Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
the excitation of the Chandler wobble

The Chandler wobble is an excited resonance of the Earth's rotation having a period of about 14 months. Although it has been under investigation for more than a century, its excitation mechanism has remained elusive. Here, the angular momentum of the atmosphere computed from the products of a numerical weather prediction analysis system and the angular momentum of the oceans computed from a global oceanic general circulation model driven by observed surface winds and fluxes are used to show that during 1985.0–1996.0 the Chandler wobble was excited by a combination of atmospheric and oceanic processes, with the dominant excitation mechanism being ocean‐bottom pressure fluctuations.
Can playing poker be good for you? Poker as a transferable skill

Much of poker's appeal is due to the fact that, unlike many other forms of gambling, the scope to influence the outcome is vast. Put simply, it is primarily a game of skill. Although some of the necessary skills can be inherent (such as emotional intelligence, i.e., the ability to process emotional information, particularly as it involves the perception, assimilation, understanding, and management of emotion), many of the more idiosyncratic skills are only acquired through experience. As a result, successful poker players will always seek to improve by being critical of their own play and assimilating a behavioural repertoire of opponents' playing styles. Some sense of humility is required.
Toward Successful Knowledge Transfer in Web-based Self-service for Information Technology Services

Web-based self-service has emerged as an important strategy for providing pre- and post-sales customer support. Yet, there is a dearth of theoretical or empirical research concerning the organisational, customer-oriented, knowledge-based, and employee-oriented factors that enable web-based self-service systems (WSS) to be successful in a competitive global marketplace. In this paper, we describe and discuss findings from the first phase of a multi-method research study designed to address this literature gap. This study explores critical success factors (CSFs) involved in the transfer of support-oriented knowledge from an information technology (IT) services firm to commercial customers when WSS are employed. Empirical data collected in a CSF study of a large multinational IT services business are used to identify twenty-six critical success factors. The findings indicate that best-in-class IT service providers are aware of a range of critical success factors in the transfer to commercial customers of resolutions and other support-oriented knowledge via WSS. However, such firms remain less certain about what is needed to support customer companies after support-oriented knowledge has initially been transferred to the customer firm.
Reading Instruction By Classroom, Remedial, And Resource Room Teachers

Reading instruction provided by classroom, remedial, and resource teachers in six schools was observed, in order to determine (a) whether remedial and resource teachers provided more proactive instruction than classroom teachers, (b) whether resource and remedial reading teachers engaged individuals more often than classroom teachers, and (c) whether there was congruence in the curriculum used by the three teacher groups. A time sampling procedure used to collect data indicated that, although resource teachers spent the most reading time on other academic subjects, the three groups did not differ in the proportion of time devoted to management, discipline, or proactive teaching techniques such as purpose setting, demonstration, or explaining how to do a reading task. Of the three teacher groups, remedial teachers were found to interact most often with individuals and least often with groups. Congruence in the curriculum used by the three teacher groups was supported by the finding that comparable time was devoted to comprehension, decoding, and indirect reading activities. Several interpretations are proposed for the finding of minimal differences in instruction between teacher groups. It is argued that findings do not provide support for widespread use of pull-out models of supplemental instruction.
The Critical Period Hypothesis reconsidered: Successful adult learners of Hungarian and English

The strong version of the critical period hypothesis (CPH) encouraged the research on successful adult learners of Hungarian and English at the English Department of Janus Pannonius University, Pecs. Altogether 33 successful learners were interviewed: in Study 1 20 learners of various mother tongues have been acquiring Hungarian in the host environment, whereas in Study 2 13 Hungarians have been learning English as a foreign language and have stayed in the host environment for a relatively short period. Two tapes were developed with short samples from the interviewees and native speakers of the target languages. These tapes were administered to three groups of native speakers in judgement tasks with a follow-up task eliciting clues judges used in deciding whether speakers were native or non-native. The findings of this study challenge the strong version of the CPH. Other outcomes include typical clues applied by native judges and some insights into ways how these successful learners have developed native proficiency.
Impact of strain on the design of low-power high-speed circuits

In this article, we explore the impact of strain on circuit performance when strained silicon (s-Si) devices are used for designing low-power high-speed circuits. Emphasis has been given on the evaluation of noise characteristics and low-power performance along with the delay characteristics under different channel straining conditions. An inverter circuit has been used for performance evaluation through simulation where the device simulator is calibrated with experimental device data. The result shows a great promise for s-Si technology in digital applications which require high throughput and low power.
Genome-Wide Identification of the Transcription Factors Involved in Citrus Fruit Ripening from the Transcriptomes of a Late-Ripening Sweet Orange Mutant and Its Wild Type

Fruit ripening is a genetically programmed process. Transcription factors (TFs) play key roles in plant development and ripening by temporarily and spatially regulating the transcription of their target genes. In this study, a total of 159 TFs were identified from a spontaneous late-ripening mutant 'Fengwan' (C. sinensis L. Osbeck) sweet orange (MT) and its wild-type counterpart ('Fengjie 72–1', WT) along the ripening period via the Transcription Factor Prediction of PlantTFDB 3.0. Fifty-two differentially expressed TFs were identified between MT and WT; 92 and 120 differentially expressed TFs were identified in WT and MT, respectively. The Venn diagram analysis showed that 16 differentially expressed TFs were identified between MT and WT and during the ripening of WT and MT. These TFs were primarily assigned to the families of C2H2, Dof, bHLH, ERF, MYB, NAC and LBD. Particularly, the number of TFs of the ERF family was the greatest between MT and WT. According to the results of the WGCNA analysis, a weighted correlation network analysis tool, several important TFs correlated to abscisic acid (ABA), citric acid, fructose, glucose and sucrose were identified, such as RD26, NTT, GATA7 and MYB21/62/77. Hierarchical cluster analysis and the expression analysis conducted at five fruit ripening stages further validated the pivotal TFs that potentially function during orange fruit development and ripening.
Identifying the nature of impairments in executive functioning and working memory of children with severe difficulties in arithmetic

ABSTRACT An age-matched achievement-matched design was used to examine whether the executive functioning and working memory impairments exhibited by children with severe difficulties in arithmetic (SDA) are better viewed as developmental lags or as cognitive deficits. Three groups of children were included: 20 SDA children, 20 typically achieving children (CM) matched in chronological age with the SDA children, and 20 younger typically achieving children (AM) matched in achievement with the SDA group. While children with SDA did not exhibit impairments in color-word inhibition and verbal working memory, they did demonstrate impairments in shifting, quantity-digits inhibition, and visuospatial working memory. As children with SDA did not perform more poorly than their AM counterparts on any of these tasks, impairments in specific areas of executive functioning and working memory appear to reflect developmental lags rather than cognitive deficits.
Haptically Perceiving the Length of One Rod by Means of Another

Two experiments examined perception of the extent of a target rod that is contacted and wielded by a second probe rod. The equations that define the dynamics of the probe-target system suggest a higher order moment of inertia as the relevant perceptual variable. The particular inertial term implicates parameters of both the target and probe rod. Experiment 1 manipulated the inertia of the target rod and Experiment 2 manipulated the inertia of the probe rod. In both experiments, perceived length was a function of the complex inertial term. Results were discussed in terms of haptic perception at a distance, the equivalence of inert and neural appendages, and the scaling of perceived to actual variables.
Can We Hasten Expertise by Video Simulations

The potential for training perception and cognition in sport through video simulation of game situations is discussed. Perceptual training studies are reviewed and data from two studies involving slide and video training in basketball are presented. Although video training may enhance the accuracy and speed of decision processes, difficulties arise when the trained processes are assessed by on-courst transfer tasks. Issues that arise in the creation of simulations and assessment of transfer are discussed, and future directions for research are proposed.
Physiological and Pathological Impact of Blood Sampling by Retro-Bulbar Sinus Puncture and Facial Vein Phlebotomy in Laboratory Mice

Retro-bulbar sinus puncture and facial vein phlebotomy are two widely used methods for blood sampling in laboratory mice. However, the animal welfare implications associated with these techniques are currently debated, and the possible physiological and pathological implications of blood sampling using these methods have been sparsely investigated. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess and compare the impacts of blood sampling by retro-bulbar sinus puncture and facial vein phlebotomy. Blood was obtained from either the retro-bulbar sinus or the facial vein from male C57BL/6J mice at two time points, and the samples were analyzed for plasma corticosterone. Body weights were measured at the day of blood sampling and the day after blood sampling, and the food consumption was recorded automatically during the 24 hours post-procedure. At the end of study, cheeks and orbital regions were collected for histopathological analysis to assess the degree of tissue trauma. Mice subjected to facial vein phlebotomy had significantly elevated plasma corticosterone levels at both time points in contrast to mice subjected to retro-bulbar sinus puncture, which did not. Both groups of sampled mice lost weight following blood sampling, but the body weight loss was higher in mice subjected to facial vein phlebotomy. The food consumption was not significantly different between the two groups. At gross necropsy, subcutaneous hematomas were found in both groups and the histopathological analyses revealed extensive tissue trauma after both facial vein phlebotomy and retro-bulbar sinus puncture. This study demonstrates that both blood sampling methods have a considerable impact on the animals' physiological condition, which should be considered whenever blood samples are obtained.
When leisure and work are allies: the case of skiers and tourist resort hotels

Purpose – There are signs that leisure is becoming increasingly important in contemporary working lives. This paper seeks to contribute to the career literature by examining how work and leisure can operate as allies.Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative data from fieldwork engaging with hotel employees located within the tourist resort of Queenstown, New Zealand are used to explore the positive interdependencies between work and leisure for both the leisure‐orientated employee and the hotels.Findings – The results suggest that skiing‐orientated employees are able to engage in skiing due to the money and time resources they receive from their hotel employment. At the same time, hotels have access to a seasonal, non‐standard work‐time and leisure competent labour pool as a result of the employees' orientation and participation in skiing.Originality/value – The results support the existence of a leisure‐orientated career identity that conforms to the contemporary individualistic revision of career. In a.
Initiating activities of daily living contributes to well‐being in people with dementia and their carers

Problems with everyday functioning are linked to reduced well‐being in people with dementia (PwD) and their carers. However, previous research has almost solely investigated the performance of everyday activities, and global functioning without analysing individual activities. This study explored how deficits in initiating and performing individual activities were associated with carer burden and poorer quality of life of carers and PwD.
What is the probability of the Bayesian model, given the data?

The great advantage of Tenenbaum and Griffiths's model is that it incorporates both specific and general prior knowledge into category learning. Two phenomena are presented as supporting the detailed assumptions of this model. However, one phenomenon, effects of diversity, does not seem to require these assumptions, and the other phenomenon, effects of sample size, is not representative of most reported results. [Tenenbaum & Griffiths]
Hypovitaminosis D associations with adverse metabolic parameters are accentuated in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus: A body mass index-independent role of adiponectin?

Background: Hypovitaminosis D has been associated with an increased prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DMT2) and metabolic syndrome manifestations. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OH-VitD) levels and indices of insulin resistance (IR), including adipocytokines, in a Saudi population with or without DMT2. Subjects and methods: A total of 266 subjects (153 DMT2 and 113 healthy controls) aged 26–80 yr were randomly selected from the existing Biomarkers Screening in Riyadh Program (RIYADH Cohort). Subjects were assessed clinically, anthropometry was performed, morning blood chemistries, including fasting glucose (FG), triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), and HDL cholesterol were obtained. Homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) was calculated, and serum 25-OH-VitD, leptin, adiponectin, resistin, insulin, high sensitivity CRP (hsCRP), and tumor necrosis factor α concentrations were measured using specific assays. Results: In DMT2 subjects, negative correlations between 25-OH-vitD and body mass index (BMI), FG, insulin, HOMA-IR, cholesterol, LDL-C, and hsCRP were observed, while a positive correlation between 25-OH-VitD and adiponectin was detected. The later remained significant after controlling for BMI. Interestingly, only weak and nonsignificant associations between 25-OH-VitD and metabolic parameters were observed in the control group, whereas, when the entire population was examined, negative correlations were evident primarily between 25-OH-VitD and FG, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, LDL-C. These associations remained significant after controlling for BMI. Conclusions: These results suggest that hypovitaminosis D associations with metabolic disturbances are accentuated in DMT2. The BMI-independent positive correlation between 25-OH-VitD and adiponectin suggests a potential role for this adipocytokine as a link between 25-OH-VitD and IR in patients with DMT2.
Subthalamic beta dynamics mirror Parkinsonian bradykinesia months after neurostimulator implantation

Exaggerated oscillatory activity in the beta frequency band in the subthalamic nucleus has been suggested to be related to bradykinesia in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, studies seeking correlations between such activity in the local field potential and motor performance have been limited to the immediate postoperative period, which may be confounded by a stun effect that leads to the temporary alleviation of PD deficits.
Introgressed chromosome 2 quantitative trait loci restores aldosterone regulation and reduces response to salt in the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat

Background: The genetic contribution to salt-sensitivity in hypertension remains unclear. We have previously identified a quantitative trait locus on chromosome 2 in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSPs) responsible for an increase in SBP in response to a salt challenge. This response is blunted in the congenic SHRSP strain with the Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) chromosome 2 region (10 cM) introgressed (SP.WKYGla2k). We aimed to discover the mechanisms that underlie the effects of this region on salt-handling in the SHRSP strain. Method: Renal and adreno-cortical function were compared in the WKY, SHRSP and the congenic SP.WKYGla2k strains. Results: In response to the salt challenge, all strains excreted more sodium, but the SHRSP strain excreted more protein and a greater amount of sodium compared with either the WKY or the SP.WKYGla2k strain (0.19 ± 0.02 vs. 0.12 ± 0.01 g/24 h and 0.09 ± 0.02 g/24 h, respectively). Glomerular filtration was not affected by diet or genotype, but renal plasma flow was decreased in the SP.WKYGla2k and SHRSP strains. The SHRSP strain had higher plasma aldosterone in association with greater adrenal CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) and 3&bgr; hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase mRNA gene expression when compared to the WKY strain. Strikingly, introgression of the WKY chromosome 2 region into the SHRSP strain corrected the proteinuria and reduced sodium excretion, plasma aldosterone levels and 3&bgr; hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase mRNA gene expression in response to the salt challenge when compared to the SHRSP strain. Glucocorticoid levels and markers of glucocorticoid synthesis were unaffected. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that introgression of the chromosome 2 congenic interval from the WKY into the SHRSP strain is associated with restored aldosterone regulation sufficient to reduce salt-sensitive hypertension and proteinuria.
The gift of motherhood: Egg donation in a Barcelona infertility clinic

In this paper we analyse the ways in which egg donors from a private infertility clinic in Barcelona try to render their new experience meaningful. Donors are striving to see their action as a contribution to the creation of a particular kinship bond – motherhood in another woman – by means of the abrogation of a bond that also looks very much like kinship, which links them to the individuals that will be born thanks to their eggs. The specific meaning that egg donation has for each donor varies according to her particular circumstances, but the language constructed in order to convey this meaning emerges from the creative expression of several cultural paradoxes and dichotomies that constitute, in themselves, an original and highly significant cultural grammar.
Are Women Faculty Just “Worrywarts?” Accounting for Gender Differences in Self-Reported Stress

SUMMARY Contrary to notions that faculty women are overly sensitive and over-dramatize their work-life challenges, quantitative and qualitative data from a large public research university provide contrasting work-life experiences for female and male faculty. Significant gender differences, emphasized by rich description from faculty, are reported in teaching, service, and research responsibilities that contribute to increased levels of stress for women. Specific strategies for creating more equitable and less stressful work environments are highlighted.
[Validation of methods for estimating HIV/AIDS patients' body fat].

OBJECTIVE To validate different methods for estimating HIV/Aids patients' body fat: total body skinfold thickness, central (trunk) skinfold thickness, peripheral (limb) skinfold thickness, waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and computed tomography of the abdomen (CTA) were used as the gold standard. METHODS An analysis was done on 15 adult HIV/Aids patients (10 men and 5 women) who were being treated at an Aids clinic at a public university hospital, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Their total subcutaneous fat (TSF) was estimated from the sum of the thicknesses of the biceps, triceps, subscapular, midaxillary, suprailiac, abdominal and medial calf skinfolds. The central subcutaneous fat (CSF) was estimated by summing the subscapular, axillary, suprailiac and abdominal skinfold measurements. The peripheral subcutaneous fat (PSF) was estimated by summing the biceps, triceps and medial calf skinfold measurements. These were compared with Dexa. The WC, WHR and CSF were compared with CTA. In the statistical analysis, the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and Mann-Whitney test were utilized. RESULTS There was a correlation between fat mass measured by DEXA and by TSF, CSF and PSF, even after adjusting for age (r> or =0.80 for all). WC, WHR and CSF presented correlation with total abdominal fat measured by CTA, even after adjusting for age (r> or =0.80 for all). CONCLUSIONS The methods for estimating body fat should be chosen according to the type of fat to be evaluated and can be used in research and healthcare services instead of DEXA and CTA for HIV/AIDS patients.
Strategy-proof Social Choice Correspondences

Abstract We study the possibilities of constructing strategy-proof rules that choose sets of alternatives as a function of agents' preferences over such sets. We consider two restrictions on the domain of individual preferences over sets. Assuming that all singletons are in the range of the rule, we show that only dictatorial rules can be strategy-proof on the larger domain. The smaller domain also allows for rules which select the set of best elements of two fixed agents. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Number: D71.
Understanding Occupational Therapy: A Hermeneutic Approach

The term ‘hermeneutic’ has recently been appearing in the occupational therapy literature related to clinical reasoning but without an adequate definition of its meaning. The purpose of this article, therefore, is to offer a simple introduction to the term and discuss how it applies to clinical reasoning, thus providing occupational therapists with some of the language they will need to understand this relatively new concept fully. Drawing on literature from nursing, physiotherapy, psychology and occupational therapy, this article examines a hermeneutic approach to occupational therapy research and practice and, indeed, to an understanding of the concept of occupational therapy itself.
Apparent Distance in a Horizontal Plane with Tactile-kinesthetic Stimuli

In the study of active tactile-kinesthetic space perception apparent distance has been found to vary as a function of the direction of the line segment in a horizontal plane. The present data indicate that the error is not consistently related to the same frame of reference as the visual illusion. Rather, with movement of the extended arm to determine the relative distances between pairs of points, radial distances are overestimated in relation to tangential ones, whether parallel or perpendicular to the medial plane. Interpretations are in terms of kinesthetic stimulus patterns and the structure of perceptual representation.