Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computer self-efficacy in an ongoing use context

The objective of this study is to examine whether computer self-efficacy continues to influence the use of information technology in an ongoing use context where experienced personnel use computers to do complex and dynamic knowledge work. Hypotheses are proposed concerning the determinants and consequences of computer self-efficacy. Using a survey of 153 engineers engaged in computer intensive design work, a preliminary test of the hypotheses is conducted using structural equation modelling (LISREL). The results suggest that the impact of self-efficacy on the effectiveness of ongoing computer use may be indirect, mediated by intrinsic motivation. The results also suggest that, in the ongoing use context, user autonomy, learning capabilities, and collegial support are determinants of computer self-efficacy. The conclusion is that computer self-efficacy continues to play an important role among ongoing users. Its influence is not limited to the early stages of user interaction with technology (i.e., adoption or training).
First Steps to Future Applications of Spinal Neural Circuit Models in Neuroprostheses and Humanoid Robots

In this paper, we outline the relevant topics of neural control for locomotion (Sec. 2), focusing on the functional significance of the CPG network in this context (Sec. 3). By employing a computational modeling approach (Sec. 4), we develop a simulation model (Sec. 5) and outline possible comparison strategies with human data (Sec. 6), aiming to gain further insights of spinal neural circuit models and evaluate their potentials in future neuroprosthetic and humanoid robotics applications.
Performance of Opportunistic Epidemic Routing on Edge-Markovian Dynamic Graphs

Connectivity patterns in intermittently-connected mobile networks (ICMN) can be modeled as edge-Markovian dynamic graphs. We propose a new model for epidemic propagation on such graphs and calculate a closed-form expression that links the best achievable delivery ratio to common ICMN parameters such as message size, maximum tolerated delay, and link lifetime. These theoretical results are compared to those obtained by replaying a real-life contact trace.
Response of mungbean genotypes to dates of sowing under changed climate

The experiment was conducted at MARS, UAS, Dharwad during the rainy seasons of 2012 and 2013 under rainfed condition. The treatments comprised of 3 genotypes (DGGV-2, IPM-02-14 and Sel-4) and 3 dates of sowing (I Fort Night (FN) of June, II Fort Night of June and I Fort Night of July). Pooled data indicated that yield of I and II FN of June sown mungbean were on par with each other (1025 and 866 kg/ha) and were significantly superior over I FN of July (513 kg/ha). About fifty percent (50%) reduction in yield was observed in I FN of July sown crop compared to I FN of June sown crop. Varieties did not differ significantly.
VLT/ISAAC spectra of the Hβ region in intermediate-redshift quasars II. Black hole mass and Eddington ratio ,

We derive black hole masses for a sample of about 300 AGNs in the redshift range 0 9.5 and suggest that extremely large MBH values (log MBH > 10) may not be realistic. Derived L/LEdd values show no evidence for a significant population of super-Eddington radiators especially after correction is made for sources with extreme orientation to our line of sight. Sources with FWHM(HβBC) < 4000 km s −1 show systematically
Integrating Shape from Shading and Shape from Stereo for Variable Reflectance Surface Reconstruction from SEM Images

An algorithm is presented and evaluated that combines the methods shape from stereo and shape from shading in order to reconstruct the shape and reflectance properties of a surface from two stereoscopic images. Whereas elevation models obtained by shape from stereo are usually rather sparse and shape from shading is too under-constrained for complete reconstruction, the combination leads to dense elevation models that are consistent with the stereoscopic images. We concentrate on the reconstruction from images of the scanning electron microscope which have strongly varying reflectance properties. In contrast to previous approaches which assume that the reflectance properties of the scene are known or can be represented using simple mathematical models, the proposed algorithm provides an estimate by fitting a polynomial of degree four. It starts with an initial elevation model obtained by shape from stereo and then often iterates between the refinement of the reflectance map and the refinement of the surface. The algorithm is evaluated on synthetic images with known ground truths as well as on real stereoscopic images taken by a scanning electron microscope.
Gene frequencies of the HNA‐4a and ‐5a neutrophil antigens in Brazilian persons and a new polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method for HNA‐5a genotyping

BACKGROUND: The HNA‐4a (Mart) and HNA‐5a (Ond) antigens are polymorphic variants of αM (CD11b) and αL (CD11a) subunits of the β2‐integrin, and are associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) leading to amino acid dimorphisms. HNA‐4a has been linked to alloimmune neonatal neutropenia, but the HNA‐5a clinical significance is unclear.
Formal verification of VHDL: the model checker CV

This article describes a prototype formal verification system for a subset of VHDL. The behavior of a VHDL design can be specified with temporal logic formulas and be verified with an algorithm called symbolic model checking. The model checker applies a number of new techniques to handle larger designs, thus allowing for efficient verification of real circuits. We have completed an initial release of the VHDL model checker and have used it to verify complex circuits, including the control logic of a commercial RISC microprocessor.
Circuit Complexity

Combinational circuits or shortly circuits are a model of the lowest level of computer hardware which is of interest from the point of view of computer science. Circuit complexity has a longer history than complexity theory. Complexity measures like circuit size and depth model sequential time, hardware cost, parallel time, and even storage space. This chapter contains an overview on the research area called complexity of boolean functions. The complexity measures of circuits are discussed and compared with other complexity measures. As an example, the design of efficient circuits is discussed for arithmetic functions. The limits of known lower-bound techniques are discussed. Exponential lower bounds can be proved for monotone circuits and some constant-depth unbounded-fan-in circuits, but even the case of threshold circuits of depth 3 is open. The frontier between solved and open problems is marked out.
Behavioral and Molecular Analysis of Nicotine-Conditioned Place Preference in Zebrafish

Studies using mice and rats have demonstrated that nicotine induces a conditioned place preference (CPP), with more effective results obtained by using biased procedures. Zebrafish have also been used as a model system to identify factors influencing nicotine-associated reward by using an unbiased design. Here, we report that zebrafish exhibited putative nicotine biased CPP to an initially aversive compartment (nicotine-paired group). A counterbalanced nicotine-exposed control group did not show a significant preference shift, providing evidence that the preference shift in the nicotine-paired group was not due to a reduction of aversion for this compartment. Zebrafish preference was corroborated by behavioral analysis of several indicators of drug preference, such as time spent in the drug-paired side, number of entries to the drug-paired side, and distance traveled. These results provided strong evidence that zebrafish may actually develop a preference for nicotine, although the drug was administrated in an aversive place for the fish, which was further supported by molecular studies. Reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR analysis depicted a significant increase in the expression of α7 and α6 but not α4 and β2 subunits of the nicotinic receptor in nicotine-paired zebrafish brains. In contrast, zebrafish brains from the counterbalanced nicotine group showed no significant changes. Moreover, CREB phosphorylation, an indicator of neural activity, accompanied the acquisition of nicotine-CPP. Our studies offered an incremental value to the drug addiction field, because they further describe behavioral features of CPP to nicotine in zebrafish. The results suggested that zebrafish exposed to nicotine in an unfriendly environment can develop a preference for that initially aversive place, which is likely due to the rewarding effect of nicotine. Therefore, this model can be used to screen exogenous and endogenous molecules involved in nicotine-associated reward in vertebrates.
Efficacy and Safety of Tissue Plasminogen Activator 3 to 4.5 Hours After Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Metaanalysis

Background and Purpose— The Third European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study (ECASS-3) demonstrated a benefit of treatment with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for acute stroke in the 3- to 4.5-hour time-window. Prior studies, however, have failed to demonstrate a significant benefit of tPA for patients treated beyond 3 hours. The purpose of this study was to produce reliable and precise estimates of the treatment effect of tPA by pooling data from all relevant studies. Methods— A metaanalysis was undertaken to determine the efficacy of tPA in the 3- to 4.5-hour time-window. The effect of tPA on favorable outcome and mortality was assessed. Results— The metaanalysis included data from patients treated in the 3- to 4.5-hour time-window in ECASS-1 (n=234), ECASS-2 (n=265), ECASS-3 (n=821) and The Alteplase Thrombolysis for Acute Noninterventional Therapy in Ischemic Stroke (ATLANTIS) (n=302). tPA treatment was associated with an increased chance of favorable outcome (odds ratio 1.31; 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.56; P=0.002) and no significant difference in mortality (odds ratio 1.04; 95% CI: 0.75 to 1.43; P=0.83) compared to placebo treated patients. Conclusions— Treatment with tPA in the 3- to 4.5-hour time-window is beneficial. It results in an increased rate of favorable outcome without adversely affecting mortality.
Particle Filtering for Multiple Object Tracking in Dynamic Fluorescence Microscopy Images: Application to Microtubule Growth Analysis

Quantitative analysis of dynamic processes in living cells by means of fluorescence microscopy imaging requires tracking of hundreds of bright spots in noisy image sequences. Deterministic approaches, which use object detection prior to tracking, perform poorly in the case of noisy image data. We propose an improved, completely automatic tracker, built within a Bayesian probabilistic framework. It better exploits spatiotemporal information and prior knowledge than common approaches, yielding more robust tracking also in cases of photobleaching and object interaction. The tracking method was evaluated using simulated but realistic image sequences, for which ground truth was available. The results of these experiments show that the method is more accurate and robust than popular tracking methods. In addition, validation experiments were conducted with real fluorescence microscopy image data acquired for microtubule growth analysis. These demonstrate that the method yields results that are in good agreement with manual tracking performed by expert cell biologists. Our findings suggest that the method may replace laborious manual procedures.
Analysis of Tlr4-mediated LPS signal transduction in macrophages by mutational modification of the receptor.

In mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7 cells), toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4) is a limiting factor in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) signal transduction. The expression of only 1-2 x 10(4) copies of recombinant Tlr4 per cell enhances sensitivity to LPS, shifting the EC50 by 30-fold to the left. Expression of the Tlr4(Lps-d) isoform of Tlr4 (found in C3H/HeJ mice) shifts the EC50 2600-fold to the right, essentially abolishing LPS responses. A truncated form of Tlr4, lacking a cytoplasmic domain, exerts only a weak inhibitory effect on signal transduction. Similarly, the normal or Tlr4(Lps-d) forms of protein lacking an ectodomain [corrected], cause modest inhibition of LPS signaling. Manipulations of Tlr4 structure and expression cause changes in LPS sensitivity that range over 3 to 4 orders of magnitude. These findings support the view that Tlr4 is an integral component of a solitary pathway for LPS signal transduction in macrophages and permit inferences related to the mechanism of signaling and its blockade.
Global Warming and the Sudan: Variation of Air Temperature over Sudan and South Sudan during the Last Fifty Years

Global warming, a widely used term particularly in connection with climate change refers to the increase in the earth temperature as more carbon dioxide and other green house gases like methane, nitrous oxide, water vapor, hydrofluorocarons are added to the atmosphere. Climate change on the other hand refers to a significant deviation in the mean of one or more of climate elements for long period that continues from decades to centuries, while climate variability refers to shorter periods that extend from years to few decades. According to Hansen [1] human-made climate change has become an issue of surpassing importance to humanity and that global warming is the first order manifestation of increasing greenhouse gases that are predicted to drive climate change. Importance of air temperature in our everyday life is well documented in the literature, [2]. Air temperature determines the rate of biochemical reactions and there by affects the growth and development of plants. It affects the energy balances of surfaces, evapotranspiration, human comfort and almost every aspect of living organisms. That was probably the cause of early start of temperature measurements which goes back to the seventeenth century, so that systematic records in some areas of the world may be as old as two hundred years. Now days, the issue of a changing climate due to an observable rise in air temperature is causing a great global concern, [3]. An increase in the global temperature affects the patterns of ocean currents, air masses, atmospheric circulations and generally the global climate. The changing rain patterns in many areas around the globe, the melting polar ice, and the unusual droughts elsewhere are examples of a changing climate. Numerous indicators showed that the global temperature during the last 150 years increased by about 0.7 degrees Celsius. In a previous paper the author, [4] showed that air temperature over Sudan and South Sudan increased over the last century by about 0.7 degrees on the average, with the main increase attributed to the minimum air temperature rather than the maximum. The objective of this paper is to study the change in air temperature over Sudan and South Sudan during the last fifty only years and to investigate linkages between air temperatures and the stations coordinates and elevations. The study made use of the normal climate temperature data where Normal means a statistical average of a climate factor for thirty years; a period considered being sufficient to yield a reliable means.
Psychotherapeutic intervention by telephone

Psychotherapy conducted over the telephone has received increasing amounts of empirical attention given practical advantages that side-step treatment barriers encountered in traditional office-based care. The utility and efficacy of telephone therapy appears generalizable across diverse clinical populations seeking care in community-based hospital settings. Treatment barriers common to older adults suggest that telephone therapy may be an efficient and effective mental health resource for this population. This paper describes empirical studies of telehealth interventions and case examples with psychotherapy conducted via telephone on the Spinal Cord Injury Unit of the Palo Alto Veterans’ Administration. Telephone therapy as appears to be a viable intervention with the aging population.
Multiple instruction streams in a highly pipelined processor

In a highly pipelined processor, instruction dependencies involving both and control information often limit its potential performance. A cyclic pipeline machine allows multiple instruction streams to share these pipeline stages in time to remove the data and control dependencies. These multiple instruction streams exploit more parallelism in parallel programs. It provides an alternative architectural solution for new technologies such as GaAs and Josephson logic device, which prefer a highly pipelined architecture. The authors define the basic model of a cyclic pipeline machine, and examine the performance improvement of various configurations of cyclic pipeline machines compared to the same degree of pipelining of a conventional pipelined processor. The simulation results indicate that pipelining in the individual instruction streams increases the performance to maximize the utilization of resources in a highly pipelined processor. <<ETX>>
Lie Algebroids, Holonomy and Characteristic Classes

Abstract We extend the notion of connection in order to study singular geometric structures, namely, we consider a notion of connection on a Lie algebroid which is a natural extension of the usual concept of a covariant connection. It allows us to define holonomy of the orbit foliation of a Lie algebroid and prove a Stability Theorem. We also introduce secondary or exotic characteristic classes, thus providing invariants which generalize the modular class of a Lie algebroid.
Hot Versus Cold Orogenic Behavior: Comparing the Araçuaí‐West Congo and the Caledonian Orogens

Observations and modeling show that temperature controls crustal rheology and therefore also the orogenic evolution of continent‐continent collision zones and the associated tectonic style. In order to explore the effect of temperature in a natural environment, we compare eroded sections through the unusually cold lower Paleozoic North Atlantic Caledonian (Scandian) collision zone and the very hot Brasiliano/Pan‐African Araçuaí‐West Congo orogen. A cold and stiff subducting Caledonian continental margin was able to subduct as a rather coherent unit to ultrahigh‐pressure conditions, twice as deep as the Pan‐African/Brasiliano crust that was quickly heated and softened and got involved in partial melting. Furthermore, the Caledonian collision developed large coherent thrust sheets that were transported hundreds of kilometers toward the foreland. This was never achieved in the hot Araçuaí‐West Congo orogen, where much of the tectonic stress was absorbed by the partially molten central part of the orogen through magmatic state deformation. Major mylonite zones (thrusts) such as those seen in the Caledonides are therefore less common in the Araçuaí‐West Congo orogen. Further, the deep continental subduction in the Caledonides developed a strongly asymmetric collision zone, with rapid variations in pressure and temperature. In contrast, the Araçuaí‐West Congo orogen soon developed into a more symmetric geometry due to its easily flowing hot crust, with a relatively flat base and a corresponding plateau in its upper part. Deformation of the cold Caledonian crust was controlled by plate‐tectonic stress, while gravitational forces more strongly influenced the hot Brasiliano/Pan‐African example.
Active Evaluation of Classifiers on Large Datasets

The goal of this work is to estimate the accuracy of a classifier on a large unlabeled dataset based on a small labeled set and a human labeler. We seek to estimate accuracy and select instances for labeling in a loop via a continuously refined stratified sampling strategy. For stratifying data we develop a novel strategy of learning r bit hash functions to preserve similarity in accuracy values. We show that our algorithm provides better accuracy estimates than existing methods for learning distance preserving hash functions. Experiments on a wide spectrum of real datasets show that our estimates achieve between 15% and 62% relative reduction in error compared to existing approaches. We show how to perform stratified sampling on unlabeled data that is so large that in an interactive setting even a single sequential scan is impractical. We present an optimal algorithm for performing importance sampling on a static index over the data that achieves close to exact estimates while reading three orders of magnitude less data.
Quantifying the relative importance of direct and indirect biophysical effects of deforestation on surface temperature and teleconnections

AbstractIn this study, we linearize the surface energy budget equation which disentangles indirect effects (due to changes in downward short- and long-wave radiation and air temperature) from direct biophysical effects (due to changes in surface albedo, evapotranspiration and roughness length) of deforestation on land surface temperature. We apply this formulation to idealized deforestation simulations from 2 climate models and to realistic land use and land cover change (LULCC) simulations from 11 models and quantify the contribution of each underlying mechanism on surface temperature change. We find that the boreal region experiences dominant indirect effects and the tropics experience dominant direct effects in all seasons in idealized deforestation simulations. The temperate region response differs in the two models. However, 5 out of 7 models in response to realistic historical LULCC show a dominance of indirect effects in the temperate region. In response to future LULCC, 3 out of 4 models confirm t.
Terrestrial and Marine Floral Response to Latest Eocene and Oligocene Events on the Antarctic Peninsula

abstract Palynological results from opposite sides of the northernmost Antarctic Peninsula provide insight on terrestrial vegetation and sea-surface conditions immediately before the Eocene–Oligocene transition (EOT), through Early Oligocene glacial conditions and the subsequent Late Oligocene interglacial interval. A latest Eocene sample set from the uppermost La Meseta Formation on Seymour Island, James Ross (back-arc) Basin, records a low-diversity Nothofagus (southern beech)-dominated vegetation with some podocarp conifers similar to Valdivian-type forest found today in Chile and Argentina. Marine organicwalled phytoplankton include leiospheres and Eocene dinoflagellate cysts such as Vozzhennikovia rotunda, V. apertura, Senegalinium asymmetricum and Spinidinium macmurdoense. Immediately before the EOT near the top of the section the decrease in terrestrial palynomorphs, increase in reworked specimens, disappearance of key dinocysts, and overwhelming numbers of sea-ice-indicative leiospheres plus the small dinoflagellate cyst Impletosphaeridium signal the onset of glacial conditions in a subpolar climate. Early to Late Oligocene samples from the Polonez Cove and Boy Point formations on King George Island, South Shetland Islands (magmatic arc), yielded an extremely depauperate terrestrial flora, likely resulting in part from poor vegetation cover during the Polonez Glaciation but also because of destruction of vegetation due to continued regional volcanism. The prevalence of sea-ice-indicative leiospheres in the marine palynomorph component is consistent with polar to subpolar conditions during and following the Polonez Glaciation.