Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expanding Sphere of Travel Behaviour Research

Suitable for researchers, and graduate students in the field of transportation and urban planning in general, and in travel behaviour analysis in particular, this volume of the 11th International Conference on Travel Behaviour Research, held in Kyoto, Japan, in August 2006, examines key issues and emerging trends in the field of travel behaviour.
Improved Techniques for Probabilistic Simulation Including Signal Correlation Effects

Probabilistic simulation has been shown to be a very cost-effective approach to the computation of voltage and current waveform statistics in CMOS digital circuits, compared to exhaustive simulation. This approach is particularly attractive when long-term reliability issues such as electromigration, hot-carrier effects, and average power, are to be estimated over all possible input signals. In this paper we present new algorithms for performing probabilistic simulation that provide significant improvements over existing ones, both in accuracy and speed. The improvements are carried out at the subcircuit level, where the statistics of the current and voltage waveforms and the delays are computed more accurately, and at the global level, where signal correlations are considered. The new algorithms have been implemented in a computer program and tested on a number of large benchmark circuits.
Overview and Comparison of Plagiarism Detection Tools

In this paper we have done an overview of eective plagiarism detection methods that have been used for natural language text plagia- rism detection, external plagiarism detection, clustering-base plagiarism detection and some methods used in code source plagiarism detection, also we have done a comparison between five of software used for tex- tual plagiarism detection: (PlagAware, PlagScan, Check for Plagiarism, iThenticate and PlagiarismDetection.org), software are compared with respect of their features and performance.
Weight, discrimination, and performance: Using self-determination theory to explain workplace outcomes related to weight

Russell A. Matthews, Advisor Using self-determination theory as a guiding framework, I examined the cascading negative effects of weight on weight discrimination (as captured by reduced leader-member exchange), psychological need satisfaction, intrinsic motivation, and performance. Since performance is a multidimensional construct, three common dimensions of performance (task performance, organizational citizenship behavior, and counterproductive work behavior) were modeled to assess any differential effects of weight on the different dimensions of performance. Contrary to expectations, the results of the structural equation modeling indicated that the sample of dental hygienists did not experience weight discrimination (i.e., weight was not related to LMX) and that weight was neither directly nor indirectly related to performance. Results of the structural equation modeling also indicated that LMX was incrementally related to psychological need satisfaction (competence, relatedness, and autonomy), but that only autonomy was incrementally related to intrinsic motivation. Surprisingly, intrinsic motivation was not incrementally related to any performance measure. Furthermore, post-hoc analyses revealed that the sample of dental hygienists did not experience other, more overt, forms of weight discrimination (incivility), providing further support that this sample does not experience as much weight discrimination as samples in previous research. Additionally, post-hoc analyses revealed that the specific form of weight measurement (self-report BMI or self-report images) influenced effect sizes, such that BMI was significantly
Variation of Gene Expression Associated with Colonisation of an Anthropized Environment: Comparison between African and European Populations of Drosophila simulans

The comparison of transcriptome profiles among populations is a powerful tool for investigating the role of gene expression change in adaptation to new environments. In this study, we use massively parallel sequencing of 3′ cDNAs obtained from large samples of adult males, to compare a population of Drosophila simulans from a natural reserve within its ancestral range (eastern Africa) with a derived population collected in the strongly anthropized Rhône valley (France). The goal was to scan for adaptation linked to the invasion of new environments by the species. Among 15,090 genes retained for the analysis, 794 were found to be differentially expressed between the two populations. We observed an increase in expression of reproduction-related genes in eastern Africa, and an even stronger increase in expression of Cytochrome P450, Glutathione transferase and Glucuronosyl transferase genes in the derived population. These three gene families are involved in detoxification processes, which suggests that pesticides are a major environmental pressure for the species in this area. The survey of the Cyp6g1 upstream region revealed the insertion of a transposable element, Juan, in the regulatory sequence that is almost fixed in the Rhône Valley, but barely present in Mayotte. This shows that Cyp6g1 has undergone parallel evolution in derived populations of D. simulans as previously shown for D. melanogaster. The increasing amount of data produced by comparative population genomics and transcriptomics should permit the identification of additional genes associated with functional divergence among those differentially expressed.
A Generic Model For Representing Design Methods

A paradigm for representing process information is described. It consists of a simple generic model and a specialization mechanism for customizing the model for any design method. The generic model supports the representation of design arti- facts, steps and heuristics. A specialization of the generic model for JSD is illustrated in detail. The JSD model is then applied to model episodes from a pedagogical design process: the design of a lift system controller.
The feminization of environmental responsibility: a quantitative, cross-national analysis

ABSTRACT Women tend to engage more frequently in pro-environmental behavior (PEB) relative to men – what has been termed the ‘feminization of environmental responsibility’. While past research has found that women participate in higher levels of PEB compared to men cross-nationally, the variation in this gender gap across national contexts has yet to be explained. The question driving this research is: what is the context in which environmental responsibility is most feminized? I address this question by conducting a quantitative cross-national analysis of gender differences in PEB using International Social Survey Programme 2010 data on 30 countries. As expected, women report greater involvement in PEB than men in the vast majority of countries analyzed. The gender gap is not only explained by women’s greater levels of reported environmental concern than men in these countries, but also by a country’s level of market liberalization and ratio of female to male labor force participation. This research contributes cross-national quantitative evidence to support arguments emerging from qualitative literature suggesting a relationship between political-economic context and the feminization of environmental responsibility. In general, this research illuminates the complex relationships between environmental solutions and social justice and suggests a connection between processes of neoliberalism, gender equity, and sustainability.
The search for peace, reconciliation and unity in Zimbabwe

Thesis,This study is a critical examination of the complex search for peace, reconciliation and unity in Zimbabwe between the years 1978 and 2008, with a view to identify factors that have been blocking sustainable peace, national unity, reconciliation and development. It is a qualitative study which draws data from document analysis and oral interviews. The specific focus of the study is an analysis of the four peace agreements signed in this period namely; the 1978 Internal Settlement, the 1979 Lancaster House Agreement, the 1987 Unity Accord and the 2008 Global Political Agreement. Its central thesis is that coloniality in its multifaceted invisible forms is largely responsible for conflicts that have engulfed Zimbabwe and for compromising the chances of success of the four peace agreements. Coloniality has produced a â€˜postcolonialâ€™ leadership that has continued to practice politics in a violent, repressive, corrupt and unaccountable manner because of interpellation by the very immanent logic of colonialism that reproduces such inimical practices as racism, tribalism, regionalism and patriarchy. Theoretically, the study deploys de-colonial epistemic perspective in its endeavour to unmask and explain challenges to peace, unity, reconciliation and development in Zimbabwe. Finally, the thesis makes a strong case for pursuit of decoloniality as the panacea to conflicts and as an approach to conflict resolution and peace building that privileges decolonization and deimperialization so that Zimbabweâ€™s development goals could be achieved.
Spectroscopic metallicities of Vega-like stars

Aims. We aim to determine the metallicities of 113 Southern Hemisphere Vega-like candidate stars in relation to the giant exoplanet host group and field stars. Methods. We applied two spectroscopic methods of abundance determinations: equivalent width measurements together with the ATLAS9 model atmospheres and the WIDTH9 program, and a comparison of observed spectra with a grid of synthetic spectra. Results. For the Vega-like group, the metallicities are indistinguishable from those of field stars not known to be associated with planets or disks. This result is quite different from the metallicities of giant exoplanet host stars, which are metal-rich in comparison to field stars.
SN Ia Enrichment in Virgo Early-type Galaxies from ROSAT and ASCA Observations

We analyzed nine X-ray-bright Virgo early-type galaxies observed by both ASCA and ROSAT. Through spatially resolved spectroscopy, we determined the radial temperature profiles and abundances of Mg, Si, and Fe for six galaxies. The temperature profiles are consistent with isothermal temperatures outside of cooler regions at the galaxies' centers. We present new evidence for iron abundance gradients in NGC 4472 and NGC 4649 and confirm the previous results on NGC 4636. Mg and Si abundance gradients on average are flatter than those of iron and correspond to an underabundance of α-process elements at high Fe values, while at low iron the element ratios favor enrichment by Type II supernovae (SNe). We explain the observed trend using the metallicity dependence of SN Ia metal production and present constraints on the available theoretical modeling for low-metallicity inhibition of SNe Ia. Our results imply a cutoff metallicity in the range 0.07-0.3 solar and require a lower limit of 0.3 solar on the Fe contribution of SN Ia. We estimate an SN Ia rate at the centers of the brightest galaxies in our sample of ~0.08 h SNU (supernova units). The rates inferred from optical searches should be corrected for the presence of "faint" SN Ia events, since these release limited metals and therefore do not contribute significantly to the measured metallicity in the X-ray gas. With this correction the present-epoch SN Ia rate in early-type galaxies is 0.10 ± 0.06 h SNU and is therefore comparable with the X-ray estimates. A simple comparison shows that the X-ray abundances we derive are still discrepant from optically determined values. We attribute this difference to the low spatial resolution of our X-ray measurements, radial gradients in the abundances, and the importance of hydrodynamical effects, particularly the inflow of cooling gas, on the measured X-ray abundances.
Portulaca oleracea Ameliorates Diabetic Vascular Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction in db/db Mice

Type 2 diabetes is associated with significantly accelerated rates of micro- and macrovascular complications such as diabetic vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of the aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea L. (AP), an edible plant used as a folk medicine, on diabetic vascular complications. The db/db mice were treated with AP (300 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 10 weeks, and AP treatment markedly lowered blood glucose, plasma triglyceride, plasma level of LDL-cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure in diabetic db/db mice. Furthermore, AP significantly increased plasma level of HDL-cholesterol and insulin level. The impairment of ACh- and SNP-induced vascular relaxation of aortic rings were ameliorated by AP treatment in diabetic db/db mice. This study also showed that overexpression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, MMP-2, and ET-1 were observed in aortic tissues of untreated db/db mice, which were significantly suppressed by treatment with AP. We also found that the insulin immunoreactivity of the pancreatic islets remarkably increased in AP treated db/db mice compared with untreated db/db mice. Taken together, AP suppresses hyperglycemia and diabetic vascular inflammation, and prevents the development of diabetic endothelial dysfunction for the development of diabetes and its vascular complications.
Eldecalcitol for the treatment of osteoporosis

Eldecalcitol (1α, 25-dihydroxy-2β-[3-hydroxypropyloxy] vitamin D3; ED-71) is a new analog of the active form of vitamin D. Eldecalcitol has recently been approved for the treatment of osteoporosis in Japan. In addition to regulation of calcium metabolism carried out by conventional vitamin D analogs, eldecalcitol possesses a strong inhibitory effect on bone resorption and causes a significant increase in bone mineral density. A Phase III clinical trial on osteoporosis showed that eldecalcitol reduced the incidence of new vertebral fractures over 3 years by 26% compared with alfacalcidol. Although the overall risk of nonvertebral fractures was not reduced by eldecalcitol, the risk of wrist fracture was decreased significantly in the eldecalcitol group (71%) compared with the alfacalcidol group. The serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) was normalized by supplementation of native vitamin D in this trial, so the desirable effects on bone by eldecalcitol were considered to be derived from its distinctive pharmacological action. Increased blood calcium was observed in 21% of patients treated with eldecalcitol, and hypercalcemia (>11.5 mg/dL) occurred in 0.4% of eldecalcitol recipients, so serum calcium concentration should be monitored after starting eldecalcitol treatment. Eldecalcitol has dual effects on the metabolism of bone and calcium and is useful for the treatment of osteoporosis, especially for elderly patients (who frequently suffer from vitamin D deficiency). This article reviews the clinical efficacy and safety of eldecalcitol in the treatment of osteoporosis.
Some Proximate Properties Of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea Batatas L) As Influenced By Cooking Methods

The effect of cooking methods on some proximate properties of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L) was investigated. With the initial properties of the fresh sweet potatoes (sample A) determined, 600g each of samples B, C and D were boiled peeled, boiled unpeeled and roasted unpeeled respectively. The properties determined for the samples are moisture content, ash, fibre, protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins A and C. Data collected were analysed statistically to determine the effect of cooking methods on the properties of sweet potatoes. The results show that cooking methods used has no significant effects (p<0.05) on the moisture, ash and crude fibre contents of cooked sweet potato. Cooking generally increases the protein content but decreases the vitamin C and β-carotene content. Cooking of sweet potatoes unpeeled has the highest protein and carbohydrate content, it hence recommended for cooking sweet potatoes. Keyword: Proximate properties, cooking methods, sweet potato. ————————————————————
Serum Lipoprotein Changes in Dogs with Renal Disease

Background People with renal disease develop a dyslipidemia that contributes to progression of renal injury and development of cardiovascular disease. Lipoproteins in dogs with renal disease have not been investigated. Hypothesis Dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have dyslipidemia characterized by increased lower density lipoproteins and decreased high‐density lipoproteins (HDLs). The degree of dyslipidemia is positively correlated with severity of disease, as reflected by serum creatinine concentration. Animals Prospective study of client‐owned dogs presented to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals: 29 dogs with confirmed CKD, 5 dogs with nephrotic syndrome (NS), and 12 healthy control dogs presented for routine vaccinations, dental cleaning, or owned by students. Methods Lipoprotein electrophoresis was used to quantify relative proportions of the 3 main classes of lipoproteins in canine serum: low‐density lipoproteins (LDL), very low‐density lipoproteins (VLDL), and HDL. Serum cholesterol and creatinine concentrations; urinalysis and urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratio were measured by standard methods. Results Dyslipidemia was consistently found in dogs with CKD and NS and was characterized by a decrease in HDL and variable increases in LDL and VLDL. Dogs with NS had a proportionately greater increase in the VLDL fraction, as compared with dogs with CKD. Conclusion and Clinical Importance Dyslipidemia similar to that documented in people with renal disease occurs in dogs with CKD, despite serum cholesterol concentrations often being within the reference interval. The contribution of altered lipoproteins to the pathogenesis of renal disease in dogs warrants additional study.
“I Can’t Wait for the Next Episode!” Investigating the Motivational Pull of Television Dramas Through the Lens of Self-Determination Theory

Motivation for sustained engagement with TV dramas was investigated in 3 studies from the lens of Self-Determination Theory. Study 1 was a lab-based design in which participants were randomly assigned to watch 1 of 2 preselected drama shows. The results showed that our descriptive process model predicted sustained engagement with the 2 shows. We replicated this model in Study 2, and found that the results held even after controlling for the attention requirements of the shows. In Study 3, we tested the ecological validity of our model with a variety of drama shows that a sample of self-selected TV viewers reported watching on their own time. The results of the model were consistent with Studies 1 and 2, even after controlling for the different shows that were watched. Overall, the model may have the potential to address a broad range of questions regarding people’s motivation to watch TV shows, and may serve as an initial foundation for continued investigations of the motivational pull of TV shows from the lens of SDT.
Anti-Mullerian hormone indicates early ovarian decline in fragile X mental retardation (FMR1) premutation carriers: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND Women who carry the fragile X mental retardation (FMR1) premutation are at risk for fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency. Past studies have shown that carriers who are still cycling have increased levels FSH compared with non-carriers. As anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) has been shown as an excellent marker of ovarian decline, we examined AMH levels among premutation carriers to characterize their ovarian function. METHODS We determined the level of FSH and AMH in serum samples collected during early follicular phase from women who carried longer FMR1 repeat alleles (defined as >or=70 repeats, n = 40) and those with shorter repeat alleles (<70 repeats, n = 75), identified by DNA analysis. Comparisons were made stratified by age and carrier status. RESULTS For all age groups, AMH levels were significantly lower among longer repeat allele carriers compared to shorter repeat allele carriers (P = 0.002, 0.006 and 0.020 for women ages 18-30, 31-40 and 41-50 years, respectively). In contrast, increased FSH indicative of early ovarian decline was only evident for longer repeat allele carriers aged 31-40 years (P = 0.089, 0.001 and 0.261 for women ages 18-30, 31-40 and 41-50 years, respectively). CONCLUSIONS These preliminary data suggest that AMH levels indicate early ovarian decline among women with longer FMR1 repeat alleles; moreover, AMH appears to be a better marker than FSH in identifying this early decline.
Unpacking the career aspirations of Australian school students: towards an evidence base for university equity initiatives in schools

ABSTRACT Demand for higher education in Australia has doubled since 1989, increasing the number of students from diverse social, economic and academic backgrounds. Equity targets have seen a proliferation of programs and interventions aimed at encouraging school students, particularly those from low socio-economic status backgrounds, to participate in higher education. However, little is known about the specific occupational interests of school students upon which targeted strategies might effectively be designed and implemented. This paper examines school students’ aspirations for specific careers that require a university education, in relation to student background and school-related variables. The analysis draws from a study of 6492 students from Years 3 to 12 in 64 New South Wales public schools. We found a complex array of factors relating to interest in different careers. Year level at school, gender and prior achievement were stronger predictors across many careers than factors such as SES, Indigenous status and school location. We argue that rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to encouraging participation in higher education, outreach activities should be targeted to take account of student diversity and inequalities that foster differing aspirations.
Ursolic Acid Reduces Mycobacterium tuberculosis-Induced Nitric Oxide Release in Human Alveolar A549 cells

Alveolar epithelial cells have been functionally implicated in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. This study investigated the role of ursolic acid (UA)—a triterpenoid carboxylic acid with potent antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tuberculosis properties in mycobacterial infection of alveolar epithelial A549 cells. We observed that M. tuberculosis successfully entered A549 cells. Cytotoxi-city was mediated by nitric oxide (NO). A549 toxicity peaked along with NO generation 72 h after infection. The NO generated by mycobacterial infection in A549 cells was insufficient to kill mycobacteria, as made evident by the mycobacteria growth indicator tube time to detect (MGIT TTD) and viable cell count assays. Treatment of mycobacteria-infected cells with UA reduced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, NO generation, and eventually improved cell viability. Moreover, UA was found to quench the translocation of the transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), from the cytosol to the nucleus in mycobacteria-infected cells. This study is the first to demonstrate the cytotoxic role of NO in the eradication of mycobacteria and the role of UA in reducing this cytotoxicity in A549 cells.