Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
User experience in smart environments : design and prototyping

In this work specifications for and descriptions of components for a toolkit that supports, what we call, functional Experience Prototyping (functional ExP) were defined in the course of this project. According to our definition, functional ExP aims on creating functional prototypes that mediate the UX of an intended final product. It does not aim for technical finesse, superb scala- bility or stability. The generation of the tool specifications required two inputs: The desired UX that the toolkit needs to able to generate and its potential impact on the common design and development process. Smart Environments have a broad application space and since UX is highly application-dependent the scope of this work was narrowed to a subdomain called Intelligent Living Environments (ILEs). General UX dimension were found based on the work of predecessors and an UX outline for ILEs including the user’s intention and context of use as well as system characteristics was established. Principles on the integration of user-centered agile design and development methods as well as lean and continuous development were gathered and merged. The resulting optimized method incorporates functional ExP and supports Contin- uous Interdisciplinary Prototyping (CIP). A prototyping environment that can be assembled of functional Experience - , Technical Prototypes and completely im- plemented components. This supports continuous development and provides an integrated testing environment for designers and engineers throughout the whole process. Based on the defined UX outline and optimized design and development method specifications for a functional ExP were derived. Sub- sequently these specifications were translated into actual toolkit components. As a final proof of concept some of these components were implemented and used to build use case prototypes. This final step proved that the specifications and component descriptions are a suitable foundation for the realization of a functional ExP toolkit for ILEs.
Unattended distributional training can shift phoneme boundaries

Abstract Listeners are sensitive to speech sounds’ probability distributions. Distributional training (DT) studies with adults typically involve conscious activation of phoneme labels. We show that distributional exposure can shift existing phoneme boundaries (Spanish /e/–/i/) pre-attentively. Using a DT paradigm involving two bimodal distributions we assessed listener's neural discrimination across three sounds, showing pre-to-post-test improvement for the two adjacent sounds that fell into different clusters of the trained distribution than for those that fell into one cluster. Upon unattended exposure to an intricate stimulus set, listeners thus relocate native phoneme boundaries. We assessed whether the paradigm also works for category creation (Spanish establishing a duration contrast), where it has methodological advantages over the usual unimodal-versus-bimodal paradigm. DT yielded a greater effect for the /e/–/i/ boundary shift than for duration contrast creation. It seems that second-language phoneme contrasts similar to native ones might be easier to acquire than new contrasts.
Managerial ability and CEO pay of family firms in Malaysia: does family involvement in management matter?

ABSTRACT Family managers are found to get lower pay, especially when family members are involved in management. This paper examines whether managerial ability has a positive impact on CEO pay in family firms. We further examine whether the relationship is higher for nonfamily CEOs compared with that for family CEOs, and whether family involvement in management affects the relationship. The data covered were hand-collected information on CEOs of 362 listed family firms in Bursa Malaysia during the 2009–2015 period. We found a positive relationship between pay and managerial ability for Malaysian family firms, and nonfamily managers are found to be compensated with a higher pay for their managerial ability compared with family managers. Also, when a family has a dominant involvement in management by chairing the board and remuneration committee, they accord pay increment for every unit increase in a CEOs ability. In the case of family chairing the board, nonfamily CEOs tend to get a higher pay with higher managerial ability compared with family CEOs. Our finding shows that family firms, especially those with a dominant involvement in management, adhere to devising first-best contract when rewarding nonfamily CEOs.
Visual Health Analysis of Print Advertising Graphic Design Based on Image Segmentation and Few-Shot Learning

Graphics innovation must adapt to the changing trends of the times in order to stay ahead of the curve. This article investigates the use of graphic vision in print advertising design, using image segmentation as a starting point and examines the current state of visual innovation in print advertising graphic design and its various expressions and applications. A series of homogeneous regions are generated and outlined using an image segmentation algorithm based on adaptive local threshold. The user then paints different colors on the area sets that make up the various targets. Finally, the image segmentation is completed by merging the color mark region sets. Automatic extraction of the initial curve of an active contour model, construction of an active contour model based on saliency and level set solution, automatic selection of training samples when a classifier is used for image segmentation, and so on are all problems that this method effectively solves. Experiments show that this algorithm not only satisfies users' demands for more intuitive input and more accurate interactive image segmentation results but also enables multiregion and multitarget image segmentation with ease.
ERP and Information Systems: Integration or Disintegration

This research attempts to explore and identify eventual relationships between the evolution of ERP systems and information systems integration or disintegration. The aim of this research is to know if the relationships between the ERP systems and the information systems are guided by certain factors and, as a result, to understand, more in-depth, the factors affecting these relationships. More precisely, this analysis aims to study whether assigned values given to these factors could guide the evolution of ERP systems in a manner that promotes IS integration; and if the opposite assigned values to these same factors could guide the evolution of ERP systems in a manner that provokes IS disintegration instead.
Epigenome-Wide Analysis Reveals DNA Methylation Alteration in ZFP57 and Its Target RASGFR2 in a Mexican Population Cohort with Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) comprise a group of heterogeneous and complex neurodevelopmental disorders. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to ASD etiology. DNA methylation is particularly relevant for ASD due to its mediating role in the complex interaction between genotype and environment and has been implicated in ASD pathophysiology. The lack of diversity in DNA methylation studies in ASD individuals is remarkable. Since genetic and environmental factors are likely to vary across populations, the study of underrepresented populations is necessary to understand the molecular alterations involved in ASD and the risk factors underlying these changes. This study explored genome-wide differences in DNA methylation patterns in buccal epithelium cells between Mexican ASD patients (n = 27) and age-matched typically developing (TD: n = 15) children. DNA methylation profiles were evaluated with the Illumina 450k array. We evaluated the interaction between sex and ASD and found a differentially methylated region (DMR) over the 5′UTR region of ZFP57 and one of its targets, RASGRF2. These results match previous findings in brain tissue, which may indicate that ZFP57 could be used as a proxy for DNA methylation in different tissues. This is the first study performed in a Mexican, and subsequently, Latin American, population that evaluates DNA methylation in ASD patients.
Phytoplankton functional composition determines limitation by nutrients and grazers across a lake productivity gradient

Functional trade-offs among ecologically important traits govern the diversity of communities and changes in species composition along environmental gradients. A trade-off between predator defense and resource competitive ability has been invoked as a mechanism that may maintain diversity in lake phytoplankton. Trade-offs may promote diversity in communities where grazing-and resource-limited taxa coexist, which determines the extent to which communities are resource-or consumer-controlled. In addition, changes in temperature may alter nutrient demands and grazing pressure, changing the balance between the two regulating factors. Our study aims to understand whether a trade-off between grazer vulnerability and nutrient limitation promotes coexistence of phytoplankton functional groups in communities that differ in trophic status, and how this trade-off may shift with warming. We conducted multifactorial experiments manipulating grazing, nutrients, and temperature in phytoplankton communities from three Dutch lakes varying in trophic status, and used a trait-based approach to classify functional groups based on grazing susceptibility. We found no associations between susceptibility to grazing and response to nutrient additions in any of the
Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and COVID-19: A Segmentation Analysis of Italian and US Consumers

The COVID-19 pandemic has led many countries to implement restrictions on individual freedom to stop the contagion. The imposition of lockdowns has affected many socio-economic aspects and, in particular, eating habits, highlighting the need to analyse the healthiness of new consumption patterns. The aim of our study was to investigate the changes in adherence to the Mediterranean diet, a dietary model universally recognized as healthy, that have occurred both during and since the lockdown. The subsequent profiling of consumers allowed us to understand which sociodemographic and psychographic factors favoured the development of more or less adherence to Mediterranean diet consumption patterns. The study was conducted by administering a questionnaire to a representative sample of Italians and New Yorkers. Both groups, defined by deep socio-economic differences and by their own eating habits compared to the Mediterranean diet model, were affected by similar lockdown measures. The data collected were processed by cluster analysis that allowed to identify four homogeneous groups with respect to the adherence to the Mediterranean diet model. The results highlight a worrying situation with respect to the impacts of the pandemic on maintaining a proper dietary style according to the principles of the Mediterranean diet. In fact, there has been a general worsening trend due to an increase in consumption, in part linked to emotional eating, which is a cause for concern about the potential future impacts on the health of consumers. The study highlights the need, therefore, to implement actions by public decision-makers aimed at raising the awareness of citizens on the issue of correct eating habits and at developing adequate food policies to stem the trend towards unhealthy diets.
The Development of Industrial Cluster and Firm-Level Strategy: A Case Study of the Taiwanese IC Industry

The main purpose of this paper is to shed light on interaction between inter-firm relationship in an industrial cluster and firm-level strategy. Existing cluster studies mention various merits of clustering and try to examine the existence and impact of these merits through case studies of various industries in various regions. However, they rarely pay attention to firm-level strategic intents. Although some of cluster merits may be realized passively, the principal suggestion of this paper is that the full potential of clustering is brought out only when many of local firms intentionally adopt an appropriate strategy to enhance and mobilize local business resources for their growth. Conversely, a specific set of local resources may promote a particular type of firm-level strategy which is advantageous in a certain industrial sector. The mere presence of a cluster and the textbook-like examination of cluster merits do not fully explain why firms of a specific region are especially competitive in a certain industry. Local business resources consist of relational as well as physical ones, and the former is critical for continuous regional development. Therefore, in this paper, based on a detailed analysis of the Taiwanese IC industry which is one of the most successful cases of the latecomer development relying on a cluster, I will examine how inter-firm relationship (including both cooperative and competitive aspects) in the cluster facilitates firm-level strategic efforts and vice versa, and how a favorable interaction between these two elements brings the growth of Taiwanese firms and the regional development dynamism. 1 Research Assistant Professor in The Centre for the Study of East Asian Development (ICSEAD), Kitakyushu, Japan (E-mail: kishimoto@icsead.or.jp)
A Distributed Model Predictive Control-Based Method for Multidifferent-Target Search in Unknown Environments

This article proposes a framework for multidifferent-target search in unknown environments based on swarm intelligence. In this framework, the idea of distributed model predictive control is introduced in the target search method. The use of a hierarchical prediction strategy further improves the robot’s path prediction ability in unknown environments. Compared with swarm intelligence methods—adaptive robotic particle swarm optimization (A-RPSO), improved group explosion strategy (IGES), and other existing works, this strategy significantly improves the multidifferent-target search functionality and the task success rate in unknown complex obstacle environments. Moreover, two effective efforts are then introduced to reduce computational complexity and speed up online decision making. One is to select cooperative individuals based on the line of sight, and the other is to reduce both the frequency of decision making and the amount of data transmitted. A comparison between obstacle-free map experiments and obstacle map experiments confirms the effectiveness of the ideas and methods presented in this article.
Effect of Raphanus sativus on Glucose, Cholesterol and Triglycerides Levels in Glucose Loaded Rats

Background: In fact, diabetes is now a serious health concern, and the import of medications from other countries consumes a significant amount of foreign cash each year. The effects of Raphanus satives (Radish) in the treatment of diabetes mellitus were evaluated scientifically in this study. Thyroid hormone increases metabolic actions in almost every tissue, and the current study was an attempt to evaluate scientifically the effects of Raphanus satives (Radish) in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.Objectives: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of Raphanus sativus (Radish) on induced hyperglycemic rats.Methods: An oral administration of ethanolic extract of Radish in glucose loaded rats at dose of 250mg/k body weight, standard group was administered with 10mg/kg of hypoglycemic drug glibenclamide for 2 consecutive weeks. The control group was given distilled water only. After the two weeks' time, the groups were subjected to a glucose tolerance test and measurement of plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Results: significant reduction of blood glucose was observed (P <0.001), when compared with the control group at 2 hours after glucose loud. Radish ethanolic extract did not present any significant difference in cholesterol level after 2 weeks compared with start point. No significant difference was seen in triglyceride level after 2 weeks of administration of Radish extract compared with start point. Radish extract(250 mg/kg) did not affect kidney function creatinin and urea, also liver function were not affected Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase (GOT), Glutamic-Pyruvate Transaminase (GPT), albumin, total protein and bilirubin, this means administration of increased doses to hyperglycemic subjects can be considered safe. CONCLUSION: In this investigation, doses of radish extract (250 mg/kg) had no effect on renal function, creatinin, and urea, as well as liver function. Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase (GOT), Glutamic-Pyruvate Transaminase (GPT), albumin, total protein, and bilirubin . Keywords: Raphanus sativus, extract, hypoglycemic, glucose, rats
Value creation for tenants in environmentally certified buildings

ABSTRACT Previous research suggests that environmental certification (EC) affects rental rates in non-residential buildings, but there is still little understanding of how tenants differentiate such buildings from those without EC. This paper examines whether and how tenants perceive value creation in EC premises in Sweden. The findings (based on 29 questionnaire responses and 14 interviews with tenants in EC buildings) inform landlords and tenants on the development of EC strategies for improved organizational outcomes. EC creates value for tenants principally as support for their environmental management and reporting (e.g., low energy demand). EC is important for tenants internally, raising employee environmental awareness and improving employee attraction and retention. Tenants are generally positive about employee morale, indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and rental costs. However, it is not clear if such perceptions are dependent on features of modern premises in general, such as new fixtures, fittings and furnishings, and space-efficiency or from some EC-related feature. Tenants do not identify health or productivity increase in their EC premises. Findings suggest that the research focus should be shifted from investigating health and productivity increases through IEQ improvement to understanding the motivational improvement through value alignment with employees through EC.
Unveiling ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism in two dimensions at room temperature

The aim of this work is to present an overview and a critical discussion on two-dimensional materials and functional nanostructures exhibiting ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic long-range ordering at or above room temperature (RT). We specially describe and discuss the series of results concerning two-dimensional magnetism originated from intrinsic and induced d magnetic moments in low-dimensional nanostructured materials. Selected materials showing two-dimensional magnetic properties close to RT are classified as atomic monolayers, natural and artificial van der Waals layers, magneto-lamellar intermetallic compounds, and nanostructured materials containing native and artificially created defects that originate magnetic moments in networks with two-dimensional interconnectivity. To make the point on these materials, we describe their atomic and electronic structures as well as magnetic interaction mechanisms responsible for magnetic behavior. Theoretical backgrounds for understanding the correlations between structure and magnetic properties are examined. Special emphasis on the possible applications of two-dimensional magnetism for developments of new devices in the fields of spintronics, spin-orbitronics, magnonics, valleytronics and twistronics, among other emergent technologies are discussed.
Assessment of accuracy and reliabilty of measurements obtained on 3D scanned models to conventional models

Aims and Objectives: To conclude on superior method of model fabrication and compare accuracy and the reliability of measurements obtained on 3D scanned models to conventional models. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 orthodontic study models were obtained from the department of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics with a full set of permanent teeth from the right first molar to the left first molar and no anomalies of the crown. The plaster models were measured to the nearest 0.01 mm using the Aerospace Electronic Digital Caliper. Identical plaster models were scanned by placing each arch on the integrated rotary table (dental wings 3SERIES) . The acquired data was then processed and exported in stereo lithographic format using DWOS CAD/CAM software. Digital casts were later measured to the nearest 0.123 mm using 3D-Tool 64-Bit Free Viewer V13. Results: indicated that all measurements for the arch and tooth size measurements for both methods were highly correlated (r . 0.99; P\0.05). Cronbach α value of the data at T1 and T2 from incisal segment ,canine segment and the molar segment measured using the two methods was very close to the ideal value of 1, indicating high intraobserver reliability.
A complexity index for the design process

Design projects are typically plagued with schedule and cost overruns. A factor in these overruns can be attributed to projects being more complex than originally anticipated. Although research has been carried out in this area there is currently no method for measuring the complexity of the design process. In order to estimate costs and schedule projects more accurately it is essential that complexity of the design process can be measured. Presently, design process complexity is highly subjective. The objective of this research is to quantify the complexity of the design process through the establishment of a 'Complexity Index' for the design process, thus removing the subjective aspect.
Effect of Thick Ground on the Performance of Slot Coupled Circularly Polarized Patch Antenna

In this paper, the effect of thickening the ground in an aperture coupled circularly polarized microstrip patch antenna is investigated. It is clearly shown that a ground thickness as small as 0. 01λ has a considerable effect not only on return loss, but especially on circular polarization. A new simple technique is proposed to compensate for both. It involves modifying the slot width, but at the expense of a reduced bandwidth.
SARS-Cov2-Induced Cytokine Storm and Schizophrenia, Could There be a Connection?

Today, a new coronavirus (2019-nCoV, later named SARS-CoV-2) has become known as a pandemic with over 3,949,200 cases and 271,782 deaths. It has been considered that most of the deaths in infected patients stem from co-morbidity conditions. Therefore, understanding at-risk populations are currently under the focus of investigations. This object has highly driven attention to put patients with a higher potential of death related to SARS-CoV2 infection at priority. For instance, this can happen in Schizophrenia owing to ambiguous immunology attributes, including elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and stress-related immune disability. Given that, the hyper-inflammatory responses are the significant cause of the pathophysiology of the SARS-CoV2-related mortality. Moreover, SARS-CoV2 can prompt the risk of developing Schizophrenia in the future. This review punctuates that prenatal/perinatal infection could be associated with increased Schizophrenia risk;on the flip side, the potential risk of ongoing medication can worsen mentally disabled patients, and healthy people are at risk.