Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Knowledge sharing in the Dubai Police Force

Purpose – This study aims to contribute to understanding of knowledge management and sharing in the public sector in the Middle East through a case study based investigation of knowledge management initiatives and associated challenges and barriers.Design/methodology/approach – Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 15 police officers of different rank and position. Questions focussed on knowledge management strategies and approaches to encouraging employees to exchange and share knowledge, and difficulties associated with encouraging officers to share knowledge. Interviews were either recorded and transcripts created, or notes were taken. A three‐stage thematic analysis of the interview transcripts was undertaken.Findings – The Dubai Police Force has made a strategic commitment to the development of knowledge management to enhance performance. It established a Skills Investment Programme in 2003, a Knowledge Management Department in 2005, and more recently, in 2009, a Curriculum Department. Howev.
Comparison of underlay and overlay spectrum sharing strategies in MISO cognitive channels

We consider an extension of the cognitive radio channel model in which the secondary transmitter has to obtain (“learn”) the primary message in a first phase rather than having non-causal knowledge of it. We propose an achievable rate region that combines elements of decode-and-forward relaying with coding for the pure cognitive radio channel model. Moreover, we find the choice of parameters that maximize the secondary rate under a primary rate constraint. Finally, we compare numerically the performance of our system to that of an underlay scheme that combines beamforming, rate splitting, and successive decoding. We observe that although the overlay design provides higher rates, the losses due to the first phase are quite severe. In fact, for the considered scenarios, cleverly designed underlay schemes can provide comparable performance.
Nonlinear Coupling Between Whistler‐Mode Chorus and Electron Cyclotron Harmonic Waves in the Magnetosphere

Electromagnetic whistler‐mode chorus and electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) waves can contribute significantly to auroral electron precipitation and radiation belt electron acceleration. In the past, linear and nonlinear wave‐particle interactions have been proposed to explain the occurrences of these magnetospheric waves. By analyzing Van Allen Probes data, we present here the first evidence for nonlinear coupling between chorus and ECH waves. The sum‐frequency and difference‐frequency interactions produced the ECH sidebands with discrete frequency sweeping structures exactly corresponding to the chorus rising tones. The newly generated weak sidebands did not satisfy the original electrostatic wave dispersion relation. After the generation of chorus and normal ECH waves by hot electron instabilities, the nonlinear wave‐wave interactions could additionally redistribute energy among the resonant waves, potentially affecting to some extent the magnetospheric electron dynamics.
Influence of pH and plant growth regulators on secondary metabolite production and antioxidant activity of Stevia rebaudiana (Bert)

Background and purpose: Beside being rich with sweet glycosides, Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is an interesting source of flavonoids and phenols. The current study aimed to assess the potential for increasing total phenols and flavonoids in S. rebaudiana tissue by varying concentrations of plant growth regulators (PGR) and pH levels of media. Materials and methods: The culture was established from seeds and propagated shoots were cultured on media of different pH levels (4.6, 5.8 and 7.4) and PGR. Total polyphenolics and free radical scavenging capability of leaf, callus and root extracts were determined. Shoot height, root length, shoot and root number were also recorded. Results: Shoot elongation and root development was stimulated by singly applied growth regulators though the values of both parameters were also satisfactory in PGR-free media. In the latter media, pH value of 4.6 was a main factor for increasing leaf metabolite levels. A most significant rise in phenols and flavonoids was evident in response to combination of BA either with GA3 or IAA compared to singly applied regulators indicating synergistic effects of PGR (especially of auxins and cytokinins). However, polyphenolics levels and their distribution between different tissues were also influenced by medium pH value. A positive correlation was found between antioxidant activity of S. rebaudiana extracts and phenols and flavonoids.Conclusions: The results show that PGR and medium pH value strongly affect accumulation of secondary metabolites and can lead to significant enhancement in productivity of bioactive polyphenolics in S. rebaudiana plant cultures. Keywords: Stevia, phenols, flavonoids, plant hormones, antioxidant
Effect of laughter yoga on mood and heart rate variability in patients awaiting organ transplantation: a pilot study.

CONTEXT Research shows that laughter has myriad health benefits, yet the medical community has not implemented it formally as a treatment. Patients awaiting organ transplantation have significant physical disabilities and are at risk for psychological distress. Attenuated heart rate variability (HRV) is a risk factor for a negative long-term outcome in some patients. OBJECTIVE The study intended to evaluate the clinical utility of laughter yoga in improving psychological and physiological measures in outpatients awaiting organ transplantation. Positive results would indicate promising areas to pursue in a follow-up study. DESIGN Six participants met for 10 sessions over 4 weeks. The research team measured each participant's heart rate, HRV, blood pressure (BP), and immediate mood before and after the laughter and control interventions. The team assessed participants' longer-term mood (anxiety and depression) at the study's initiation, after a no-treatment control week, and at the end of the study. SETTING The study occurred at the Department of Surgery and Medicine at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson. PARTICIPANTS Participants were patients awaiting transplants (three heart and three lung), two women and four men (ages 51-69 y). Participants had received no major surgery in the 3 months prior to the intervention, did not have a hernia or uncontrolled hypertension, and did not fall into the New York Heart Association function class 4. INTERVENTION The 20-minute laughter intervention involved breathing and stretching exercises, simulated laughter (ie, unconditional laughter that is not contingent on the environment), chanting, clapping, and a meditation. The 20-minute control intervention involved the study's personnel discussing health and study-related topics with the participants. OUTCOME MEASURES The research team measured BP, heart rate, and HRV and administered the Profile of Mood States, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory-II to evaluate immediate and longer-term mood. The team had planned quantitative statistical analysis of the data at the study's initiation but did not complete it because the number of enrolled participants was too low for the analysis to be meaningful. The team visually examined the data, however, for trends that would indicate areas to examine further in a follow-up study. RESULTS Participants showed improved immediate mood (vigor-activity and friendliness) and increased HRV after the laughter intervention. Both the laughter and control interventions appeared to improve longer-term anxiety. Two participants awaiting a lung transplant dropped out of the study, and no adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION This pilot study suggests that laughter yoga may improve HRV and some aspects of mood, and this topic warrants further research.
Printing floating-point numbers quickly and accurately with integers

We present algorithms for accurately converting floating-point numbers to decimal representation. They are fast (up to 4 times faster than commonly used algorithms that use high-precision integers) and correct: any printed number will evaluate to the same number, when read again. Our algorithms are fast, because they require only fixed-size integer arithmetic. The sole requirement for the integer type is that it has at least two more bits than the significand of the floating-point number. Hence, for IEEE 754 double-precision numbers (having a 53-bit significand) an integer type with 55 bits is sufficient. Moreover we show how to exploit additional bits to improve the generated output. We present three algorithms with different properties: the first algorithm is the most basic one, and does not take advantage of any extra bits. It simply shows how to perform the binary-to-decimal transformation with the minimal number of bits. Our second algorithm improves on the first one by using the additional bits to produce a shorter (often the shortest) result. Finally we propose a third version that can be used when the shortest output is a requirement. The last algorithm either produces optimal decimal representations (with respect to shortness and rounding) or rejects its input. For IEEE 754 double-precision numbers and 64-bit integers roughly 99.4% of all numbers can be processed efficiently. The remaining 0.6% are rejected and need to be printed by a slower complete algorithm.
Fifty moves a year: is there an association between joint physical custody and psychosomatic problems in children?

Background In many Western countries, an increasing number of children with separated parents have joint physical custody, that is, live equally much in their parent's respective homes. In Sweden, joint physical custody is particularly common and concerns between 30% and 40% of the children with separated parents. It has been hypothesised that the frequent moves and lack of stability in parenting may be stressful for these children. Methods We used data from a national classroom survey of all sixth and ninth grade students in Sweden (N=147839) to investigate the association between children's psychosomatic problems and living arrangements. Children in joint physical custody were compared with those living only or mostly with one parent and in nuclear families. We conducted sex-specific linear regression analyses for z-transformed sum scores of psychosomatic problems and adjusted for age, country of origin as well as children's satisfaction with material resources and relationships to parents. Clustering by school was accounted for by using a two-level random intercept model. Results Children in joint physical custody suffered from less psychosomatic problems than those living mostly or only with one parent but reported more symptoms than those in nuclear families. Satisfaction with their material resources and parent–child relationships was associated with children's psychosomatic health but could not explain the differences between children in the different living arrangements. Conclusions Children with non-cohabitant parents experience more psychosomatic problems than those in nuclear families. Those in joint physical custody do however report better psychosomatic health than children living mostly or only with one parent. Longitudinal studies with information on family factors before and after the separation are needed to inform policy of children's postseparation living arrangements.
ARQ 197, a Novel and Selective Inhibitor of the Human c-Met Receptor Tyrosine Kinase with Antitumor Activity

The met proto-oncogene is functionally linked with tumorigenesis and metastatic progression. Validation of the receptor tyrosine kinase c-Met as a selective anticancer target has awaited the emergence of selective c-Met inhibitors. Herein, we report ARQ 197 as the first non-ATP–competitive small molecule that selectively targets the c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase. Exposure to ARQ 197 resulted in the inhibition of proliferation of c-Met–expressing cancer cell lines as well as the induction of caspase-dependent apoptosis in cell lines with constitutive c-Met activity. These cellular responses to ARQ 197 were phenocopied by RNAi-mediated c-Met depletion and further demonstrated by the growth inhibition of human tumors following oral administration of ARQ 197 in multiple mouse xenograft efficacy studies. Cumulatively, these data suggest that ARQ 197, currently in phase II clinical trials, is a promising agent for targeting cancers in which c-Met-driven signaling is important for their survival and proliferation. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(6); 1544–53. ©2010 AACR.
Modeling of interference maps for Licensed Shared Access in LTE-advanced networks supporting Carrier Aggregation

Cognitive Radio based Dynamic Spectrum Access (CR-DSA) has been envisaged as the foremost solution to eliminate the impending false scarcity of the radio frequency spectrum and to combat the dramatic surge in mobile data traffic. Furthermore, the revolutionary concepts - Carrier Aggregation (CA) and Licensed Shared Access (LSA) - have been conceived to support higher data rates by aggregating bandwidth from different parts of the spectrum, and to provide for a predictable Quality of Service (QoS) through spectrum sharing, respectively, so as to enhance the performance of the current generation mobile communication systems. However, an inevitable consequence of spectrum sharing is the interference induced upon the incumbent user. In this work, the prime focus of attention is on the mitigation of the interference caused by an LSA-licensed LTE-Advanced Radio Access Network (RAN) in the uplink (UL). To this end, we propose an interference management scheme based on Radio Environment Maps (REMs). Different approaches have been considered for the modeling of the requisite maps and a performance comparison between them by means of detection theory is presented. In conclusion, we prove the superior performance of the kriging spatial interpolation technique over the other approaches.
Type Ia supernovae: Spectroscopic surprises

Recent observations have extended the range of diversity among spectra of Type Ia supernovae. I briefly discuss SN Ia explosion models in the spectroscopic context, the observed diversity, and some recent results from direct analysis with the Synow code for one normal and two peculiar SNe Ia. Relating the observational manifestations of diversity to their physical causes is looking like an ever more challenging problem.
Simulations and measurements of 3-D ultrasonic fields radiated by phased-array transducers using the westervelt equation

The purpose of this work is to validate, by comparing numerical and experimental results, the ability of the Westervelt equation to predict the behavior of ultrasound beams generated by phased-array transducers. To this end, the full Westervelt equation is solved numerically and the results obtained are compared with experimental measurements. The numerical implementation of the Westervelt equation is performed using the explicit finite-difference time-domain method on a three-dimensional Cartesian grid. The validation of the developed numerical code is first carried out by using experimental data obtained for two different focused circular transducers in the regimes of small-amplitude and finite-amplitude excitations. Then, the comparison of simulated and measured ultrasonic fields is extended to the case of a modified 32-element array transducer. It is shown that the developed code is capable of correctly predicting the behavior of the main lobe and the grating lobes in the cases of zero and nonzero steering angles for both the fundamental and the second-harmonic components.
Robust neural logic block (NLB) based on memristor crossbar array

Neural networks are considered as promising candidates for implementing functions in memristor crossbar array with high tolerance to device defects and variations. Based on such arrays, Neural Logic Blocks (NLB) with learning capability can be built to replace Configurable Logic Block (CLB) in programmable logic circuits. In this article, we describe a neural learning method to implement Boolean functions in memristor NLB. By using Monte-Carlo simulation, we demonstrate its high robustness against most important device defects and variations, like static defects and memristor voltage threshold variability.
Icodextrin improves the fluid status of peritoneal dialysis patients: results of a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Worsening fluid balance results in reduced technique and patient survival in peritoneal dialysis. Under these conditions, the glucose polymer icodextrin is known to enhance ultrafiltration in the long dwell. A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was undertaken to compare icodextrin versus 2.27% glucose to establish whether icodextrin improves fluid status. Fifty patients with urine output <750 ml/d, high solute transport, and either treated hypertension or untreated BP >140/90 mmHg, or a requirement for the equivalent of all 2.27% glucose exchanges, were randomized 1:1 and evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 mo. Members of the icodextrin group lost weight, whereas the control group gained weight. Similar differences in total body water were observed, largely explained by reduced extracellular fluid volume in those receiving icodextrin, who also achieved better ultrafiltration and total sodium losses at 3 mo (P < 0.05) and had better maintenance of urine volume at 6 mo (P = 0.039). In patients fulfilling the study's inclusion criteria, the use of icodextrin, when compared with 2.27% glucose, in the long exchange improves fluid removal and status in peritoneal dialysis. This effect is apparent within 1 mo of commencement and was sustained for 6 mo without harmful effects on residual renal function.
Hop Count Distribution of Multihop Paths in Wireless Networks With Arbitrary Node Density: Modeling and Its Applications

The significance of hop counts on the throughput and delay performance in multihop wireless networks has been well demonstrated in the literature. However, so far, there has been very little analytical work on determining the expected hop count for packet forwarding in multihop wireless networks. In this paper, we develop an analytical framework for the hop count distribution in a multihop wireless network with an arbitrary node density. We derive the average progress per hop and obtain the path connectivity probability in a network. Together with the derived per-hop progress and the path connectivity probability, we can express the probability distribution for the expected hop count in multihop wireless networks. We also demonstrate that, based on our analytical result, many network design guidelines can be provided. Specifically, the average packet delivery ratio in the network under a hop count limitation can be estimated accurately, and the tradeoff between the flooding cost and the search latency for target location discovery that is commonly used in many ad hoc routing protocols can also be evaluated.
Impact comparison of ketamine and sodium thiopental on anesthesia during electroconvulsive therapy in major depression patients with drug-resistant; a double-blind randomized clinical trial

Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the available and the most effective therapies for the treatment of resistant depression. Considering the crucial role of seizure duration on therapeutic response in patients treated with ECT, this study aimed to compare the effect of ketamine and sodium thiopental anesthesia during ECT for treatment of patients with drug-resistant major depression (DRMD). Materials and Methods: In a double-blind randomized clinical trial, 160 patients with DRMD were selected consequently and were assigned randomly into two groups including ketamine 0.8 mg/kg and sodium thiopental 1.5 mg/kg. The seizure duration, recovery time, and the side effects of anesthesia were evaluated after 1-h after anesthesia. Data of recovery time and complication collected in 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th ECT. Depression was assessed by Hamilton depression scale. Results: The results indicated that ketamine and sodium thiopental had a significant effect on the reduction of depression scores in patients with DRMD (P < 0.05). Complications such as a headache, nausea, pain at the injection site, short-term delirium, and long-term delirium were higher in ketamine group (P > 0.05). But ketamine was more effective in improvement of depression score and increasing systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.05). The mean of seizure duration showed a decreasing trend and was significant between two study groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Anesthesia induced by ketamine during ECT therapy increased blood pressure and seizure duration. Therefore, due to lower medical complication and attack rate of seizure, ketamine is an appropriate option for anesthesia with ECT in patients with DRMD.
Influence of biochar on nutrients dynamics in tropical soils of Burkina Faso

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SZTAKI Desktop Grid: a Modular and Scalable Way of Building Large Computing Grids

So far BOINC based desktop grid systems have been applied at the global computing level. This paper describes an extended version of BOINC called SZTAKI desktop grid (SZDG) that aims at using desktop grids (DGs) at local (enterprise/institution) level. The novelty of SZDG is that it enables the hierarchical organisation of local DGs, i.e., clients of a DG can be DGs at a lower level that can take work units from their higher level DG server. More than that, even clusters can be connected at the client level and hence work units can contain complete MPI programs to be run on the client clusters. In order to easily create master/worker type DG applications a new API, called as the DC-API has been developed. SZDG and DC-API has been successfully applied both at the global and local level, both in academic institutions and in companies to solve problems requiring large computing power.
Photometric Stereo in the Wild

Conventional photometric stereo requires to capture images or videos in a dark room to obstruct complex environment light as much as possible. This paper presents a new method that capitalizes on environment light to avail geometry reconstruction, thus bringing photometric stereo to the wild, such as an outdoor scene, with uncontrolled lighting. We do not make restrictive assumption, and only use simple capture equipments, which include a mirror sphere and a video camera. Qualitative and quantitative experiments indicate the potential and practicality of our system to generalize existing frameworks.