Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative performance evaluation of MIMO visible light communication systems

In this paper, we consider multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) visible light communication (VLC) systems. The physical layer of VLC system builds upon optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (O-OFDM). Repetition code (RC), spatial multiplexing (SMUX) and spatial modulation (SMUD) are considered as MIMO techniques. We evaluate the performance of three MIMO O-OFDM VLC systems under consideration through the derivation of bit error rate expressions.
Burnout, compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction among nurses in the context of maternal and perinatal deaths

This study investigated the prevalence and levels of burnout, compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction among nurses with exposure to maternal and perinatal deaths. A convenience sample of 83 nurses was selected for participation from six hospitals in Limpopo province, South Africa, comprising 98% females with an age range of 21 to 62 years, and 15 to 18 mean years of experience in maternal and perinatal care. The nurses completed the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL R-IV), which is a measure of burnout, compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction. The analysis examined the prevalence and level of burnout, compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction among the nurses. Most of the respondents (92%) reported with moderate burnout scores, and about 67% reported with moderate to high compassion fatigue scores, whilst 82% reported with compassion satisfaction scores. Moderate levels of high burnout and compassion fatigue can co-occur with relatively high compassion satisfaction among nurses in critical-care health services.
Video and Image based Emotion Recognition Challenges in the Wild: EmotiW 2015

The third Emotion Recognition in the Wild (EmotiW) challenge 2015 consists of an audio-video based emotion and static image based facial expression classification sub-challenges, which mimics real-world conditions. The two sub-challenges are based on the Acted Facial Expression in the Wild (AFEW) 5.0 and the Static Facial Expression in the Wild (SFEW) 2.0 databases, respectively. The paper describes the data, baseline method, challenge protocol and the challenge results. A total of 12 and 17 teams participated in the video based emotion and image based expression sub-challenges, respectively.
Internalizing Symptoms: Relations to Executive Functions in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Children with ASD exhibit significantly higher rates of internalizing symptoms than typically developing (TD) peers and co-occurring anxiety and depression are associated with greater negative outcomes. The current study explored possible neurocognitive correlates underlying increased risk by examining relations between developmental status, executive functioning (EF), and internalizing symptoms in young children. Participants included 66 children between 36 and 85 months with 40 TD children (57.5% male) and 26 children with ASD (84.6% male). EF measures included the BRIEF (Goia, Isquith, Guy, & Kenworthy, 2000) Plan and Shift subscales and a neuropsychological task (TOH-R; Welsh, Pennington, & Groisser, 1991). Parents and teachers reported on children’s internalizing symptoms on the BASC-2 (Reynolds & Kamphaus, 2004). Parents completed a demographic questionnaire which included assessment of maternal history of depression. Analyses utilized Hayes and Preacher’s (2013) PROCESS macro to test a multiple mediation model in which developmental status is associated with internalizing symptoms through EF. Bootstrapping results supported the model (R = .48, F(5, 60) = 11.30, p < 0.001) which accounted for 48% of the variance in parent report of internalizing symptoms. Significant indirect effects were found for Shift (point estimate = 14.31, SE = 4.19, 95% CIs [7.85, 24.74] and Plan (point estimate = 6.50, SE = 2.24, 95% CIs [2.43, 11.18]). A significant indirect effect was found for Plan (point estimate = 6.01, SE = 2.47, 95% CIs [1.61, 11.57]) with teacher reported internalizing symptoms as the outcome. Post hoc analyses explored relations between maternal history of depression given significant correlations with EF variables. A significant indirect effect was found for Shift (point estimate = 5.31, SE = 2.68, 95% CIs [1.42, 12.57]) on the relation between maternal history of depression and parent reported internalizing symptoms that was equivalent in both ASD and TD groups. An sigificant indirect effect was found for Plan (point estimate = 2.95, SE = 1.52, 95% CIs [.79, 7.14]) in the relation between maternal history of depression and teacher reported internalizing symptoms. Results suggest targeting EF skills may be important for addressing internalizing symptoms in young children with ASD.
Low and intermediate mass star yields: The evolution of carbon abundances

We present a set of low and intermediate mass star yields based on a modeling of the TP-AGB phase which affects the production of nitrogen and carbon. These yields are evaluated by using them in a Galaxy Chemical Evolution model, with which we analyze the evolution of carbon abundances. By comparing the results with those obtained with other yield sets, and with a large amount of observational data, we conclude that the model using these yields combined with those from Woosley & Weaver (1995) for massive stars properly reproduce all the data. The model reproduces well the increase of C/O with increasing O/H abundances. Since these massive star yields do not include winds, it implies that these stellar winds might have a smoother dependence on metallicity than usually assumed and that a significant quantity of carbon proceeds from LIM stars.
Psychodynamic Concepts in Sport Psychology: Comment on Strean and Strean (1998)

Many athletes, during the course of their careers as competitors, experience performance impairment caused by psychological factors. At such times, it is important that sport psychology consultants understand these issues in order to help athletes deal with them more effectively. Psychodynamic theory is one approach that can provide a basis for obtaining this knowledge. Previous articles on this subject have addressed individual case histories and treatment of psychopathology in athletes, or the benefits of a psychodynamic perspective in understanding behavior in sport, or described particular sports from a psychodynamic viewpoint (Apitsch, 1995; Begel, 1992; Beisser, 1967; Hanna, 1993; Perry & Sacks, 1981; Sachs & Buffone, 1984; Sacks, 1980, 1990). None of these articles, however, addressed how sport psychology consultants who are not clinically trained can use psychodynamic concepts to help athletes perform better. The article by Strean and Strean (1998) in this issue, in addressing this point, opens an important dialogue.
Modeling Accountant Whistleblowing Intentions: Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Fraud Triangle

ABSTRACT: Accounting fraud represents a severe threat to the public interest, and whistleblowing remains the most effective fraud discovery mechanism. In this research, we integrate the theory of planned behavior with the fraud triangle to organize prior whistleblowing literature and model the intention of professional accountants to blow the whistle on a material accounting fraud. The results, based on responses from 284 professional organizational accountants, support our theory development and indicate that attitudes and perceptions of control over whistleblowing are positively related to whistleblowing intention. In supplemental analyses, we also find that gender and management level are significantly associated with whistleblowing intent. Our results provide evidence for using our integrated theoretical model to explain and predict the reporting intention of corporate accountants. Findings should aid organizations and regulators seeking to improve corporate ethical culture and aid governance research.
Expression of stem cell factor/c-kit signaling pathway components in diabetic fibrovascular epiretinal membranes

Purpose Stem cell factor (SCF)/c‐kit signaling promotes recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells and contributes to ischemia‐induced new vessel formation. We investigated the expression of the components of this pathway including c‐kit, SCF, granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and the chemokine receptor CXCR4 in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) epiretinal membranes.
Extending access point service coverage area through opportunistic forwarding in multi-hop collaborative relay WLANs

In multi-hop WLANs, it is more efficient to let some clients relay traffic for the clients whose distances are a bit far away from the AP, which increases the transmission efficiency. The existing solutions for multi-hop WLANs try to choose one or two fixed best relays to forward packets. However, the links between far-away clients and the AP are intermittently connected, and end-to-end paths may not exit. In order to fill this gap, using opportunistic forwarding, our solutions do not fix a relay; the source simply broadcasts its signal, any client who received the signal will relay the traffic. In this paper, our object is to extend the connectivity by opportunistic forwarding for far-away clients in multi-hop WLAN accesses. The original contributions made by this paper include: 1) We develop a general model to analyze the throughput of opportunistic forwarding in multi-hop WLANs. 2) We classify the clients into three groups, and propose a centralized opportunistic routing relay algorithm for each group of clients to achieve the optimal system throughput. 3) We propose a distributed opportunistic routing relay protocol for clients' disconnected and connected actions. Extensive simulations have been done in NS-2. The simulation results show that our protocol can significantly increase the service's coverage and connectivity of the entire network, compared with those methods by traditional one-hop and multi-hop relay.
Semantics-Aware Indexing of Geospatial Resources Based on Multilingual Thesauri: Methodology and Preliminary Results

the discovery functionality implemented by geoportals is primarily based on the syntactic matching of users’ search pattern against descriptive metadata, such as title, abstract, or keywords. As a consequence, the retrieval process is often hampered by linguistic issues related to multilingualism, semantic heterogeneity (synonymy, homonymy, etc.), and terminology mismatch in general. We propose a novel criterion for associating resources to language-neutral identifiers, thus enabling multilingual access to datasets and services as well as query expansion and refinement. The methodology has been successfully applied to the ISO-compliant metadata records aggregated by the INSPIRE Geoportal and is driving semantics-aware extensions of the discovery functionalities of the latter.
Plasma Turbulence in the Scrape-off Layer of the ISTTOK Tokamak

The properties of plasma turbulence in a poloidally limited scrape-off layer (SOL) are addressed, with focus on ISTTOK, a large aspect ratio tokamak with a circular cross section. Theoretical investigations based on the drift-reduced Braginskii equations are carried out through linear calculations and non-linear simulations, in two- and three-dimensional geometries. The linear instabilities driving turbulence and the mechanisms that set the amplitude of turbulence as well as the SOL width are identified. A clear asymmetry is shown to exist between the low-field and the high-field sides of the machine. A comparison between experimental measurements and simulation results is presented.
Patient perspectives on fluticasone–vilanterol versus other corticosteroid combination products for the treatment of asthma

Objective Fluticasone furoate (FF), an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), and vilanterol (VI), a long-acting beta2 receptor agonist (LABA), is a new combination used in an Ellipta® device. This article compares FF–VI to other ICS–LABA combinations available, particularly emphasizing product selection from the patient perspective. Data sources A PubMED and EMBASE search completed in October 2015 identified trials using the MeSH terms “fluticasone”, “vilanterol”, and “asthma”. Additional information was gathered from references cited in the identified publications, the manufacturer, package insert, and ClinicalTrials.gov registry. Study selection/data extraction Preference was given to randomized controlled clinical trials. Animal trials, trials for COPD, and non-English sources were excluded. Data synthesis Seven efficacy trials of FF–VI in asthma were identified. Only one (24 weeks) trial compared FF–VI to another ICS–LABA combination (fluticasone propionate–salmeterol). Primary outcomes (usually lung function) and secondary outcomes (eg, quality of life and symptom scores) were comparable. In three FF–VI safety trials, the type and frequency of common adverse reactions (ie, thrush and dysphonia) were similar to those in clinical trials. Over 90% of subjects rated the Ellipta® device as “easy to use” and demonstrated correct device technique initially and at 4 weeks. Conclusion Individuals may have drug- and device-specific preferences that should be incorporated into therapeutic decision making. Limited data indicate that clinical and patient-oriented efficacy/safety outcomes of FF–VI are likely comparable to other available combinations for adults with asthma. Patient-friendly features include once-daily dosing, flexibility of dose timing, and design/ease of the use of the device. Additional larger and long-term comparative studies are needed to determine whether these features translate into greater efficacy, safety, patient preference, or adherence versus other ICS–LABA combinations. In the next few years, the availability of less expensive generic ICS–LABA products may strongly influence patient preference.
Kinematic Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Evaluation of Disc‐Associated Cervical Spondylomyelopathy in Doberman Pinschers

Background The dynamic component of disc‐associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (DA‐CSM) currently is evaluated using traction magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which does not assess changes in flexion and extension of the cervical vertebral column. In humans with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, kinematic MRI is used to identify dynamic compressions. Hypothesis/Objectives To evaluate the feasibility and utility of kMRI in Doberman Pinschers with DA‐CSM using a novel positioning device. We hypothesized that kMRI would identify compressive lesions not observed with neutral positioning and change the dimensions of the spinal cord and cervical vertebral canal. Animals Nine client‐owned Doberman Pinschers with DA‐CSM. Methods Prospective study. After standard MR imaging of the cervical spine confirmed DA‐CSM, dogs were placed on a positioning device to allow imaging in flexion and extension. Morphologic and morphometric assessments were compared between neutral, flexion, and extension images. Results Flexion was associated with improvement or resolution of spinal cord compression in 4/9 patients, whereas extension caused worsening of compressions in 6/9 patients. Extension identified 6 new compressive lesions and was significantly associated with dorsal and ventral compression at C5‐C6 (P = .021) and C6‐C7 (P = .031). A significant decrease in spinal cord height occurred at C6‐C7 from neutral to extension (P = .003) and in vertebral canal height at C5‐C6 and C6‐C7 from neutral to extension (P = .011 and .017, respectively). Conclusions and clinical importance Our results suggest that kMRI is feasible and provides additional information beyond what is observed with neutral imaging, primarily when using extension views, in dogs with DA‐CSM.
Information technology application in tax return declaration and its effect on service quality and customer satisfaction in Markazi province's taxation organization, Iran

The present research aims is examining the Internet application as a new tool for tax collection and its related services and also it explores satisfaction degree of tax payers. The field study has been undertaken in data collection, standard questionnaires with 0.94 reliability have been distributed among tax payers (firms) in Markazi province of Iran and after their gathering, the structural equation model by LISREL software has been used in statistical analysis. The research results show that the first hypothesis saying that on-line tax return convenience causes higher satisfaction among tax payers is not supported and other four hypotheses are supported.
Diffusion of interstitial hydrogen into and through bcc Fe from first principles

We report periodic spin-polarized density functional theory (DFT) predictions of hydrogen adsorption, absorption, dissolution, and diffusion energetics on and in ferromagnetic (FM) body-centered cubic (bcc) iron. We find that H prefers to stay on the Fe surface instead of subsurfaces or in bulk. Hydrogen dissolution in bulk Fe is predicted to be endothermic, with hydrogen occupying tetrahedral (t) sites over a wide range of concentrations. This is consistent with the known low solubility of H in pure Fe. In the initial absorption step, we predict that H occupies the deep subsurface t-site for Fe (110) and the shallow subsurface t-site for Fe (100). Diffusion of H into Fe subsurfaces is predicted to have a much lower barrier for Fe (100) than Fe(110). For H diffusion in bulk Fe, we find that H diffuses through bcc Fe not via a straight line trajectory, but rather hops from one t-site to a neighboring t-site by a curved path. Moreover, we exclude a previously suggested path via the octahedral site, due to its higher barrier and the rank of the saddle point. Quantum effects on H diffusion through bulk Fe are discussed.
The Redistributive Effects of the EU Budget: An Analysis and Proposal for Reform

This article analyses the redistributive effects of the EU budget during the period 1986–98, explores the implications of the Berlin budget agreement, and advances a proposal for setting member countries' budgetary balances in a manner that is consistent with a simple equity criterion based on relative income per capita without sacrificing other policy goals.
The Essence of Dynamic Capabilities and Their Measurement

The growing popularity of explaining firm performance through dynamic capabilities has motivated plenty of conceptual development in the field. However, empirical approaches to measuring dynamic capabilities have so far not been under comprehensive scrutiny. The authors; purpose is to assess the extent to which different ways of measuring dynamic capabilities in quantitative studies correspond to the theoretical essence of the concept, and develop recommendations for future research. They find that four types of operationalizations have been used: (1) managers’ evaluations; (2) financial data; (3) company's experience, actions and performance; and (4) managers’ or employees’ experience, actions and performance. Based on their analysis, the authors provide eight recommendations for future research that relate to identifying ordinary and dynamic capabilities, avoiding common method bias, taking into account the quality and fitness rather than the quantity of dynamic capabilities, and acknowledging the cumulativeness of dynamic capabilities through the use of longitudinal data. They conclude that refining the dynamic capability operationalizations would help to formulate competing hypotheses and to increase the theoretical precision of the field.
Secure Routing in Multi-Hop Wireless Networks

Routing is a fundamental networking function in every communication system, and multihop wireless networks are no exceptions. Attacking the routing service, an adversary can easily paralyse the operation of an entire network. Compared to traditional wired networks, such attacks can be performed relatively easily in wireless networks due to the unsupervised access to the wireless medium. The malicious manipulation of some routing messages results in the dissemination of incorrect routing information which can eventually lead to network malfunction. Even more, intermediate nodes can be corrupted, and thus, exhibit arbitrary behaviour. Considering these facts, securing routing protocols is a primary task, however, designing such secure routing protocols is not a straightforward procedure. A widely used method has been so far to identify different types of possible attacks against routing, and to define routing security implicitly as resistance to these attacks. However, this approach does not provide a common ground for comparing routing protocols in terms of security. Moreover, due to the subtle nature of attacks against routing protocols, such informal reasoning is an error-prone method. In this dissertation, I develop a formal framework in which precise definitions of secure routing can be given, and secure routing protocols proposed for multi-hop wireless networks can be rigorously analysed. I demonstrate the usefulness of this framework in several ways: first, I prove the security of several existing routing protocols that were proposed earlier independently from my work. I show that my model is capable of distinguishing between routing protocols in terms of security. Second, applying the design principles that were identified during the analyses, I propose novel routing protocols for wireless ad hoc and sensor networks and I prove that they are secure in my model.
Environmental reservoirs and mechanisms of persistence of Vibrio cholerae

It is now well accepted that Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of the water-borne disease cholera, is acquired from environmental sources where it persists between outbreaks of the disease. Recent advances in molecular technology have demonstrated that this bacterium can be detected in areas where it has not previously been isolated, indicating a much broader, global distribution of this bacterium outside of endemic regions. The environmental persistence of V. cholerae in the aquatic environment can be attributed to multiple intra- and interspecific strategies such as responsive gene regulation and biofilm formation on biotic and abiotic surfaces, as well as interactions with a multitude of other organisms. This review will discuss some of the mechanisms that enable the persistence of this bacterium in the environment. In particular, we will discuss how V. cholerae can survive stressors such as starvation, temperature, and salinity fluctuations as well as how the organism persists under constant predation by heterotrophic protists.
Deceit and Deception : A Large User Study of Phishing

This study is a large scale investigation of trust manipulation tactics used by phishing web sites and email messages. The experiment focuses on media authenticity evaluations, rather than content credibility with the assumption that its authors are known. It tests the effect of features ranging from URL plausibility to trust endorsement graphics on a population of 398 subjects. The experiment presents these trust indicators in a variety of stimuli since reactions will vary according to context. In addition to testing specific features, the test gauges the potential of a phishing tactic that spoofs third party program administrators rather than a brand itself. The results show that indeed graphic design can change authenticity evaluations and that their impact varies with context. We expected that authenticity inspiring design changes would have the opposite effect when paired with an unreasonable request, however our data suggest that narrative strength – rather than underlying legitimacy – limits the impact of graphic design on trust and that these authenticity-inspiring design features improve trust in both genuine and forged media.