Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Remaking the North American Food System : Strategies for Sustainability

Food and agriculture are in the news daily. Stories in the media highlight issues of abundance, deprivation, pleasure, risk, health, community, and identity. Remaking the North American Food System examines the resurgence of interest in rebuilding the links between agricultural production and food consumption as a way to overcome some of the negative implications of industrial and globalizing trends in the food and agricultural system. Written by a diverse group of scholars and practitioners, the chapters in this volume describe the many efforts throughout North America to craft and sustain alternative food systems that can improve social, economic, environmental, and health outcomes. With examples from Puerto Rico to Oregon to Quebec, this volume offers a broad North American perspective attuned to trends toward globalization at the level of markets and governance and shows how globalization affects the specific localities. The contributors make the case that food can no longer be taken for granted or viewed in isolation. Rather, food should be considered in its connection to community vitality, cultural survival, economic development, social justice, environmental quality, ecological integrity, and human health.
Studies on neurodevelopmental issues in children

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between acid base status and quality and quantity of General Movements (GMs) at birth and quality of GMs at age three months and motor, cognitive and behavioral functioning at the age of four years. Methods: From a cohort of 84 term children with different umbilical artery pH without severe neonatal neurological abnormalities, GMs were assessed at term and at three months. At the age of four years, 44 children were assessed by means of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (Movement-ABC), Neurological Examination for Toddlers of Hempel, Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children information processing (Kaufman ABC), Visuomotor Integration (VMI), the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Precursors ADHD Questionnaire (PAQ). Results: We found no relationship between pH or GM-quality and quantity at term or GM-quality at 3 months and scores on most of the items of the Movement-ABC, cognitive and behavioral outcome. However, neonatal pH value and GM-quality at 3 months were related to some extend to the presence of subtle signs of neuromotor dysfunction as measured by the Hempel test. Conclusions: In a sample of infants with a large variation in umbilical artery pH and without severe neonatal neurological abnormalities, acid-base status at birth and quality of GMs at three months of age is not predictive for motor milestone achievement, cognitive and behavioral functioning at four years, but these parameters are related to a less optimal condition of the nervous system. The latter finding has, however, limited clinical significance. Acid-base status and neuromotor outcome 25
Tensile and Flexure Strength of Unidirectional Fiber-Reinforced Composites: Direct Numerical Simulations and Analytic Models

A Local Load Sharing (LLS) model recently developed by Curtin and co-workers for the numerical simulation of tensile stress-strain behavior in fiber-reinforced composites is used to predict the tensile strength of metal matrix composites consisting of a Titanium matrix and unidirectionally aligned SiC fibers. This model is extended to include the effects of free boundary conditions and non-constant load gradients and then used to predict the strength of a Ti-6Al-4V matrix reinforced with Sigma SiC fibers under 4point flexure testing. The predicted tensile and flexure strengths agree very well with the values measured by Gundel and Wawner and Ramamurty et al. The composite strength of disordered spatial fiber distributions is investigated and is shown to have a distribution similar to the corresponding ordered composite, but with a mean strength that decreases (as compared to the ordered composite) with increasing Weibull modulus. A modified Batdorf-type analytic model is developed and similarly extended to the case of non-uniform loading to predict the strength of composites under tension and flexure. The flexure model is found to be inappropriate for application to the experimental materials, but the tensile model yields predictions similar to the Local Load Sharing models for the experimental materials. The ideas and predictions of the Batdorf-type model, which is essentially an approximation to the simulation model, are then compared in more detail to a simulationbased model developed by Ibnabdeljalil and Curtin to more generally assess the accuracy of the Batdorf model in predicting tensile strength and notch strength versus composite size and fiber Weibull modulus. The study shows the Batdorf model to be accurate for tensile strength at high Weibull moduli and to capture general trends well, but it is not quantitatively accurate over the full range of material parameters encountered in various fiber composite systems. iii
Machine Learning and Forecast Combination in Incomplete Panels

This paper focuses on the newly proposed on-line forecast combination algorithms in Sancetta (2010), Yang (2004), and Wei and Yang (2012). We first establish the asymptotic relationship between these new algorithms and the Bates and Granger (1969) method. Then, we show that when implemented on unbalanced panels, different combination algorithms implicitly impute missing data differently, making results not comparable across methods. Using forecasts of a number of macroeconomic variables from the U.S. Survey of Professional Forecasters, we evaluate the performance of the new algorithms and contrast their inner mechanisms with that of Bates and Granger's method. Missing data in the SPF panels are specifically controlled for by explicit imputation. We find that even though equally weighted average is hard to beat, the new algorithms deliver superior performance especially during periods of volatility clustering and structural breaks.
The Response of CD1d-Restricted Invariant NKT Cells to Microbial Pathogens and Their Products

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells become activated during a wide variety of infections. This includes organisms lacking cognate CD1d-binding glycolipid antigens recognized by the semi-invariant T cell receptor of iNKT cells. Additional studies have shown that iNKT cells also become activated in vivo in response to microbial products such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide, a potent inducer of cytokine production in antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Other studies have shown that iNKT cells are highly responsive to stimulation by cytokines such as interleukin-12. These findings have led to the concept that microbial pathogens can activate iNKT cells either directly via glycolipids or indirectly by inducing cytokine production in APCs. iNKT cells activated in this manner produce multiple cytokines that can influence the outcome of infection, usually in favor of the host, although potent iNKT cell activation may contribute to an uncontrolled cytokine storm and sepsis. One aspect of the response of iNKT cells to microbial pathogens is that it is short-lived and followed by an extended time period of unresponsiveness to reactivation. This refractory period may represent a means to avoid chronic activation and cytokine production by iNKT cells, thus protecting the host against some of the negative effects of iNKT cell activation, but potentially putting the host at risk for secondary infections. These effects of microbial pathogens and their products on iNKT cells are not only important for understanding the role of these cells in immune responses against infections but also for the development of iNKT cell-based therapies.
Perceptions of a Gay-Straight Alliance Club Ban: School Counselors and Advocacy for LGBTQQ Students.

This phenomenological inquiry explored the experiences and reactions of five school counselors who worked in a school that banned a Gay-Straight Alliance club. Specifically, the authors examined how counselors’ perceptions of the ban influenced their advocacy for LGBTQQ students. The results of semi-structured interviews revealed one overarching theme: The administration yielded to the status quo and three subthemes (1) the ban prevented students from receiving much needed support (2) proactive advocacy is the best course of action, and (3) change in communities is slow. Future practice and research directions are discussed.
Realistic 3D Facial Wrinkles Simulation Based on Tessellation

Realistic wrinkles are important for enhancing the realism of 3D facial expression. In this paper, we proposed a combined method to simulate realistic wrinkles generated in facial expressions. By taking physiological mechanism of facial wrinkles into account, we used the muscle model for facial animation to extract the wrinkle region, and then an improved wrinkle model was applied to generate wrinkles on wrinkle region. In the simulation, we subdivided face model using DirectX 11 Tessellation technique. The experiment results of our combined method demonstrated that it can generate realistic wrinkles on a 3D virtual face.
The Prognostic Role of the Surgical Approach and Adjuvant Therapy in Operable Mucosal Melanoma of the Head and Neck

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of the surgical approach and adjuvant treatment in operable malignant melanoma of head and neck (MMHN). Methods Retrospective reviews of 31 patients who underwent surgery-based treatment with curative intent, either by the endoscopic or external approach, for MMHN were performed to analyze recurrence patterns, salvage modalities, and oncological outcomes (disease-specific survival and disease-free survival). Results Overall recurrence rate was 61% (19/31). In stage III patients (n=24), 50% (12/24) developed recurrences with a median recurrence-free period of 6.0 months, and 30% (4/12) of them was successfully salvaged by reoperation with adjuvant radiotherapy. On the contrary, all stage IVA patients (n=7) developed recurrences with a median recurrence-free period of 4.4 months. Distant metastasis was the most common pattern of failure and no patients were salvaged. Among variables, age and T classification, not the surgical approach, were significant prognosticators for disease-free survival and disease-specific survival. Adjuvant radiotherapy was associated with a lower rate of local failure, compared to surgery alone (hazard ratio, 0.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.06 to 0.75; P=0.02). However, adjuvant systemic therapy was not effective in reducing the risk of failures for any pattern. Conclusion Our data suggested that meticulous surgical resection, either by the endoscopic or external approach, with adjuvant radiotherapy increases the local control rate in MMHN.
Knowledge Maps: ICTs in Education

What do we know about the effective uses of information and communication technologies in education in developing countries? The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed herein are entirely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of infoDev, the Donors of infoDev, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank and its affiliated organizations, the Board of Executive Directors of the World Bank or the governments they represent. The World Bank can not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply on the part of the World Bank any judgment of the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. The material in this publication is copyrighted. Copying or transmitting portions of this work may be a violation of applicable law. The World Bank encourages dissemination of its work and normally will promptly grant permission for its use. For permission to copy or reprint any portion of this work, please contact infodev@worldbank.org. (1) Impact of ICTs on learning and achievement (2) Monitoring and evaluation issues (3) Equity issues: Gender, special needs and marginalized groups Knowledge Maps: Costs (4) Knowledge Map: Costs Knowledge Maps: Current implementations of ICTs in education (5) Current projects and practices (6) Specific ICT tools used in education (7) Teachers, Teaching and ICTs (8) Content & Curriculum issues Knowledge Maps About these Knowledge Maps Study background Recent work at infoDev created a series of " Knowledge Maps " of what is known – and what isn't – about ICT use in education. These knowledge maps reveal that, despite a decade of large investment in ICTs to benefit education in OECD countries, and increasing use of ICTs in education in developing countries, important gaps remain in the current knowledge base. In addition, there appears to be a dearth of useful resources attempting to translate what is known to work – and not work – in this field for policymakers and donor staff working on education issues in developing countries, especially those issues related to Education For All and other education-related Millennium Development Goals.
Particle filter in multidimensional systems

The article presents studies on the estimation quality of a particle filter applied to small multidimensional objects. For the purposes of the article, a new type of network has been proposed, in which each node is associated with one state variable. Based on performed simulations it has been found that particle filter implemented for small systems (1- or 2-dimensional) is a good choice. However, for larger objects Kalman filter may return better results (it depends on the chosen particles number). This is due to the exponential dependence of needed particles number to the object dimension. It has been also observed that the particle filter, in comparison to the Extended Kalman filter, better estimates the state variables which are well metered, and simultaneously worse estimates the state variables which are worse metered. Possible approaches for objects with a greater number of state variables also have been adduced, including the dispersed particle filter.
A Bucket ID Transformation Scheme for Efficient Database Encryption

Encryption is a well established technology for protecting sensitive data. Unfortunately, the integration of existing encryption techniques with database systems causes undesirable performance degradation. We propose the bucket ID transformation that supports range queries without exposing the order of plaintext. The Bucket ID Transformation is performed by modulo arithmetic or pseudo-random number generation. This method is more powerful than the previous order-preserving methods and is expected to handle data more efficiently than other methods. Experiment results show that our scheme outperforms other method in encryption and query speed.
Random lifts of graphs

We describe here a simple probabilistic model for graphs that are lifts of a fixed base graph <i>G</i>, i.e., those graphs from which there is a covering man onto <i>G</i>. Our aim is to investigate the properties of typical graphs in this class. In particular, we show that almost every lift of <i>G</i> is δ(<i>G</i>)-connected where δ(<i>G</i>) is the minimal degree of <i>G</i>. We calculate the typical edge expansion of lifts of the bouquet <i>B<subscrpt>d</subscrpt></i> and
Management of the Kidney Transplant Patient with Chronic Hepatitis C Infection

Chronic Hepatitis C (HCV) infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. Renal transplantation confers a survival advantage in HCV-infected patients. Renal transplant candidates with serologic evidence of HCV infection should undergo a liver biopsy to assess for fibrosis and cirrhosis. Patients with Metavir fibrosis score ≤3 and compensated cirrhosis should be evaluated for interferon-based therapy. Achievement of sustained virological response (SVR) may reduce the risks for both posttransplantation hepatic and extrahepatic complications such as de novo or recurrent glomerulonephritis associated with HCV. Patients who cannot achieve SVR and have no live kidney donor may be considered for HCV-positive kidneys. Interferon should be avoided after kidney transplant except for treatment of life-threatening liver injury, such as fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis. Early detection, prevention, and treatment of complications due to chronic HCV infection may improve the outcomes of kidney transplant recipients with chronic HCV infection.
Categorisation of Racist Texts Using a Support Vector Machine

The automatic processing of text is a major challenge because of the increasing availability of textual information and the need to organise and manage such information effectively and efficiently. Automatic Text Categorisation is one of a number of functions we would like to have available to us and involves the assignment of one or more predefined categories to text documents in order that they can be effectively managed. In this paper we examine the problems associated with categorising texts documents (web pages) based on whether or not they are racist. We describe work in the PRINCIP project, which aims at the development of a system to detect racism based on the results of linguistic and statistical analysis of candidate texts. We take what we have learned from the PRINCIP research and apply machine learning techniques, specifically Support Vector Machines, to automatically categorise web pages. Our work shows that it is possible to develop automatic categorisation of web pages, based on these approaches.
Exploring pattern-aware travel routes for trajectory search

With the popularity of positioning devices, Web 2.0 technology, and trip sharing services, many users are willing to log and share their trips on the Web. Thus, trip planning Web sites are able to provide some new services by inferring Regions-Of-Interest (ROIs) and recommending popular travel routes from trip trajectories. We argue that simply providing some travel routes consisting of popular ROIs to users is not sufficient. To tour around a wide geographical area, for example, a city, some users may prefer a trip to visit as many ROIs as possible, while others may like to stop by only a few ROIs for an in-depth visit. We refer to a trip fitting the former user group as an in-breadth trip and a trip suitable for the latter user group as an in-depth trip. Prior studies on trip planning have focused on mining ROIs and travel routes without considering these different preferences. In this article, given a spatial range and a user preference of depth/breadth specified by a user, we develop a Pattern-Aware Trajectory Search (PATS) framework to retrieve the top K trajectories passing through popular ROIs. PATS is novel because the returned travel trajectories, discovered from travel patterns hidden in trip trajectories, may represent the most valuable travel experiences of other travelers fitting the user's trip preference in terms of depth or breadth. The PATS framework comprises two components: travel behavior exploration and trajectory search. The travel behavior exploration component determines a set of ROIs along with their attractive scores by considering not only the popularity of the ROIs but also the travel sequential relationships among the ROIs. To capture the travel sequential relationships among ROIs and to derive their attractive scores, a user movement graph is constructed. For the trajectory search component of PATS, we formulate two trajectory score functions, the depth-trip score function and the breadth-trip score function, by taking into account the number of ROIs in a trajectory and their attractive scores. Accordingly, we propose an algorithm, namely, Bounded Trajectory Search (BTS), to efficiently retrieve the top K trajectories based on the two trajectory scores. The PATS framework is evaluated by experiments and user studies using a real dataset. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and the efficiency of the proposed PATS framework.
The Impact of Technical Barriers to Trade on Home Bias: An application to EU data

The purpose of this paper is trying to estimate the impact of technical barriers to trade on bilateral trade flows of individual EU countries and to evaluate the downward impact of national border on trade flows (home bias). Here we try and identify the effect of technical barriers to trade on EU imports applied to data in which sectors where the EU has sought to introduce harmonized technical regulations to remove technical barriers to trade (New Approach, Old Approach, Mutual Recognition) as well as an aggregate of sectors for which technical barriers are deemed to be unimportant. Using the gravity model, we find that home bias remains substantial for products where the EU has sought to introduce harmonized technical regulations to remove technical barriers to trade but mutual recognition sectors exhibit the smallest home bias. Based upon the analysis on the evolution of home bias in the EU, we find no evidence that the home bias has decreased for products where differences in technical regulations are important.
Price transmission analysis in the Greek milk market

This paper examines the farm-retail price transmission mechanism in the Greek milk market by using monthly data for the period from January 1998 to June 2014. Through this period, the dairy industry underwent significant changes, resulting in increasing concentration in the market for fresh pasteurized milk. On the other hand, in the past five years, the number of dairy farms has decreased dramatically. The milk supply chain can be described as an atomized raw milk production sector confronted by a quite concentrated dairy sector. We apply an error correction model to test for asymmetric behaviour in the transmission process. The empirical results indicate that transmission between producer and consumer milk prices in Greece is asymmetric in both the short and the long run, implying that retailers exercise market power over producers.
Asymmetric Correlation between Experienced Parental Attachment and Event-Related Potentials Evoked in Response to Parental Faces

This study aims to explore the modulation effects of attachment relationships with parents on the neural correlates that are associated with parental faces. The event-related potentials elicited in 31 college students while viewing facial stimuli of their parents in two single oddball paradigms (father vs. unfamiliar male and mother vs. unfamiliar female) were measured. We found that enhanced P3a and P3b and attenuated N2b were elicited by parental faces; however, the N170 component failed to discriminate parental faces from unfamiliar faces. An experienced attachment relationship with the father was positively correlated to the P3a response associated with the father’s face, whereas no correlation was found in the case of mothers. Further exploration in dipole source localization showed that, within the time window of the P300, distinctive brain regions were involved in the processing of parental faces; the father’s face was located in the medial frontal gyrus, which might be involved in self effect, and the anterior cingulate gyrus was activated in response to the mother’s face. This research is the first to demonstrate that neural mechanisms involved with parents can be modulated differentially by the qualities of the attachments to the parents. In addition, parental faces share a highly similar temporal pattern, but the origins of these neural responses are distinct, which could merit further investigation.