Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monte-Carlo randomized algorithm: Empirical analysis on real-world information systems

Determination of development priority of information system subsystems is a problem that warrants resolution during information system development. It has been proven, previously, that this problem of information system development order is in fact NP-complete, NP-hard, and APX-hard. To solve this problem on a general case we have previously developed Monte-Carlo randomized algorithm, calculated complexity of this algorithm, and so on. After previous research we were able to come into possession of digraphs that represent real-world information systems. Therefore, in this paper we will empirically analyze Monte-Carlo algorithm to determine how the algorithm works on real-world examples. Also, we will critically review the results and give some possible areas of future research as well.
Blob Ejection from Advection-dominated Accretion Flow. II. The Multiwavelength Properties of Light Curves

It has been argued that blobs ejected from advection-dominated accretion flow through the accretion-ejection instability undergo expansion because of their high internal energy density. The expanding blobs interact with their surroundings and form a strong shock, which accelerates a group of electrons to be relativistic. Then flares are formed. This model has advances in two aspects: shock acceleration and self-consistent injection. We derive an analytical formula of the injection function of relativistic electrons based on Sedov's law. We calculate the time-dependent spectrum of relativistic electrons in such an expanding blob. The light-travel effect, the evolution of the electron spectrum due to energy loss, and the escape of relativistic electrons from the radiating region are considered, as well as the expansion (at subrelativistic speed) of the coasting blob. A large number of light curves spanning a wide range of parameters have been given in this paper. Regarding the symmetry, relative amplitude, duration of a flare, and the time lag between peak fluxes, we find four basic kinds of light curves for the nonexpanding blob and seven basic kinds of light curves for the expanding blob. The expansion weakens the magnetic field as well as enlarging the size of the blob. The predicted light curves thus show very complicated properties that are composed of the basic light curves, because the physical conditions are changing in the expanding blob. For the rapid decays of magnetic field (for example, B ∝ r-n), we find that the falling profile is a power law of time as νFν ∝ t(1-α)n/5, where α is the power-law index of injected electrons. This decline is controlled by the decay of magnetic field rather than the energy losses of relativistic electrons. We also calculate the evolution of the photon spectrum from both nonexpanding and expanding blobs. Different shapes in the phase of decreasing luminosity are then obtained for different parameter values. The photon index αph stays constant for nonexpanding blobs when luminosity decreases, whereas αph continues to decrease after the luminosity reaches its maximum for expanding blobs. It is expected that we can extract the information on ejected blobs from the observed light curves based on the present model.
The Brain Matures with Stronger Functional Connectivity and Decreased Randomness of Its Network

We investigated the development of the brain's functional connectivity throughout the life span (ages 5 through 71 years) by measuring EEG activity in a large population-based sample. Connectivity was established with Synchronization Likelihood. Relative randomness of the connectivity patterns was established with Watts and Strogatz' (1998) graph parameters C (local clustering) and L (global path length) for alpha (∼10 Hz), beta (∼20 Hz), and theta (∼4 Hz) oscillation networks. From childhood to adolescence large increases in connectivity in alpha, theta and beta frequency bands were found that continued at a slower pace into adulthood (peaking at ∼50 yrs). Connectivity changes were accompanied by increases in L and C reflecting decreases in network randomness or increased order (peak levels reached at ∼18 yrs). Older age (55+) was associated with weakened connectivity. Semi-automatically segmented T1 weighted MRI images of 104 young adults revealed that connectivity was significantly correlated to cerebral white matter volume (alpha oscillations: r = 33, p<01; theta: r = 22, p<05), while path length was related to both white matter (alpha: max. r = 38, p<001) and gray matter (alpha: max. r = 36, p<001; theta: max. r = 36, p<001) volumes. In conclusion, EEG connectivity and graph theoretical network analysis may be used to trace structural and functional development of the brain.
The Design and Simulation of Natural Personalised Ventilation (NPV) System for Multi-Bed Hospital Wards

Adequate ventilation is necessary for thermal comfort and reducing risks from infectious bio-aerosols in hospital wards, but achieving this with mechanical ventilation has carbon and energy implications. Natural ventilation is often limited to window-based designs whose dilution/mixing effectiveness are subject to constraints of wind speed, cross ventilation, and in the case of hospital wards, proximity of patients to external walls. A buoyancy-driven natural ventilation system capable of achieving dilution/mixing was shown to be feasible in a preceding study of novel system called natural personalised ventilation (NPV). This system combined both architecture and airflow engineering principles of space design and buoyancy and was tested and validated (salt-bath experiment) for a single bed ward. This research extends the previous work and is proof-of-concept on the feasibility of NPV system for multi-bed wards. Two different four-bed ward types were investigated of using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations under wind-neutral conditions. Results predict that NPV system could deliver fresh air to multiple patients, including those located 10 m away from external wall, with absolute flow rates of between 32 L·s−1 and 54 L·s−1 for each patient/bed. Compared to same wards simulated using window design, ingress of airborne contaminants into patients’ breathing zone and summer overheating potential were minimised, while overall ward dilution was maximised. Findings suggest the NPV has potentials for enabling architects and building service engineers to decouple airflow delivery from the visualisation and illumination responsibilities placed upon windows.
Analyzing Transit User Behavior with 51 Weeks of Smart Card Data

A better understanding of mobility behaviors is relevant to many applications in public transportation, from more accurate travel demand models to improved supply adjustment, customized services and integrated pricing. In line with this context, this study mined 51 weeks of smart card (SC) data from Montréal, Canada to analyze interpersonal and intrapersonal variability in the weekly use of public transit. Passengers who used only one type of product (AP − annual pass, MP − monthly pass, or TB − ticket book) over 12 months were selected, amounting to some 200,000 cards. Data was first preprocessed and summarized into card-week vectors to generate a typology of weeks. The most popular weekly patterns were identified for each type of product and further studied at the individual level. Sequences of week clusters were constructed to represent the weekly travel behavior of each user over 51 weeks. They were then segmented by type of product according to an original distance, therefore highlighting the heterogeneity between passengers. Two indicators were also proposed to quantify intrapersonal regularity as the repetition of weekly clusters throughout the weeks. The results revealed MP owners have a more regular and diversified use of public transit. AP users are mainly commuters whereas TB users tend to be more occasional transit users. However, some atypical groups were found for each type of product, for instance users with 4-day work weeks and loyal TB users.
SOA Middleware Support for Service Process Reconfiguration with End-to-End QoS Constraints

In SOA, services may become volatile and fail to deliver the quality of service as requested by users. In this paper, we present an approach for repairing failed services by replacing them with new services and ensuring the new service process still meets the user specified end-to-end QoS constraints. An iterative structural inspection algorithm is designed to produce reconfiguration regions that include one or more failed service. By reconfiguring only services in the selected regions, the business process will not be affected significantly. The algorithm may also utilize those available QoS constraints to relax the original constraints of a reconfiguration region and to provide more effective reconfiguration solutions. We also present the middleware components to support the service reconfiguration in the LLAMA framework.
Cerebellar-Parietal Connections Underpin Phonological Storage

Previous research has accumulated convincing evidence to show that the human cerebellum contributes to the short-term storage of verbal information, but its specific role in brain networks involved in phonological storage remains uncertain. In a randomized, crossover and sham-controlled design, we here combined transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), applied to the right cerebellum, with fMRI to investigate systematically the contribution of the human cerebellum to encoding, maintenance, and retrieval of verbal information. After anodal, but not cathodal, tDCS, we found a reduced item recognition capacity together with an attenuated neural signal from the right cerebellar lobule VIIb, specifically during the late encoding phase. Within this phase, tDCS furthermore affected task-associated functional connections between right cerebellar lobule VIIb and the posterior parietal cortex. These findings suggest that the right cerebellar lobule VIIb interacts with the posterior parietal cortex, specifically during the late stages of verbal encoding, when verbal information enters phonological storage.
SIMO MC-CDMA multiuser detectors: A DSP implementation approach

This work presents a comparative framework for different multiuser detectors (MuD) applied to single input multiple output (SIMO) multicarrier-code division multiple access (MC-CDMA) system. The Optimum MuD (OMuD), Parallel Interference Cancelling (PIC), Linear MUDs and the 1-optimum Local Search (1-LS) algorithms are analyzed and compared as performance against complexity trade-off. Performance evaluation is carried out in terms of symbol error rate (SER), and further, the implementations aspects are fully exhibited through a number of operation complexity analysis. Simulation results indicate clearly the advantage of sub-optimum 1-LS detector approach in terms of performance-complexity trade-off.
The impact of institutional forces on software metrics programs

Software metrics programs are an important part of a software organization's productivity and quality initiatives as precursors to process-based improvement programs. Like other innovative practices, the implementation of metrics programs is prone to influences from the greater institutional environment the organization exists in. In this paper, we study the influence of both external and internal institutional forces on the assimilation of metrics programs in software organizations. We use previous case-based research in software metrics programs as well as prior work in institutional theory in proposing a model of metrics implementation. The theoretical model is tested on data collected through a survey from 214 metrics managers in defense-related and commercial software organizations. Our results show that external institutions, such as customers and competitors, and internal institutions, such as managers, directly influence the extent to which organizations change their internal work-processes around metrics programs. Additionally, the adaptation of work-processes leads to increased use of metrics programs in decision-making within the organization. Our research informs managers about the importance of management support and institutions in metrics programs adaptation. In addition, managers may note that the continued use of metrics information in decision-making is contingent on adapting the organization's work-processes around the metrics program. Without these investments in metrics program adaptation, the true business value in implementing metrics and software process improvement is not realized.
PA‐MSHA inhibits the growth of doxorubicin‐resistant MCF‐7/ADR human breast cancer cells by downregulating Nrf2/p62

Acquired resistance to doxorubicin in breast cancer is a serious therapeutic problem. In this study, we investigated whether Pseudomonas aeruginosa mannose‐sensitive hemagglutinin (PA‐MSHA) could inhibit the growth of doxorubicin‐resistant breast cancer cells. We found that the expressions of Nrf2 and p62 in breast cancer were higher than that in the corresponding adjacent normal tissues and benign breast epithelial cell. The expressions of Nrf2 and p62 in breast cancer doxorubicin‐resistant cells MCF‐7/ADR were higher than that in doxorubicin‐sensitive cells MCF‐7. Silencing of Nrf2 or p62 rendered breast cancer cells more susceptible to doxorubicin. We further demonstrated that PA‐MSHA inhibited growth and induced apoptosis of MCF‐7/ADR cells but not MCF‐7 cells. Subcutaneous administration of PA‐MSHA greatly inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors from MCF‐7/ADR cells in nude mice. In addition, PA‐MSHA could downregulate Nrf2 and p62 in vitro and in vivo. These results suggested that activation of Nrf2 and p62 was associated with doxorubicin resistance in breast cancer. PA‐MSHA could inhibit the growth of doxorubicin‐resistant MCF‐7/ADR cells and its potential mechanism might be due to the suppression of Nrf2/p62. It indicated the possibility of using PA‐MSHA in doxorubicin‐resistant breast cancer.
Comparing variation theory with Piaget’s theory of cognitive development: more similarities than differences?

ABSTRACT Lo’s variation theory is a learning and teaching theory based on Marton’s phenomenographic approach and is one of the most important backbones of learning studies. The proponents of variation theory demarcate their approach from constructivist learning approaches, stressing constructivism as philosophical framework, but not as learning theory. At the same time, the phenomenographic approach emphasizes the importance of Piaget’s work about the cognitive development, which should be considered when talking about learning and teaching. We argue that – from a theoretical point of view – Piaget’s theory of how cognitive schemata are developed and how variation theory proposes that learning can be fostered entails many similarities which are not apparent at first glance. We demonstrate the similarities and differences using a teaching example from an English as second language classroom and show the implications for practical instructional work. Finally, we discuss concrete suggestions how variation theory could benefit even more from Piaget’s theory.
A Republican Law of Peoples

Assuming that states will remain a permanent feature of our world, what is the ideal that we should hold out for the international order? An attractive proposal is that those peoples that are already organized under non-dominating, representative states should pursue a twin goal: first, arrange things so that they each enjoy the republican ideal of freedom as non-domination in relation to one another and to other multi-national and international agencies; and second, do everything possible and productive to facilitate the representation of less fortunate peoples in non-dominating states and to incorporate them in a non-dominating international order. This republican ideal stands midway between a utopian ideal of cosmopolitan justice and a sceptical ideal of non-intervention. The article explores its attractions and the broad institutional measures that it would support.
Myocardial inflammation on cardiovascular magnetic resonance predicts left ventricular function recovery in children with recent dilated cardiomyopathy.

AIMS To analyse the predictive role of myocardial inflammation assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) on the outcome of recently diagnosed dilated cardiomyopathy in children. METHODS AND RESULTS Over a period of 4 years, 66 children underwent CMR within 2 weeks after the diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy. CMR sequences sensitive for oedema, hyperaemia, and irreversible injury were applied: unenhanced cine steady-state free precession (SSFP), black-blood-prepared T1-weighted images, T2-weighted images, gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images (EGE), and late gadolinium-enhanced (LGE) images. Inflammatory cardiomyopathy defined as the presence of at least two CMR criteria was diagnosed in 31/66 children (CMR positive) while no criterion was present in the remaining 33 (CMR-negative). Only two patients had one positive criterion and were excluded from subsequent analysis. After a mean follow-up of 24 months, LV function recovery (LV ejection fraction >55%) was more frequent in the CMR-positive group (24 vs. 11, P < 0.05). The presence of myocardial inflammation and elevated troponin levels at baseline were the two predictors of LV function recovery with an odds ratio of 3.76 (P = 0.02) and 2.76 (P = 0.03), respectively, in a logistic regression model. Persisting LGE was rare in patients of the CMR-positive group at control CMR (6/22) and was never observed in the CMR-negative group (0/16). CONCLUSION The presence of myocardial inflammation on CMR at time of diagnosis of a dilated cardiomyopathy in children is a strong predictor of LV recovery.
Psycho-spiritual transformation after an exceptional human experience

ABSTRACT Increasingly reported in contemporary times, exceptional human experiences (EHEs) are unusual spontaneous occurrences deviating from common perceptions about the nature of reality. Previous literature attests to the transformative influence EHEs exert on those who have them, which can include feeling a greater sense of spirituality. Our study investigated the relationship between EHEs and psycho-spiritual transformation, in a sample of 72 participants who self-identified as having experienced an EHE. Mystical/unitive EHEs were most commonly reported by the sample, and significantly positive associations were evident between EHEs and the psycho-spiritual indicators of spiritual growth and presence of meaning in life.
Historical memory education for peace and justice: definition of a field

Abstract This article proposes a new of field of research in social sciences education: Historical Memory Education (HME). Despite the large amount of educational experiences following the end of violent conflicts and totalitarian regimes during the twentieth century, historical memory has not been recognized as a field in educational research. From a review of research and experiences worldwide, the authors identify a new field in education research that cannot be reduced to peace education, bullying prevention, or history education, but that takes elements from all these fields, as well as from local pedagogical experiences, to face the challenge of healing the wounds of longstanding violent conflicts. This article organizes prior research in a comprehensive framework that describes the levels, pedagogical principles, and spaces of HME.
The Relationship Between Stress and Maladaptive Weight-Related Behaviors in College Students: A Review of the Literature

ABSTRACT Background: College students are at risk of the “freshman 15,” consisting of weight gain during their university studies. Stress has been linked with unhealthy dietary intake and weight in adults in the general literature. Little is known about the key patterns of dietary intake, eating behaviors, and physical activity in relation to stress in university students because this has not been previously thoroughly reviewed. Purpose: The aims of this review were to assess these relationships along with weight gain in order to inform future targeted interventions. Methods: A review of the literature was conducted in December 2016 for relevant studies meeting inclusion criteria. Results: There was a positive association between stress and maladaptive weight-related behaviors, in particular, emotional eating and binge eating. There was also support for a positive association between stress and unhealthy dietary intake as well as an inverse association with healthy dietary intake in college students. Increases in these maladaptive behaviors and food intake were also observed before examinations. Evidence was weaker for physical activity because there were few studies. Evidence was also mixed for an association between stress and weight in college students. Discussion: Interventions should be developed and tested that target stress in order to promote adequate dietary intake and healthy eating behaviors in students. Future studies could also longitudinally follow students to assess weight changes over longer periods of time. Translation to Health Education Practice: Health Educators should raise awareness of the potential detrimental effects of stress in college on weight-related lifestyle behaviors in students. Ideally this should be done when students commence college to prevent weight gain. Offering support on campus for stress and lifestyle coaching is also desirable.
The role of competitive forces in integrated resource planning

In this report, we study the potential for competitive forces to enhance the efficiency of integrated resource planning and produce consumer cost reductions. We examine the efficiency gains from competition in the private power market, and ask whether similar forces can be successful on the demand-side of the market. The goal of this analysis is to identify and elucidate options available to state Public Utility Commissions (PUCs) to support competition in utility demand-side management programs to achieve efficiencies similar to those being achieved through development of competitive forces on the supply-side of the industry. We consider the entire market structure from upstream suppliers to distribution intermediaries to ultimate consumers. The market structure differs substantially between the demand-side and the supply-side of the electricity market. Demand-site electricity markets have a longer distribution chain and more intermediaries than the supply-side, which is attributable in part to the ultimately retail nature of demand and the wholesale nature of supply, and in part indicates market failures.
Bidirectional hierarchical anchoring of motion fields for scalable video coding

The ability to predict motion fields at finer temporal scales from coarser ones is a very desirable property for temporal scalability. This is at best very difficult in current state-of-the-art video codecs (i.e., H.264, HEVC), where motion fields are anchored in the frame that is to be predicted (target frame). In this paper, we propose to anchor motion fields in the reference frames. We show how from only one fully coded motion field at the coarsest temporal level as well as breakpoints which signal discontinuities in the motion field, we are able to reliably predict motion fields used at finer temporal levels. This significantly reduces the cost for coding the motion fields. Results on synthetic data show improved rate-distortion (R-D) performance and superior scalability, when compared to the traditional way of anchoring motion fields.