Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A proposed general model of information behaviour

Presents a critical description of Wilson's (1996) global model of information behaviour and proposes major modification on the basis of research into information behaviour of managers, conducted in Poland. The theoretical analysis and research results suggest that Wilson's model has certain imperfections, both in its conceptual content, and in graphical presentation. The model, for example, cannot be used to describe managers' information behaviour, since managers basically are not the end users of external from organization or computerized information services, and they acquire information mainly through various intermediaries. Therefore, the model cannot be considered as a general model, applicable to every category of information users. The proposed new model encompasses the main concepts of Wilson's model, such as: person-in-context, three categories of intervening variables (individual, social and environmental), activating mechanisms, cyclic character of information behaviours, and the adoption of a multidisciplinary approach to explain them. However, the new model introduces several changes. They include: 1. identification of 'context' with the intervening variables; 2. immersion of the chain of information behaviour in the 'context', to indicate that the context variables influence behaviour at all stages of the process (identification of needs, looking for information, processing and using it); 3. stress is put on the fact that the activating mechanisms also can occur at all stages of the information acquisition process; 4. introduction of two basic strategies of looking for information: personally and/or using various intermediaries.
Group 2 Sigma Factor SigB of Corynebacterium glutamicum Positively Regulates Glucose Metabolism under Conditions of Oxygen Deprivation

ABSTRACT The sigB gene of Corynebacterium glutamicum encodes a group 2 sigma factor of RNA polymerase. Under conditions of oxygen deprivation, the sigB gene is upregulated and cells exhibit high productivity of organic acids as a result of an elevated glucose consumption rate. Using DNA microarray and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) analyses, we found that sigB disruption led to reduced transcript levels of genes involved in the metabolism of glucose into organic acids. This in turn resulted in retardation of glucose consumption by cells under conditions of oxygen deprivation. These results indicate that SigB is involved in positive regulation of glucose metabolism genes and enhances glucose consumption under conditions of oxygen deprivation. Moreover, sigB disruption reduced the transcript levels of genes involved in various cellular functions, including the glucose metabolism genes not only in the growth-arrested cells under conditions of oxygen deprivation but also in the cells during aerobic exponential growth, suggesting that SigB functions as another vegetative sigma factor.
Minority status and mental distress: a comparison of group density effects

Background It has been observed that mental disorders, such as psychosis, are more common for people in some ethnic groups in areas where their ethnic group is less common. We set out to test whether this ethnic density effect reflects minority status in general, by looking at three situations where individual characteristics differ from what is usual in a locality. Method Using data from the South East London Community Health study (n = 1698) we investigated associations between minority status (defined by: ethnicity, household status and occupational social class) and risk of psychotic experiences, common mental disorders and parasuicide. We used a multilevel logistic model to examine cross-level interactions between minority status at individual and neighbourhood levels. Results Being Black in an area where this was less common (10%) was associated with higher odds of psychotic experiences [odds ratio (OR) 1.34 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.67], and attempted suicide (OR 1.84 95% CI 1.19–2.85). Living alone where this was less usual (10% less) was associated with increased odds of psychotic experiences (OR 2.18 95% CI 0.91–5.26), while being in a disadvantaged social class where this was less usual (10% less) was associated with increased odds of attempted suicide (OR 1.33 95% CI 1.03–1.71). We found no evidence for an association with common mental disorders. Conclusions The relationship between minority status and mental distress was most apparent when defined in terms of broad ethnic group but was also observed for individual household status and occupational social class.
Untangling Brain-Wide Dynamics in Consciousness by Cross-Embedding

Brain-wide interactions generating complex neural dynamics are considered crucial for emergent cognitive functions. However, the irreducible nature of nonlinear and high-dimensional dynamical interactions challenges conventional reductionist approaches. We introduce a model-free method, based on embedding theorems in nonlinear state-space reconstruction, that permits a simultaneous characterization of complexity in local dynamics, directed interactions between brain areas, and how the complexity is produced by the interactions. We demonstrate this method in large-scale electrophysiological recordings from awake and anesthetized monkeys. The cross-embedding method captures structured interaction underlying cortex-wide dynamics that may be missed by conventional correlation-based analysis, demonstrating a critical role of time-series analysis in characterizing brain state. The method reveals a consciousness-related hierarchy of cortical areas, where dynamical complexity increases along with cross-area information flow. These findings demonstrate the advantages of the cross-embedding method in deciphering large-scale and heterogeneous neuronal systems, suggesting a crucial contribution by sensory-frontoparietal interactions to the emergence of complex brain dynamics during consciousness.
Comparison of Different Classifiers for Emotion Recognition

In the present paper a comparison of two classifiers for speech signal emotion recognition is presented. Recognition was performed on emotional Berlin Database. Within this work we concentrate on the evaluation of a speaker-dependent and speaker independent emotion recognition classification. One hundred thirty three (133) speech features obtained from speech signal processing. A basic set of 35 features was selected by statistical method and artificial neural network and Random Forest classifiers were used. Seven classes were categorized, namely anger, happiness, anxiety/fear, sadness, boredom, disgust and neutral. In speaker dependent framework, artificial neural network classification reached an accuracy of 83,17%, and Random Forest 77,19%. In speaker independent framework, for artificial neural network classification a mean accuracy of 55% was reached, while Random Forest reached a mean accuracy of 48%
18.1 A 2.71nJ/pixel 3D-stacked gaze-activated object-recognition system for low-power mobile HMD applications

Smart eyeglasses or head-mounted displays (HMDs) have been gaining traction as next-generation mainstream wearable devices. However, previous HMD systems [1] have had limited application, primarily due to their lacking a smart user interface (Ul) and user experience (UX). Since HMD systems have a small compact wearable platform, their Ul requires new modalities, rather than a computer mouse or a 2D touch panel. Recent speech-recognition-based Uls require voice input to reveal the user's intention to not only HMD users but also others, which raises privacy concerns in a public space. In addition, prior works [2-3] attempted to support object recognition (OR) or augmented reality (AR) in smart eyeglasses, but consumed considerable power, >381mW, resulting in <;6 hours operation time with a 2100mWh battery.
Real-time recognition of feedback error-related potentials during a time-estimation task

Feedback error-related potentials are a promising brain process in the field of rehabilitation since they are related to human learning. Due to the fact that many therapeutic strategies rely on the presentation of feedback stimuli, potentials generated by these stimuli could be used to ameliorate the patient's progress. In this paper we propose a method that can identify, in real-time, feedback evoked potentials in a time-estimation task. We have tested our system with five participants in two different days with a separation of three weeks between them, achieving a mean single-trial detection performance of 71.62% for real-time recognition, and 78.08% in offline classification. Additionally, an analysis of the stability of the signal between the two days is performed, suggesting that the feedback responses are stable enough to be used without the needing of training again the user.
PCBs as environmental estrogens: turtle sex determination as a biomarker of environmental contamination.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are widespread, low-level environmental pollutants associated with adverse health effects such as immune suppression and teratogenicity. There is increasing evidence that some PCB compounds are capable of disrupting reproductive and endocrine function in fish, birds, and mammals, including humans, particularly during development. Research on the mechanism through which these compounds act to alter reproductive function indicates estrogenic activity, whereby the compounds may be altering sexual differentiation. Here we demonstrate the estrogenic effect of some PCBs by reversing gonadal sex in a reptile species that exhibits temperature-dependent sex determination. ImagesFigure 1.
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin-activated murine macrophages kill syngeneic melanoma cells under strict anaerobic conditions

We have studied the spontaneous killing of B5(59) melanoma cells by Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-elicited macrophages under strictly anaerobic conditions to investigate the role of oxygen in macrophage- mediated cytotoxicity. The number of melanoma cells capable of forming colonies after aerobic or anaerobic incubation with BCG-macrophages was used as the index of cytotoxicity. The BCG-macrophages killed melanoma cells regardless of the amount of oxygen present. The killing observed was proportional to the ratio of effector cells added; a ratio of 25:1 effector to target cells was required to achieve nearly 90% cytotoxicity both aerobically and anaerobically. This cytotoxicity was not dependent on a diffusible macrophage product nor on alteration of the medium by macrophages, since tumor cells incubated in the same culture medium, but not in contact with a mixed population of tumor cells and macrophages, were not killed. These results also indicated that macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity was dependent on macrophage-tumor cell contact. The mechanism responsible for the oxygen-independent cytotoxicity is unknown at present.
Functional and Hemodynamic Adaptation to Progressive Renal Ablation

Removal of renal tissue stimulates functional and anatomical adaptation in the remaining renal parenchyma. Since recent studies have demonstrated no apparent limitation in compensatory growth following progressive surgical ablation, experiments were performed to determine the changes in glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow. After removal of 50% of the renal mass mean nephron glomerular filtration rate increased 60%, and after ablation of 75% of the renal tissue it increased 150%. These changes paralleled the increases in renal growth under the same conditions. In comparison, mean glomerular blood flow rose 90% and 240% after 50% and 75% nephrectomy, respectively; these changes in relation to the changes in glomerular filtration rate resulted in a progressive fall in the filtration fraction. Intrarenal blood flow distribution was examined with labeled microspheres. The marked increase in renal blood flow after surgical ablation was characterized by a disproportionate rise in blood flow to the inner cortex. The present investigation, therefore, describes the remarkable functional changes that occur as overall glomerular filtration rate declines and provides further insight into the mechanism responsible for maintaining water and electrolyte homeostasis after loss of functioning renal mass.
The Influence of the Metabolic Syndrome on the Short- and Long-Term Outcome After Carotid Endarterectomy

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study is to determine the influence of MetS on short- and long-term outcome and survival after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Between January 2005 and December 2014, data from all patients undergoing CEA were prospectively recorded. The metabolic syndrome was defined based on the presence of ≥3 of the following criteria: hypertension, high serum triglycerides, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high fasting serum glucose, and obesity. Primary end points were the occurrence of transient ischemic attack (TIA)/cerebrovascular accident (CVA), myocardial infarction, and mortality. A total of 564 interventions (in 525 patients) were performed, of which 244 (43.3%) were in patients who met the diagnosis of MetS. There were no differences in short- and long-term complications and overall survival between patients with and without MetS. Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) had significantly more ipsilateral TIA/CVA after 30 days (P = .001). The presence of MetS has no negative effect on the outcome after CEA. However, patients with DM have a significantly higher risk of ipsilateral TIA/CVA.
High speed binary addition

Addition of two binary numbers is a fundamental operation in electronic circuits. Applications include arithmetic logic unit, floating-point operations and address generation. It is widely accepted that there is no single best adder implementation. Modern adder architectures utilize a hybrid scheme based on, among others, various parallel prefix, carry select and Ling architectures. The parallel prefix method implements logic functions which determine whether groups of bits will generate or propagate a carry. These functions are hierarchically combined to calculate the carry into any bit. Ling adders reduce delay by using a simplified version of the group generates. However, the method only reduces complexity at the first level; all subsequent combinations in the hierarchy have the same complexity as the parallel prefix method. In this article we present novel architectures, which have reduced complexity at all, levels.
Sarcasm Detection in Twitter: "All Your Products Are Incredibly Amazing!!!" - Are They Really?

Sarcasm is a special form of irony by which the person conveys implicit information, usually the opposite of what is said, within the message he transmits. Sarcasm is largely used in social networks and microblogging websites, where people mock or criticize in a way that makes it difficult even for humans to tell if what is said is what is meant. Recognizing sarcastic statements can be very useful when it comes to improving automatic sentiment analysis of data collected from social networks. It helps also enhance the efficiency of after-sales services or consumer assistance through understanding the intentions and real opinions of consumers when browsing their feedbacks or complaints. In this paper we propose a method to detect sarcasm in Twitter that makes use of the different components of the tweet. We propose four sets of features that cover different types of sarcasm we defined, and that will be used to classify tweets into sarcastic and non-sarcastic. We evaluate the performances of our approach. We study the importance of each of the proposed sets of features and evaluate its added value to the classification.
SECONDO: an extensible DBMS platform for research prototyping and teaching

The goal of SECONDO is to provide a "generic" database system frame that can be filled with implementations of various DBMS data models. SECONDO was intended originally as a platform for implementing and experimenting with new kinds of data models, especially to support spatial, spatio-temporal, and graph database models. We now feel, SECONDO has a clean architecture, and it strike a reasonable balance between simplicity and sophistication. Since all the source code is accessible and to a large extent comprehensible for students, we believe it is also an excellent tool for teaching database architecture and implementation concepts. SECONDO runs on Windows, Linux, and Solaris platforms, and consists of three major components SECONDO kernel, optimizer, and graphical user interface.
Chemical characterisation of the organic materials used for the construction of the temples and buildings in Mỹ Sơn (Vietnam) from the Champa Kingdom

1 Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, via G. Moruzzi 13, I-56124, Pisa, Italy. 2 Institute for the Conservation and Valorisation of Cultural Heritage (ICVBC), National Research Council, via Madonna del Piano 10, I50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy. a Present address: Department of Scientific Research, The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom. e-mail: * DTamburini@britishmuseum.org
The Effects of Higher Admission Standards on NCAA Student-Athletes: An Analysis of Proposition 16

This study examines the effect of an increase in minimum admissions standards on college enrollment and graduation rates of student-athletes. In 1996, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) enacted Proposition 16, which increased admission standards for freshmen student-athletes at Division I schools, in an effort to improve graduation rates. Results indicate that Proposition 16 increased graduation rates significantly for Black student-athletes, and had no significant impact on graduation rates for White student-athletes. Results also indicate that graduation rates declined for Black student-athletes at Division II schools, which may have been driven by students transferring to Division I. As a result of the higher admission standards, Division I schools changed recruiting patterns and relied less on freshmen student-athletes, particularly Black student-athletes, to fill scholarships. Even though fewer Black freshmen student-athletes enrolled in Division I schools, the overall number of Black student-athletes did not change, suggesting that a greater proportion of transfer students into Division I schools were Black.
Risk of Recurrent Arterial Ischemic Stroke in Childhood: A Prospective International Study

Background and Purpose— Published cohorts of children with arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) in the 1990s to early 2000s reported 5-year cumulative recurrence rates approaching 20%. Since then, utilization of antithrombotic agents for secondary stroke prevention in children has increased. We sought to determine rates and predictors of recurrent stroke in the current era. Methods— The Vascular Effects of Infection in Pediatric Stroke (VIPS) study enrolled 355 children with AIS at 37 international centers from 2009 to 2014 and followed them prospectively for recurrent stroke. Index and recurrent strokes underwent central review and confirmation, as well as central classification of causes of stroke, including arteriopathies. Other predictors were measured via parental interview or chart review. Results— Of the 355 children, 354 survived their acute index stroke, and 308 (87%) were treated with an antithrombotic medication. During a median follow-up of 2.0 years (interquartile range, 1.0–3.0), 40 children had a recurrent AIS, and none had a hemorrhagic stroke. The cumulative stroke recurrence rate was 6.8% (95% confidence interval, 4.6%–10%) at 1 month and 12% (8.5%–15%) at 1 year. The sole predictor of recurrence was the presence of an arteriopathy, which increased the risk of recurrence 5-fold when compared with an idiopathic AIS (hazard ratio, 5.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.8–14). The 1-year recurrence rate was 32% (95% confidence interval, 18%–51%) for moyamoya, 25% (12%–48%) for transient cerebral arteriopathy, and 19% (8.5%–40%) for arterial dissection. Conclusions— Children with AIS, particularly those with arteriopathy, remain at high risk for recurrent AIS despite increased utilization of antithrombotic agents. Therapies directed at the arteriopathies themselves are needed.
Thermal properties of the optically transparent pore-free nanostructured yttria-stabilized zirconia

The authors report results of investigation of thermal conductivity of nanocrystalline yttria-stabilized zirconia. The optically transparent pore-free bulk samples were prepared via the spark plasma sintering process to ensure homogeneity. Thermal conductivity K was measured by two different techniques. It was found that the pore-free nanostructured bulk zirconia is an excellent thermal insulator with the room-temperature K∼1.7–2.0 W/m K. It was also shown that the “phonon-hopping” model can accurately describe specifics of K dependence on temperature and the grain size. The obtained results are important for optimization of zirconia properties for specific applications in advanced electronics and coatings.
Brain mechanisms of successful compensation during learning in Alzheimer disease

Objective: To determine whether patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) compensate for neuropathologic changes when performing a mnemonic task by recruiting 1) the same brain regions as age-matched, healthy controls, but to a greater extent; 2) additional brain regions not activated by controls; or 3) both. Methods: Twelve patients with mild probable AD and 12 healthy age- and education-matched controls participated in an fMRI study of successful encoding and retrieval of visuospatial paired associates. To ensure successful performance in both groups, participants were given multiple attempts to learn associations between two and three object locations. Results: The pattern of brain activity in patients with AD performing an easy version of the task was indistinguishable from that of controls performing a harder version of the task. Increased activation in left medial and right lateral prefrontal cortices was found in patients with AD compared to controls during encoding of two object locations, but not when this level of encoding in patients was compared with encoding of three object locations in controls. Conclusions: There was no evidence of neural plasticity in the form of recruitment of novel brain regions in patients with Alzheimer disease. Data supported greater recruitment of the same brain regions as age-matched controls as a means of compensating for neuropathology and associated cognitive impairment in Alzheimer disease.
Prevalence of Antibodies to Nucleic Acids in Insulin-dependent Diabetics and Their Relatives

We have studied nucleic acid antibodies in 23 insulindependent diabetics, 27 of their first degree relatives, and 23 normal, unrelated controls. We have found a significantly increased prevalence of antibody to ss-DNA, ds-RNA (reovirus), and synthetic RNA (Poly A · Poly U, Poly I · Poly C) in the unaffected relatives as well as in the diabetics when compared with normal controls. There was no relationship in HLA.