Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Context-Aware Vertical Handoff Decision Scheme in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks

Effective handoff scheme is an important issue in heterogeneous wireless networks. In this paper, we propose a context-aware-based vertical handoff decision scheme for heterogeneous wireless networks. A linear fuzzy membership function is employed to normalize dynamic environmental information, such as terminal's position, speed and link quality. In this scheme, energy consumption is introduced to judge whether to handoff or not, and the candidate handoff networks are determined by the network speed threshold. We also present a comprehensive utility evaluation function to evaluate networks quality, and the weights of decision factors are calculated by analytic hierarchy process(AHP). Then, the target handoff network is selected adaptively according to the comprehensive utility of candidate networks. Specifically, we consider a knowledge base to match the environmental state with target handoff network. Simulation results show that the proposed handoff decision scheme could effectively avoid unnecessary handoff.
Performance of an Ultrasonic Ranging Sensor in Apple Tree Canopies

Electronic canopy characterization is an important issue in tree crop management. Ultrasonic and optical sensors are the most used for this purpose. The objective of this work was to assess the performance of an ultrasonic sensor under laboratory and field conditions in order to provide reliable estimations of distance measurements to apple tree canopies. To this purpose, a methodology has been designed to analyze sensor performance in relation to foliage ranging and to interferences with adjacent sensors when working simultaneously. Results show that the average error in distance measurement using the ultrasonic sensor in laboratory conditions is ±0.53 cm. However, the increase of variability in field conditions reduces the accuracy of this kind of sensors when estimating distances to canopies. The average error in such situations is ±5.11 cm. When analyzing interferences of adjacent sensors 30 cm apart, the average error is ±17.46 cm. When sensors are separated 60 cm, the average error is ±9.29 cm. The ultrasonic sensor tested has been proven to be suitable to estimate distances to the canopy in field conditions when sensors are 60 cm apart or more and could, therefore, be used in a system to estimate structural canopy parameters in precision horticulture.
Micro-Level Opportunity Structures as Determinants of Non-Ceo Executive Pay

We develop a theory wherein the pay of non-CEO executives can be explained by micro-level opportunity structures - the intersection of executives' particular functional positions, CEO background, human capital, and the strategic resource allocation decisions made by the focal firm. Specifically, our framework suggests that executives will be paid more when they occupy positions made visible and important by the actions and resource allocation decisions arising from a firm's strategy, or have a functional background similar to that of the CEO. Moreover, we further suggest that executives' human capital will benefit them most, in terms of pay, when their position helps the firm manage such strategic resource allocations. Support for this multilevel framework is provided using a unique, longitudinal data set that combines survey and archival data on the four highest echelons of senior executives in large U.S. firms.
Solving the Procrastination Puzzle: A Concise Guide to Strategies for Change

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Intraoperative Computed Tomography Navigation for Transpedicular Screw Fixation to Treat Unstable Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Fractures

AbstractTranspedicular screw (TPS) fixation in unstable thoracic and lumbar (TL) spine fractures remains technically difficult because of destroyed anatomical landmarks, unstable gross segments, and discrepancies in anatomic orientation using conventional anatomic landmarks, fluoroscopic guidance, or computed tomography (CT)-based navigation. In this study, we evaluated the safety and accuracy of TPS placement under intraoperative computed tomography (iCT) navigation in managing unstable TL spine fractures.From 2010 to 2013, we retrospectively reviewed the Spine Operation Registry records of patients who underwent posterior instrumented fusion to treat unstable TL spine fractures via the iCT navigation system. An unstable spine fracture was identified as AO/Magerl classification type B or type C.In all, 316 screws in 37 patients with unstable TL spine fractures were evaluated and involved 7 thoracic, 23 thoracolumbar junctional, and 7 lumbar fractures. The accuracy of TPS positioning in the pedicle without breach was 98% (310/316). The average number of iCT scans per patient was 2.1 (range 2–3). The average total radiation dose to patients was 15.8 mSv; the dose per single level exposure was 2.7 mSv. The TPS intraoperative revision rate was 0.6% (2/316) and no neurovascular sequela was observed. TPS fixation using the iCT navigation system obtained a 98% accuracy in stabilizing unstable TL spine fractures. A malplaced TPS could be revised during real-time confirmation of the TPS position, and no secondary operation was required to revise malplaced screws.The iCT navigation system provides accurate and safe management of unstable TL spine fractures. In addition, operating room personnel, including surgeons and nurses, did not need to wear heavy lead aprons as they were not exposed to radiation.
Competing visions of education in Timor-Leste's Curriculum Reform

0 0 1 219 1302 20 3 1518 14.0 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:. 0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;} Timor-Leste’s independence in 2002 marked the end of centuries of foreign control. Early post-independence education reforms successfully increased school enrolments and rebuilt education infrastructure, however, teacher qualifications and student outcomes have remained poor. The current Curriculum Reform, initiated in 2013, aims to improve educational quality in the first six years of schooling by adapting international best practices to the Timorese context, fundamentally reshaping the curriculum’s approach to language, content and pedagogy. Located at the intersection of current debates in the anthropologies of education and international development, this paper examines how diverse educational actors in Timor-Leste translate Curriculum Reform policy into practice. The research draws on two months of ethnographic fieldwork in the capital, Dili, and on the author’s professional experience as editor of the Curriculum Reform. The key finding is that, while all actors share a common goal of creating a quality education system that contributes to Timor-Leste’s development, school and reform staff translate policy into practice in inconsistent ways. The paper argues that these inconsistencies are the result of the actors’ divergent visions of education, their working conditions, and their unequal access to information about the reform. These factors are compared across the reform pillars of language, curriculum content, and pedagogy for those who create policy (reform staff) and those who are tasked with implementing it (school staff).
Developing biology teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge through learning study: the case of teaching human evolution

ABSTRACT This work explores how pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) on evolution was modified by two biology teachers who participated in a professional development programme (PDP) that included a subsequent follow-up in the classroom. The PDP spanned a semester and included activities such as content updates, collaborative lesson planning, and the presentation of planned lessons. In the follow-up part, the lessons were videotaped and analysed, identifying strategies, activities, and conditions based on student learning about the theory of evolution. Data were collected in the first round with an interview before the training process, identifying these teachers’ initial content representation (CoRe) for evolution. Then, a group interview was conducted after the lessons, and, finally, an interview of stimulated recall with each teacher was conducted regarding the subject taught to allow teachers to reflect on their practice (final CoRe). This information was analysed by the teachers and the researchers, reflecting on the components of the PCK, possible changes, and the rationale behind their actions. The results show that teachers changed their beliefs and knowledge about the best methods and strategies to teach evolution, and about students’ learning obstacles and misconceptions on evolution. They realised how a review of their own practices promotes this transformation.
Existence of conformal metrics on $S^n$ with prescribed fourth-order invariant

In this paper we prescribe a fourth order conformal invariant on the standard $n-$sphere, with $n\geq5$, and study the related fourth order elliptic equation. We first find some existence results in the perturbative case. After some blow up analysis we build a homotopy to pass from the perturbative case to the non-perturbative one under some flatness condition. Finally we state some existence results under the assumption of symmetry.
“Concomitant” or “sequential” eradication of Helicobacter pylori: which regimen comes first?

“Sequential” or “concomitant” non-bismuth quadruple regimens are currently recommended by the recent updated (Maastricht IV) European guidelines as alternative to bismuth based quadruple regimen first line therapies, in areas with a high rate (over 20%) of clarithromycin resistance [1]. Besides this, there is no trial comparing both regimens in settings with increasing rates of clarithromycin resistance [2]. In a recent prospective, randomized, multicenter, clinical trial, conducted in Spain, McNicholl et al aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of these therapies for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication [3]. They included a large number of patients (n=338) with non-investigated/functional dyspepsia (80%) or peptic ulcer disease (20%), naive to eradication therapy. Mean age was 47 years, 60% were women and 20% smokers. They were randomly assigned to sequential treatment; omeprazole (20 mg/12 h) and amoxycilline (1 g/12 h) for 5 days, followed by 5 days of omeprazole (20 mg/12 h), clarithromycin (500 mg/12 h) and metronidazole (500 mg/12 h)[170 patients (50.3%)] or concomitant treatment; same drugs at the same doses taken concomitantly for 10 days [168 patients (49.7%)]. Eradication was confirmed with 13C-urea breath test or histology (depending on the indication), at least 4 weeks after treatment. Treatment related adverse events and adherence to treatment were also carefully evaluated. A total of 302 patients completed the follow up and were tested for H. pylori eradication. The success rate of either regimen was defined as the primary outcome measure and was expressed both by intention-to-treat and per protocol. Secondary outcomes included the rate of treatment-emergent adverse events (AE’s) and patients’ adherence to treatment. Concomitant and sequential eradication rates were respectively, 87% versus 81% by intention-to-treat (P=0.15) and 91% versus 86% (P=0.13%) per protocol. Multivariate analysis showed an odds ratio of 1.5 towards better eradication rate with concomitant regimen of borderline significance (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.9-2.8). Respective adherences to treatment were satisfactory and comparable between treatments (83% versus 82%). AE’s were reported by as many as 59% of their patients but were mostly mild (60%), leading to treatment discontinuation in only 12 patients. In conclusion, the concomitant regimen had a non-significant advantage over sequential therapy and was the only one overcoming the 90% cure rate, per protocol. Both therapies were well tolerated and safe.
The Globular Cluster System in the Inner Region of M87

We have identified 1057 globular cluster candidates in a WFPC2 image of the inner region of M87. The globular cluster luminosity function (GCLF) can be well fitted by a Gaussian profile with a mean value of m0V=23.67±0.07 mag and σ=1.39±0.06 mag. The GCLF in five radial bins is found to be statistically the same at all points, showing no clear evidence of dynamical destruction processes based on the luminosity function (LF). Similarly, there is no obvious trend between the half-light radius of the clusters and the galactocentric distance. The core radius of the globular cluster density distribution is Rc=56″, considerably larger than the core of the stellar component (Rc=6.″8). The mean color of the cluster candidates is V-I=1.09 mag, which corresponds to an average metallicity of Fe/H=-0.74 dex. The color distribution is bimodal everywhere, with a blue peak at V-I=0.95 mag and a red peak at V-I=1.20 mag. The red population is only 0.1 mag bluer than the underlying galaxy, indicating that these clusters formed late in the metal-enrichment history of the galaxy and were possibly created in a burst of star/cluster formation 3-6 Gyr after the blue population. We also find that both the red and the blue cluster distributions have a more elliptical shape (Hubble type E3.5) than the nearly spherical galaxy. The average half-light radius of the clusters is ≈2.5 pc, which is comparable to the 3 pc average effective radius of the Milky Way clusters, although the red clusters are ≈20% smaller than the blue ones.
High-Resolution Spectroscopy of Gamma-Ray Lines from the X-Class Solar Flare of 2002 July 23

The Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopy Imager (RHESSI) has obtained the first high-resolution measurements of nuclear de-excitation lines produced by energetic ions accelerated in a solar flare, a GOES X4.8 event occurring on 2002 July 23 at a heliocentric angle of ~73°. Lines of neon, magnesium, silicon, iron, carbon, and oxygen were resolved for the first time. They exhibit Doppler redshifts of 0.1%-0.8% and broadening of 0.1%-2.1% (FWHM), generally decreasing with mass. The measured redshifts are larger than expected for a model of an interacting ion distribution isotropic in the downward hemisphere in a radial magnetic field. Possible interpretations of the large redshifts include (1) an inclination of the loop magnetic field to the solar surface so that the ion distribution is oriented more directly away from the observer and (2) extreme beaming of the ions downward along a magnetic field normal to the solar surface. Bulk downward motion of the plasma in which the accelerated ions interact can be ruled out.
The method of strained coordinates for vibrations with weak unilateral springs

We study some spring mass models for a structure having a unilateral spring of small rigidity $\epsilon$. We obtain and justify an asymptotic expansion with the method of strained coordinates with new tools to handle such defects, including a non negligible cumulative effect over a long time: $T_{\epsilon} \sim {\epsilon}^{-1}$ as usual; or, for a new critical case, we can only expect: $T_{\epsilon} \sim {\epsilon}^{-1/2}$. We check numerically these results and present a purely numerical algorithm to compute ``Non linear Normal Modes'' (NNM); this algorithm provides results close to the asymptotic expansions but enables to compute NNM even when $\epsilon$ becomes larger.
Effects of Simultaneous Low-level Dietary Supplementation with Inorganic and Organic Selenium on Whole-body , Blood , and Organ Levels of Toxic Metals in Mice

Classical experiments have demonstrated that Se compounds protect against the toxicity of several toxic metals in acute experiments with simultaneous parenteral administration of high doses of Se and the toxic metal. Blood and organ levels of the toxic metals were increased, conceivably due to formation of inert Se complexes. Less is known about effects of long-term Se status on the toxicokinetics of toxic metals. Possible Se interactions in toxic metal biokinetics should therefore be studied at Se levels ranging from those just sufficient to avoid Se deficiency and up to those believed to be optimum in relation to antioxidative and other beneficial effects of Se. The toxic-metal exposure levels investigated should be similar to those occuring in human populations that are not occupationally exposed. To study interactions between Se and toxic metals at ultralow exposure levels, mice were fed semisynthetic diets containing different levels of Se. The mice were given ultralow doses of metal salts either as a single oral dose by stomach tube or as prolonged exposure in the drinking water. Diets with high or normal Se levels slightly, but nonsignificantly increased the whole-body retention (WBR) of Hg++ and CH3Hg+ compared to a diet low in Se. The dietary Se level was, however, without effect on the WBR of Cd2+ and Ag2, in single-dose experiments. During prolonged exposure, the diets fortified with Se increased the WBR of Ag2+, had no effect on WBR of Hg2+, and reduced the WBR of CH3Hg+ and Cd2 . During prolonged exposure, the diets fortified with Se reduced blood Hg++ while organ levels were unaltered. Blood and organ levels of CH3Hg+ were reduced or unaltered. Diets with added Se reduced blood and organ levels of Cd++ but increased blood and organ levels of Ag++. The blood lead level was reduced by Se supplementation. These results are in contrast to those previously published for Se effects on the toxicokinetics of Cd and Hg compounds. The results indicate, that Se supplementation might be beneficial in populations exposed for extended periods to increased environmental levels of certain toxic metals, e.g., Cd, Hg and CH3Hg. Environ Health Perspect 102(Suppl 3):321-324 (1994).
Cultural and religious barriers to setting up sex and relationship education in a muslim country : a case study of Brunei Darussalam

Sex and Relationship Education (hereafter, SRE) - a comprehensive sex education has a long debate in the Western worlds. This study explores the cultural and religious barriers of setting up SRE in a Muslim country, Brunei Darussalam. Using semi-structured interviews, I focus on key informants’ and young people’s perspectives on teenage pregnancy for instance, the policy context of school exclusion due to teenage pregnancy. I argue that the negative perceptions of SRE are stemmed from cultural taboo and customary practices of the country. This further suggests that these practices impose stigma effects that represent persistent patterns of dissolutions in reducing the rate of teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS transmission among young people. The other themes examine: perceptions of the respondents of the customary practice of social exclusion policy; positive and negative reactions to SRE; gender differences in sex and relationship; young people lack of knowledge associated with SRE; social issues associated with teenage pregnancy; attitudes toward NGOs; perceptions of the current school-based sex education and positive and negative attitudes towards SRE. This study also calls for pedagogical implications for future practice in the education sector. Finally, this study concludes with a brief discussion of the study.
The Relationship of PTSD and Communication with Intimate Partners in a Sample of Vietnam Veterans

Abstract : Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have had extraordinary impact oncombat veterans and on their social and intimate relationships. Communication behavior is believed to be a primary mechanism through which PTSD influences intimate relationships, and these veterans and their partners often report a variety of negative behavior patterns. Most of the relevant literature has relied on self-report measures, with sparse examples of observational research. In this study, 34 male Vietnam veterans and their intimate partners participated in videotaped conversations discussing three different topics: a recent neutral/positive event (NP), a problem within the relationship (PR), and his Vietnam experience (VN). The content of each conversation was coded using the Rapid Marital Interaction Coding System, and particular codes and sequences were compared based on PTSD severity, status (PTSD vs non-PTSD), and conversation topic. Increasing PTSD severity was related to fewer overall veteran utterances, and veterans typically made fewer utterances in the VN topic than either the NP or PR topics. With increasing PTSD severity, veteran hostility increased during the VN topic but decreased during the NP topic. Rates of veteran self-disclosure were typically lower in the NP topic than either the PR or VN topics, and increased as PTSD severity increased. Instances of veteran withdrawal and psychological abuse were too infrequent to be analyzed. For wives, acceptance statements were highest during the VN topic and relationship enhancing attributions were highest during the PR topic.
CELLULAR NEURAL NETWORKS DEFINED ON LOG-POLAR GRIDS FOR ARTIFICIAL VISION

A device and method are shown for laminating a label on a surface of a moving article after first applying the label to the surface of the moving article. A pressure sensitive label is applied from a label dispenser to the receiving face of a vacuum box where it is releasably retained by reduced pressure within the box. A piece of transparent, pressure sensitive laminate material is similarly dispensed to the vacuum grid and retained in position by reduced gas pressure. As an article to be labeled is moved past the vacuum box, a blast of positive gas pressure is supplied through the vacuum grid and against the label to transfer the label to the surface of the article. As the article continues to move, a blast of positive gas pressure is supplied through the vacuum grid in the vacinity of the laminate material to remove the laminate material and transfer the material to the surface of the moving article to laminate the previously applied label.
The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Techniques for Decreasing Anxiety Symptoms in Adolescents

Nearly 32% of adolescents demonstrate a lifetime prevalence of an anxiety disorder, making it the most common mental disorder among adolescents (Merikangas et al., 2010). Mindfulnessbased interventions have shown success in reducing anxiety symptoms in adults. This study focused on the effects of an 8-session mindfulness group on the moderate to severe anxiety levels of middle and high school students. The objectives of the small-group intervention were to educate adolescents about mindfulness techniques and to practice ways in which they could make mindfulness part of their daily lives. The aim of this study was to highlight the impact of a small-group mindfulness intervention on experienced anxiety of middle school and high school students.