1,972 research outputs found
Global justice and the grassroots : comments on T. Pogge: "Human rights as minimal constraints on the design of global institutions"
No full textMy task as a discussant from the discipline of social anthropology is to provide some anthropologically-inspired comments on the paper by Thomas Pogge (TP), ‘Human rights as minimal constraints on the design of global institutions’, which was circulated to the conference participants and provides a general background to the more narrowly-focused paper he actually delivered. . I shall enclose my comments between some general observations on what I take to be TP’s broad objectives and some thoughts on what form of the liberalism which inspires them might be most accessible to the perspective from what I shall loosely call ‘the grassroots
Relationship between biodistribution of a novel thymidine phosphorylase (TP) imaging probe and TP expression levels in normal mice
No full textObjective: Thymidine phosphorylase (TP) is a key enzyme in the pyrimidine nucleoside salvage pathway and its expression is upregulated in a wide variety of solid tumors. In mice, we previously observed high and specific accumulation levels of our TP imaging probe, radioiodinated 5-iodo-6-[(2-iminoimidazolidinyl)methyl]uracil (IIMU) not only in high-TP-expressing tumors, but also in the liver and small intestine. To clarify the reason for the high accumulation levels of radioiodinated IIMU in the liver and small intestine, we investigated the expression levels of TP in mice in comparison with the biodistribution of radioiodinated IIMU (123I-IIMU). Methods: BALB/cCrSlc mice were injected with 123I-IIMU, and the radioactivity levels [%ID/g (normalized to a mouse of 25 g body weight)] in the tissues of interest were determined 0.5, 1, 3 and 24 h after the injection (n = 5, each time point). To determine the expression levels of TP, BALB/cCrSlc and ddy mice (n = 3/each strain) were euthanized, and the heart, liver, lung, spleen, kidney, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and brain were collected. The mRNA and protein expression levels of TP in these organs were examined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses, respectively. Results: In BALB/cCrSlc mice administered 123I-IIMU, markedly high radioactivity levels were observed in the liver [1.568 ± 0.237 (%ID/g)] and small intestine [0.506 ± 0.082 (%ID/g)], whereas those in the other tissues were fairly low [<0.010 ± 0.003 (%ID/g)] 30 min after the injection. The highest expression levels of TP mRNA were also observed in the liver and small intestine among the tissues tested. Immunoblotting showed intense immunoreactive bands of the TP protein for the liver and small intestine, whereas no notable bands were detected for other tissues. Similar expression profiles of TP mRNA and protein were observed in ddy mice. Conclusion: We confirmed TP expression in various tissues of mice at the mRNA and protein levels: high TP expression levels were observed in the liver and small intestine. These high TP expression levels are consistent with the high accumulation levels of 123I-IIMU in these tissues. Our results may provide important information about the physiological accumulation of 123I-IIMU, which may be useful for the clinical diagnostic imaging of TP
Moss-Induced Changes in Soil C/N/P and CEC: An Integrated Spectral Perspective
No full textThis study investigated how moss species identity and coverage density influence soil organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and stoichiometric ratios (C/N, C/P, N/P ratios) across soil depths in karst ecosystems of northern Guangxi, China. Spectral responses to moss cover were concurrently analyzed. Soil properties under moss crusts and bare controls were quantified through chemical assays. Coverage effects were compared via bar charts (sparse) and point-line plots (dense) with fitted curves and 95% confidence intervals. Spectral reflectance (250–2500 nm) was measured to characterize surface optical properties. Statistical correlations between variables were established. Research has shown the following: (1) Moss coverage significantly enhanced OC, TN, and CEC versus bare soil (B. dichotomum showed the strongest improvement: dense crust increased OC/TN/TP by 6.37/1.73/0.45 g kg−1 and doubled CEC). (2) All nutrients and CEC decreased with depth, most sharply for G. humillimum OC (22.38% reduction at 3–6 cm) and P. yokohamae CEC (9.97% reduction). (3) Stoichiometric ratios exhibited species-specific responses: B. dichotomum had the smallest inter-layer differences in C/N/P ratios, while G. humillimum increased C/N by 34.33% at 3–6 cm. Sparse coverage elevated N/P ratios up to 59.38% (G. humillimum, 0–3 cm). (4) Spectral analysis revealed the following: Sparse coverage boosted reflectance via edge scattering and soil background contributions. Dense coverage suppressed reflectance due to water absorption (1450/1900 nm) and limited scattering. Bare soil exhibited persistently low reflectance from hematite absorption (500–700 nm). Moss biocrusts—particularly dense B. dichotomum—optimize topsoil fertility and CEC in karst soils, though effects diminish sharply below 3 cm. Spectral signatures provide non-invasive indicators of coverage density and erosion resistance. These insights highlight the crucial role of species-specific moss selection in promoting sustainable restoration practices and long-term ecological recovery in rocky desertification regions
TP-model transformation-based-control design frameworks
No full textThis book covers new aspects and frameworks of control, design, and optimization based on the TP model transformation and its various extensions. The author outlines the three main steps of polytopic and LMI based control design: 1) development of the qLPV state-space model, 2) generation of the polytopic model; and 3) application of LMI to derive controller and observer. He goes on to describe why literature has extensively studied LMI design, but has not focused much on the second step, in part because the generation and manipulation of the polytopic form was not tractable in many cases. The author then shows how the TP model transformation facilitates this second step and hence reveals new directions, leading to powerful design procedures and the formulation of new questions. The chapters of this book, and the complex dynamical control tasks which they cover, are organized so as to present and analyze the beneficial aspect of the family of approaches (control, design, and optimization). Additionally, the book aims to convey simple TP modeling; a new convex hull manipulation based possibilities for optimization; a general framework for stability analysis; standardized modeling and system description; relaxed and universal LMI based design framework; and a gateway to time-delayed systems
The prediction theory of stationary random fields. III. Fourfold Wold decompositions
No full textAbstractIn this paper, we investigate various fourfold Wold-type decompositions of stationary random fields under different hypotheses of commutation properties. Spectral characterizations of the three multiplicities of the innovation subspaces are obtained. The equivalence relations between the weak commutation property, fourfold Wold-type decomposition, and quarter-plane moving average representation are proved. A complete spectral characterization of the weak commutation property is also given
IGD-TP Competence Maintenance, Education and Training Strategy and Action Plan for 2013-2016: DELIVERABLE (D-N°:3.2) Work Package 3
No full textThe purpose of this document is to define how the working group on Competence Maintenance, Education and Training (CMET) can support the IGD-TP Vision "2025". Also it was and it is still intended for outlining the activities of this working group and Joint Activity (no 14) during 2013-2016. In connection with its Vision statement (IGD-TP 2009 Vision Report) the IGD-TP committed to among its other goals to "Facilitate access to expertise and technology and maintain competences in the field of geological disposal for the benefit of Member States". The CMET working group was established in 2012 when its first Terms of Reference (ToR) version was approved by the IGD-TP Executive Group (EG). During 2013-2015 resourcing to support the group was received under SecIGD2 project with the EURATOM FP7 grant and with a direct contribution from the IGD-TP Executive Group members. This document was planned for production already during the first SecIGD2 project year. It was to be based on the needs of the IGD-TP's Joint Activities that were already deployed or planned to start in 2012, and on the needs of the CMET group members. The role of CMET group was to address Competence Maintenance, Education and Training needs from the demand side. However, at the early stage of deployment, it was somewhat difficult to express or the identify competence gaps in the activities or they had already been identified and resourced at the beginning of the joint activity. Thus there was not adequate amount of input for the first CMET working group meeting as a direct basis for a strategy formulation beyond the action plan, which had been prepared for the SecIGD2 project proposal. The SecIGD2 project's Work Package 3 in the project's description of work (DoW) that was originally prepared in alignment with the CMET Terms of Reference included the main action plan for the CMET group. With the exception of this document, the actions foreseen to be carried out by the CMET in the action plan have been implemented according to the original timetable. The actions are described in this report and two other public project documents, which are included in this report's references. The CMET working group members have contributed to the content of this report either directly via email commenting or by participating in the work group meeting discussion providing input to this report. The editors mentioned on this report's front page have been the persons who have produced this report document itself. The document represents the views of the authors and of the CMET working group. This document does not represent the views of the IGD-TP Executive Group.Geo-engineerin
The design and validation of a low-cost trans perineal (TP) prostate biopsy simulator for training: improving trainees' confidence and cognitive targeting skills.
No full textThe aim of this research was to create a novel and low-cost TP prostate biopsy simulator that has face, content and construct validity with high educational value. This research developed a trans perineal prostate (TP) biopsy simulator using 3D-printed moulds and tissue-mimicking materials. Important regions (anterior, mid, and posterior zones) were coded with different colours. Ultrasound visible abnormal lesions were embedded in the prostate phantom. Expert and novice participants in TP biopsies were recruited. Essential skills were identified through the consensus of six experts. These skills were assessed through tasks performed by participants. This included the accuracy and timing of systematic and target biopsies. Immediate feedback was determined by the colour of the biopsy cores taken. A survey was distributed to evaluate its realism and educational value. The material cost of one simulator was £7.50. This simulator was proven to have face, content, and construct validity. There was a significant difference (p = 0.02) in the accuracy of systematic biopsies between both experts and novices. Significant difference was also observed (p = 0.01), in accurately identifying target lesion on ultrasound between both groups. Participants rated the overall realism of the simulator 4.57/5 (range 3-5). 100% of the experts agreed that introducing this simulator to training will be beneficial. 85.7% of the participants strongly agree that the simulator improved their confidence in TP biopsies. There is value in integrating this proof-of-concept TP prostate biopsy simulator into training. It has highly rated educational value and has face, content, and construct validity. [Abstract copyright: © 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.
TP-Blend: Textual-Prompt Attention Pairing for Precise Object-Style Blending in Diffusion Models
No full textTP-Blend: Textual-Prompt Attention Pairing for Precise Object-Style Blending in Diffusion Models
Authors: Xin Jin; Yichuan Zhong; Yapeng Tian.
This OSF project hosts the publicly available full-text PDF of the paper for stable access and indexing. The PDF here is the same as arXiv:2601.08011v3.
Canonical record (DOI): 10.48550/arXiv.2601.08011
arXiv abstract: https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.08011
OpenReview / TMLR page: https://openreview.net/forum?id=q6M73uOBZE
Recommended citation (BibTeX):
@misc{jin2026tpblendtextualpromptattentionpairing,
title={TP-Blend: Textual-Prompt Attention Pairing for Precise Object-Style Blending in Diffusion Models},
author={Xin Jin and Yichuan Zhong and Yapeng Tian},
year={2026},
eprint={2601.08011},
archivePrefix={arXiv},
primaryClass={cs.CV},
url={https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.08011},
A Critique of Foucault’s Conception and Predictions of the Author-Function
No full textIn this paper, we appraise the thoughts of Foucault on the relationship between the author, work, and text, and the future of that relationship. In Foucault’s view, the text points to an author who is anterior to it, but this relationship is more complex than ‘traditionally’ understood because of the asymmetrical relationship between the concepts of author/writer and text/work. Although the author-function entails a form of individualization of text and ideas, Foucault argues that this has varied across disciplines, cultures, and time. In any case, the author-function determines the process of authentication, mode of circulation, and valorization. From the analysis of the relationship between the author and text in the premodern and modern eras, Foucault extrapolates that in the postmodern era the author-function will be transformed and diminished because language assumes the dominant role of determining the form and content of viable discourse. Foucault’s conception of the author-function is post-modernist and consequently eschews the author-figure, grand narratives, progressive and systematic evaluation of texts, values and ideology, and temporality. However, contemporary trends in the understanding of the author-function do not fully bear out his predictions. Besides, intellectual property rights are more institutionalized and the boundary between authorized and unauthorized valorization and modification is intensely contested. The contestations are over valuable creations and, whether originating from an author or authors, this affirms the viability of projects such as Sage Philosophy. Key Words Author-function, work, text, discourse, postmodernism, valorizatio
Peat bog restoration: Implications of erosion and sediment transfer at Flow Moss, North Pennines
No full textThe impacts of peatland management strategies used to restore degraded bare peat flats have received little attention. This study aims to improve the understanding of geomorphological processes acting on an upland bare peat flat which is undergoing restoration at Flow Moss, North Pennines, UK. A sediment budget is constructed which provides a baseline framework for assessing the effectiveness of peatland restoration measures in reducing peat erosion rates.
Erosion monitoring of aeolian and active slope processes was undertaken between October 2010 and July 2011 using a network of sediment traps and erosion pins installed across the 7 hectare site. Meteorological conditions were monitored using an Automatic Weather Station and local water table was recorded using a pressure transducer. This allowed relationships between weather patterns, hydrology and sediment transfer to be developed.
Meteorological conditions are important in controlling the wind erosion of peat with the highest rates of erosion occurring when heavy rainfall (> 5 mm hr-1) was combined with high wind-speeds (> 18 m s-1). Windward facing traps collected up to 8 times the peat collected by leeward facing traps. Freeze-thaw weathering and surface desiccation are important in generating loose material on the surface for subsequent sediment transport. A two-phase model is proposed to explain wind splash erosion dynamics where weathered material is transported preferentially before the intact peat layer is eroded. Sediment transport across bare peat flats is very active (3.2 t a-1) but the eroding flats are disconnected from the ephemeral channel system. Moreover, the channel system contains pools where the majority of suspended peat is deposited. This leads to a low net overall sediment yield for the catchment of approximately 0.01 t a-1.
The terrestrial carbon store (~2060 tonnes) at Flow Moss is relatively stable as, in the worst case scenario, it is losing 117 gC m-2 yr -1, amounting to just 0.4% of the total store. It is estimated that Flow Moss will become a carbon sink when 90% of the bare peat areas have been re-vegetated so it is therefore vital that the restoration measures are successful. Continued monitoring of sediment transfer will allow a full evaluation of the impact of the restoration measures in reducing erosion rates
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