Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Privacy-preserving automated rental checking

Rental background checks ensure landlords only house good rentees, as rentees become hard to evict once renting a house. Rentees have to hand over sensitive information such as bank statements and marriage status to a landlord to rent an apartment. The landlord does not need that personal information, but only needs to know if the rentee meets certain requirements. If rentee information is stored forever and can be processed digitally, more stringent privacy requirements are needed. These background checks must be auditable so the landlord can reduce his liability, and automated so the checks can be done faster and tie into other systems. We merge the conflicting properties of preserving the rentees sensitive information while making the rental checks auditable. We define functional and privacy requirements for background checks on rentees. Using these requirements we create a scheme based around encrypted equality checks on a blockchain that is automated, auditable and privacy preserving. A proof of concept implementation can check 19 different rentee properties on Ethereum for under 4 million gas or 4.93 euros. We now have a scheme that checks properties and makes these checks auditable, with a timestamp, and does not reveal the information that was checked.
Families Headed by Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Individuals: A Systematic Literature Review

The aim of the present study was to describe the scientifi c literature on families constituted by lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals, through a systematic review of national and international studies published between 2009 and 2013. The following databases were searched: Scientifi c Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Periódicos Eletrônicos de Psicologia (PePSIC), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Index Psi, PsyINFO and PUBMED. After the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 145 articles were selected for review. Most studies were international, empirical, cross-sectional and quantitative, with a focus on lesbian parenthood. Content analysis of the articles revealed two major categories with a series of subcategories each: (a) Parenting (expectations, perceptions and transition to parenting; routes to parenthood; family dynamics and functioning; homophobia; and theoretical and methodological issues in the study of parenting in sexual minorities); (b) Marriage (marriage legalization; marital dynamics; support network; and homophobia). This review provides an updated and extensive discussion of the research into families headed by sexual minorities. Major fi ndings are summarized and critically evaluated, and suggestions for future research are described.
Shifting gears: enzymatic evidence for the energetic advantage of switching diet in wild-living fish

Large variations in the activity and scaling patterns of enzymes involved in anaerobic metabolism exist and appear to be related to species differences in the locomotory habits of fish. Here, we show how the scaling of muscle lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity is highly variable in fish, not only among species, but also among populations of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) exhibiting large differences in the scaling of fish activity costs. These differences in LDH scaling properties were significantly related to differences in diet ontogeny. Scaling coefficients and adjusted R2 values of LDH versus body size relationships were both threefold higher in fish that do not make important diet shifts among planktivory, benthivory, and piscivory than in those that do. We argue that fish activity and related glycolytic potential are reset to lower values whenever fish are able to switch diet to larger prey while growing; we implicate the burst component of foraging (mostly a.
Barriers and opportunities to innovation management in small and medium-sized enterprises in Ecuador: an analysis of food processing sector

The focus of this research is to identify the main barriers and opportunities that SMEs in Ecuador face to implement innovation management. It investigates the main drivers stimulating innovation and the main barriers perceived in SMEs to implement innovation management, particularly, in processed food producers. Additionally, the study analyses the role of government policies and programmes fostering innovation in these SMEs. The study is important in order to contribute with knowledge generation about the main obstacles that SMEs face to implement innovation management, in the context of Ecuador. This information is useful for policy makers and SMEs. Policy makers will gain a deeper understanding about the phenomena presented in this research in order to improve policies and programmes encouraging innovation in SMEs. Additionally, SMEs will gain a better understanding of the role of innovation management. This research project was mainly based on primary data collected from face-to-face structured interviews with 13 SMEs. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted to relevant institutions and experts. The findings underlined that the main internal barrier perceived by SMEs is financial constraints, and the main external barrier, is related to laws, norms, regulations and taxes. These findings led to conclude that government policies present some fallacies that need to be addressed. This suggests that appropriate diffusion about innovation management and a better communication among SMEs and government institutions could foster innovation activities in SMEs.
Structural Determinants of Promiscuous and Specific Binding in Protein—Protein Complexes Using Component Analysis Techniques

Understanding the physical and chemical principles governing specificity and promiscuity in protein—protein binding is important both for understanding mechanisms of molecular recognition and for designing novel biomolecular systems. The goal of this project is to identify if the energetic contributions of structural moieties (e.g., side chains and backbones of individual residues) are different between promiscuous and specific protein—protein interactions. To achieve this goal, we are testing multiple hypotheses; for example, we hypothesize that specific proteins, which selectively bind to only one partner, preferentially utilize side chains to mediate binding when compared to promiscuous proteins, which may utilize the structurally consistent backbone moieties more preferentially. Electrostatic contributions of the structural moieties toward binding are quantified using component analysis techniques within a continuum electrostatic framework that takes solvent effects into account. Van der Waals and surface burial contributions are also evaluated. Two sets of protein complexes, identified by the literature whenever possible to be either promiscuous or specific, are being analyzed to test our hypotheses. Our preliminary results indicate our hypotheses may be partially verified in the case of promiscuous proteins. Interestingly, these predictions do not hold when considering the binding partners of the promiscuous proteins.
Temperature fluctuations at interannual and decennial timescales on the eastern mountainous region in Democratic Republic of the Congo from period of 1940 to 1997

The singular spectral analysis, the multitaper method and the wavelet analysis were applied to the standardized average series of the temperatures in the oriental mountainous zone in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in order to determine the periods of temperature fluctuations at interannual and decennial timescales in that region. These different spectral methods reveal in the temperatures of this region a signal of four years period close. The spectral analysis by wavelet coherence was also applied to the couple made of temperature series and each principal characteristic indice of Atlantic, Indian and Pacific basins in order to assess the influence of these basins on temperatures over that region . This analysis shows that the phenomenon El Nino Southern Oscillation phenomenon and the Western Hemisphere Warm Pool are the principal drivers of the temperature fluctuations in this area on the interannual scale of 2-8 years, the coherence’s peak between the temperatures and these phenomena is located at approximately four years. The anomalies of sea surface temperatures of the tropical Atlantic Ocean also contribute to the fluctuations of the temperatures in this area on a scale 2-4 years by the means of the Atlantic Multidecennial Oscillation, the variability of the Tropical Northern Atlantic and the Atlantic Meridional Mode. The contributions of the oscillation of the North Atlantic, the variability of the Tropical Southern Atlantic and the Dipolar Mode of the Indian Ocean to the fluctuations, on interannual and decennial timescales, of the temperatures on this mountainous region are not significant.
Equity indicators: measures of socio-economic status at an Australian university

After reviewing relevant literature on socio-economic status (SES) and the ways in which it is used for higher education institutional research and policy, a detailed data analysis of Victoria University (Australia) student data was undertaken. Between 10,000 and 15,000 domestic student addresses were 'geocoded' to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) collection district level. A survey of individual re-enrolling 2001 students that included parental occupation and education data was also analyzed. The most important findings were: (1) The debate for practical reasons tends to focus on area versus individual measures, but SES is a richer and more complex subject and must be acknowledged as such. (2) It is apparent that VU's student catchment is on average of lower SES than the Melbourne average, using various area measures of SES, including the DEST-Martin indicators. (3) There is only a very small difference between average area SES measures at the collection district and the postcode level. In practical terms this means that the postcode method is adequate, as well as being cheaper and more efficiently obtained, for analyzes at an aggregated (or average) level. (4) Individual surveys of students do not prima facie add to the quality of aggregated institution level SES results delivered by area analyzes. This again suggests that the postcode method is best for practical reasons.
The Importance of Local Events for Positioning of Tourist Destination

This paper highlights levels of influences of local events on the image of region of Konavle, as a micro-destination near Dubrovnik. As a municipality Konavle has 32 settlements facing the agriculture and tourism (TZ Konavle. 2016). The aim is to research the influence of the development of local events in Konavle on the destination development in terms of dynamic and competitive market changes. From 2009 Association of Agritourism Konavle has been organizing a local event Scents of Christmas in Konavle. It carried out activities to promote and develop rural tourism in the southernmost region of Croatia (Agritourism Konavle, 2016). It operates through organized events, promotional tour on other rural destinations. For members it organizes workshops, including them in projects. Scientific attitudes of theoreticians in this area, clearly argue the interactivity of selective modalities of tourism and its positive effects on the destination. Based on that attitudes, it was conducted the empirical research by the survey method.The significance of the elements of local event on the recognition and an image of the destination, has been proven. While presenting heritage, an organized event impact on alleviation of the problem of seasonality of every tourist place on the Croatian coast. This event brings together the majority of visitors from micro-destination, Konavle, but also attracts visitors from Dubrovnik. Because of connection between two destinations, it is essential to explore the selected tourism forms, as well their role in the creation of innovative tourist products.
Combustion synthesis and electrochemical properties of LiNi 1 / 3 Col / 3 Mnl / 3 BrxO 2x and LiNi 1 / 3 Col / 3 Mnl / 3 BrxO 2x / graphene cathode material for Li-ion batteries

The layered LiNi1/3Col/3Mnl/3BrxO2-x (0≤x≤0.09) cathode materials were prepared by a combustion method. The XRD results indicate that the Br-doped LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 has the same layered structure as the pristine LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2. FE-SEM results indicate that the particle size distribution of samples is uniform. Electrochemical tests reveal that Br-doped samples exhibit higher discharge capacity and rate capability compared with the pristine, especially the LiNi1/3Col/3Mnl/3Br0.05O1. 95 sample shows initial discharge capacity which can reach to 175.4 and 166.4mAh/g at 0.5 and 1.0C, respectively. Finally an electronically conducting 2D network of graphene was introduced into LiNi1/3Col/3Mnl/3Br0.05O1. 95 cathode material. The electrochemical properties of the materials were investigated by charge-discharge tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The charge-discharge tests demonstrate that this sample has better cycle stability than LiNi1/3Col/3Mnl/3Br0.05O1. 95 which can be attributed to the excellent electronic conductivity and stable chemical properties of graphene. The EIS results reveal that the graphene coated greatly decreases the resistance of lithium batteries, especially the charge transfer resistance which can be attributed to the significantly improved electronic conductivity.
Towards Autonomous Photovoltaic Building Energy Management: Modeling And Control Of Electrochemical Batteries

In building energy management, the electrochemical battery is important to ensure power supply continuity and reduce cost of electrical consumption. Therefore, an electrical model of battery is highly recommended for our main objectives, which can contribute to simulate the impact of electrical storage in the building. In this paper, we present the modelling and application of electrochemical battery used in a building (the building PREDIS of Grenoble University). In our experimental platform, we have several laptops connected, with their electrical storage capabilities, to the electrical system. In which, we simulate a typical day of photovoltaic generation.
Validation of a Novel Fiber-Optic Sensor System for Monitoring Cardiorespiratory Activities During MRI Examinations

In this article we report on the validation of a novel fiber-optic sensor system suitable for simultaneous cardiac and respiration activity monitoring during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examinations. This MRI-compatible Heart Rate (HR) and Respiration Rate (RR) measurement system is based on the Fiber-optic Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors. Using our system, we performed real measurements on 4 test subjects (2~males and 2 females) after obtaining their written informed consents. The sensor was encapsulated inside a Polydimethylsiloxane polymer (PDMS), as this material does not react with the human skin and is unresponsive to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). The advantage of our design is that the sensor could be embedded inside a pad which is placed underneath a patient's body while lying in the supine position. The main feature of our system design is to maximize patient`s safety and comfort while assisting the clinical staff in predicting and detecting impending patient's hyperventilation and panic attacks. To further validate the efficacy of our system, we used the Bland-Altman statistical analysis test on data acquired from all test subjects to determine the accuracy of cardiac and respiratory rate measurements. Our satisfactory results provide promising means to leverage the advancement of research in the field of noninvasive vital sign monitoring in MRI environments. In addition, our method and system enable the clinical staff to predict and detect patient's hyperventilation and panic attacks while undergoing an MRI examination.
Evaluation of production systems in protected areas: case studies on the Greek "Natura 2000" network.

The concept of protected areas has been recently introduced in European political priorities, reflecting the interest of Europeans in conservi ng basic elements of their homeland. The "Natura 2000" network has been the basic institution in this direction. Greece has some 262 areas designated as "Natura 2000" sites covering 18.2% of the total land area, which has been shaped through a very long history of breeding sheep and goats grazing the indigenous vegetation and some relevant shepherds' practices ending up to the present land cover. Two areas traditionally hosting large numbers of grazing sheep and goats and currently designated as "Natura 2000" areas, have been selected for proper management case studies, covering the two most important types of site s: (i) inland and mountainous areas; and (ii) island areas. The first one is part of Arcadia which lies in the center of Peloponnese, where three "Natura 2000" sites exist namely: GR2330002, GR2520001 and GR2530004. The second study area is represented by the Ikaria and Fourni island complex (Eastern Aegean Sea) where three "Natura 2000" areas are also designated: GR4120004, GR4120005 and GR4120006. For the purposes of setting grazing management rules in the areas, the production systems applied in those areas were investigated and a combination of National Statistics, CORINE and field data were used to define system dependence on local grazing resources. Subsequently grazing capacities were determined and advised to the local authorities together with management guidelines with the aim of main taining the preserved areas under moderate grazing
Method of Asymmetric Optical Encryption of Images Using Spatially Incoherent Illumination

The method of asymmetric encryption of images based on the double optical encryption with spatially incoherent illumination is presented. Numerical simulations of the presented method in various modifications are carried out and their efficiency is estimated. The modification providing the best balance between maintaining the advantages peculiar to the optical encryption and quality of the decoded images is chosen. In this case the value of the normalized standard deviation (NSTD) of the decoded image from original one for asymmetric encryption differs no more than by 8% from NSTD of standard optical encryption with spatially incoherent illumination.
Voltage Mode Second Order Biquadratic Filters Using Single CCCII

A new voltage mode second order biquadratic filters with two inputs and one output employing a single trans linear current conveyor (CCCII+), one resistor and two capacitors is presented in this paper. The proposed configuration is capable of realizing standard filter functions i.e. band pass, notch and all-pass filters. In addition CCCII+ is directly replaceable through CCII+/CFA. The new configuration offers the additional advantages over earlier and recent published configurations as follows. • minimum number of active and passive components required • simple components matching conditions • CCCII+ can be directly replaceable through current feed back amplifier (CFA) • low active and passive sensitivity figures The present biquad has other advantage that it can realize all filter functions with a non-ideal CCCII+ also. The experimental results are found in good agreement with theoretical predictions.
Near‐optimal designs for dual channel microarray studies

Summary. Much biological and medical research employs microarray studies to monitor gene expression levels across a wide range of organisms and under many experimental conditions. Dual channel microarrays are a common platform and allow two samples to be measured simultaneously. A frequently used design uses a common reference sample to make conditions across different arrays comparable. Our aim is to formulate microarray experiments in the experimental design context and to use simulated annealing to search for near‐optimal designs. We identify a subclass of designs, the so‐called interwoven loop designs, that seems to have good optimality properties compared with the near‐optimal designs that are found by simulated annealing. Commonly used reference designs and dye swap designs are shown to be highly inefficient.
Production of Transgenic Plants via Agrobacterium tumefaciens- Mediated Genetic Transformation in Pinus wallichiana (Himalayan Blue Pine)

We established for the first time an Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation system for the Himalayan blue pine. Embryogenic tissue derived from vegetative shoot apices of mature trees of Pinus wallichiana were inoculated with A. tumefaciens strain EHA105 fused with a binary vector pBI121. The plasmid pBI121, containing the neomycin phosphotransferase II (nptII) gene providing kanamycin resistance as a selectable marker and the � -glucuronidase (uidA) reporter gene, was used in the transformation studies. GUS activity was used to monitor transient expression of the uidA gene and to further test lines selected on kanamycin-containing medium. The integration of the transgene (nptII) was confirmed by PCR followed by southern and northern blot analyses. These results demonstrated that a stable and enhanced transformation system could be established in P. wallichiana. This provides an opportunity to transfer economically important genes into Himalayan blue pines.
Evaluation of anogenital human papillomavirus infection in asymptomatic men from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) is among the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. However, there are still gaps in the knowledge regarding the natural history of HPV infection in men. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HPV infection in penile swab samples, derived from a clinically asymptomatic male population. For this purpose, 261 samples were collected between January 2011 and July 2013 in different institutions in the city of Rio de Janeiro. These samples were collected from the glans, corona, frenulum and coronal sulcus of the penis. Viral identification was made through generic and type-specific Polymerase Chain Reaction, and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism techniques. Prevalence of HPV infection was 16.5% (43 subjects). The most prevalent HPV type was HPV6 (34.9%), followed by HPV16 (23.3%), HPV11 (16.3%), HPV45 (9.3%) and HPV58 (2.3%). Hence, infection was associated with low-risk oncogenic types in 53.7% of the studied individuals, while high-risk oncogenic types were detected in 46.3%. Statistically significant results were found for the group of men who have sex with men, the group who have active anal intercourse, and subjects that lacked circumcision. After adjustments, sexual behavior and lack of circumcision remained as independent risk factors for HPV infection. We believe that these results may contribute to a clearer view about the circulation of HPV in the general male population, as well as to the identification of risk factors associated with the epidemiology of HPV infection in our state.