Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measuring Expatriate Cross-Cultural Stress: A Reanalysis of the CernySmith Assessment

This study reports a statistical modification of a psychometric expatriate adjustment survey (e.g., the CernySmith Assessment or CSA) applied to expatriate missionary and humanitarian workers and their families. Earlier CSA survey items assisted in a need for rapid response clinical assessment originating from clinical observations, literature with a factor analysis resulting in 20 subscales and 5 qualitative content domains (Organizational, Cultural, Relational, Behavioral, and Personal). However, the assessment required more robust scale and factor analysis development to assure replicability. The present study analyzed 1,133 respondents working in 130 host countries. After various factor analytical iterations, a final CSA psychometric scale of 5 factors and 15 subscales (and a final 3 factor solution) emerged that compares with other known expatriate employee and spousal adjustment scales (Bhaskar-Shrinivas, Harrison, Shaffer, & Luk, 2005; Black, Mendenhall, & Oddou, 1991; Brown, 2008). This improved adjustment assessment answers Hippler, Caligiuri, and Johnson's (2014) call for robust expatriate adjustment assessments. The CSA moves adjustment measurement forward with new domains of resilience (Well-Being, Past Stresses, and Focus) and personal foundation (Spirituality, Health, and Habits). In light of 20–40% rate of preventable missionary attrition, the CSA should contribute to research, practice, and organizational support.
Reaching Agreement among Virtual Subnets in Hybrid Failure Mode

Fault-tolerance is an important research topic in the study of distributed systems. To cope with the influence of faulty components, reaching a common agreement in the presence of faults before performing certain tasks is essential. However, the Byzantine Agreement (BA) problem is a fundamental problem in fault-tolerant distributed systems. In previous studies, protocols dealing with the BA problem focused on static networks; however, these do not perform well in dynamically changing mobile networks. The most well known mobile network is the Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET). To enhance fault-tolerance and MANET reliability, the BA problem in virtual subnets of MANET is revisited in this paper. The proposed protocol is called the Hybrid Agreement Protocol (HAP). It achieves agreement on a common value among all functional mobile processors in a minimal number of message exchange rounds, and can tolerate a maximal number of allowable faulty components in the virtual subnet of MANET.
Statistical methods in spatial genetics

The joint analysis of spatial and genetic data is rapidly becoming the norm in population genetics. More and more studies explicitly describe and quantify the spatial organization of genetic variation and try to relate it to underlying ecological processes. As it has become increasingly difficult to keep abreast with the latest methodological developments, we review the statistical toolbox available to analyse population genetic data in a spatially explicit framework. We mostly focus on statistical concepts but also discuss practical aspects of the analytical methods, highlighting not only the potential of various approaches but also methodological pitfalls.
Interval island model initialization for permutation-based problems

In the absence of a priori knowledge about global optima, initial populations in genetic algorithms (GAs) should at least be diversified, especially while dealing with large spaces. On the other hand, the use of parallel models for GAs helps to solve large instances. We will focus on the island model. In this paper we propose an island initialization technique for permutation-based problems. We exploit a virtual tree organisation commonly used in exact methods (Branch and Bound) to generate a fully disjoint and well distributed (over the search space) initial population in each island. This method can be used for all permutation-based problems (QAP, Flow-shop, Q3AP.). regardless of the number of permutations. Experiments are performed over Q3AP benchmarks using a $10$ island model. The results shows the efficiency of the proposed method especially for large instances.
Power laws and inverse motion modelling: application to turbulence measurements from satellite images

Abstract In the context of tackling the ill-posed inverse problem of motion estimation from image sequences, we propose to introduce prior knowledge on flow regularity given by turbulence statistical models. Prior regularity is formalised using turbulence power laws describing statistically self-similar structure of motion increments across scales. The motion estimation method minimises the error of an image observation model while constraining second-order structure function to behave as a power law within a prescribed range. Thanks to a Bayesian modelling framework, the motion estimation method is able to jointly infer the most likely power law directly from image data. The method is assessed on velocity fields of 2-D or quasi-2-D flows. Estimation accuracy is first evaluated on a synthetic image sequence of homogeneous and isotropic 2-D turbulence. Results obtained with the approach based on physics of fluids outperform state-of-the-art. Then, the method analyses atmospheric turbulence using a real meteorological image sequence. Selecting the most likely power law model enables the recovery of physical quantities, which are of major interest for turbulence atmospheric characterisation. In particular, from meteorological images we are able to estimate energy and enstrophy fluxes of turbulent cascades, which are in agreement with previous in situ measurements.
Henderson Instructions: Do They Enhance Evidence Evaluation?

ABSTRACT Mistaken eyewitness identifications are a leading cause of wrongful convictions. Even with procedural safeguards (e.g., attorney argument, cross-examination of witnesses) in place, jurors still have difficulty evaluating the reliability of eyewitness identifications. The purpose of the current study was to test the New Jersey Supreme Court’s assumptions that recently implemented research-based case-specific jury instructions will sensitize jurors to unreliable eyewitness testimony. Four hundred sixty-eight jury-eligible adults watched a trial simulation in which estimator variables, system variables, and jury instruction were manipulated, and subsequently rendered a verdict. The Henderson instructions influenced mock jurors’ perceptions of the eyewitness identification, but these perceptions did not translate to their verdict decisions. Rather than sensitizing jurors, the instructions induced an overall skepticism of eyewitness identification. Taken together, results indicate that the current Henderson instructions should be modified to improve juror sensitivity to various witnessing and identification conditions.
The Homework Shared by the Team in Vocational Training

In order to enhance the effectiveness of on-the-job training, and hone the communication and coordination skills of trainees while improving their professional and technical skills. This paper discusses the significance of homework sharing in vocational training, the principles of task selection, the structure of teams in such training sessions, the control of training progress, and the design of specific cases. Homework sharing in vocational training gives full play to the trainees’ learning initiative and creativity, expands the depth and breadth of their skills, and helps improve their technical skills, team spirit and ability to cooperate for different tasks.
An investigation of the film thickness calculation for elastohydrodynamic lubrication problems

Two algorithms for solving the elastohydrodynamic lubrication problem are compared in this paper. The first, a so-called decoupled method, employs an integral form for the calculation of the elastic deformation of the solid surfaces [1]. The second, a coupled method, uses either the integral form or a reformulation of the deflection computation into an equivalent differential form [2]. Results are presented which contrast the accuracy of the two approaches and consider their efficient numerical implementation. Copyright c © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulation of groundwater dynamics in the North China Plain by coupled hydrology and agricultural models

We simulated the effects of irrigation on groundwater flow dynamics in the North China Plain by coupling the NIES Integrated Catchment‐based Ecohydrology (NICE) model with DSSAT‐wheat and DSSAT‐maize, two agricultural models. This combined model (NICE‐AGR) was applied to the Hai River catchment and the lower reach of the Yellow River (530 km wide by 840 km long) at a resolution of 5 km. It reproduced excellently the soil moisture, evapotranspiration and crop production of summer maize and winter wheat, correctly estimating crop water use. So, the spatial distribution of crop water use was reasonably estimated at daily steps in the simulation area. In particular, NICE‐AGR reproduced groundwater levels better than the use of statistical water use data. This indicates that NICE‐AGR does not need detailed statistical data on water use, making it very powerful for evaluating and estimating the water dynamics of catchments with little statistical data on seasonal water use. Furthermore, the simulation reproduced the spatial distribution of groundwater level in 1987 and 1988 in the Hebei Plain, showing a major reduction of groundwater level due mainly to overpumping for irrigation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
UWB channel measurement and data transfer analysis for multiuser Infostation applications

In this paper, the results of the time dispersion parameters obtained from a set of channel measurements conducted in various environments that are typical of multiuser Infostation application scenarios are presented. The measurement procedure takes into account the practical scenarios typical of the positions and movements of the users in the particular Infostation network. To provide one with the knowledge of how much data can be downloaded by users over a given time and mobile speed, data transfer analysis for multiband orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MB-OFDM) is presented. As expected, the rough estimate of simultaneous data transfer in a multiuser Infostation scenario indicates dependency of the percentage of download on the data size, number and speed of the users, and the elapse time.
Robust statistical estimation of curvature on discretized surfaces

A robust statistics approach to curvature estimation on discretely sampled surfaces, namely polygon meshes and point clouds, is presented. The method exhibits accuracy, stability and consistency even for noisy, non-uniformly sampled surfaces with irregular configurations. Within an M-estimation framework, the algorithm is able to reject noise and structured outliers by sampling normal variations in an adaptively reweighted neighborhood around each point. The algorithm can be used to reliably derive higher order differential attributes and even correct noisy surface normals while preserving the fine features of the normal and curvature field. The approach is compared with state-of-the-art curvature estimation methods and shown to improve accuracy by up to an order of magnitude across ground truth test surfaces under varying tessellation densities and types as well as increasing degrees of noise. Finally, the benefits of a robust statistical estimation of curvature are illustrated by applying it to the popular applications of mesh segmentation and suggestive contour rendering.
Repair and regeneration: opportunities for carcinogenesis from tissue stem cells

This review will discuss the mechanisms of repair and regeneration in various tissue types and how dysregulation of these mechaisms may lead to cancer. Normal homeostasis involves a careful balance between cell loss and cell renewal. Stem and progenitor cells perform these biologic processes as the functional units of regeneration during both tissue homeostasis and repair. The concept of tissue stem cells capable of giving rise to all differentiated cells within a given tissue led to the concept of a cellulr hierarchy in tissues and in tumors. Thus, only a few cells may be necessary and sufficient for tissue repair or tumor regeneration. This is known as the hierarchical model of tumorigenesis. This report will compare this model with the stochastic model of tumorigenesis. Under normal circumstances, the processes of tissue regeneration or homeostasis are tightly regulated by several morphogen pathways to prevent excessive or inappropriate cell growth. This review presents the recent evidence that dysregulation of these processes may provide opportunities for carcinogenesis for the long‐lived, highly proliferative tissue stem cell population. New findings of cancer initiating tissue stem cells identified in several solid and circulating cancers including breast, brain hematopoietic tumors will also be reviewed. Finally, this report reviews the cellular biology of cancer and its relevance to the development of more effective cancer treatment protocols.
In Situ Observations of Madden–Julian Oscillation Mixed Layer Dynamics in the Indian and Western Pacific Oceans

AbstractThe boreal winter response of the ocean mixed layer to the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) in the Indo-Pacific region is determined using in situ observations from the Argo profiling float dataset. Composite averages over numerous events reveal that the MJO forces systematic variations in mixed layer depth and temperature throughout the domain. Strong MJO mixed layer depth anomalies (>15 m peak to peak) are observed in the central Indian Ocean and in the far western Pacific Ocean. The strongest mixed layer temperature variations (>0.6°C peak to peak) are found in the central Indian Ocean and in the region between northwest Australia and Java. A heat budget analysis is used to evaluate which processes are responsible for mixed layer temperature variations at MJO time scales. Though uncertainties in the heat budget are on the same order as the temperature trend, the analysis nonetheless demonstrates that mixed layer temperature variations associated with the canonical MJO are driven largely by anoma.
Optimized Parameter of Contactless Energy Transmission System Realized by Optimum Energy-Efficiency Product

Energy coupling realized by contactless magnetic tank transformer as new approach of rotator excitation in synchronous machine could replace brushes and slip rings of traditional excitation. For new contactless energy transmission (CET) system, its research about energyefficiency quality still remains a low level because application and research of CET isn’t comprehensive, especially how to improve transfer power and efficiency isn’t enough. According to characteristics of contactless energy transmission system, mutual inductance model was used to describe the loosely coupled connection between primary and secondary winding. Then, optimum energy-efficiency product was proposed. We can use this indicator to consider efficiency, system cost, reliability and so on based on maximum output power. Mutual inductance coupling parameter would be optimized through this indicator and optimum design of system energy-efficiency characteristic would be realized at minimum cost. Although the input voltage had little increase, experiment and simulation research proved that system efficiency had a quit handsome increase based on optimum energy-efficiency product which established mutual inductance coupling parameter. The results of experiment agreed with the results of theory analysis in general and it verified the validity of theory analysis.
Therapeutic Potential of Targeting the Th17/Treg Axis in Autoimmune Disorders

A disruption of the crucial balance between regulatory T-cells (Tregs) and Th17-cells was recently implicated in various autoimmune disorders. Tregs are responsible for the maintenance of self-tolerance, thus inhibiting autoimmunity, whereas pro-inflammatory Th17-cells contribute to the induction and propagation of inflammation. Distortion of the Th17/Treg balance favoring the pro-inflammatory Th17 side is hence suspected to contribute to exacerbation of autoimmune disorders. This review aims to summarize recent data and advances in targeted therapeutic modification of the Th17/Treg-balance, as well as information on the efficacy of candidate therapeutics with respect to the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Genetic History of Hepatitis C Virus in Venezuela: High Diversity and Long Time of Evolution of HCV Genotype 2

Background The subtype diversity of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes is unknown in Venezuela. Methodology/Principal Findings Partial sequencing of the NS5B region was performed in 310 isolates circulating in patients from 1995 to 2007. In the samples collected between 2005 and 2007, HCV genotype 1 (G1) was the most common genotype (63%), composed as expected of mainly G1a and G1b. G2 was the second most common genotype (33%), being G2a almost absent and G2j the most frequent subtype. Sequence analysis of the core region confirmed the subtype assignment performed within the NS5b region in 63 isolates. The complete genome sequence of G2j was obtained. G2j has been described in France, Canada and Burkina Fasso, but it was not found in Martinique, where several subtypes of G2 circulate in the general population. Bayesian coalescence analysis indicated a most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of G2j around 1785, before the introduction of G1b (1869) and G1a (1922). While HCV G1a and G1b experienced a growth reduction since 1990, coincident with the time when blood testing was implemented in Venezuela, HCV G2j did not seem to reach growth equilibrium during this period. Conclusions/Significance Assuming the introduction of G2j from Africa during the slave trade, the high frequency of G2j found in Venezuela could suggest: 1- the introduction of African ethnic groups different from the ones introduced to Martinique or 2- the occurrence of a founder effect. This study represents an in-depth analysis of the subtype diversity of HCV in Venezuela, which is still unexplored in the Americas and deserves further studies.
Theory and management of tropical multispecies stocks: a review, with emphasis on the Southeast Asian demersal fisheries

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any fonn without written pennission from the author and the publisher. Preface The present review-is mainly an attempt at critically reviewing the demersal fisheries of Southeast Asia and the models used for managing them. As most people working in the region will agree, much is wrong with these fisheries: many are overcapitalized; they are always extremely difficult to monitor; and they are beset with problems related to effective enforcement of any selected management scheme. Possibly because of what appear to be intractable practical problems, the theory behind the stock·assess-ment models and the rules of thumb derived therefrom used in the region have been notably neglected, the result being that models which now appear unrealistic have been used for years. The present paper may thus be seen as an attempt to question these rules and models and I hope to set the stage for a fresh look at the problems and their possible solutio~. I realize, however, that this will appear quite presumptuous; after all, haven't our models very well explained the collapse of the sardine, herring and ancho-veta stocks? The first version of the present paper was written while I was a consultant at ICLARM's Manila head· quarters, from 15 June to 20 August 1978. Several iii important papers on the fisheries of the region had not been available to me at that time (especially SCS 1978 a and b, Lawson 1978, and Pope 1979). I have attempted, when preparing the final draft, to incorporate appropriate references to these papers. I have made no attempt, however, to process the raw data given in these papers, which in all cases differ only in details from the data used here. In the case of SCS (1978 a and b), the use of the new set of effort data on the Gulf of Thailand fishery would have forced me to recalculate most of my tables, but would not have changed the conclusions reached here. It is these conclusions which matter most. They differ greatly from those of other authors dealing with this, or similar sets of data. As far as my conclusions are concerned, I suggest, along with Warren S. McCulloch: "Don't bite my fmger-Iook where it is pointing. " Pauly, Daniel. 1979. Theory. and management of tropical multispecies stocks: A review, with emphasis on the Southeast Asian demersal fisheries. ICLARM Studies This paper consists …
Basis for Cumulative Cultural Evolution in Chimpanzees: Social Learning of a More Efficient Tool-Use Technique

Background The evidence for culture in non-human animals has been growing incrementally over the past two decades. However, the ability for cumulative cultural evolution, with successive generations building on earlier achievements, in non-human animals remains debated. Faithful social learning of incremental improvements in technique is considered to be a defining feature of human culture, differentiating human from non-human cultures. This study presents the first experimental evidence for chimpanzees' social transmission of a more efficient tool-use technique invented by a conspecific group member. Methodology/Principal Findings The chimpanzees were provided with a straw-tube, and spontaneously demonstrated two different techniques in obtaining juice through a small hole: “dipping” and “straw-sucking”. Both the “dipping” and “straw-sucking” techniques depended on the use of the same tool (straw-tube) for the same target (juice) accessible from exactly the same location (small hole 1 cm in diameter). Therefore the difference between “dipping” and “straw-sucking” was only in “technique”. Although the two techniques differed significantly in their efficiency, their cognitive and perceptuo-motor complexity were comparable. All five chimpanzees who initially performed the “dipping” technique switched to using the more efficient “straw-sucking” technique upon observing a conspecific or human demonstrate the more proficient alternate “straw-sucking” technique. Conclusions/Significance The social learning mechanism involved here was clearly not local or stimulus enhancement, but imitation or emulation of a tool-use technique. When there is no biologically relevant difference in cognitive or perceptuo-motor complexity between two techniques, and when chimpanzees are dissatisfied with their own technique, chimpanzees may socially learn an improved technique upon close observation of a proficient demonstrator. This study provides important insights into the cognitive basis for cumulative culture in chimpanzees, and also suggests possible conditions in which cumulative cultural evolution could arise even in non-human animals.