Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Candida parapsilosis Resistance to Fluconazole: Molecular Mechanisms and In Vivo Impact in Infected Galleria mellonella Larvae

ABSTRACT Candida parapsilosis is the main non-albicans Candida species isolated from patients in Latin America. Mutations in the ERG11 gene and overexpression of membrane transporter proteins have been linked to fluconazole resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the molecular mechanisms in fluconazole-resistant strains of C. parapsilosis isolated from critically ill patients. The identities of the nine collected C. parapsilosis isolates at the species level were confirmed through molecular identification with a TaqMan qPCR assay. The clonal origin of the strains was checked by microsatellite typing. The Galleria mellonella infection model was used to confirm in vitro resistance. We assessed the presence of ERG11 mutations, as well as the expression of ERG11 and two additional genes that contribute to antifungal resistance (CDR1 and MDR1), by using real-time quantitative PCR. All of the C. parapsilosis (sensu stricto) isolates tested exhibited fluconazole MICs between 8 and 16 μg/ml. The in vitro data were confirmed by the failure of fluconazole in the treatment of G. mellonella infected with fluconazole-resistant strains of C. parapsilosis. Sequencing of the ERG11 gene revealed a common mutation leading to a Y132F amino acid substitution in all of the isolates, a finding consistent with their clonal origin. After fluconazole exposure, overexpression was noted for ERG11, CDR1, and MDR1 in 9/9, 9/9, and 2/9 strains, respectively. We demonstrated that a combination of molecular mechanisms, including the presence of point mutations in the ERG11 gene, overexpression of ERG11, and genes encoding efflux pumps, are involved in fluconazole resistance in C. parapsilosis.
Cannabis and cocaine, jobs and wages

This paper uses a dataset collected among inhabitants of Amsterdam, to study the employment and wage eects of the use of cannabis and cocaine. From the analysis it appears that conditional on having a job the use of these drugs does not aect wages. The use of cannabis and cocaine is nega- tively correlated with employment rates. However, the fact that drug users are less likely to be employed has to do mostly with (unobserved) personal characteristics and not with causality.
Speech emotion classification using acoustic features

Emotion recognition from speech is a challenging research area with wide applications. In this paper we explore one of the key aspects of building an emotion recognition system: generating suitable feature representation. We extract features from four angles: (1) low-level acoustic features such as intensity, F0, jitter, shimmer and spectral contours etc. and statistical functions over these features, (2) a set of features derived from segmental cepstral-based features scored against emotion-dependent Gaussian mixture models, (3) a set of features derived from a set of low-level acoustic codewords and (4) GMM supervectors constructed by stacking the means or covariance or weights of the adapted mixture components on each utterance. We apply these features for emotion recognition independently and jointly and compare their performance within this task. We build a support vector machine (SVM) classifier based on these features on the IEMOCAP database. The four-class emotion recognition accuracy of 71.9% of our system outperforms the previously reported best results on this dataset.
Communication under the Poisson regime

By "Poisson regime" we mean a model in which intelligence is communicated by random discrete occurrences in time that obey Poisson statistics of arbitrarily time-varying mean, as for example when modulated electromagnetic radiation and background radiation at optical frequencies is incoherently detected by photon-sensitive surfaces. The problems of optimal detection of signals of arbitrary shape and of the estimation of signal amplitude and delay are treated under a maximum-likelihood criterion. Detection probabilities, delay estimation errors, and the probability of "noise threshold" in delay estimation, are derived. Some results are basically different from those of parallel problems treating known signals in Gaussian noise. The treatment is based on a representation of nonstationary Poisson processes in which the observables are the instants of the occurrences rather than their numbers in given intervals of time.
Raising awareness of unstressed words for dictation accuracy: A study on the effects of task and Japanese EFL learners’ proficiency and attitude

This study investigates whether or not an intervention task improved the dictation accuracy of 578 Japanese college students with different majors and English proficiency levels. The task consisted of (a) cloze dictation, focusing on unstressed functional elements; (b) collaborative group completion of cloze dictation activities; and (c) output, which was shadowing of the dictation sentences. The study used one control group and two experimental groups. One experimental group did the activities of (a) and (b), while the other experimental group did all three activities. The intervention effect was assessed by recognition of unstressed functional elements (UF) through pre-post dictation tests. Statistically significant results were noted in the dictation accuracy progress for the experimental groups, but the effectiveness of the output activity was inconclusive. The participants’ fields of study and proficiency levels, which were determined by their pretest scores, were also found to influence their post-dictation performance. The lowest English-level participants made the most progress but were unable to make the same progress on UF items that upper-level participants did. The effect of the intervention was also assessed by participants’ self-reported strategic use of paying attention to UF (AUF) through pre-post questionnaires, but the intervention was not significantly related to changes in AUF scores. It was found that pre-AUF scores were related to pre-dictation performance, and participants with higher pre-AUF scores demonstrated higher task performance. Educators could use this type of intervention, which could be implemented easily in any type of classroom, to improve EFL learners’ dictation accuracy.
The Effect of Birthweight on Tooth-Size Variability in Twins

Abstract Studies indicate that low birthweight (LBW) children display reduced deciduous tooth size but there is little information about permanent tooth size. It has also been shown that dental fluctuating asymmetry (FA) increases in response to various environmental influences, but the relationship between birthweight and FA remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare tooth size and asymmetry, according to birthweight, in the deciduous and permanent dentitions of a sample of Australian twins. The study sample comprised 436 twins, classified into 2 groups: normal birthweight (NBW > 2500g) and low birthweight (LBW ≤ 2500g). For each individual it was generally possible to measure maximum mesiodistal crown diameters of both deciduous and permanent central incisors from serial dental models. Correlations were calculated between tooth-size variables and birthweight; subsequently comparisons of tooth size and FA were made between the LBW and NBW samples using Student's t tests. Small positive correlations (around .1) were noted between birthweight and tooth-size variables. There was no evidence of tooth-size reduction in the LBW male sample, but the LBW females displayed tooth-size reduction of approximately 2–3% for both deciduous and permanent incisors, compared to the NBW females. There was no evidence of increased FA in the LBW individuals of either sex. These findings indicate that developing teeth are generally well-protected from developmental disturbances during prenatal and perinatal periods. Further research is needed to clarify the biological basis of an apparently true but weak association between tooth size and birthweight.
An Energy-Efficient Distributed Algorithm for k-Coverage Problem in Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have recently achieved a great deal of attention due to its numerous attractive applications in many different fields. Sensors and WSNs possesses a number of special characteristics that make them very promising in many applications, but also put on them lots of constraints that make issues in sensor network particularly difficult. These issues may include topology control, routing, coverage, security, and data management. In this thesis, we focus our attention on the coverage problem. Firstly, we define the Sensor Energyefficient Scheduling for k-coverage (SESK) problem. We then solve it by proposing a novel, completely localized and distributed scheduling approach, naming Distributed Energy-efficient Scheduling for k-coverage (DESK) such that the energy consumption among all the sensors is balanced, and the network lifetime is maximized while still satisfying the k-coverage requirement. Finally, in related work section we conduct an extensive survey of the existing work in literature that focuses on with the coverage problem. INDEX WORDS: Wireless sensor network, Coverage problem, k-coverage, Localized and distributed algorithm, Energy-efficiency, Fault-tolerance, Robustness AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT DISTRIBUTED ALGORITHM FOR k-COVERAGE PROBLEM IN WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORKS
European Anti-Austerity Protests – Beyond “old” and “new” social movements?

This article explores the social composition of participants in anti-austerity protests taking place in Belgium, Italy, Spain and the UK between 2010 and 2012, based on over 3000 questionnaires distributed to protest participants according to a standardized method. Employing a distinction between three types of mobilizations, we compare protests anchored in the traditional ‘old’ labour movements, protests by smaller radical leftist unions and parties, and the ostensibly newer kinds of mobilizations in the form of Indignados and Occupy protests. Although easily forgotten, we argue that the two former types of anti-austerity protests deserve equal attention from researchers. We conclude that there are significant differences between the protest categories in terms of socio-demographic characteristics of their participants, but the participants nevertheless appear to maintain surprisingly similar political values across demonstration types. Class identification also differed. The participants in the Indignados/Occupy protests had a markedly lower degree of identification with the working class – regardless of the ‘objective’ labour market position and controlling for country differences. These aspects relate to the classic distinction between ‘old’ and ‘new’ social movements, but we argue that it risks obscuring a more complex pattern of similarities and differences between different anti-austerity mobilizations.
Theorising on risk homeostasis in the context of information security behaviour

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss and theorise on the appropriateness and potential impact of risk homeostasis in the context of information security. Design/methodology/approach The discussion is mainly based on a literature survey backed up by illustrative empirical examples. Findings Risk homeostasis in the context of information security is an under-explored topic. The principles, assumptions and methodology of a risk homeostasis framework offer new insights and knowledge to explain and predict contradictory human behaviour in information security. Practical implications The paper shows that explanations for contradictory human behaviour (e.g. the privacy paradox) would gain from considering risk homeostasis as an information security risk management model. The ideas discussed open up the prospect to theorise on risk homeostasis as a framework in information security and should form a basis for further research and practical implementations. On a more practical level, it offers decision makers useful information and new insights that could be advantageous in a strategic security planning process. Originality/value This is the first systematic comprehensive review of risk homeostasis in the context of information security behaviour and readers of the paper will find new theories, guidelines and insights on risk homeostasis.
How Instructional Methods Influence Skill Development in Management Education

Research concerning why and how to promote social interaction and learner reflection in management education and training is somewhat underdeveloped. In this investigation, we used a predictive, quasi-experimental design with 246 students from a business school in Colombia who were enrolled in 10 sections of a leadership course to examine expected effects of instructional methods that promoted different levels of social interaction and reflection on self-reported learning behaviors (dialogue and reflection activities), self-efficacy for class performance, and instructors’ assessments of students’ skill demonstration (team work, communication, influence, and work proficiency and effort). In comparisons to students participating in instructional conditions with less social interaction and fewer reflective activities, students participating in an instructional condition that promoted higher levels of these activities exhibited considerably greater student–student dialogue, instructor–student dialogue, and re.
Lives in transition : the experience of living with spinal cord injury and the meaning of adjustment

The experience of living with spinal cord injury (SCI) is not well understood and no empirical definition of adjustment was found in the literature. Phenomenological design was used to explore these gaps. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight men and two women who have SCIs and reside in the community. The experience was found to involve a transition process wherein people moved from destabilized to restabilized identity as they progressed through phases of Disorientation in acute care, Rehabilitation, Coasting, Entering the Community, and a Critical Turning Point. As this occurred, disability became less central until finally becoming only one of many aspects of life. Support, affiliation with other people with disabilities, and a strategy of pursuing options were important facilitators of progress. Adjustment was associated with movement, change and learning. Accepting SCI was found to mean being fully cognizant of one's situation. This appeared to be an influential factor in adjustment, which findings suggest may be the course of a person's response to change. SCI as transition emphasizes the individual's perspective and introduces an alternative to the historical medical approach to SCI which focuses on the condition arising from injury. The bulk of psychological research on SCI excludes the perspectives of persons with SCI and the contexts of their lives, and it focuses on the short-term. It has not, therefore, accessed the experience of living with SCI. Transition theory seeks to understand the individual's perception of the impact of SCI on life experience over the long term. It can bring forth knowledge of SCI as an experience of living which can inform practice and further research.
Finite-Horizon Throughput Region for Wireless Multi-User Interference Channels

This paper studies a wireless network consisting of multiple transmitter-receiver pairs where interference is treated as noise. Previously, the throughput region of such networks was characterized for either one time slot or an infinite time horizon. We aim to fill the gap by investigating the throughput region for transmissions over a finite time horizon. Unlike the infinite-horizon throughput region, which is simply the convex hull of the throughput region of one time slot, the finite-horizon throughput region is generally non-convex. Instead of directly characterizing all achievable rate-tuples in the finite-horizon throughput region, we propose a metric termed the rate margin, which not only determines whether any given rate-tuple is within the throughput region (i.e., achievable or unachievable), but also tells the amount of scaling that can be done to the given achievable (unachievable) rate-tuple such that the resulting rate-tuple is still within (brought back into) the throughput region. Furthermore, we derive an efficient algorithm to find the rate-achieving policy for any given rate-tuple in the finite-horizon throughput region.
Cervicofacial infection in a Nigerian tertiary health institution: a retrospective analysis of 77 cases

Objectives Infection involving the orbit, zygomatic space, lateral pharyngeal space, or hemifacial and oral floor phlegmon is referred to as cervicofacialvinfection (CFI). When diagnosis and/or adequate treatment are delayed, these infections can be life-threatening. Most cases are the result of odontogenic infections. We highlight our experiences in the management of this life-threatening condition. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective study of patients who presented with CFI from December 2005 to June 2012 at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic or the Accident and Emergency Unit of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (Zaria, Nigeria). The medical records of all patients who presented with either localized or diffuse infection of the maxillofacial soft tissue spaces were retrospectively collected. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 13.0 and are expressed as descriptive and inferential statistics. Results Of the 77 patients, 49 patients (63.6%) were males, a male to female ratio of 1:7.5. The ages ranged from two years to 75 years with a mean of 35.0±19.3 years, although most patients were older than 40 years. The duration of symptoms prior to presentation ranged from 6 to 60 days, with a mean of 11.0±9.4 days. More than 90% of the patients presented to the clinic within the first 10 days. The most commonly involved anatomical space was the submandibular space (n=29, 37.7%), followed by hemifacial space (n=22, 28.6%) and buccal space (n=7, 9.1%). Ludwig angina accounted for about 7.8% of the cases. Conclusion CFI most commonly involves the submandibular space, typically affects individuals with a low level of education, and is influenced by traditional medical practices. Despite improved health care delivery, CFI remains a significant problem in developing countries.
Relation between outcome and the patient's initial experience of the therapist and therapeutic conditions in four treatment methods for phobic disorders

ABSTRACT– One hundred and three phobic women not suitable for insight‐oriented psychotherapy were randomized to either therapistdirected prolonged exposure therapy (PE), supportive therapy of dynamic type (ST), relaxation therapy (R), or basal therapy (B). Immediately after seeing their therapist for history taking and beginning of treatment, the patients were asked to report their experience of the therapist, of themselves in relation to the therapist, and of the therapy (Experience of Therapy Inventory, ETI). The patients were informed that the therapists would not see the ETI. The patients were rated by an independent rater with regard to symptoms and functions at the beginning of treatment, at termination of treatment 3 months later, and at a follow‐up 1 year after the commencement of the study.
The Covenant of Mayors in Figures and Performance Indicators: 6-Year Assessment

The main purpose of this scientific report is to provide an assessment of the Covenant of Mayors (CoM) Initiative 6 years after it has been initiated by the European Commission. By implementing the CoM Initiative, the European Commission has given visibility to the role of local authorities and their relevant contribution to EU2020 Climate and Energy targets. This is the second assessment report in a series of CoM assessment reports published by JRC. As of mid-May 2014 5,296 local authorities signed the Covenant of Mayors (CoM), for a total of ca. 160 million inhabitants in the EU-28, and ca. 186 million inhabitants in the whole initiative. Based on the data collected from Sustainable Energy Action Plans (SEAPs) submitted by CoM Signatories as of mid-May 2014, a statistical methodology has been developed to select a CoM data set for evaluating the real impact of the CoM initiative. The report provides main statistics of the data set in terms of GHG emission and estimated reductions, Final energy consumptions and estimated energy savings and clean energy production in the local authorities. Ultimately, the report aims to emphasize the feature of SEAPs as a flexible common platform for achieving EU Climate and Energy targets with a bottom-up approach.
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157, O26 and O111 in cattle faeces and hides in Italy

Introduction Ruminants are regarded as the natural reservoir for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), especially of serogroup O157. Materials and methods During 2011 and 2012, 320 samples (160 faecal samples from the rectum and 160 hide samples from the brisket area) were collected from 160 cattle at slaughter in Northern Italy during warm months (May to October). Cattle were reared in different farms and their age at slaughter ranged between nine months and 15 years, most of them being culled cattle (median age: six years; average age: 4.6 years). Samples were tested by immunomagnetic-separation technique for E coli O157 and O26 and by a screening PCR for stx genes followed by cultural detection of STEC. The virulence genes stx1, stx2, eae, and e-hlyA were detected and among stx2-positive isolates the presence of the stx2a and stx2c variants was investigated. Results Twenty-one of 160 cattle (13.1 per cent; 95 per cent CI 8.3 to 19.4 per cent) were found to be faecal carriers of STEC. STEC O157 was found in 10 (6.3 per cent) samples, STEC O26 in six (3.8 per cent) and STEC O111 in one (0.6 per cent). Four isolates (2.5 per cent) were O not determined (OND). Six out of 160 (3.8 per cent; 95 per cent CI 1.4 to 8.0 per cent) hide samples were positive for STEC; four hides (2.5 per cent) were contaminated by STEC O157 and two (1.3 per cent) by STEC O26. In three cattle (1.9 per cent) STEC from both faeces and hides were detected. Among STEC O157, 87.5 per cent of them carried the stx2c gene and 12.5 per cent carried both stx1 and stx2c genes. No O157 isolate harboured stx2a variant. STEC O26 and O111 carried the stx1 gene only. One OND strain carried both the stx2a and stx2c genes. Conclusions This study shows that STEC O157 from cattle can harbour the stx2c variant, which is associated with haemolytic uraemic syndrome in humans, and that cattle hides may be a source of human pathogenic STEC O157 and O26 in the slaughterhouse environment.
Post-High-Throughput Screening Analysis: An Empirical Compound Prioritization Scheme

An empirical scheme to evaluate and prioritize screening hits from high-throughput screening (HTS) is proposed. Negative scores are given when chemotypes found in the HTS hits are present in annotated databases such as MDDR and WOMBAT or for testing positive in toxicity-related experiments reported in TOXNET. Positive scores were given for higher measured biological activities, for testing negative in toxicity-related literature, and for good overlap when profiled against drug-related properties. Particular emphasis is placed on estimating aqueous solubility to prioritize in vivo experiments. This empirical scheme is given as an illustration to assist the decision-making process in selecting chemotypes and individual compounds for further experimentation, when confronted with multiple hits from high-throughput experiments. The decision-making process is discussed for a set of G-protein coupled receptor antagonists and validated on a literature example for dihydrofolate reductase inhibition.