Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SIGSPATIAL : G : Computational Steering for Geosimulations

Geosimulations using computer simulation models provide researchers an effective way to study complex geographic phenomena and their outcomes. These simulations allow for scenario based exploration by capturing spatial and temporal relationships between various geographic processes in a region. However, current approaches to geosimulation limit manipulating model input and exploring alternative scenarios by controlling the simulation at runtime. This paper proposes a computational steering system for geosimulations and presents a prototype, tFUTURES, developed for the FUTURES Urban Growth Model (UGM). By allowing users to specify steering input and steering actions from a web browser, the system solves the problem of lack of user-interactivity experienced by a user at runtime during a geosimulation. We leverage the OGC web services to enable user interaction and visualization of the geosimulation results from a web browser. Further, the versioning and checkpointing features in the system support: (i) concurrent execution paths of a geosimulation based on varying inputs; and (ii) controlled execution with the ability to pause, advance or rollback a geosimulation. Finally, we support execution of geosimulations in local and distributed computing environments and demonstrate our computational steering system with the FUTURES UGM simulation.
Integrating specialised knowledge for innovation in small technology firms

Knowledge Integration (KI) is one of the major aspects driving innovation within an organisation. In this paper, we attempt to develop a better understanding of the challenges of knowledge integration within the innovation process in technology-based firms. Using four technology-based Australian firms, we investigated how knowledge integration may be managed within the context of innovation in technology firms. The literature highlights the role of four KI tasks that affect the innovation capability within technology-oriented firms, namely team building capability, capturing tacit knowledge, role of KM systems and technological systemic integration. Our findings indicate that in addition to the four tasks, a strategic approach to integrating knowledge for innovation as well as leadership and management are essential to achieving effective KI across multiple levels of engagement. Our findings also offer practical insights of how knowledge can be integrated within innovation process.
NO-SHAM: An effective tool based on a novel hybrid approach to detect copy-move forgery in images

The need for establishing authenticity of digital images is becoming inevitably important given the ease with which images may be tempered. Moreover, the images are tampered with such expertise that it is impossible, at least visually, to figure out if they are tampered or not. In recent years, copy-move forgery has emerged as one of the most researched topics in the field of image forensics. The common detection techniques used are either block based (for smoothed regions) or keypoint based (for non-smoothed regions), each having its own share of pros and cons. While a block based approach provides higher accuracy, it is computationally taxing and fails to handle geometric transformations. Similarly, a Keypoint based approach fails to deal with smoothed regions. Our hybrid approach handles these limitations in an intelligent and adaptive way. The image fed to our software tool is adaptively segmented into semantically meaningful non-overlapped regions/segments using Simple Linear Iterative Clustering (SLIC) algorithm. Feature points as keypoints are extracted using the Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) algorithm. Given these keypoints, a segment is classified as either smoothed or non-smoothed depending upon a predetermined threshold. Once done with this classification, the proposed hybrid approach engages one of the aforementioned detection strategies to detect image forgery. Accordingly, a block based approach is implemented using Zernike moments with the matching algorithm based on Euclidean distances, while a keypoint based approach is implemented using SIFT features in tandem with the FLANN matching algorithm for the detection of matching pairs. The proposed hybrid approach has been compared with the individual approaches for an optimal value of threshold. Experimental results on different types of original as well as forged images establish that our proposed approach is able to detect image forgery in smoothed and non-smoothed images with reasonable accuracy and recall.
Single-trial processing of event-related potentials using outlier information

An approach to extracting single-trial event-related information is described. This approach, called the outlier processing method (OPM), is based on the concept that event-related information is contained in electroencephalogram (EEG) time-series outliers. In particular, the OPM has been effective in extracting motor-related information from single-trial EEG. An investigation into the viability of the OPM was carried out on single-trial EEG data from four subjects. The EEG was collected under two conditions: an active task in which the subject performed a skilled thumb movement and an idle task in which the subject remained alert but did not carry out any motor activity. The results of this investigation demonstrated that consistent single-trial motor related information can be successfully extracted using the OPM. <<ETX>>
Effects of particle size and hydro-thermal treatment of feed on performance and stomach health in fattening pigs

Effects of grinding and hydro-thermal treatment of feed on growth performance, slaughter traits, nutrient digestibility, stomach content and stomach health were examined by using 96 crossbred fattening pigs. Pigs were fed a grain-soybean meal-based diet processed by various technical treatments. Feeding groups differed in particle size after grinding (finely vs. coarsely ground feed) and hydro-thermal treatment (without hydro-thermal treatment, pelleting, expanding, expanding and pelleting). Fine grinding and hydro-thermal treatment showed significant improvements on the digestibility of crude nutrients and content of metabolisable energy. Hydro-thermal treatment influenced average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (DFI) significantly. Finely ground pelleted feed without expanding enhanced performances by increasing ADG and decreasing feed-to-gain ratio (FGR) of fattening pigs. Coarsely ground feed without hydro-thermal treatment resulted in the highest ADG and DFI, however also in the highest FGR. Expanded feed decreased DFI and ADG. Slaughter traits were not affected by treatments. Coarsely ground feed without hydro-thermal treatment had protective effects on the health of gastric pars nonglandularis, however, pelleting increased gastric lesions. Hydro-thermal treatment, especially expanding, resulted in clumping of stomach content which possibly induced satiety by slower ingesta passage rate and thus decreased feed intake. Pigs fed pelleted feed showed less pronounced development of clumps in stomach content compared with expanded feed.
Decision-making processes in biotech commercialization: Constraints to effectuation

This research explores two entrepreneurial decision-making processes utilizing effectuation and causation modes in the context of new venture creation in the biotechnology industry. Using a case study approach, we investigate the evolution of three biotech ventures from the start of the venture, featuring major decisions over a period of 10 to 20 years. Assessment of qualitative interviews with founders and CEOs demonstrates that, initially, each company began in effectuation mode and, over time, transitioned to a spectrum between effectuation and causation. The two ventures which retained effectuation logic did not engage in clinical trials. Decision making processes in this study illustrate the interplay between entrepreneurs' ability to manage technological and market uncertainty and circumstantial changes arising from change leadership, venture capital funding and development of lead candidates in the clinical stage of product development.
Generating Join Queries for Large Databases and Web Services

In this data-centric world, as Web services and service oriented architectures gain momentum and become a standard for data usage, there will be a need for tools to automate data retrieval. In this article the authors propose a tool that automates the generation of joins in a transparent and integrated fashion in heterogeneous large databases as well as Web services. This tool reads metadata information and automatically displays a join path and a SQL join query. This tool will be extremely useful for performing joins to help in the retrieval of information in large databases as well as Web services.
The impact of information volume on SIFT descriptor

This paper provides a performance evaluation on the Scale- invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) descriptors that utilise different sizes of image patches to represent the SIFT keypoints in images. Although SIFT has been widely employed in numerous applications such as object recognition and image registration, its performances against different image complexities and transformations are still unclear. Thus, an evaluation is commenced to examine SIFT descriptor's performance while its dimension (i.e., information volume) is varied. This paper is started by providing the general concept of SIFT descriptor, then the experimental setup and evaluation metrics are described for detailing the performance evaluation. The experimental results are shown by two evaluation metrics that are repeatability and recall-precision. Lastly, discussions and conclusions are included to emphasise the significances observed in the experimental results and highlight possible directions for future work.
Financial Education, Financial Knowledge and Risky Credit Behavior of College Students

The purpose of this study is to examine associations among financial education, financial knowledge, and risky credit behavior of college students. Using data from a sample of first-year college students, we found evidence that taking personal finance courses in high school and college is associated with financial knowledge as well as risky credit behavior. Specifically, both high school and college personal finance courses are associated positively with subjective financial knowledge. Subjective financial knowledge in turn reduces the chance of engaging in risky paying behavior. In addition, objective credit knowledge reduces the likelihood of engaging in both risky paying and borrowing behaviors.
The Importance of Price in Re-Negotiating Long-Term Supply Contracts from Softwood Plantations – The Case of Queensland Australia

It is often thought that log sales from plantation and natural forests are determined in free and open market auction systems. This is often the case for those countries with a competitive market structure in these industries. Competitive market forces therefore determine log prices in these markets. However, in those countries where log markets are less-competitively structured and asymmetry of market power resides on either or both sides of the market, open auction systems may not be optimal. In the state of Queensland on the eastern seaboard of Australia, characteristics of the log market suggests uncompetitiveness at the structural level of the market. Many of the markets are regionalised and highly concentrated on both sides of the market. This paper seeks to address the theoretical ramifications of high market concentration and its impact on log price determination, the process of price determination and the sharing of economic rents from bargaining processes. A bilateral model is presented to address these issues and variations in log supply from small family forest farmers are included in the model.
Venture Capital: The Definitive Guide for Entrepreneurs, Investors, and Practitioners

Introduction. PART I: DOING YOUR HOMEWORK: PREPARING FOR THE VENTURE CAPITALISTS. The Venture Capital Revolution. Venture Capital FAQ: Is the Game Right for You? The Market Risk. The People Risk--Part I: Management Teams and Boards. The People Risk--Part II: Strategic Alliances. The Master of the Keiretsu: An Interview with Pete Musser. The Technology Risk. The Money Risk. PART II: GETTING FUNDED. How to Value Your Company. Writing Effective Business Plans. Which Venture Capitalist Is Right For You? Show Time: Presenting to the Venture Capitalists. Negotiating the Term Sheet: The Art of the Deal. Surviving the Due Diligence Process. Epilogue: Life After the Deal. Appendix A: Directory of Interviewees. Appendix B: Sample Confidentiality Agreement. Appendix C: Sample Term Sheet. Appendix D: TL Ventures Due Diligence Checklist. Appendix E: Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement. Appendix F: Select Online Entrepreneurial Resources. Appendix G: VC Resources for Women and Minorities. Notes. Index.
Nuovi modelli di business per la creazione di valore condiviso: il social e l’inclusive business

One central goal for companies nowadays is to create shared valued. This aim becomes more influential when companies decide to expand their businesses into developing countries where the link between corporate and society become stronger. The main aims of this study are: 1) to identify the business models that allow companies to invest in a developing country and create shared value in it; b) to define the characteristics of these business models. Starting from literature review two business models were identified: social and inclusive business models. From the case study analysis, it emerges that the two models are characterized by four common elements: the importance of achieving partnership with local organizations, the focus on pre-existent skills of the company, the value creation process in the value constellation, the development of innovative distribution models. The two models differ, for contrary, in terms of governance system in that the social business type is tied to the creation of a joint venture with a nonprofit organization, while the inclusive business is characterized by internal or external spin-off businesses, where the company is the sole promoter. The proposed framework gives businesses the information to analyze and evaluate possible alternatives for development in emerging markets through two models aimed at the creation of shared value. Laura Michelini e Daniela Fiorentino Nuovi modelli di business per la creazione di valore condiviso: il social e l’inclusive business Impresa Progetto Electronic Journal of Management, n. 1, 2011 ______________________________________________________________________________
Green Marketing and its impact on consumer behavior

Environment friendly, so called green marketing has become a discussed subject and companies are constantly trying to find the best ways to reach the customers with their green message. Customers are becoming more demanding and they have started to pay more attention to the environment. What is important with brands is how customers perceive them, what the image of the brand is. The aim of this study is to find out how consumer behavior is influenced by Green Marketing by Companies. The research study took place in Udhampur district in Jammu & Kashmir, during the spring 2011. A questionnaire was designed in order to find out how people perceive Green marketing and how aware they are of the â€œenvironmental contributionâ€ that is being made by the companies. The question we wanted to find a respond to where â€œWhether the purchasing behavior of consumers is affected ifÂ companies go green? â€ The results from this illustrates thatÂ companies need to increase their communication with the customers on going green, and that attributes like price and quality are more important than â€œenvironmental responsibilityâ€. Â
Discussion Paper No . 321 On Liability Insurance for Automobiles

Car owners are liable for property damage inflicted on other motorists. In most countries such liability must be insured by law. That law may favor expensive or heavy vehicles, prone to suffer or inflict large losses. This paper explores links between liability rules and vehicle choice. It presumes cooperative insurance, but non-cooperative acquisition of vehicles. Thus, the Nash equilibrium and its degree of efficiency depend on the liability regime.
Characteristics of AlN Lamb wave resonators with various bottom electrode configurations

The characteristics of aluminum nitride (AlN) Lamb wave resonators utilizing the lowest symmetric (S0) mode with grounded, floating, and open bottom surface configurations are theoretically and experimentally investigated. The Lamb wave resonator without the bottom electrode exhibits a quality factor (Q) as high as 2,573 but a low effective coupling of 0.18% at 949.7 MHz. On the contrary, the Lamb wave resonator with a floating bottom electrode shows an effective coupling of 1.05% but a low Q of 850 at 850.3 MHz because the imperfect interface between the AlN plate and bottom electrode usually degrades the Q. Limited by the larger static capacitance, in contrast to the floating bottom electrode, the Lamb wave resonator with a grounded bottom electrode shows a smaller effective coupling of 0.78% and a low Q of 800 at 850.5 MHz. These results suggest that the resonator with a floating bottom surface is suitable for filter applications, whereas that with an open bottom surface is preferred for sensor and oscillator applications.
Single Amino Acid Insertion in Loop 4 Confers Amphotropic Murine Leukemia Virus Receptor Function upon Murine Pit1

ABSTRACT Pit1 is the human receptor for gibbon ape leukemia virus (GALV) and feline leukemia virus subgroup B (FeLV-B), while the related human protein Pit2 is a receptor for amphotropic murine leukemia virus (A-MuLV). The A-MuLV-related isolate 10A1 can utilize both Pit1 and Pit2 as receptors. A stretch of amino acids named region A was identified in Pit1 (residues 550 to 558 in loop 4) as critical for GALV and FeLV-B receptor function. We have here investigated the role of region A in A-MuLV and 10A1 entry. Insertion of a single amino acid in region A of mouse Pit1 resulted in a functional A-MuLV receptor, showing that region A plays a role in A-MuLV infection. Moreover, the downregulation of 10A1 receptor function by changes in region A of human Pit1 indicates that this region is also involved in 10A1 entry. Therefore, region A seems to play a role in infection by all viruses utilizing Pit1 and/or Pit2 as receptors.
Dosing patterns and medication adherence in bipolar disorder patients treated with lurasidone: a US retrospective claims database analysis

Background: The aim of this study was to describe dosing patterns and medication adherence among bipolar patients who initiated lurasidone in a real-world setting. Methods: Adult bipolar patients who initiated lurasidone between 1 November 2010 and 31 December 2012 (index period) with 6-month pre- and post-index continuous enrollment were identified from the IMS RWD Adjudicated Claims US database. Patients were grouped by starting lurasidone daily dose: 20 mg (7.1%), 40 mg (62.2%), 60–80 mg (28.7%), and 120–160 mg (2.1%). Patient characteristics were compared across doses using Cochran–Armitage trend tests. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression assessed the association between initial lurasidone dose and patient characteristics. Medication adherence was measured using medication possession ratio (MPR). Results: Of 1114 adult bipolar patients (mean age 40.6 years, 70.6% female), 90% initiated lurasidone at 40 mg or 80 mg/day (mean 51.9 mg/day). Of these, 16.2% initiated lurasidone as monotherapy. Mean lurasidone maintenance dose was 55.2 mg/day and mean MPR was 0.53 [standard deviation (SD) = 0.34] over the 6-month follow up. Substance use, hyperglycemia, obesity, and prior antipsychotic use were associated with higher initial lurasidone doses (p < 0.05). Odds of a 20 mg/day increase in initial lurasidone dose was 1.6-times higher for patients with substance use [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16−2.24], 2.6-times higher with hyperglycemia problems (95% CI: 1.15−5.83), 1.7-times higher with obesity (95% CI: 1.05−2.60), and 1.3 (95% CI: 1.01−1.78) and 1.8-times higher (95% CI: 1.17−2.86) with prior use of second- and first-generation antipsychotics, respectively. Conclusions: This real-world analysis of bipolar patients indicated that 40 mg or 80 mg/day were the most common starting doses of lurasidone. A majority of patients used concomitant psychiatric medications (polypharmacy). Higher doses of lurasidone were prescribed to patients with comorbidities or prior antipsychotic use. Adherence to lurasidone was comparable to or better than antipsychotic adherence reported in bipolar disorder literature.
Benefits of coloniality: communal defence saves anti-predator effort in cooperative breeders

Summary 1. Many anti-predator benefits of group living are predicted to scale with prey density. Nevertheless, evidence for a general density-dependent increase of prey survival is scarce. A possible reason for this discrepancy is the reduction of costly anti-predator behaviour of prey with increasing density, which may offset density-dependent survival gains. Benefits of group living might hence accrue by saved investment into anti-predator behaviours rather than by increased survival rates. 2. Here, we experimentally presented predators in a colony of the cooperatively breeding cichlid fish Neolamprologus pulcher to study density dependence of their anti-predator defences. Predation is a driver of the formation and stability of breeding groups in this species, but potential benefits of coloniality are yet unclear. We hypothesised that increased density of breeding groups would either increase total anti-predator behaviour or allow individuals to reduce their anti-predator effort due to enhanced predator deterrence from neighbours. 3. Confirming predictions from the second hypothesis, our results show that focal groups invested less into anti-predator behaviour at higher densities, while neighbouring groups’ behaviour compensated for this reduced effort. This resulted in stable levels of anti-predator behaviours over the entire range of natural densities. Thus, aggregating in colonies allows these fish to save investment in anti-predator behaviour. 4. These results suggest that the formation of both breeding groups and colonies reflects adaptive responses to high predation pressure in this species. Two different levels of sociality seem to be favoured by the same selective force. 5. Our study provides experimental evidence in nature for an important benefit of coloniality that may explain the concomitant existence of different levels of sociality in many highly social taxa.
Evaluation of spike sorting and compression for digitally reconfigurable non-uniform quantization

A non-uniform quantization approach for neural signals is presented and evaluated in this paper. Depending on the local properties of the signal, the number of bits is varied dynamically: a high number of bits is used for the detected Action Potentials (APs) or Spikes, otherwise a lower number of bits is used. Therefore a simple threshold detector enables the window for high precision mode. The algorithm is tested on simulated and recorded data sets. As opposed to standard thresholding methods, it is shown that keeping information of the background activity permits to achieve better signal reconstruction during spike sorting. At the same time a non-uniform quantization allows significant compression rates, decreasing the power consumption for transmission. A digital implementation is proposed, offering area reduction and more flexibility as opposed to analog thresholding implementations. The technique is also compared to delta compression and found to achieve better results on noisy recorded data.