Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial, antioxidant and optical properties of edible starch-chitosan composite film containing Thymus kotschyanus essential oil

Thyme Essential oils (EO) with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties are widely used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and perfume industry. It is also used for flavoring and preservation of several foods. Nowadays, packaging research is receiving a considerable attention due to the development of eco-friendly materials made from natural polymers such as starch and chitosan. In this study Thymus kotschyanus EO concentrations ranging from 0 to 2.0%, incorporated in starch-chitosan composite (S-CH) film were used. Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties significantly increased with the incorporation of EO (p < 0.05). Incorporating EO, increased total color differences (DE), yellowness index (YI) and whiteness index (WI) which were significantly higher than control and its transparency was reduced. Our results pointed out that the incorporation of Thymus kotschyanus EO as a natural antibacterial agent has potential for using the developed film as an active packaging.
Combining Nakagami-m Fading Links for High Availability in Wireless Networks

High resilience is expected to be a key component of next generation wireless networks enabling new services and applications in, e.g., vehicular communication, smart grids, and industrial automation. In this work, we analyze diversity concepts with a focus on the joint availability of power-controlled Nakagami-m fading links. For various fading environments, we investigate whether an optimal number of combined links in terms of total power consumption can be identified. Results show that, indeed, optimal operating points exist and huge power savings are possible when multiple lower power links instead of a single powerful link are used. The savings decrease with increasing fading parameter and decreasing outage probability. Furthermore, we present an optimization method based on min-plus convolution for determining the optimal power allocation among several selection combined Nakagami-m fading links with unequal fading parameters.
Chip level thermal profile estimation using on-chip temperature sensors

This paper addresses the problem of chip level thermal profile estimation using runtime temperature sensor readings. We address the challenges of a) availability of only a few thermal sensors with constrained locations (sensors cannot be placed just anywhere) b) random on-chip power density characteristics due to unpredictable workloads and fabrication variability. Firstly we model the random power density as a probability density function. Given this random characteristic and runtime thermal sensor readings, we exploit the correlation between power dissipation of different chip modules to estimate the expected value of temperature at each chip location. Our methods are optimal if the underlying power density has Gaussian nature. We also present a heuristic to generate the chip level thermal profile estimates when the underlying randomness is non-Gaussian. Experimental results indicate that our method generates highly accurate thermal profile estimates of the entire chip at runtime using only a few thermal sensors.
A qualitative evaluation of an employee counselling service from the perspective of client, counsellor and organization

An evaluation of a Fire Brigade counselling service examined the viewpoints of all three stakeholders (clients, counsellors and organization), using a multi-method approach using interviews, questionnaires and staff records. All parties expressed satisfaction with the provision, but noted the need for better communication and marketing. The counselling service was demonstrated to be needed and effective in both human and fiscal terms.
Columnar Connectivity and Laminar Processing in Cat Primary Auditory Cortex

Background Radial intra- and interlaminar connections form a basic microcircuit in primary auditory cortex (AI) that extracts acoustic information and distributes it to cortical and subcortical networks. Though the structure of this microcircuit is known, we do not know how the functional connectivity between layers relates to laminar processing. Methodology/Principal Findings We studied the relationships between functional connectivity and receptive field properties in this columnar microcircuit by simultaneously recording from single neurons in cat AI in response to broadband dynamic moving ripple stimuli. We used spectrotemporal receptive fields (STRFs) to estimate the relationship between receptive field parameters and the functional connectivity between pairs of neurons. Interlaminar connectivity obtained through cross-covariance analysis reflected a consistent pattern of information flow from thalamic input layers to cortical output layers. Connection strength and STRF similarity were greatest for intralaminar neuron pairs and in supragranular layers and weaker for interlaminar projections. Interlaminar connection strength co-varied with several STRF parameters: feature selectivity, phase locking to the stimulus envelope, best temporal modulation frequency, and best spectral modulation frequency. Connectivity properties and receptive field relationships differed for vertical and horizontal connections. Conclusions/Significance Thus, the mode of local processing in supragranular layers differs from that in infragranular layers. Therefore, specific connectivity patterns in the auditory cortex shape the flow of information and constrain how spectrotemporal processing transformations progress in the canonical columnar auditory microcircuit.
Intelligent testing with the WISC-R

Rationally integrates arguments for and against intelligence tests to synthesize a sensible approach to the interpretation of the WISC-R. Integrates research and theory so that extrinsic factors are intelligently applied. Personally developed by the author, the method is based firmly on--and justified by--empirical, statistical grounds with a focus on logical interpretation of a WISC-R profile. Includes comprehensive case reports as well as evaluative summaries and overviews of research and theory in areas such as neuropsychology, cognitive style, fluid vs. crystallized intelligence, memory, and factor analysis.
Sheep model for osteoporosis: Sustainability and biomechanical relevance of low turnover osteoporosis induced by hypothalamic–pituitary disconnection

Hypothalamo‐pituitary disconnection (HPD) leads to low bone turnover and osteoporosis in sheep. To determine the sustainability of bone loss and its biomechanical relevance, we studied HPD‐sheep 24 months after surgery (HPD + OVX‐24) in comparison to untreated control (Control), ovariectomized sheep (OVX), and sheep 12 months after HPD (HPD + OVX‐12). We performed histomorphometric, HR‐pQCT, and qBEI analyses, as well as biomechanical testing of all ewes studied. Twenty‐four months after HPD, histomorphometric analyses of the iliac crest showed a significant reduction of BV/TV by 60% in comparison to Control. Cortical thickness of the femora measured by HR‐pQCT did not change between 12 and 24 months after HPD but remained decreased by 30%. These structural changes were caused by a persisting depression of osteoblast and osteoclast cellular activity. Biomechanical testing of the femora showed a significant reduction of bending strength, whereas calcium content and distribution was found to be unchanged. In conclusion, HPD surgery leads to a persisting low turnover status with negative turnover balance in sheep followed by dramatic cortical and trabecular bone loss with consequent biomechanical impairment. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1067–1074, 2013
Race and Art

This article investigates the extent to which economic markets have incorporated mainstream artistic acceptance of African American art. Prices of oil paintings sold at auction from 1972 to 2004 for African American artists are compared to their contemporaries. Gross means between the two groups reveal averages significantly lower for African American artists throughout the time period. Hedonic regressions, used to refine the statistical analysis by controlling for factors characterizing the painting and auction environment, also reveal that African American artists fetch lower prices. The hedonic regressions, however, reveal a narrowing gap between the two groups since price appreciation has been higher for works by African American artists. The high investment returns have made investment in paintings by African American artists a relatively profitable niche in recent years comparing well with traditional investments such as stocks and bonds. This profitability may continue since painting prices for African Americans have not completely caught up to those of contemporaries.
High prevalence and risk factors of fecal carriage of CTX-M type extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae from healthy rural residents of Taian, China

The study was carried out to understand the prevalence of CTX-M type extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-harboring Enterobacteriaceae and to analyze risk factors related with fecal carriage in healthy rural residents in Taian, China. A total of 620 stool samples were collected from rural residents. The ESBL-positive Enterobacteriaceae was screened using ChromID ESBL agar, and then further confirmed by double-disk diffusion. The CTX-M genes were determined using polymerase chain reaction. The risk factors associated with fecal carriage of CTX-M-positive isolates were analyzed using the standard statistic methods. 458 isolates carrying CTX-M gene (458/620, 73.9%) were obtained from different individuals, and the most dominant genotype was CTX-M-9 group (303/458, 66.2%). The dominant species were Escherichia coli (E. coli; 403/458, 88.0%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae; 26/458, 5.7%) among the isolates carrying CTX-M genes. All the CTX-M producers were resistant to ampicillin, cefazolin, cefuroxime, and ceftriaxone, but were all susceptible to biapenem, imipenem, and meropenem. The results of multivariate logistic regression model identified the enrollment in formal education (OR 2.321; 95% CI 1.302–3.768; P= 0.039), the hospitalization history within the last 6 months (OR 1.753; 95% CI 1.127–2.584; P= 0.031) and the antibiotics use within the last 6 months (OR 1.892; 95% CI 1.242–2.903; P= 0.034). The three variables were significantly associated with carriage of CTX-M ESBL producers (x2 = 21.21; df = 3; P< 0.001). The prevalence of fecal carriage of CTX-M ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae among healthy rural humans in Taian was high, and the recent antibiotic use and hospitalization history may be the important contributors.
Inflectional malapropisms: form-based errors in English morphology

Form-based errors in the access of lexical items, known as malapropisms, have been extensively studied in the context of whole-word errors. Similar form-based errors occur that involve inflectional morphology, with both major and minor affixes involved. One type of inflectional malapropism is the phenomenon of 'affix checking' in adult and child language. Alternative explanations of the phenomenon are examined, with emphasis on feedback from the phonological level to the lexical level in a parallel interactive processing model.
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the lipid hypothesis of atherosclerosis

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the publication of Anitschkow's classic paper proposing the central role of hypercholesterolemia in atherogenesis. We at the Journal of Lipid Research take this occasion to acknowledge the debt we all owe to Anitschkow and his colleagues for getting us on the right track. As discussed below in detail, his contributions were insightful and went well beyond simply pinpointing hypercholesterolemia as a major etiologic factor. Anitschkow's work led him to define most of the key elements in the initiation and evolution of lesions in animal models of atherogenesis.
Timing processes in motor imagery

Previous research shows inconsistencies in the timing of imagined and actual actions. Little is known about the timing in imagery, or how it relates to other forms of timing. Two studies examined whether imagery timing followed Weber's law, where variations in judgements grow linearly as the interval duration increases, or Vierordt's law, where short durations are overestimated and longer durations underestimated. In Study 1 participants (n=22) mentally walked and estimated journey times for flat paths and stairways, with and without a load. The timing patterns that emerged did not conform to Weber's law. In Study 2 participants (n=20) completed imagery, reproduction, production, and estimation timing tasks. Timing errors for imagery along a straight path, reproduction, estimation, and production all showed “Vierordt-like” effects. However, when imagining walking in a square participants consistently overestimated. It was concluded that imagery and interval timing processes are similar, but imagery timing is task dependent.
Uneasy Compromise: Language and Education in Moldova

Abstract This study reports on the uneasy compromise in language and education policies in the post-Soviet Republic of Moldova since its first moves toward independence in 1989. Taking an approach that posits language policies as needing to be anchored in both international norms and the idiosyncrasies of local conditions, the discussion explores the potential for adjustments in the balance of language rights and status between minority language groups (Russian, Ukrainian, and others) and the longoppressed majority language group (Moldovan or Romanian). Following a brief elaboration of the relevant languages and recent policies in the country, three key policy challenges are discussed in greater detail. The first involves political attempts to elevate minority Russian to official status alongside majority Moldovan/ Romanian. Second, the relationship of debates about the state history curriculum to language status further illustrates the challenges to reaching compromises on cultural policy. Finally, confrontation in the breakaway region of Transnistria is discussed to demonstrate the continued vulnerability of even majority language groups in the post-Soviet context. In conclusion, it is argued that, despite the challenges to language diversity and bilingualism in Moldova, there remain opportunities for policy compromise and for greater national and regional stability.
The trend of blended learning in Taiwan: perceptions of HRD practitioners and implications for emerging competencies

The purpose of this study was to explore the status and future directions of blended learning in workplaces in Taiwan and to probe into emerging competencies of human resource development professionals. One hundred and twelve participants who worked in various types of organizations were surveyed. The survey results revealed that the most significant issue related to blended learning is a lack of understanding of what it is. Instructional strategies anticipated to be employed during the next few years included authentic cases, virtual teaming, problem-based learning and coaching. The technologies deemed useful were knowledge management technologies, cell phones and electronic books. When comparing different sizes of organizations, large enterprises were more likely to have adopted blended learning and to perceive diverse benefits related to blended learning. Based on these findings, we recommend additional professional development related to the design, development and evaluation of blended learning for practitioners in Taiwan.
Augmented Atherogenesis in LDL Receptor Deficient Mice Lacking Both Macrophage ABCA1 and ApoE

Aim ABCA1 protects against atherosclerosis by facilitating cholesterol efflux from macrophage foam cells in the arterial wall to extracellular apolipoprotein (apo) A-I. In contrast to apoA-I, apoE is secreted by macrophages and can, like apoA-I, induce ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux. Yet, the combined effect of macrophage ABCA1 and apoE on lesion development is unexplored. Methods and Results LDL receptor knockout (KO) mice were transplanted with bone marrow from ABCA1/apoE double KO (dKO) mice, their respective single KO's, and wild-type (WT) controls and were challenged with a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet for 9 weeks. In vitro cholesterol efflux experiments showed no differences between ABCA1 KO and dKO macrophages. The serum non-HDL/HDL ratio in dKO transplanted mice was 1.7-fold and 2.4-fold (p<0.01) increased compared to WT and ABCA1 KO transplanted mice, respectively. The atherosclerotic lesion area in dKO transplanted animals (650±94×103 µm2), however, was 1.9-fold (p<0.01) and 1.6-fold (p<0.01) increased compared to single knockouts (ABCA1 KO: 341±20×103 µm2; apoE KO: 402±78×103 µm2, respectively) and 3.1-fold increased (p<0.001) compared to WT (211±20×103 µm2). When normalized for serum cholesterol exposure, macrophage ABCA1 and apoE independently protected against atherosclerotic lesion development (p<0.001). Moreover, hepatic expression levels of TNFα and IL-6 were highly induced in dKO transplanted animals (3.0-fold; p<0.05, and 4.3-fold; p<0.001, respectively). In agreement, serum IL-6 levels were also enhanced in ABCA1 KO transplanted mice (p<0.05) and even further enhanced in dKO transplanted animals (3.1-fold as compared to ABCA1 KO transplanted animals; p<0.05). Conclusions Combined deletion of macrophage ABCA1 and apoE results in a defect in cholesterol efflux and, compared to ABCA1 KO transplanted mice, elevated serum total cholesterol levels. Importantly, these mice also suffer from enhanced systemic and hepatic inflammation, together resulting in the observed augmented atherosclerotic lesion development.
Cross-correlation studies as a probe of reionization physics

The process of reionization is now believed to have proceeded in an orchestrated manner beginning with ultraviolet photons emitted by high-redshift galaxies containing a large fraction of Pop III stars carving out ionized regions around them. The physics during this era can be studied with a combination of redshifted 21-cm spin-flip transition tracing neutral hydrogen gas, IR emission from massive primordial stars that trace the global star formation rate during reionization, and the imprint of hot electrons in first supernova remnants Compton-cooling off of cosmic microwave background radiation through the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect. While these individual effects and their observable signatures have been advocated as probes of reionization history, here we show how cross-correlation studies between these signals can be used to further understand physics during reionization. Cross-correlation studies are advantageous since the measurable statistics do not suffer in the same manner from foregrounds and systematic effects as is the case of auto-correlation function measurements. We discuss the prospects for detecting various cross-correlation statistics using present and next-generation experiments and the information related to reionization captured by them.
Academic productivity of African Americans in criminology and criminal justice

This study explores the productivity of African American scholars in the field of criminology during the period of 1987 through 1998. Issues about the relative benefits of mentoring are explored. The impact of external and internal barriers with respect to authorship are also addressed. Journals included in the study were randomly selected from a list of criminology and criminal justice journals. Authorship order is also identified, that is, we look at primary, secondary and tertiary authorships by African American faculty as well. Findings provide empirical evidence that the contributions of African American faculty do not appear in many mainstream journals. The reasons behind the under representation are explored.
Rapid Object Category Adaptation during Unlabelled Classification

Recent reports from electrophysiological and psychophysical experiments provide evidence that repeated exposure to an ordered sequence of morphed stimuli may over time adapt a prelearned object category such that the category may generalise the entire sequence as belonging to the same object. Here, a new protocol that includes a single exposure to a morphing sequence is presented. Subjects exposed to the new protocol replaced a prelearned face with an entirely different face within just 3 days, significantly faster than in previous reports.
Frequency of HLA‐C alleles in differentiated thyroid carcinoma in southeastern Spain

The development of thyroid carcinoma may be influenced genetically and has been associated with certain HLA alleles. HLA‐C alleles have not been studied in depth, because available serology techniques have not been very reliable in detecting them. However, the development of molecular biology provided an efficient and reliable technique for allele detection. The aims of the current study were to determine whether there is a significant association between any HLA‐C allele and differentiated thyroid carcinoma and to establish the possible susceptibility or protection alleles related to these tumors.
He Said, She Said: Gender and Angling Specialization, Motivations, Ethics, and Behaviors

This article compares male and female anglers' motivations and ethics for recreational fishing. Results are derived from a 2000–2001 survey of Minnesota anglers. Men reported higher involvement in fishing than women did. Women rated motivations related to catching fish for food higher than men did. Men rated developing skills and catching trophy fish higher than women did. Men agreed more with ethics related to catch-and-release fishing. Opinions about regulations and actual fishing behavior reflected each gender's motivations and ethics. Men were more supportive of regulations like lower bag limits, fees for catching more fish, and catch-and-release fishing. Women more frequently kept all the legal fish that they caught and kept larger fish over smaller fish. Men more frequently released all the fish that they caught and kept smaller fish over larger fish. These findings can help managers understand gender differences in recreational fishing.
A qualitative analysis of on-again/off-again romantic relationships: “It’s up and down, all around”

Although relational research predominantly conceptualizes romantic relationships as either together or apart, some relationships break up and renew (i.e., on-again/off-again relationships). Partners’ accounts of on-again/off-again relational experiences were qualitatively analyzed to explore both reasons for breakups and reasons for renewals. Themes were interpreted within an interdependence framework to explain why partners dissolved as well as renewed their relationships. The themes in combination suggest renewals occurred due to dissatisfying experiences with alternative relationship partners and an increase in outcomes (i.e., rewards minus costs) after breakups. Partners’ post-dissolution contact and their uncertainty about relational status may have further facilitated renewals. More generally, the themes suggest, for on-again/ off-again partners, breakups did not indicate the end of interdependence but rather a redefinition of the relationship.