Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Morphological novelty and modest developmental truncation in Barboides, Africa's smallest vertebrates (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)

Miniaturization, the evolution of extremely small adult body size, is widespread amongst animals and commonly associated with novel ecological, physiological, and morphological attributes. The phenotypes of miniaturized taxa are noteworthy because they combine reductions and structural simplifications with novel traits not developed in their larger relatives. Previous research on miniature cyprinid fishes (focused predominantly on South and South East Asian taxa of a single subfamily) has identified two distinct classes of miniature taxa: proportioned dwarves and developmentally truncated miniatures. Miniaturization has also occurred independently in the subfamily Cyprininae, particularly in African lineages. We investigate the skeletal anatomy of Barboides, a genus of miniature African cyprinids that includes Africa's smallest known species of vertebrates, to assess whether miniaturization has resulted in similar organismal outcomes in different lineages of the Cyprinidae. The skeleton of Barboides is characterized by the complete absence of a number of dermal and endochondral ossifications, and marked reduction in size and/or complexity of other skeletal elements, particularly those of the dermatocranium. Absent skeletal elements in Barboides include those which develop relatively late in the ossification sequence of the non‐miniature African relative ‘Barbus’ holotaenia suggesting that their absence in Barboides can be explained by a simple scenario of developmental truncation. In contrast to this theme of loss and reduction, the os suspensorium of Barboides is enlarged and the outer arm distally trifid and associated with a novel bulbous muscle in males. An evaluation of the skeleton of Barboides provides further evidence for a link between developmental truncation and evolutionary morphological novelty in Cyprinidae. In the spectrum of miniature cyprinids ranging from proportioned dwarves with few bones missing to highly progenetic taxa with dozens of missing bones, the two species of Barboides range roughly in the middle showing that the extremes are connected by intermediate levels of truncatedness.
Factor Structure of the Network Orientation Scale

An enormous body of research on social support has been generated over the last decade, but this work has largely ignored personal characteristics that influence the utilization of support networks. The Network Orientation Scale is a self-report measure of negative network orientation—the perspective that it is inadvisable, useless, or risky to seek help from others. In this paper, factor analyses were performed on data from 48 women and 32 men in college. Three meaningful factors emerged, reflecting independence (and norms regarding help-seeking), help-seeking history, and mistrust.
Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Software of Teaching Quality Based on Entropy

The present teaching evaluation models are researched on and the evaluation criteria is designed automatically from the perspectives of experts and students. And then that is made to be a kind of scientific and reasonable criteria. By combining the approach weighted entropy and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, the present model proposes a teaching comprehensive evaluation model. This software model solves some problems in conducting quantitative analysis of teaching equality. And at the same time, it avoids subjectivity in directly assigning weight to the results. A case study shows that this software model can improve fuzzy comprehensive evaluation with reliability, accuracy as well as objectivity. The model will be suggested to optimize teaching management and improve teaching quality. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.11591/telkomnika.v11i3. 2209 Full Text: PDF
Deletion of the mu opioid receptor gene in mice reshapes the reward–aversion connectome

Significance Mice manipulated by targeted deletion of a specific brain gene show diverse pathological phenotypes, apparent, for example, in behavioral experiments. To explain observed findings, connectome genetics attempts to uncover how brain functional connectivity is affected by genetics. However the causal impact of a single gene on whole-brain networks is still unclear. Here the sole targeted deletion of the mu opioid receptor gene (Oprm1), the main target for morphine, induced widespread remodeling of brain functional connectome in mice. The strongest perturbations occurred within the so-called reward/aversion-circuitry, predominantly influencing the negative affect centers. We present a hypothesis-free analysis of combined structural and functional connectivity data obtained via MRI of the living mouse brain, and identify a specific Oprm1 gene-to-network signature. Connectome genetics seeks to uncover how genetic factors shape brain functional connectivity; however, the causal impact of a single gene’s activity on whole-brain networks remains unknown. We tested whether the sole targeted deletion of the mu opioid receptor gene (Oprm1) alters the brain connectome in living mice. Hypothesis-free analysis of combined resting-state fMRI diffusion tractography showed pronounced modifications of functional connectivity with only minor changes in structural pathways. Fine-grained resting-state fMRI mapping, graph theory, and intergroup comparison revealed Oprm1-specific hubs and captured a unique Oprm1 gene-to-network signature. Strongest perturbations occurred in connectional patterns of pain/aversion-related nodes, including the mu receptor-enriched habenula node. Our data demonstrate that the main receptor for morphine predominantly shapes the so-called reward/aversion circuitry, with major influence on negative affect centers.
Exploring critical literacy skills in a literature and culture class

Critical literacy is a concept that has gained a substantial meaning in literacy fields. It offers a rich field to explore since it goes beyond the simple perception of ability or a skill. In that sense, this paper aims to present the results of a research study based on identifying and describing how critical literacy skills emerged as students of the course in Literature and Culture of Englishspeaking countries, reflected, questioned and inquired on culture and identity issues that are involved in different literary texts. As conclusion, it was possible to establish thatDialectical notebooks or double entry journals are useful to guide students into more reflective and analytical reading processes where they are able to confront their own realities with the texts they read.
Discontinuities in Heritage and Community Language Education: Challenges for Educational Language Policies

Cross-national comparisons can be helpful in informing educational practices and policies. This small sampling of papers on heritage languages in Australia and the USA begins to demonstrate some of the challenges in addressing the range of issues affecting heritage/community language education. Nancy Hornberger’s continua of biliteracy provides a useful heuristic for analysing continuities and discontinuities across a wide panorama of language and literacy domains while linking them on common axes. In this commentary, reflecting on the articles presented, I will stress some of the challenges and discontinuities as community language (CL) and heritage language (HL) education develop as more specialised fields of inquiry (see UCLA, 2000). There are a number of similarities between the USA and Australia in terms of language diversity. Both are Anglophone-majority countries; both have immigrant and indigenous language minority populations. The policy climate in Australia has been somewhat more open to promoting multilingualism than in the USA, although as Baldauf (this volume) notes, a number of issues persist related to the status of CLs/HLs, resources and teacher training. Like the USA, Australia has some anti-immigrant/pro-English sentiment, which has affected language and literacy policies. Australia and the USA are experiencing declines in the number of speakers of historically noteworthy European immigrant languages such as Italian, German and Greek; however, both have growing numbers of speakers of less commonly taught languages such as Mandarin, Vietnamese and Arabic (see Baldauf, Table 1, this volume). Last, both countries have histories of discriminatory treatment toward indigenous populations (see Nicholls, this volume), but both have acknowledged the need for some level of indigenous language promotion in recent years. However, neither country has made this a priority, and with the closure of federally funded bilingual education programmes in the Northern Territory in 1998, prospects for language maintenance and revitalisation in Australia weigh heavily on local communities (Nicholls, this volume). Similarly, the withdrawal of support for bilingual education has been accompanied by weak TESL in the Northern Territories (Nicholls, this volume), and English
A MANET routing protocol using Q-learning method integrated with Bayesian network

Frequent changes in topology and link quality in mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs) present challenging problems in achieving optimal performance. We propose a self-learning routing protocol based on Q-learning that makes use of Quality of Service (QoS) parameters such as Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR), delay and throughput, to make routing decisions. At the same time, a Bayesian Network (BN) is implemented to estimate neighboring network congestion level to tune the Q-learning weights. Our protocol also sends out probing packets to detect and solve the routing-loop problem which is not addressed in most Q-learning-based routing proposals. The simulation results show that the proposed system demonstrates comparatively better performance in a dense heavy-loaded scenario.
Precise pose estimation using landmark feature extraction and blob analysis for bin picking

This paper proposes a method of vision based pose estimation of randomly piled objects. It is necessary to estimate precise rotation angle of picking objects. However, it is non-trivial task because an object placed in every position makes distorted image far from right position image. We propose a precise pose estimation method of bin picking objects. The landmark feature of a picking object is extracted and is used to estimate coarse rotation angle of object. The pose of the object can be precisely estimated by analyzing feature blobs in the landmark. We have experimented to evaluate proposed method in the pilot system, which is constructed like a real manufacturing environment. The experiments have been conducted using 1,000 images. As a result, the pose estimation accuracy of less than 0.154 degree has obtained.
The Overlaying Map Technique: Problems and Suggested Solutions

This paper identifies three basic problems associated with the Overlaying Map Technique, and suggests ways to overcome them The first problem relates to practical aspects of the suggested solutions to the problem of implied addition of ordinal scale numbers in the application of the method The second problem concerns the addition of positive values for both the negative and positive effects of factors The third problem is the general difficulty of deriving the final results, and the fact that the final result of the method does not represent an optimum solution Two methods of obtaining the suitability ratings in ratio scale are suggested to overcome the first two problems, an alternative method for deriving the final results, using the ratio scale ratings is suggested, and a linear assignment model is proposed to overcome the optimization problem
Computational basis for risk stratification of peripheral neuropathy from thermal imaging

The goal of this paper is to present a computer-based system for analyzing thermal images in the detection of preclinical stages of peripheral neuropathy (PN) or diabetic foot. Today, vibration perception threshold (VPT) and sensory tests with a monofilament are used as simple, noninvasive methods for identifying patients who have lost sensation in their feet. These tests are qualitative and are ineffective in stratifying risk for PN in a diabetic patient. In our system a cold stimulus applied to the foot causes a thermoregulatory and corresponding microcirculation response of the foot. A thermal video monitors the recovery of the microcirculation in the foot plantar. Thermal videos for 8 age-matched subjects were analyzed. Six sites were tracked and an average thermal emittance calculated. Characteristics of the recovery curve were extracted using coefficients from an exponential curve fitting process and compared among subjects. The magnitude of the recovery was significantly different for the two classes of subjects. Our system shows evidence of differences between both groups, which could lead to a quantitative test to screen and diagnose peripheral neuropathy.
Affirming Diversity, Difference, and the Basic Human Rights of Those With Whom We Disagree: A Difficult Task but Worth the Challenge—A Reply to Bolen and Dessel

My work in the area of spirituality and religion builds on our profession's proud history of expanding diversity to include previously marginalized groups. Each iteration of diversity, however, has been met with critiques implicitly designed to affirm the status quo. In this article, I respond to criticisms that have been leveled against my attempts to foster a more inclusive profession. Topics addressed include underrepresentation, methodological rigor, institutional discrimination, and the challenge of respecting people with whom we differ. I conclude by noting that most social workers are invested in the creation of an inclusive society and highlight the need for a new conversational model that affirms diversity, difference, and the basic human rights of those with whom we disagree.
Decreased Amygdala Activation during Risk Taking in Non-Dependent Habitual Alcohol Users: A Preliminary fMRI Study of the Stop Signal Task

Background and Objectives: Habitual alcohol use is prodromal to alcohol dependence. It has been suggested that impairment in impulse control contributes to habitual drinking. Little is known whether neural processes associated with impulse control is altered in non-dependent social drinkers. The current preliminary study combined functional magnetic resonance imaging and the stop signal task (SST) to address this issue. Methods: We compared non-dependent non/light (n = 12) and moderate/heavy (n = 9) young adult alchol drinkers in a SST, in which they were required to exercise inhibitory control during the stop trials and were engaged in a speed/accuracy trade-off duing trial-to-trial go responses. Our previous studies identified neural correlates of inhibitory control and risk taking during the SST (1011). Furthermore, alcohol dependent patients showed altered brain activation both during inhibitory control and risk taking, compared to healhty controls (12). Results: We showed that moderate/heavy alcohol drinkers were decreased in amygdala activation during risk taking, while indistinguishable in neural measures of inhibitory control, when compared to non/light drinkers. Conclusions and Significance: Altered amygdala activation during risk taking may be a key neural process underlying early habitual alcohol use and a potential marker mediating transition to alcohol dependence.
The Role of Gender and Age on Students' Perceptions towards Online Education Case Study: Sakarya University, Vocational High School.

The aim of this study is to find out and analyze the role of gender and age on the perceptions of students to the distant online program offered by Vocational High School in Sakarya University. The research is based on a questionnaire as a mean of data collection method to find out the role of age and gender on the student’s perceptions toward online education, and the study progressed through finding relationships between the variables used in the data collection instrument. The findings of the analysis revealed that although the students registered to the online program by will, they preferred the traditional face-to-face education due to the difficulty of the nonverbal communication, their incompetence of using the technology required, and their belief in traditional face-to-face learning more than online education. Regarding gender, the results showed that the female students have a better perception of the online education as opposed to the male students. Regarding age, the results showed that the older the students are the more is their preference towards attending face-to-face classes.
Dynamic Neural Networks for Model-Free Control and Identification

Neural networks have been used to solve a broad diversity of problems on different scientific and technological disciplines. Particularly, control and identification of uncertain systems have received attention since many years ago by the natural interest to solve problem such as automatic regulation or tracking of systems having a high degree of vagueness on their formal mathematical description. On the other hand, artificial modeling of uncertain systems (where the pair output-input is the only available information) has been exploited by many years with remarkable results. Within automatic control and identification theory, neural networks must be designed using a dynamic structure. Therefore, the so-called dynamic neural network scheme has emerged as a relevant and interesting field. Dynamic neural networks have used recurrent and differential forms to represent the uncertainties of nonlinear models. This couple of representations has permitted to use the well-developed mathematical machinery of control theory within the neural network framework. The purpose of this special issue is to give an insight on novel results regarding neural networks having either recurrent or differential models. This issue has encouraged application of such type of neural networks on adaptive control designs or/and no parametric modeling of uncertain systems. The contributions of this issue reflect the well-known fact that neural networks traditionally cover a broad variety of the thoroughness of techniques deployed for new analysis and learning methods of neural networks. Based on the recommendation of the guest editors, a number of authors were invited to submit their most recent and unpublished contributions on the aforementioned topics. Finally, five papers were accepted for publication. So, the paper of P. K. Kim and S. Jung titled " Experimental studies of neural network control for one-wheel mobile robot " presents development and control of a disc-typed one-wheel mobile robot, called GYROBO. Several models of the one-wheel mobile robot are designed, developed, and controlled. The current version of GYROBO is successfully balanced and controlled to follow the straight line. GYROBO has three actuators to balance and move. Two actuators are used for balancing control by virtue of gyroeffect and one actuator for driving movements. Since the space is limited and weight balance is an important factor for the successful balancing control, careful mechanical design is considered. To compensate for uncertainties in robot dynamics , a neural network is added to the nonmodel-based PD-controlled system. The reference compensation technique (RCT) is used for the neural network controller …
Making a case for the case method in Turkey

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the benefits and drawbacks of the case method, one of the participative learning techniques, and its appropriateness for the Turkish cultural context. It offers an executable strategy for promoting this method in Turkey. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides an analysis of a wide range of articles on organizational and classroom learning, strategic leadership, and Turkish cultural, educational, and institutional contexts. This is complemented by information from semi‐structured interviews with Canadian case method experts and Turkish educators and educational leaders. Findings – The Turkish cultural context provides more favorable conditions for implementation of the case method than that of the Western countries where it originates. For instance, Turkey has one of the highest scores of in‐group collectivism. However, a lack of focused leadership and appropriate motivation prevented the pioneers of the method from overcoming the inertia of the incumbent institutional structures. Research limitations/implications – Only one participative technique in one country is explored in this paper. Further studies may usefully extend this approach to other countries in the region with similar cultures. Practical implications – Recognizing the favorable cultural conditions for the case method, leaders of business education in Turkey can adopt this technique as an explicit strategy. Strategic alliances with expert case‐teaching schools will confer competitive advantage both to Turkish institutions and to their students. Originality/value – This paper focuses on implementation issues of an effective teaching tool within one country, thus making its analysis and recommendations both specific and executable. Although examples of case method research abound, this contextual anchoring is rare.
Survey of large protein complexes in D. vulgaris reveals great structural diversity

An unbiased survey has been made of the stable, most abundant multi-protein complexes in Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough (DvH) that are larger than Mr ≈ 400 k. The quaternary structures for 8 of the 16 complexes purified during this work were determined by single-particle reconstruction of negatively stained specimens, a success rate ≈10 times greater than that of previous “proteomic” screens. In addition, the subunit compositions and stoichiometries of the remaining complexes were determined by biochemical methods. Our data show that the structures of only two of these large complexes, out of the 13 in this set that have recognizable functions, can be modeled with confidence based on the structures of known homologs. These results indicate that there is significantly greater variability in the way that homologous prokaryotic macromolecular complexes are assembled than has generally been appreciated. As a consequence, we suggest that relying solely on previously determined quaternary structures for homologous proteins may not be sufficient to properly understand their role in another cell of interest.
Gaze and blinking in dyadic conversation: A study in coordinated behaviour among individuals

Face to face conversation necessarily involves a great deal of bodily movement beyond that required for speaking. We seek to understand the systematic variation of such para-linguistic activity as a function of the ebb and flow of conversation. Gaze and blinking in dyadic conversation are examined, along with their relation to speech turn. Eight pairs provide 15 minutes of conversation each, including five participants who partake in two dyads each. This facilitates a thorough examination of the rich covariation of gaze and blinking both within an individual and as a function of the dyad. Many aspects of systematic variation are found to be relatively invariant within the individual, but individuals display large qualitative differences, one from the other.
A Highly Linear Wideband CMOS Low-Noise Amplifier Based on Current Amplification for Digital TV Tuner Applications

A differential wideband low-noise amplifier (LNA) based on the current amplification scheme is presented for digital TV tuners. In order to highly improve the linearity and exploit the noise cancellation, a common-gate stage with positive current feedback is integrated in parallel with a common-source stage using the current mirror amplifier. The proposed 0.18-mum CMOS LNA exhibits a power gain of 20.5 dB, an IIP3 of 2.7 dBm, an IIP2 of 43 dBm, and an average noise figure of 3.3 dB with 32.4 mW power consumption at a 1.8-V power supply and 0.12 mm2 area.