SIRIS-Lab/unlabelled-sti-corpus huggingface dataset:
An integrated framework to investigate the genetics of changing environments

An important scientific challenge this century is to understand how biodiversity responds and adapts to global environmental change so we can predict and prepare for the effects of major conservation threats. Future climate change will produce a range of new selection pressures on populations due to increased temperatures, droughts and extreme events, while continuing anthropogenic habitat loss is likely to exacerbate pressures and limit future range shifts. The ‘CHENGEN’ project aims to establish a novel multidisciplinary framework for understanding and predicting the responses of biodiversity to environmental change by integrating genomic tools with ecological, spatial, demographic and mathematical modelling. Societal impacts are at the heart of this project, and its main aim is to provide the evidence base for protecting and sustainably managing biodiversity. The project focuses on threatened European forest bats as indicators of biodiversity responses to environmental change. Project objectives are to initiate cross-European collaborations to evaluate the effect of environmental changes on species’ ranges, generate genomic resources to study evolutionary adaptations, develop novel modelling tools to assess survival prospects and landscape barriers to range shifts, and provide conservation management solutions. Objectives will be achieved through predictive distribution modelling for all European forest bats (WP1) and a population genomics study of an endemic Iberian forest bat, Myotis escalerai (WP2-3). Beyond enabling European research mobility, the project will provide training in state-of-the-art research skills by world leading experts within the host institution’s multidisciplinary research environment. Knowledge transfer will strengthen genomic research in the host institution and bring a new evolutionary perspective to the study of environmental change, paving the way towards future collaborations and the applicant’s independent research career.
Selling National Value at the Auction Market: The London and Dublin Markets for Irish Art

This article explores how nationality is articulated as a form of art value in the art market, where art is defined in two related ways: instrumentally, in terms of its economic value, and culturally, by defining its meaning and significance. Focusing on the auction market of Irish art in London and in Dublin, and drawing upon interviews with auctioneers in both capitals, it investigates how nationality is produced and marketed as a form of cultural value for Irish art, comparing the specific dynamics of this process in both London and Dublin auction markets. Whilst the findings in this article agree with existing literature on the economic and cultural forms of art value prevalent in art markets, they add to the literature by arguing that the cultural, national element of value-making for Irish art is very pronounced.
Design methodology of variable latency adders with multistage function speculation

Increasing circuit delay range due to process variations, temperature and voltage fluctuations and input characterization makes the traditional worst-case fault-avoidance design methodology no longer sustainable. As an alternative, the average-case fault-detection design methodology is generating interest. Among existing solutions, function speculation design with error recovery mechanisms is quite promising due to its high performance and low area overhead. Previous work had focused on two-stage function speculation and thus lacked a systematic way to address the challenge of the multistage function speculation approach. For the first time, this paper proposes a multistage function speculation structure and applies it in a novel adder. We deduced the analytical performance and area models for the design and validated them in our experiments. Based on those models, a general methodology is presented to guide design optimization. Both analytical proofs and experimental results show that the proposed adder's delay and area has a logarithmic and linear relationship with its bit number,respectively. Compared with the DesignWare IP, the proposed adder provides the same performance with 6–16% area reductions under different bit number configurations.
Tuning to Odor Solubility and Sorption Pattern in Olfactory Epithelial Responses

Odor information is first represented as a spatial activation pattern across the olfactory epithelium, when odor is drawn into the nose through breathing. This epithelial pattern likely results from both the intrinsic olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) sensitivity and the sorptive patterns imposed by the interaction of nasal aerodynamics with physiochemical properties of odorants, although the precise contributions of each are ill defined. Here, we used a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of rat nasal cavity to simulate the nasal aerodynamics and sorption patterns for a large number of odorants, and compared the results with the spatial neural activities measured by electro-olfactogram (EOG) under same flow conditions. The computational and experimental results both indicate greater sorption and response to a narrow range odorants as a function of their mucosal solubility, and this range can be further modulated by changes of intranasal flow rates and direction (orthonasal vs retronasal flow). A striking finding is that the profile of intrinsic EOG response measured in surgically opened nose without airflow constraints is similar to the shape of the sorption profile imposed by nasal airflow, strongly indicating a tuning process. As validation, combining the intrinsic response with the mucosal concentration estimated by CFD in nonlinear regression successfully accounts for the measured retronasal and orthonasal EOG response at all flow rates and positions. These observations redefine the role of sorption properties in olfaction and suggest that the peripheral olfactory system, especially the central zone, may be strategically arranged spatially to optimize its functionality, depending on the incoming stimuli.
Examining the Rule of Thumb of Not Using Multilevel Modeling: The “Design Effect Smaller Than Two” Rule

Educational researchers commonly use the rule of thumb of “design effect smaller than 2” as the justification of not accounting for the multilevel or clustered structure in their data. The rule, however, has not yet been systematically studied in previous research. In the present study, we generated data from three different models (which differ in the location of the clustering effect). With a 3 (design effect) × 5 (cluster size) × 4 (number of clusters) Monte Carlo simulation study we found that the rule should not be applied when researchers: (a) are interested in the effects of higher-level predictors, or (b) have a cluster size less than 10. Implications of the findings and limitations of the study are discussed.
Central Europe Eco-Tourism: tools for nature protection

The last State of Environment Report (SOER 2015, by European Environmental Agency) states that the most effective goal related to nature conservation is to foster ecosystems resilience and in this vision human activities are the main driving forces. Within the Protected Areas (PAs) involved in CEETO tourism, of all the human activities, can be the most effective tool to valorize the natural heritage, contribute to its conservation, achieve well-being of local communities. The identification of appropriate, cost-effective and low-impact models to manage a sustainable tourism is still an open challenge in Central Europe: CEETO project therefore aims at implementing an innovative governance system for tourism based on a participatory planning approach (as described in the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas-ECST), able to improve the managing capacities of PAs managers and implement an actual sustainable use of nature and its assets. Moreover CEETO aims at identifying and testing innovative management and monitoring tools specifically focused on sustainable tourism activities in different contexts, well represented by the PAs involved in the pilot actions. CEETO project builds on a strategic transnational partnership, that involves subjects (partners and associates) belonging both to the policy making level and to the PAs managing bodies level. The project has a high transnational character because it capitalizes the long-standing experiences of ECST implementation in Europe and it provides a common approach to Protected Areas management shared among the six participating Countries (IT; DE; AT; HU; SI; HR). The establishment of the permanent CEETO Network among project partners and associates will enhance the durability and sustainability of CEETO project outcomes well beyond its duration, ensure a wide and concrete impact of results, findings and best practices that will be transferred to the PAs in the whole Central Europe territory.
METHOD, SYSTEM AND DEVICE FOR SECURELY TRANSFERRING CONTENT BETWEEN DEVICES WITHIN A NETWORK

A method for securely transferring a content CT between devices (10, 20) within a network. Each device (10, 20) comprises a pre-initialized unique secret value S which is different for each device. The method comprises: an activation phase comprising the steps of:generating, by a management center (1), a network key KN common to all of said devices (10, 20), calculating, by the management center (1), an encrypted network key KN' for each device (10, 20) by encrypting said network key KN by means of a device key K which is different for each device (10, 20), transmitting, by the management center (1) to each of said devices (10, 20), the encrypted network key KN' and a device value V resulting from a preliminary cryptographic operation of the device key K belonging to said device (10, 20) by means of its the secret value S, a keys recovering phase performed by each of said devices (10, 20) and comprising the steps of: -performing a first cryptographic operation for obtaining the device key K from the device value V and from the secret value S of said device (10, 20), performing a second cryptographic operation for obtaining the network key KN from the encrypted network key KN' and from the device key K, an operating phase performed by each device (10, 20) involved in the transfer of said content CT and associated data, comprising the steps of: generating, or extracting from said associated data during a third cryptographic operation, a random value RV that will be subsequently used for the encryption, respectively the decryption of said content CT, generating a final key by encrypting the random value RV by means of the network key KN or by using said random value RV as final key either directly or indirectly as provided by said third cryptographic operation, using said final key for encrypting or decrypting said content CT.
Sports Architecture Structure Stress Characteristics Analysis

In the sports architectural form creation, structure technology plays an important role, it is the ideal form of guarantee, elements and form, structure and technology as a method of design, is the factor most architects consider first in sports in architectural creation. Technology of building structure technology as the field of material production, the aesthetic features of its shape becomes the main expression of sports architecture aesthetics, aesthetic psychological effects caused by the people. Especially in large span structure system because of its giant scale and exaggerated shapes, people will lose their normal in the presence of mental judgment scale, often by its magnificent momentum of admiration, moved by the building architectural image and space atmosphere. In the sports building design, construction technical support on architectural forms and form depends on the structure technology is beyond doubt, shaping the spatial image mainly depends on the correct expression of shape.
Capital markets integration: A sociotechnical study of the development of a cross-border securities settlement system

Digital information and communications technologies (ICTs) are transforming capital markets. The integration of capital markets is seen as one such area of transformation. The research presented in this article studies one integration initiative that took shape around the proposed combination of a number of key European securities marketplaces through the development of a cross-border settlement system. Taking a sociotechnical approach, the research presents the positions of the key actants identified in relation to key controversies regarding the development of the settlement system and shows how the relations between the controversies and the positions of the actants involved in them evolve. By examining the role of ICTs in the evolution of these relations, the study seeks to illuminate the complex causalities between the social and technical aspects of cross-border capital market integration. The article argues that in addition to enabling the interconnecting of an expanded set of transacting parties, ICTs bring important cognitive dimensions that enable the inspiration, planning, and foresight necessary for both developers and market participants to formulate their plans, strategies, and positions vis-a-vis the expanded and transformed marketplace arrangements.
Modelling and robust trajectory following for offshore container crane systems

In stevedoring operations, the ship-to-ship transfer of containers in open-sea is becoming an alternative way to avoid port congestion and subsequently can increase port efficiency. This process involves a large container ship or a barge, equipped with a crane, and a smaller vessel which transports containers between the ship and the harbour. However, the harsh open-sea conditions can produce exogenous disturbances to the crane system during the load transfer. Besides, the uncertainties and disturbances in the crane system may degrade the control performance. Hence, one of the requirements of offshore container cranes is to enhance robustness of the crane control system. This paper addresses the problem of robust sliding mode control for offshore container crane systems subject to bounded disturbances and uncertainties. The mathematical model of the control plant is first derived whereas the effects of ocean waves and strong winds are taken into account. Then, a robust sliding mode controller is proposed to track an optimal trajectory of the crane system during load transfer. Extensive simulation results are given to show that the proposed controller can significantly suppress the effects of disturbances from the vessel's wave- and wind-induced motion.
Development of automated and semi-automated analysis software for coronary rest period

Introduction The Coronary Artery (CA) rest period in the cardiac cycle varies substantially from patient to patient [Wang 1999]. The cross-correlations between images of consecutive heart phases may be used to characterize the cardiac motion, and an optimal acquisition window could be automatically identified [Nehrke 2003]. For selecting an optimal data acquisition window, an automated placing of a Region of Interest (ROI) without user interaction was implemented, and yielded similar result compared to the visual assessment [Jahnke 2005; Maruyama 2007). Combined with user interaction in placing an ROI, the semiautomated approach was developed [Uneno 2009]. However, accurate identification of an ROI still needs to be enhanced.
Optimal load curtailment using multi-objective fuzzy linear programming method

In this paper, the optimal load curtailment (OLC) problem is formulated as a multi-objective optimization framework, which objectives include maximizing the security margin and minimizing the cost incurred for load curtailment. A new and comprehensive multi-objective fuzzy linear programming (MFLP) method is developed to solve this presented OLC model. Using the MFLP method, objectives and constrains of the OLC model are fuzzied and their enforcements are maximized. The MFLP model can deal with the uncertainties that exist in certain variables and overcome the limitations of minor constraint violations in normal LP model. The effectiveness of the developed method is tested on the modified IEEE 30 bus system and the IEEE 118 bus system. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High-Temperature Microwave Dielectric Properties and Processing of JSC-1AC Lunar Simulant

AbstractSuccessful development of extraterrestrial microwave heating technologies depends on the study of the dielectric properties that control the microwave heating behavior of simulants and regoliths. Microwave heating may serve many lunar applications including heating the regolith for lunar surface dust stabilization, oxygen production, building materials, and mineral refinement. The dielectric properties (dielectric constant, e′, and loss factor, e″) of the lunar simulant, JSC-1AC, were measured at 2.45 GHz microwave frequency from room temperature to 1,100°C. The dielectric loss tangent and half-power depth were calculated from the measured properties. The loss tangent increased from a low value of 0.02 at room temperature to a high value of 0.31 at 1,100°C, indicating increased efficiency of microwave absorption at higher temperatures. The low temperature loss tangent indicated that relatively slow, low efficiency heating would be expected at room temperature. The microwave heating experiments con...
Antecedents to the Adoption of Mobile Payment in China and Italy: an Integration of UTAUT2 and Innovation Resistance Theory

This research aims to investigate the adoption gap in mobile payment systems between Italy and China, focusing on users' intention to adopt mobile payment. The theoretical framing considers both drivers and barriers when combines the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 (UTAUT2) with innovation resistance theory (IRT). To empirically verify the proposed model, this study gathers primary data through a web-based, self-administered survey. To analyze the data, we use structural equation modeling, and to test for significant differences between the two groups we run multi-group analysis. The respondents in Italy and China present different behaviors. Social influence plays a significant role in cultures with high uncertainty avoidance, such as Italy. The tradition barrier is the only significant barrier to the adoption of mobile payment.
A Study on Wireless LAN Topology Configuration for Enhancing Indoor Location-awareness and Network Performance

본 논문에서는 실내 위치 인식 및 네트워크 성능 향상을 고려한 무선 랜 토폴로지의 구성 방안을 제안하였다. 먼저 위치 인식 및 네트워크 성능 향상을 고려하여 최적화된 무선 랜 토폴로지를 생성하는데 사용되는 4개의 목적 함수들을 설계하였다. 그리고 주어진 목적 함수로부터 근사 최적해를 생성하는 시뮬레이티드 어닐링과 타부 탐색 및 유전자 알고리즘 기반 메타 휴리스틱 알고리즘을 구현하였다. 마지막으로, 목적 함수와 메타 휴리스틱 알고리즘을 사용하여 제안한 무선 랜 토폴로지의 구성 방안에 대한 성능 분석을 수행하였다. This paper proposes a wireless LAN topology configuration method for enhancing indoor location-awareness and improving network performance simultaneously. We first develop four objective functions that yield objective goals significant to the optimal design of a wireless LAN topology in terms of location-awareness accuracy and network performance factors. Then, we develop metaheuristic algorithms such as simulated annealing, tabu search, and genetic algorithm that examine the proposed objective functions and generate a near-optimal solution for a given objective function. Finally, four objective functions and metaheuristic algorithms developed in this paper are exploited to evaluate and measure the performance of the proposed wireless LAN topology configuration method.
Create sustainable Innovation in SMEs using creative methods and processes

In the EC MED strategic framework SMEs play a critical role in innovation and sustainable development in the Green sector. By adopting a ‘creative entrepreneurship’ approach to sustainable innovation, SMEs can tackle, cost effectively, many of the challenges faced in growing their business. Creativity, stimulated and developed through specific methods and processes, and the management of innovation are considered important factors for development processes, balanced growth and strengthening of a company’s profile. Mediterranean SMEs, often lacking in innovation capabilities, must be provided with the necessary creativity tools and practices. As systemic creativity support is a prerequisite for innovation development, the project will design, launch and test e-Labs for Creative Innovation engaging regional and transnational public entities, students, researchers and managers, designing and testing structured processes for new innovation supporting politics. In the e-Labs (CIeL) SMEs and public organizations will generate sustainable innovation ideas with flexible and innovative tools fostering their creativity and innovation. Managing creativity successfully will help organizations to tap into_x000D_
hidden capacity for growth and improved competitiveness. Since SMEs participate less in formal training and education, through CIeL, the project aims at overcoming these barriers so for these SME to experience a new way that drives their innovation processes on MED networking as well.
Terahertz quasioptical receiver

Remote sensing and monitoring in various environments solves many scientific and societal problems. Examples are: industrial air pollution control, global atmosphere surveillance, our planet system and the universe exploration, process controls in industry, and material research in laboratories. Molecular absorption/emission feature, combined with a high penetration depth of THz waves through dust, short wavelength allowing for high pointing directivity, all these factors determine the uniqueness of the THz range of electro-magnetic wave spectrum (0.1-10THz) in the mentioned applications. High radiometric sensitivity of THz wave detectors is a vital selection criterion for a THz system to become attractive. Uncooled THz detectors/mixers show adequate sensitivity only for frequencies below 1THz, whereas “supra-THz” (>1THz) detectors require cooling down to 4K. This limitation hinders exploitation of THz spectroscopy for such important application as atmosphere monitoring, local and global pollution surveillance, security, as well as universal sciences, in full. Small-scale satellites, balloons, portable sensors, can’t afford LHe cooling or power thirsty 4K cryo-coolers. For large-scale space missions, 4K cooling has already been utilized (e.g. Herschel and Planck Space observatories, COBE, etc), however it limited the missions lifetime significantly. 
In the frame of ERC StG grant Teramix, we developed technology, where high sensitivity and large bandwidth THz detection can be achieved at 20-40K temperature range, which can be accessed with compact and low power consumption coolers. The THOR project will lead the new technology through pre-commercial prototyping, a real-world application in an existing (representative) system, and explore marketing opportunities in both commercial and research areas.