Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Digital divides in Canada's northern indigenous communities: Supports and barriers to digital adoption

My research explores digital divides and digital adoption in Canada’s Northern communities. I highlight the implications that settler colonialism, government policies and industry hold for digital adoption initiatives underway in communities in the Northwest Territories (NWT) of Canada. I look at themes around digital adoption that surfaced from semistructured interviews done with six Participants – key informants involved in Northern technology development – in this research. To interpret interview data, I use a holistic framework, the “whole community” approach to digital adoption (O’Donnell et al. 2016). The importance of self-determination, empowerment, community involvement, youth, training and the First Mile approach to digital technology adoption are some of the themes found in the data analysis. I use the three levels of the Whole Community framework to organize this discussion, separating it into: Community Members, Community Organizations, and Infrastructure. Based on my research, I propose adding a fourth level to the model, Policy and Funding, and include it my data analysis.
Amyloid Burden in the Hippocampus and Default Mode Network

AbstractAmyloid load, as measured by florbetapir positron emission tomography (PET) standardized uptake value ratio (SUVr), has high specificity in the diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD). As the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) represents densely amyloid-affected regions early in AD, we hypothesized that amyloid load within the key hubs of the default mode networks (DMN) may result in local or distant interconnected gray matter (GM) volume atrophy, thereby affecting cognitive performance. Thirty AD patients with a clinical dementia rating sum of box score ⩽2 were enrolled and underwent cognitive evaluation, 3-dimensional T1-weighted imaging and florbetapir PET. Volumes of interest (VOIs) included the hippocampus, lateral temporal region, and key hubs of the DMN [anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), PCC, posterior parietal, and precuneus]. The SUVr was calculated by florbetapir standard uptake value (SUV) within the T1-weighted image segmented GM VOIs divided by the cerebellar GM SUV. Our results suggested inverse correlations between ACC (&rgr; = −0.444, P = 0.016) and PCC SUVr (&rgr; = −0.443, P = 0.016) with PCC GM volume. In stepwise regression, the orientation scores were associated with PCC SUVr (&bgr; = 2.584, P = 0.02) and posterior parietal volume (&bgr; = −0.446, P = 0.04), whereas the word recall score was related to hippocampal volume (&bgr; = −0.391, P = 0.04). After removing the patients with a hippocampal VOI below the lowest tertile and adjusting for age, an inverse correlation was found between hippocampal volume and SUVr in the ACC (partial &sgr; = −0.639, P = 0.002), precuneus (partial &sgr; = −0.692, P = 0.002), and lateral temporal SUVr (partial &sgr; = −0.604, P = 0.005). Our results suggest that amyloid burden within the key DMN regions may contribute to local and distant GM atrophy, and that this may explain the cognitive scores.
Power Spectrum Analysis of EEG Signals for Estimating Visual Attention

task oriented brain activity analysis and classification is a prime issue in EEG signal processing these days. The similar attempt has been done here to estimate the brain activity on the basis of power spectrum analysis. For this, the modified approach involving both Independent Component Analysis (ICA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) methodologies has been used in this paper to investigate the behavior of brain's electrical activity for a simple case of visual attention. The proposed method of EEG classification can be very useful in predicting the action or the intention of action performed on the basis of EEG which leads to more development in brain computer interface. The EEG data has been referred from a website and the mathematical tool for EEG analysis called EEGLAB has been used to perform work in this paper.
Hard-to-use interfaces considered beneficial (some of the time)

Researchers in HCI share a common understanding that 'easy-to-use', 'easy-to-learn' and 'intuitive' interfaces are beneficial to users. Designing such interfaces raises challenges and often requires multiple iterations. While we are generally prompt to discard more hard-to-use interfaces and smooth out usability issues, we want to raise here the issue of their potential benefits. We de-scribe two cases in which we observed potential bene-fits from introducing barriers for collaborating and communicating with others. We attempt to shed a new light on interfaces with usability "problems" and how these problems may benefit system efficiency and user experience. We end with a discussion of the pros and cons of making systems harder for people to use, and how to integrate this perspective in the design process.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Longitudinal study of hippocampal volumes in heavy cannabis users

Background: Cannabis exposure, particularly heavy cannabis use, has been associated with neuroanatomical alterations in regions rich with cannabinoid receptors such as the hippocampus in some but not in other (mainly cross-sectional) studies. However, it remains unclear whether continued heavy cannabis use alters hippocampal volume, and whether an earlier age of onset and/or a higher dosage exacerbate these changes. Methods: Twenty heavy cannabis users (mean age 21 years, range 18–24 years) and 23 matched non-cannabis using healthy controls were submitted to a comprehensive psychological assessment and magnetic resonance imaging scan at baseline and at follow-up (average of 39 months post-baseline; standard deviation=2.4). Cannabis users started smoking around 16 years and smoked on average five days per week. A novel aspect of the current study is that hippocampal volume estimates were obtained from manual tracing the hippocampus on T1-weighted anatomical magnetic resonance imaging scans, using a previously validated protocol. Results: Compared to controls, cannabis users did not show hippocampal volume alterations at either baseline or follow-up. Hippocampal volumes increased over time in both cannabis users and controls, following similar trajectories of increase. Cannabis dose and age of onset of cannabis use did not affect hippocampal volumes. Conclusions: Continued heavy cannabis use did not affect hippocampal neuroanatomical changes in early adulthood. This contrasts with prior evidence on alterations in this region in samples of older adult cannabis users. In young adults using cannabis at this level, cannabis use may not be heavy enough to affect hippocampal neuroanatomy.
Roles played by a subset of integrin signaling molecules in cadherin-based cell–cell adhesion

Integrins can intercommunicate with cadherins. Here, we examined their possible relationship by use of small interfering RNA–mediated protein knockdown in HeLa cells. We found that a subset of integrin signaling molecules, namely Fak and paxillin, but not p130 Crk-associated substrate or proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2, participate in processes regulating N-cadherin–based cell–cell adhesion. Paxillin was found to be required primarily for the recruitment of Fak to robust focal adhesions. Our results suggest that at least some signals involving Fak are linked to a mechanism down-regulating Rac1 activity at the cell periphery, which appears to be important for the formation of N-cadherin–based adhesions in motile cells. Our analyses simultaneously exemplified the essential role of Fak in the maintenance of cell–cell adhesions in collective cell migration, a type of migration occurring in embryonic development and carcinoma invasion.
- 1-On Six Advances in Cooperation Theory

The symposium included in this issue of Analyse & Kritik extends the basis of Cooperation Theory as set forth in Axelrod's Evolution of Cooperation (1984). This essay begins with an overview of Cooperation Theory in terms of the questions it asks, its relationship to game theory and rationality, and the principal methodologies used, namely deduction and simulation. This essay then addresses the issues raised in the symposium, including the consequences of extending the original paradigm of the two person iterated Prisoner's Dilemma to take into account such factors as nonsimultaneous play, the ability to offer hostages for performance, social networks of interaction, information sharing that can support reputations, learning behavior, envy, misunderstanding, and an option to exit. The essay places the contributions of this symposium in the context of previous research on these and related issues.
Exposure the doctors to aggression in the workplace.

PURPOSE To evaluate the frequency, source and type of aggression towards doctors, depending on their place of work and position. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted among 501 doctors from the area of Podlaskie Province. To evaluate the level and type of aggression towards doctors in their workplace we used a questionnaire prepared for the needs of this study by modifying the questionnaire "The frequency and consequences of exposing nurses to workplace aggression", which had been drafted by the Institute of Labour Medicine in Lódź. The results were analysed with the application of the chi-square and the Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS The most common form of aggression was voice raising, which happened to 80% of doctors employed in inpatient medical centres and 91% doctors from outpatient centres. More than a half of the subjects have heard threats from their patients. Verbal aggression from doctors' superiors happened most often in surgery wards (48%), neurology wards (40%), admission rooms (33%). The causes of aggression most often quoted by doctors include: staff shortages (9%), stress--tiredness (9%). CONCLUSIONS Workplace aggression towards doctors may be inflicted both by patients and colleagues. The aggression in the medical environment can take on different forms and create a threat in the workplace. Doctors working in hospital wards (psychiatry, surgery, neurology) are the ones who are the most exposed to aggression.
Olfactory Evaluation in Children: Application to the CHARGE Syndrome

Objective. To find an efficient tool for testing olfactory function in children and use it to investigate a group of children with CHARGE (coloboma, congenital heart disease, choanal atresia, mental and growth retardation, genital anomalies, and ear malformations and hearing loss) syndrome. Methods. We adapted for children an olfaction test that had just been validated in an adult French population and investigated a control group of 25 healthy children aged 6 to 13 years. We then tested the olfactory capacity of a group of 14 children with CHARGE syndrome, aged 6 to 18 years. A questionnaire was completed with the parents about their children's feeding difficulties and their ability to recognize odors in everyday life. We recorded and scored the histories of feeding behavior anomalies, the visual and auditory status, and current intellectual levels. MRI of the olfactory tracts and bulbs was analyzed for 9 of 14 children. Results. We showed that healthy children have similar olfactory function to that of the adult control group, which was representative of the general population, without any difference for either gender or age. We also showed that all children with CHARGE syndrome had olfactory deficiency. Half of them were anosmic, and the others had olfactory residual function (hyposmic). We found no association between olfactory deficiency and feeding behavior, visual or auditory impairment, or intellectual level. Parental subjective evaluations were accurate for only half of the group. All of the MRIs showed anomalies of the olfactory tracts and bulbs varying from moderate hypoplasia to complete aplasia, without any relation between the radiologic and the functional results. Conclusions. Olfaction can be assessed in children, even the young and disabled. Our results support the proposition that rhinencephalon anomalies should be included as a major criterion for the diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome.
Effectiveness of the STEAM based SETS Learning Model to Increase Student's Scientific Literacy in Science Learning

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of STEAM-based SETS learning to improve students' science literacy in science learning. This type of research is a meta-analysis of data collection through the analysis of 11 national and international journals published in 2021-2024. Data sampling techniques through purposive sampling techniques. The inclusion criteria in this study are research accessed through the google scholar database; ERIC, Sciencedirect and Wiley, research related to the STEAM-based SETS model to improve students' science literacy in science learning, Research must be indexed by SINTA, Scopus and WOS and research has complete data to calculate effect size. Data search keywords are SETS learning models, STEAM, Science literacy and Science learning. Data selection process through PRISMA method. Data analysis is quantitative analysis with the help of Microsoft Excel application. The results concluded that the STEM-based SETS learning model had a significant effect on students' science literacy skills with an average value of effect size (ES= 0.834) in the high effect size category. The findings provide important information that STEM-based STEM learning modes are effective for improving students' science literacy in science learning with N-gain = 0.41.
Beta oscillations in freely moving Parkinson's subjects are attenuated during deep brain stimulation

Investigations into the effect of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on subthalamic (STN) beta (13‐30 Hz) oscillations have been performed in the perioperative period with the subject tethered to equipment. Using an embedded sensing neurostimulator, this study investigated whether beta power was similar in different resting postures and during forward walking in freely moving subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD) and whether STN DBS attenuated beta power in a voltage‐dependent manner.
Acceleration of Bone Regeneration by BMP-2-Loaded Collagenated Biphasic Calcium Phosphate in Rabbit Sinus.

PURPOSE The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of collagenated biphasic calcium phosphate (CBCP) as a carrier for bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) at the early stage of healing in rabbit sinus. MATERIAL AND METHODS In 16 rabbits, BMP-2-loaded CBCP was grafted into one sinus (the BMP group) and saline-soaked CBCP was grafted into another sinus (the CTL group). The groups were assigned randomly. After 2 weeks (n = 8) or 4 weeks (n = 8), radiographic and histological analysis was performed. RESULTS Total augmented volume was significantly larger in the BMP group at both healing periods. Furthermore, new bone volume was significantly greater in the BMP group at 4 weeks. Marked bone formation near the schneiderian membrane was found in the BMP groups at the early healing period. At 4 weeks, evenly distributed new bone was observed in the BMP group, whereas the new bone was sparsely distributed in the central portion in the CTL group. CONCLUSION It can be concluded that the addition of BMP-2 to CBCP resulted in a greater initial augmented volume as a result of postoperative swelling, which is replaced by early bone formation, and it was prominent near the Schneiderian membrane.
Both poor cardiorespiratory and weak muscle fitness are related to a high concentration of oxidized low‐density lipoprotein lipids

Good physical fitness is associated with favorable serum lipids. Oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) could be even more atherogenic than serum lipids. We studied the association of ox‐LDL and serum lipids with physical fitness. Healthy young (mean age 25 years) men (n=846) underwent maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and muscle fitness index (MFI) tests and completed a leisure‐time physical activity (LTPA) questionnaire. Age (ANCOVA1), age+waist circumference+systolic blood pressure+fasting blood glucose+smoking (ANCOVA3) were used as covariates. The groups with the lowest VO2max, MFI and LTPA had 23%, 16% and 8% higher concentrations of ox‐LDL than the groups with the highest VO2max (P<0.0001), MFI (P=0.022) and LTPA (P=0.039) groups, respectively. Subjects with poor fitness (low VO2max or low MFI) or low LTPA had elevated levels of ox‐LDL/high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol, total cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol, triglycerides and a low level of HDL‐cholesterol (ANCOVA1, in all, P<0.05). Furthermore, low VO2max is associated with a high level of ox‐LDL/HDL‐cholesterol and triglycerides, and with a low level of HDL‐cholesterol (ANCOVA3, in all, P<0.05). Also, subjects with low LTPA had a high ratio of ox‐LDL/HDL‐cholesterol (ANCOVA1, P=0.001). In conclusion, both poor fitness (both low VO2max and low MFI) and low LTPA are associated with a higher concentration of ox‐LDL lipids and serum lipids, which may indicate a higher risk for atherosclerosis.
Real Asset Illiquidity and the Cost of Capital

Abstract We show that firms with more illiquid real assets have a higher cost of capital. This effect is stronger when real illiquidity arises from lower within-industry acquisition activity. Real asset illiquidity increases the cost of capital more for firms that face more competition, have less access to external capital, or are closer to default, and for those facing negative demand shocks. The effect of real asset illiquidity is distinct from that of firms’ stock illiquidity or systematic liquidity risk. These results suggest that real asset illiquidity reduces firms’ operating flexibility and through this channel their cost of capital.
Evaluation of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars with CBCT: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: The purpose of this study to evaluate and categorize the complexity of extracting impacted mandibular third molars (IMTMs) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and methods: CBCT used to analyze 315 lower third molars from 182 patients who met the inclusion criteria. CBCT scans were acquired with a CS 9300 Premium 3D machine. Patient demographics and IMTM details were recorded by two observers using CS 3D Imaging Software for image analysis. Descriptive statistics were applied to assess criteria for impaction and extraction difficulty. Differences in surgical risk indicators for IMTM extraction were statistically examined between age groups, gender, and ethnicities using Fisher’s exact test. Results: Patients aged 18-75 years showed that mesioangular impaction was most common at 41.90%, followed by horizontal at 30.79%, vertical at 25.72%, distoangular at 0.95%, and inverted at 0.63%. Class IA and IIA classifications were most prevalent at 27.30% and 23.49%, respectively, with Class IIIA being the least common at 1.58%. significantly higher surgical difficulty indicators seen in patients under 40 compared to older patients for right and left IMTMs (p = 0.026 and 0.011, respectively), but no statistically significant differences in these indicators were observed between genders or ethnicities. Conclusion: CBCT examination revealed that mesioangular impaction was the most frequent occurrence, followed by horizontal, vertical, distoangular, and inverted impactions. Class IA and IIA prevalent; Class IIIA least common. Surgical difficulty indication more in younger than 40 years old patients, no gender or ethnicity differences.
Network-based distributed mobility management: Design and analysis

Mobile IPv6 and its extensions including Proxy MIPv6 employ a centralized mobility anchor to handle mobility management of the mobile nodes. The mobility anchor is in charge of mobility routing, location management and home address allocation functions. Having all of these functions bundled in a single network entity brings performance issues such as non optimal routing via this centralized anchor, traffic bottleneck and single point of failure. Distributed mobility management is an alternative approach to overcome these issues. A network-based distributed mobility management scheme that co-locates the mobility routing function to distributed access routers with a mobility client function in different networks is presented. It provides an optimal path for both handover traffic and new traffic of the mobile nodes, and releases the burden from the centralized mobility anchor. The paper presents in detail the scheme and its principle of operation. Furthermore, it develops an analytical model to evaluate the performance of the scheme. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate better performance in terms of packet delivery cost, tunneling cost and total cost.
A recombinant immunotoxin derived from a humanized epithelial cell adhesion molecule-specific single-chain antibody fragment has potent and selective antitumor activity.

PURPOSE Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (Ep-CAM) is a tumor-associated antigen overexpressed in many solid tumors but shows limited expression in normal epithelial tissues. To exploit this favorable expression pattern for targeted cancer therapy, an Ep-CAM-specific recombinant immunotoxin was developed and its antitumor activity investigated. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The immunotoxin 4D5MOCB-ETA was developed by genetically fusing a truncated form of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (ETA) (ETA(252-608)KDEL) to the highly stable humanized single-chain antibody fragment (scFv) 4D5MOCB. Cytotoxicity of 4D5MOCB-ETA was measured in cell growth and leucine incorporation assays in vitro. Tumor localization and antitumor activity were assessed in athymic mice bearing established human tumor xenografts. RESULTS Fusion of the toxin moiety to the scFv did neither affect its thermal stability nor its antigen-binding affinity. In vitro, 4D5MOCB-ETA potently and specifically inhibited protein synthesis and reduced the viability of Ep-CAM-positive carcinoma cells of diverse histological origins with IC(50)s ranging from 0.005 to 0.2 pM. Upon systemic administration in mice, 4D5MOCB-ETA showed similar organ distribution as the scFv 4D5MOCB and preferentially localized to Ep-CAM-positive tumor xenografts with a tumor:blood ratio of 5.4. The potent antitumor activity of 4D5MOCB-ETA was demonstrated by its ability to strongly inhibit the growth and induce regression of relatively large tumor xenografts derived from lung, colon, or squamous cell carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS We describe for the first time the development of a fully recombinant Ep-CAM-specific immunotoxin and demonstrate its potent activity against solid tumors of various histological origins. 4D5MOCB-ETA is currently being evaluated in a Phase I study in patients with refractory squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
Run-time validation of knowledge-based systems

As knowledge bases become more complex it is increasingly unlikely that they will have been validated against all possible data and therefore an increasing risk of making errors. Run-time validation is checking whether the output of a knowledge base for some data is likely to be correct at the time the data is processed. We have investigated various techniques for runtime validation. The most successful technique has been to constantly re-build a separate knowledge base using a different learning technique with cases labeled by the knowledge base being validated, as training data. Any new cases are processed by both knowledge bases and if the knowledge bases disagree the case is referred for manual checking as a possible outlier. If an outlier is detected the knowledge base is edited to give the correct answer and as cases are processed they are added to the training data for the machine learning knowledge base.