management and to the livelihoods of Bangladeshi indigenous ethnic groups in these forest environments. We draw on empirical data from three villages associated with two participatory forestry projects. Components of social capital were associated with both enhanced livelihood of villagers and improved forest conditions in terms of area, stock, growth and diversity. Where the project (e.g. the Upland Settlement Project) authority failed to build up social capital, non-government organizations (NGOs) stepped in to play a pivotal role in the formation of social capital among the villagers. Even though NGOs created bonding social capital, villagers, however, further expanded their networks through the formation of bridging social capital that helped them to capture several local government social development services. High social capital was found to be related to better forest condition. Recommendations are made to involve NGOs along with other stakeholders for greater success in such participatory forestry projects. Keywords: social capital, forest resource management, forest conversation, indigenous ethnic groups, participatory forestry projects
OpenLight: a concept of urban lighting to make urbanites aware of each other

hough there are many examples of attempts to create interactive lighting installations in urban public space, its meaning for urbanites has not been fully explored and defined. What could interactive lighting contribute to urban public space? Using the concept of Third Place, this research focuses on the social potential of urban public space using the concepts of, especially the role of space in connecting people and fostering social capital. Our hypothesis is that interactive urban lighting can assist this role of urban public space. Openlight is a concept of networked interactive lighting that provides urbanites with open access to penetrate psychological barriers between individuals and groups in urban public space. Hence the interaction would provide more possibilities for urbanites becoming more aware of and getting to know each other. For this first attempt, we have created a scaled prototype for a Café/Restaurant setting.
Immunolocalization of Epithelial and Mesenchymal Matrix Constituents in Association with Inner Enamel Epithelial Cells

After crown formation, the enamel organ reorganizes into Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS). Although it is generally accepted that HERS plays an inductive role during root formation, it also has been suggested that it may contribute enamel-related proteins to cementum matrix. By analogy to the enamel-free area (EFA) in rat molars, in which epithelial cells express not only enamel proteins but also “typical” mesenchymal matrix constituents, it has been proposed that HERS cells may also have the potential to produce cementum proteins. To test this hypothesis, we examined the nature of the first matrix layer deposited along the cervical portion of root dentin and the characteristics of the associated cells. Rat molars were processed for postembedding colloidal gold immunolabeling with antibodies to amelogenin (AMEL), ameloblastin (AMBN), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and osteopontin (OPN). To minimize the possibility of false-negative results, several antibodies to AMEL were used. The labelings were compared with those obtained at the EFA. Initial cementum matrix was consistently observed at a time when epithelial cells from HERS covered most of the forming root surface. Cells with mesenchymal characteristics were rarely seen in proximity to the matrix. Both the EFA matrix and initial cementum exhibited collagen fibrils and were intensely immunoreactive for BSP and OPN. AMEL and AMBN were immunodetected at the EFA but not over the initial cementum proper. These two proteins were, however, present at the cervical-most portion of the root where enamel matrix extends for a short distance between dentin and cementum. These data suggest that epithelial cells along the root surface are likely responsible for the deposition of the initial cementum matrix and therefore, like the cells at the EFA, may be capable of producing mesenchymal proteins.
Is ghrelin a signal of decreased fat-free mass in elderly subjects?

OBJECTIVE Aging is associated with appetite decline, weight loss, reduced fat-free mass (FFM), and increased fat mass (FM). Ghrelin and leptin are short- and long-term determinants of energy balance respectively, whose dysregulation could alter food intake. We evaluate the relationship of circulating ghrelin and leptin responses to standardized oral mixed nutrient load (SOMNL) with body composition, daily food intake, and insulin sensitivity in healthy elderly subjects (ES). DESIGN AND METHODS Twenty-six ES (12/14 M/F, 69+/-4 years) and ten young healthy controls (LY) (5/5 M/F, 27+/-3 years) were studied at the International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status (Milan, Italy) with air plethysmography, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, indirect calorimetry, and dietary intake assessment. Basal and postprandial ghrelin, leptin, testosterone, glucose, insulin and C-peptide concentrations, and insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-R)) and sensitivity (quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKI)) were evaluated. RESULTS Basal ghrelin levels were similar in ES and LY, whereas leptin was higher in ES than LY, in agreement with the higher amount of FM. Basal and percentage change in ghrelin were inversely related to FFM, appendicular skeletal muscle mass (SMM), and QUICKI, but not to FM. Basal and percentage change in leptin were directly related to FM and not to FFM indexes. Ghrelin basal concentration was negatively correlated with energy and protein intake and with QUICKI. Percentage change in Ghrelin after SOMNL correlated negatively with protein intake, but positively with resting energy expenditure and energy intake, and glucose, insulin, C-peptide basal concentrations, and HOMA-R. CONCLUSION In ES, basal and postprandial ghrelin increases with FFM, specifically SMM, reduction, whereas leptin increases with relative FM increases.
Marital status, labour force activity and mortality: A study in the USA and six European countries

Aims: Labour force activity and marriage share some pathways through which they potentially influence health. In this paper, we examine whether marriage and labour force participation interact in the way they influence mortality in the USA and six European countries. Methods: We used data from the US National Health Interview Survey linked to the National Death Index, and national mortality registry data for Austria, England/Wales, Finland, Hungary, Norway and Spain (specifically, the Basque country) during 1999–2007, for men and women aged 30–59 years at baseline. We used Poisson regression to estimate both the additive (relative excess risk due to interaction) and multiplicative interactions between marriage and labour force activity on mortality. Results: Labour force inactivity was associated with higher mortality, but this association was stronger for unmarried, rather than married, individuals. Likewise, being unmarried was associated with higher mortality, but this association was stronger for inactive than for active individuals. To illustrate, among US women out of the labour force, being unmarried was associated with a 3.98 times (95%CI 3.28–4.82) higher risk of dying than being married; whereas the relative risk (RR) was 2.49 (95%CI 2.10–2.94), for women who were active in the labour market. Although this interaction between marriage and labour force activity was only significant for women on a multiplicative scale, there was a significant additive interaction for both men and women. The pattern was similar across all countries. Conclusions: Marriage attenuated the increased mortality risk associated with labour force inactivity; while labour force activity attenuated the mortality risk associated with being unmarried. Our study emphasizes the importance of public health and social policies that improve the health and well-being of unmarried and inactive men and women.
Enhancement Activity of Homologous Anti-Staphylococcal Sera in Experimental Staphylococcal Synovitis of Chicks: A Possible Role of Immune Adherence Antibodies

Homologous anti-staphylococcal sera passively potentiated the development of experimental staphylococcal synovitis infection of chickens. These antisera obtained from chickens hyperimmunized with live Staphylococcus aureus were selected according to their immune adherence and agglutinating properties. While the agglutinins rose steadily for 11 weeks during the hyperimmunization schedule, the immune adherence antibody titers reached a peak at 8 weeks and dropped to almost zero 2 to 4 weeks later. The enhancement activity of these antisera was associated with a relatively high level of immune adherence antibodies and seemed not to be correlated with their agglutinin titers.
Design of fixed order optimal robust controller using simulated annealing

Mathematical models of the plant, in general, are not accurate. The errors in model give rise to model uncertainty. The robust design techniques take care of this. H infin- theory facilitates design of controller using H infin- norm which provides robustness properties. Then a cost function or performance index is selected that represents the quality of the system performance. After a controller structure, a cost function and some constraints have been specified, the problem is posed as nonlinear optimization problem which is solved using the simulated annealing algorithm due to Corona et. al. M-files using MATLAB programming are written for the design and analysis for the design example.
Multiple-Pole Solutions to a Semidiscrete Modified Korteweg-de Vries Equation

Multiple-pole soliton solutions to a semidiscrete modified Korteweg-de Vries equation are derived by virtue of the Riemann-Hilbert problem with higher-order zeros. A different symmetry condition is introduced to build the nonregular Riemann-Hilbert problem. The simplest multiple-pole soliton solution is presented. The dynamics of the solitons are studied.
The role of cross-border banking in fostering financial inclusion in sub-Saharan Africa

Cross border banking (CBB), though not a new phenomenon from a historical point of view, has been gaining in importance in the past decade or so in the world. This situation has engendered a heated debate about its benefits between its sympathizers and antagonists. In particular, relying on the literature, this report investigates its role in fostering financial inclusion in subSaharan Africa. Using a data sample of five sub-Saharan economies and after applying a trend analysis (i.e. an analysis involving comparison of the same variable over a significant period of time to detect a general pattern between associated variables), and a correlation test (i.e the degree to which two or more variables are linearly associated) to it; this report finds that indeed cross border banking does have a beneficial role in fostering financial inclusion in this region of the world with the effect of CBB on financial inclusion being more important in the following order for the five countries: Zambia (2.4319 points), Ghana (1.6892 points), Uganda (1.2355 points), Tanzania (0.5258 points), and Mozambique (0.4588 points). Furthermore, the report also stresses the importance of a financial inclusion that induces inclusive economic growth for job creation (i.e. the ability of financial institutions, banks here, to effectively intermediate) in the region and thus suggests a way of testing for the role of cross border banking in furthering financial inclusion.
Awareness of action in schizophrenia

&NA; An abnormal sense of agency is among the most characteristic yet perplexing positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Schizophrenics may either attribute the consequences of their own actions to the intentions of others (delusions of influence), or may perceive themselves as causing events which they do not in fact control (megalomania). Previous reports have often described inaccurate agency judgements in schizophrenia, but have not identified the disordered neural mechanisms or psychological processes underlying these judgements. We report the perceived time of a voluntary action and its consequence in eight schizophrenic patients and matched controls.The patients showed an unusually strong binding effect between actions and consequences. Specifically, the temporal interval between action and consequence appeared shorter for patients than for controls. Patients may overassociate their actions with subsequent events, experiencing their actions as having unusual causal efficacy. Disorders of agency may reflect an underlying abnormality in the experience of voluntary action.
Monetary value of undisturbed sleep.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To design a national antinoise policy, we need to know the monetary value that people attach to the reduction of sleep disturbance due to road traffic noise. PRINCIPLES Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) controlled by nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) underwent one-to-one structured interviews to determine the monetary value of their resultant undisturbed sleep. This was then converted into a value for sleep undisturbed by noise, using a severity ratio. SETTING Outpatient interviews in 67 OSAS patients (54 males, 28 to 73 years old) managed by the Center for Sleep Medicine, Kantonsspital, St. Gallen, Switzerland. MATERIALS AND METHODS The interview questions addressed the outcome and difficulties of nCPAP therapy, the self-rated severity of pretreatment sleep disturbance and self-rated monetary value of sleep improvement. Thirteen OSAS patients who had also experienced noise-related sleep disturbance rated its severity on a visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS The mean monetary value of nCPAP-controlled sleep disturbance was Swiss francs (CHF) 70/night (CHF1 = US$ 0.877, year end 2004; 25th and 75th percentiles: CHF 35 and CHF 100). Interviewees maintained this high estimate after learning that the actual treatment costs were only approximately 6 CHF/night. A severity ratio ranging from 2.3:1 to 4.7:1 for sleep disturbance resulting from OSAS or from noise was derived from patients' responses and literature. The value of noise-free sleep was CHF 7.45-23.81 per night. CONCLUSION Sleep undisturbed by noise has a remarkably high monetary value for people, which should be considered in political decision-making.
Towards the Development of Analog Neuromorphic Chip Prototype with 2.4M Integrated Memristors

We have designed and fabricated a neuromorphic accelerator chip which features 180-nm CMOS circuitry and 2.4-million 0.04-μm2-footprint Al2O3/TiO2—x memristors. Memristors were passively integrated on top of the CMOS wafer into 48×48 crossbar circuits, with a total of 1032 crossbars on a chip. Each memristive crossbar is accessed via on-chip CMOS interface circuits which are controlled by a custom FPGA board. The whole system is designed to implement a variety of deep neural networks by performing vector-by-matrix multiplication, a core operation of any neural network, with a memristive crossbar circuit in analog domain. In this this paper we provide details of the on-chip CMOS circuits and the FPGA board, both of which have already been successfully tested. We also briefly discuss integration results and the on-going work.
Partial dissociation of water leads to stable superstructures on the surface of zinc oxide.

Understanding wet surfaces and water/solid interfaces is of crucial importance in such diverse fields as corrosion, catalysis, mineralogy, and geology. For H2O, the delicate interplay between chemical bonding, van der Waals forces, and hydrogen bonding gives rise to complex phenomena such as complete dissociation, partial dissociation at defects, multilayer formation, and wetting. [1] Recently, an intriguing intermediate scenario was advanced, in which the interaction between the water molecules results in a partial dissociation of water on perfect surfaces, leading to superlattices with long-range order. [2–5] In view of possible failures of common theoretical approaches and severe experimental difficulties [5] this proposal has become the subject of a highly controversial debate. [5–9] For a given surface a consistent picture can only be obtained by using a broad array of experimental and computational tools in concert. Applying such a strategy, we unambiguously demonstrate that water forms a simple, unusually stable two-dimensional superstructure on defectfree zinc oxide surfaces. Diffraction (He-atom scattering (HAS), low-energy electron diffraction (LEED)), real-space (scanning tunneling microscopy (STM)), and thermodynamic (He thermal desorption spectroscopy (He-TDS)) data show that water forms a (2 4 1) superstructure with long-range order that exists up to temperatures close to the boiling point of water. Car–Parrinello ab initio simulations [10] reveal a superlattice in which every second water molecule is dissociated. The unusual thermal stability of this superstructure is a result of a favorable “key–lock” type structural arrangement in conjunction with hydrogen bonding. The computed struc
Automatic Impedance Matching Method With Adaptive Network Based Fuzzy Inference System for WPT

In a wireless power transfer system via coupled magnetic resonance, the power transfer efficiency (PTE) drastically decreases with the transfer distance and the changing load. To solve this problem, an automatic impedance matching system is usually embedded in an intelligent algorithm. However, the traditional algorithm cannot dynamically track the impedance due to its slow matching speed. In this paper, an automatic impedance matching method based on adaptive network based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is proposed to overcome this disadvantage. A simulation system is constructed, and results show that the efficiency of the proposed ANFIS method is 80.26% higher than that of the genetic algorithm. Moreover, an automatic impedance matching prototype is built and dynamic matching experiments are carried out, showing that the PTE is up to 84.76% when the distance increases from 4.5 to 50 cm. The simulation and experimental results are basically consistent, which prove the validity of the novel method.
Growth Factor Biology and Oncogene Activation in Human Gliomas and Their Implications for Specific Therapeutic Concepts

&NA; The failure of most available treatment modalities to improve the survival time and the quality of survival in patients with gliomas calls for the intense biological analysis of glial neoplasia. The untimely activation of cellular proto‐oncogenes is often related to the process of neoplasia. Several protein growth factors as well as their cellular receptors have been identified as products of proto‐oncogenes. Furthermore, these growth factors have been identified as glial mitogens in normal glial cell cultures as well as in tumors. The analysis of growth factor biology gains additional weight by the demonstration of autocrine growth factor secretion by tumor cells. The role of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor system in glial cell proliferation and differentiation is presented, with the speculation that the EGF receptor system may integrate the biological actions of many different factors, of which EGF itself may be least important. The literature on platelet‐derived growth factor and insulin‐like growth factors is reviewed, and the biology of fibroblast growth factor is presented in perspective with such phenomena as neovascularization and cell‐matrix interactions. (Neurosurgery 25:681‐694, 1989)
Ethics Management in Banking and Finance

In the wake of the global financial crisis, the financial services industry has attracted caustic criticism for its lack of ethics. Assets have been mismanaged, customers misled, governments misused, risks miscalculated, and rating agencies misinformed. Do banks and bankers not know what they ought to do, morally speaking? Do finance firms not know the ethical risks of their operations? Do they not see what their clients and society expect from them? The Edelman Trust Barometer seems to provide an answer to this question: finance is the most distrusted industry worldwide (Edelman 2013). While the public’s distrust of bankers is explicable, it is, I believe, based on exaggerated and often ill-informed views. This is not to say, however, that banks should not do their utmost to improve their morals. This chapter surveys a number of practical tools and techniques which banks could use to boost ethics management. The chapter floats a new form of stakeholder engagement based on deliberative democracy, gives an example of a trust-centred ethics training programme developed with a finance firm in the Netherlands, and critically evaluates the idea of a professional code of ethics for bankers.Here I first discuss communication with external stakeholders (clients, government, NGOs, etc.) and suggest that the financial services industry would benefit from using a tool that is gaining popularity in political decision-making: deliberative polls. I then turn to ways in which financial firms can communicate with their employees and give an example of an ethics training programme inspired by O’Neill’s views of trust, which were discussed in Chapter 7. Finally, I consider codes of ethics, arguing that while several codes may have relevance in finance and banking, pleas for a professional code for bankers are based on conceptual and empirical misunderstandings, and should not be heeded.