Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards the Definition of a Context-Aware Exception Handling Mechanism

The development of dependable context-aware applications represents a major challenge to software engineers of contemporary systems. In this context, this position paper proposes the definition of a Context-Aware Exception Handling Mechanism to be incorporated into the Mid Sensor Net, a middleware of multi-tier services for Wireless Sensor Networks(WSNs) that provides a expressive and flexible mechanism to publish/subscribe events of interest, and reusable interfaces that employ web standard technologies to provide interoperability between services and applications.
Activation of the rostromedial prefrontal cortex during the experience of positive emotion in the context of esthetic experience. An fNIRS study

The contemplation of visual art requires attention to be directed to external stimulus properties and internally generated thoughts. It has been proposed that the medial rostral prefrontal cortex (rPFC; BA10) plays a role in the maintenance of attention on external stimuli whereas the lateral area of the rPFC is associated with the preservation of attention on internal cognitions. An alternative hypothesis associates activation of medial rPFC with internal cognitions related to the self during emotion regulation. The aim of the current study was to differentiate activation within rPFC using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) during the viewing of visual art selected to induce positive and negative valence, which were viewed under two conditions: (1) emotional introspection and (2) external object identification. Thirty participants (15 female) were recruited. Sixteen pre-rated images that represented either positive or negative valence were selected from an existing database of visual art. In one condition, participants were directed to engage in emotional introspection during picture viewing. The second condition involved a spot-the-difference task where participants compared two almost identical images, a viewing strategy that directed attention to external properties of the stimuli. The analysis revealed a significant increase of oxygenated blood in the medial rPFC during viewing of positive images compared to negative images. This finding suggests that the rPFC is involved during positive evaluations of visual art that may be related to judgment of pleasantness or attraction. The fNIRS data revealed no significant main effect between the two viewing conditions, which seemed to indicate that the emotional impact of the stimuli remained unaffected by the two viewing conditions.
Effect of inhaled morphine on the development of breathlessness during exercise in patients with chronic lung disease.

BACKGROUND: Inhaled morphine has previously been shown to increase exercise endurance in patients with chronic lung disease. A similar study was performed to determine whether inhaled morphine reduces the sensation of breathlessness in this group of patients. METHODS: A randomised double blind study on the effect of nebulised morphine on both exercise induced breathlessness and maximum achievable power output using isotonic saline as a control was performed in 10 patients with stable chronic lung disease. Each subject performed a progressive exercise test (Jones' stage I) on an electrically braked cycle ergometer. The work load was increased by 10 watts per minute and subjects exercised to exhaustion. At the end of each minute of exercise patients were asked to rate their degree of breathlessness according to a modified Borg scale. All subjects were randomised to receive either inhaled morphine sulphate 1 mg/ml (5 ml) or isotonic saline (5 ml) by wet nebulisation. The effect of morphine and saline on the achieved exercise capacity and the development of breathlessness during exercise was tested on separate days. RESULTS: The mean dose of morphine inhaled was 1.24 mg. There was no difference in maximum power output achieved, minute ventilation at maximum power output, nor the degree of breathlessness at maximum power output between the groups treated with morphine and placebo. The degree of breathlessness was related to the power output achieved during exercise by a power function relationship (mean r: morphine = 0.86, saline = 0.87). However, there was a wide variation in the sensation for any given power output in both groups. There was no difference in the group mean slopes (morphine = 1.15, saline = 1.00) or intercepts (morphine = 0.07, saline = 0.15) in this relationship between the morphine and saline treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with severe chronic lung disease inhaled morphine in the doses used in this study does not relieve exercise induced breathlessness nor does it increase maximum power output achieved during progressive exercise.
Promoting multifoci citizenship behavior: Time-lagged effects of procedural justice, trust, and commitment.

To explain why procedural justice leads to organisational citizenship behavior (OCB), both commitment and trust have been studied—but never concurrently. Moreover, as employees aim their behaviors toward distinct targets in the workplace, citizenship behaviors as well as commitment and trust should be considered as multifoci constructs. To address this, 204 industrial workers were surveyed over a period of three years. Data were analysed with Mplus using structural equation modeling. Our time-lagged findings show that procedural justice was linked to OCB, and that this link was mediated successively by trust and commitment. Moreover, we found target-specific effects: Procedural justice effects on organisational citizenship behavior were mediated by organisational trust and organisational commitment, whereas procedural justice effects on co-worker citizenship behavior were mediated by co-worker trust and co-worker commitment. These results underscore the importance of including multifoci trust for understanding the procedural justice–OCB link. We discuss theoretical implications for studying target-specific citizenship behaviors and their antecedents, and deduce practical implications for fostering multifoci citizenship behaviors.
The dynamic relation between CDS markets and the VIX index

This study uses a comprehensive data set of VIX and CDS markets to propose pairs trading strategies that represent the dynamic relation between market risk and credit risk in an equilibrium framework with non stationary factors. This involves the analysis of price discovery between VIX and the 47 most traded iTraxx companies. We find cointegration between market risk and credit risk and predominant price leadership in the VIX market. CDS spreads can thus be replicated through positions in the VIX derivatives markets. We demonstrate how one can capitalize on the price discovery between market and credit risk by building a pairs arbitrage strategy whose profits are driven by the common price discovery factor. The respective portfolios are tested against statistical arbitrage. (JEL: C13, C51, G12, G13, G14)
DNA Encoding an HIV-1 Gag/Human Lysosome-Associated Membrane Protein-1 Chimera Elicits a Broad Cellular and Humoral Immune Response in Rhesus Macaques

Previous studies of HIV-1 p55Gag immunization of mice have demonstrated the usefulness of targeting antigens to the cellular compartment containing the major histocompatibility complex type II (MHC II) complex molecules by use of a DNA antigen formulation encoding Gag as a chimera with the mouse lysosome-associated membrane protein (mLAMP/gag). In the present study, we have analyzed the magnitude and breadth of Gag-specific T-lymphocyte and antibody responses elicited in Rhesus macaques after immunization with DNA encoding a human LAMP/gag (hLAMP/gag) chimera. ELISPOT analyses indicated that the average Gag-specific IFN-γ response elicited by the hLAMP/gag chimera was detectable after only two or three naked DNA immunizations in all five immunized macaques and reached an average of 1000 spot-forming cells (SFC)/106 PBMCs. High IFN-γ ELISPOT responses were detected in CD8+-depleted cells, indicating that CD4+ T-cells play a major role in these responses. The T-cell responses of four of the macaques were also tested by use of ELISPOT to 12 overlapping 15-amino acids (aa) peptide pools containing ten peptides each, encompassing the complete Gag protein sequence. The two Mamu 08 immunized macaques responded to eight and twelve of the pools, the Mamu B01 to six, and the other macaque to five pools indicating that the hLAMP/gag DNA antigen formulation elicits a broad T-cell response against Gag. Additionally, there was a strong HIV-1-specific IgG response. The IgG antibody titers increased after each DNA injection, indicating a strong amnestic B-cell response, and were highly elevated in all the macaques after three immunizations. Moreover, the serum of each macaque recognized 13 of the 49 peptides of a 20-aa peptide library covering the complete Gag amino acid sequence. In addition, HIV-1-specific IgA antibodies were present in the plasma and external secretions, including nasal washes. These data support the findings of increased immunogenicity of genetic vaccines encoded as LAMP chimeras, including the response to DNA vaccines by non-human primates.
The environment of "E+A" galaxies

The violent star formation history of ``E+A'' galaxies and their detection almost exclusively in distant clusters is frequently used to link them to the ``Butcher-Oemler effect'' and to argue that cluster environment influences galaxy evolution. From 11113 spectra in the Las Campanas Redshift Survey, we have obtained a unique sample of 21 nearby ``E+A" galaxies. Surprisingly, a large fraction (about 75%) of these ``E+A''s lie in the field. Therefore, interactions with the cluster environment, in the form of the ICM or cluster potential, are not essential for ``E+A'' formation. If one mechanism is responsible for ``E+A''s, their existence in the field and the tidal features in at least 5 of the 21 argue that galaxy-galaxy interactions and mergers are that mechanism. The most likely environments for such interactions are poor groups, which have lower velocity dispersions than clusters and higher galaxy densities than the field. In hierarchical models, groups fall into clusters in greater numbers at intermediate redshifts than they do today. Thus, the Butcher-Oemler effect may reflect the typical evolution of galaxies in groups and in the field rather than the influence of clusters on star formation in galaxies. This abstract is abridged.
Neonatal presentation of familial glucocorticoid deficiency resulting from a novel splice mutation in the melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein

Background Familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterised by isolated glucocorticoid deficiency. Mutations in the ACTH receptor/melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R), the MC2R accessory protein (MRAP) or the STAR protein (STAR) cause FGD types 1, 2 and 3, respectively, accounting for ∼50% of all cases. Patient and methods We report a neonate of Indian origin, who was diagnosed with FGD in the first few days of life. He presented with hypoglycaemic seizures and was noted to have generalised intense hyperpigmentation and normal male genitalia. Biochemical investigations revealed hypocortisolaemia (cortisol 0.223 μg/dl; NR 1–23 μg/dl) and elevated plasma ACTH (170 pg/ml). Serum electrolytes, aldosterone and plasma renin activity were normal. Peak cortisol following a standard synacthen test was 0.018 μg/dl. He responded to hydrocortisone treatment and continues on replacement. Patient DNA was analysed by direct sequencing. The effect of the novel mutation was assessed by an in vitro splicing assay using wild type and mutant heterologous minigenes. Results A novel homozygous mutation c.106+2_3dupTA was found in the MRAP gene. Both parents were heterozygous for the mutation. In an in vitro splicing assay, the mutation resulted in the skipping of exon 3. Conclusion We have identified a novel MRAP mutation where disruption of the intron 3 splice-site results in a prematurely terminated translation product. This protein (if produced) would lack the transmembrane domain that is essential for MC2R interaction. We predict that this would cause complete lack of ACTH response thus explaining the early presentation in this case.
Exploring English language teaching approaches in Saudi Higher Education in the West Province

There is strong evidence in the literature that communicative interaction approaches may be an appropriate method of teaching English language skills, particularly speaking. There is a long-standing deficiency at the school level in the Saudi context; that is, the English language curricula at that particular level are inflexible, and passive learning and traditional, teacher-centred teaching methods are used. However, English language teaching is more collaborative, interactive and communicative at the university level, which may contribute to the development of EFL communicative competence. This study aimed to interview fifty-five Saudi EFL students aged 18 to 21 in three institutions at the preparatory year at the university/college level with their 11 English teachers. These interviews sought to discover these participants’ perceptions regarding the L2 teaching and learning approaches that might support the EFL students to use the TL in communicative interaction situations in the classroom. Prior to this, they were observed in their proficiency level classes, with their lessons being recorded on video. These classroom observations supported the interviews and scrutinised the communicative interaction and the TL practices taking place in the TL classroom, in order to identify congruence and incongruence in the participants’ responses. These two methodological tools played an important role in achieving the aim of the study in exploring the use of the communicative interaction approaches and their activities in that stage. The data of this investigation were qualitatively analysed to give findings related to the employment of the communicative interaction approaches to using the TL through communicative interaction activities (CIAs). The findings suggest that the generation of a collaborative learning environment and CIAs appeared to be suitable for learners of English as a foreign language at the level examined in the higher education institutions in this study. Among the benefits of a collaborative learning environment and the use of CIAs are the development of speaking skills, the reduction of anxiety about speaking in class, and increased enjoyment and motivation to learn English. It was concluded that activities such as game-based, peer discussion and learners’ talk were suitable activities for EFL learners in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). These activities can also support the creation of an ‘authentic’ context, relevant to situations experienced by the EFL students in real life. It is therefore recommended that education policy makers in the KSA consider the inclusion of these activities in the curriculum and English language teachers’ application of these tasks using the TL in the language classrooms.
The Janus Head of the HD 12661 Planetary System

In this work, we perform a global analysis of the radial velocity curve of the HD 12661 system. Orbital fits that are obtained by the genetic and gradient algorithms of minimization reveal the proximity of the system to the 6 : 1 mean motion resonance. The orbits are locked in the secular resonance with apsidal axes librating about 180°, with a full amplitude of ≃90°-180°. Our solution incorporates the mutual interaction between the companions. A stability analysis with the MEGNO (Mean Exponential Growth factor of Nearby Orbits) indicator shows that the system is located in an extended stable zone of quasi-periodic motions. These results are different from those obtained on the basis of the orbital fit published by Fischer et al.
Can E-Governance Reduce Capture of Public Programs? Experimental Evidence from a Financial Reform of India's Employment Guarantee

Traditionally, fund flow to local bodies responsible for implementing social programs is based on intended expenditure ratified by higher levels of administration. This paper reports on a field experiment which evaluated an e-governance reform of the fund-flow system for the workfare program in the Indian state of Bihar. The reform changed the traditional fund flow practice by instead conditioning fund disbursement for wage payments on incurred expenditure as reflected in worker detail entry on a new electronic platform. This reform reduced the number of administrative tiers associated with wage disbursement and changed the informational requirements for requesting and disbursing program funds. We find that program expenditure and reported employment declined by 25%, but with no discernible impact on actual employment as measured by independent surveys. Our results suggest that e-governance can reduce leakages of public funds but may not by itself improve public service delivery.
The Complete Female- and Male-Transmitted Mitochondrial Genome of Meretrix lamarckii

Bivalve mitochondrial genomes show many uncommon features, like additional genes, high rates of gene rearrangement, high A-T content. Moreover, Doubly Uniparental Inheritance (DUI) is a distinctive inheritance mechanism allowing some bivalves to maintain and transmit two separate sex-linked mitochondrial genomes. Many bivalve mitochondrial features, such as gene extensions or additional ORFs, have been proposed to be related to DUI but, up to now, this topic is far from being understood. Several species are known to show this unusual organelle inheritance but, being widespread only among Unionidae and Mytilidae, DUI distribution is unclear. We sequenced and characterized the complete female- (F) and male-transmitted (M) mitochondrial genomes of Meretrix lamarckii, which, in fact, is the second species of the family Veneridae where DUI has been demonstrated so far. The two mitochondrial genomes are comparable in length and show roughly the same gene content and order, except for three additional tRNAs found in the M one. The two sex-linked genomes show an average nucleotide divergence of 16%. A 100-aminoacid insertion in M. lamarckii M-cox2 gene was found; moreover, additional ORFs have been found in both F and M Long Unassigned Regions of M. lamarckii. Even if no direct involvement in DUI process has been demonstrated so far, the finding of cox2 insertions and supernumerary ORFs in M. lamarckii both strengthens this hypothesis and widens the taxonomical distribution of such unusual features. Finally, the analysis of inter-sex genetic variability shows that DUI species form two separate clusters, namely Unionidae and Mytilidae+Veneridae; this dichotomy is probably due to different DUI regimes acting on separate taxa.
Two-level systems driven by large-amplitude fields

We analyze the dynamics of a two-level system subject to driving by large-amplitude external fields, focusing on the resonance properties in the case of driving around the region of avoided level crossing. In particular, we consider three main questions that characterize resonance dynamics: (1) the resonance condition (2) the frequency of the resulting oscillations on resonance, and (3) the width of the resonance. We identify the regions of validity of different approximations. In a large region of the parameter space, we use a geometric picture in order to obtain both a simple understanding of the dynamics and quantitative results. The geometric approach is obtained by dividing the evolution into discrete time steps, with each time step described by either a phase shift on the basis states or a coherent mixing process corresponding to a Landau-Zener crossing. We compare the results of the geometric picture with those of a rotating wave approximation. We also comment briefly on the prospects of employing strong driving as a useful tool to manipulate two-level systems.
Head pose estimation in the wild using approximate view manifolds

In this paper, we present a head pose estimation method for unconstrained images using feature-based manifold embedding. The main challenge of manifold embedding methods is to learn a similarity kernel that is reflective of variations only due to head pose and ignore other sources of variation. To address this challenge, we have used the feature correspondences of identity-invariant Geometric Blur features to learn a similarity kernel. To speed up the computation of the similarity kernel, we have used spatial pyramidal matching to approximate feature correspondences and random subsampling of training samples to approximate graph neighborhood. In addition to these approximations, we have used the Nyström approximation to embed out-of-sample test images in an efficient manner. Using these approximations, an approximate view manifold was learned for 14000 images in the Annotated Facial Landmarks in the Wild (AFLW) dataset. With the learned manifold, head pose estimation was performed on four in-the-wild face datasets - AFLW (remaining 7000 images), AFW, McGill and YouTube Faces. The Approximate View Manifold training achieves a 7X speedup compared to the non-approximated Learning-manifold-in-the-wild approach [15]. Further, pose estimation using the proposed approach shows significant improvement in accuracy and reduced Mean Angular Error(MAE) compared to other methods [36, 1, 29] on the challenging AFLW (7041 images), McGill (6833 images) and YouTube Faces (22534 images) datasets.
Smoking and substance abuse among nurses in Turkey: A systematic literature analysis

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Background: It is necessary that physicians, nurses, other health professionals and even medical students and students of nursing and midwifery schools abstain from smoking. Those who are already smokers should quit or make sure that patients are not around when smoking. Purpose: This study aims to examine the substance abuse among nurses, the substances that they mostly abuse and affecting factors in light of previous studies conducted in Turkey. Method: Systematic literature review. Results: Studies conducted in Turkey show that smoking rate among nurses varies between 42.3% to 68.6%, while quit rate varies between 6% to 12.7%. Unfortunately, these results are quite high. Being a widow/widower, having divorced, presence of a mental problem requiring treatment, and being a high school graduate increase the likelihood of smoking. Nurses with a university degree start smoking at the age of 21 or above. The leading reason for smoking is social environment and friends, followed by stress/boredom and pretension/enjoyment. Conclusion: Organizing educational programs and campaigns for all nurses, especially for the students of nursing and health vocational schools, which focus on the negative effects of smoking and quitting, and making changes in the curricula of health-related programs so that students get familiar with the topic as early as in the first year of their education, would make the fight against substance abuse more effective.
‘All of that’s gone now’

Extra-curricular programmes that unite police officers and youth (hereafter: ‘police-youth programmes’) have long been recommended to ameliorate the often-strained relationship between these groups. Baltimore’s history of police-youth programming includes initiating and discontinuing a variety of programmes. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews and focus group discussions among diverse stakeholders to identify barriers to sustaining police-youth programmes. Stakeholders described lack of political will, conflicting policing philosophies, and negative police-community dynamics. Participants were optimistic about the potential impact of quality programming, despite these barriers. Police-youth programmes have the capacity to improve police-youth relationships in Baltimore. Strategies to ensure sustainability and increase impact are discussed.