Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigating The Impact of Emotional Intelligence On Technology Learning

This study aims to investigate the impact of interpersonal self‐awareness, self‐confidence, and self‐ discipline, as well as intrapersonal empathy, optimism, and social responsibility‐ emotional intelligence (EI) dimensions on technology learning process levels (TLP). An empirical study with a questionnaire, was conducted on 124 voluntary respondents from 10 IT organizations in Jordan. The findings indicated that the EI intrapersonal sub dimensions were responsible for 30% in variation of the TLP basic level. Only the self‐discipline variable could predict average, advanced, and world‐class TLP levels in comparison with optimism which significantly predicted the TLP levels except for the average one, which was predicted by the social responsibility variable. This study is the first study to investigate the relationship between EI and TLP levels. The outcomes provide an empirical support for an interesting parallel between the both. Moreover, the practical implications of this study suggest considering EI competences when selecting and promoting the IT staff; and when designing the TLP training programs. Keywords‐ Emotional Intelligence, Interpersonal Intelligence, Intrapersonal Intelligence, Technology Learning Levels.
Various OSI Layer Attacks and Countermeasure to Enhance the Performance of WSNs during Wormhole Attack

Wireless sensor networks are networks having non wired infrastructure and dynamic topology. In OSI model each layer is prone to various attacks, which halts the performance of a network . In this paper several attacks on four layers of OSI model are discussed and security mechanism is described to prevent attack in network layer i.e wormhole attack. In Wormhole attack two or more malicious nodes makes a covert channel which attracts the traffic towards itself by depicting a low latency link and then start dropping and replaying packets in the multi-path route. This paper proposes promiscuous mode method to detect and isolate the malicious node during wormhole attack by using Ad-hoc on demand distance vector routing protocol (AODV) with omnidirectional antenna. The methodology implemented notifies that the nodes which are not participating in multi-path routing generates an alarm message during delay and then detects and isolate the malicious node from network. We also notice that not only the same kind of attacks but also the same kind of countermeasures can appear in multiple layer. For example, misbehavior detection techniques can be applied to almost all the layers we discussed.
The association between serum osmolality and lung function among adults

The extensive pulmonary vasculature results in the lungs being intimately exposed to circulating blood. As increased serum osmolality may be associated with an increase in pro-inflammatory activity, this has the potential to result in damage to the lungs and reduced lung function. The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that increased serum osmolality is associated with a lower forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). The present study was a cross-sectional study of 10,602 participants in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey aged ≥17 yrs for whom there were adequate data on all outcomes and exposures. After adjustment for age, smoking and other confounding factors, increased serum osmolality was inversely associated with both FEV1 and FVC. An increase of 1 sd in serum osmolality was associated with a decrease in both FEV1 of 19.8 mL and FVC of 35.3 mL. The constituent assays demonstrated a complex relationship with both FEV1 and FVC. Increased serum osmolality was associated with decreased forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity. If causal, this may have implications for the understanding of the processes that are involved in the pathophysiology of decline in lung function.
Effect of Diet on Preference and Intake of Sucrose in Obese Prone and Resistant Rats

Increased orosensory stimulation from palatable diets and decreased feedback from gut signals have been proposed as contributing factors to obesity development. Whether altered taste functions associated with obesity are common traits or acquired deficits to environmental factors, such as a high-energy (HE)-diet, however, is not clear. To address this, we examined preference and sensitivity of increasing concentrations of sucrose solutions in rats prone (OP) and resistant (OR) to obesity during chow and HE feeding and measured lingual gene expression of the sweet taste receptor T1R3. When chow-fed, OP rats exhibited reduced preference and acceptance of dilute sucrose solutions, sham-fed less sucrose compared to OR rats, and had reduced lingual T1R3 gene expression. HE-feeding abrogated differences in sucrose preference and intake and lingual T1R3 expression between phenotypes. Despite similar sucrose intakes however, OP rats consumed significantly more total calories during 48-h two-bottle testing compared to OR rats. The results demonstrate that OP rats have an innate deficit for sweet taste detection, as illustrated by a reduction in sensitivity to sweets and reduced T1R3 gene expression; however their hyperphagia and subsequent obesity during HE-feeding is most likely not due to altered consumption of sweets.
An Analysis of the Neural Representation of Birdsong Memory

Songbirds, such as zebra finches, learn their song from a tutor early in life. Forebrain nuclei in the “song system” are important for the acquisition and production of song. Brain regions [including the caudomedial part of the neostriatum (NCM) and of the hyperstriatum ventrale (CMHV)] outside the song system show increased neuronal activation, measured as expression of immediate early genes (IEGs), when zebra finch males are exposed to song. IEG expression in the NCM in response to tutor song is significantly positively correlated with the strength of song learning (i.e., the number of elements copied). Here, we exposed three groups of adult zebra finch males to tutor song, to their own song, or to novel conspecific song. The two control groups were included to examine an alternative explanation of our previous results in terms of variation in predisposed levels of attentiveness. Expression of Zenk, the protein product of the IEG ZENK, was measured in the NCM, CMHV, and hippocampus. There were no significant differences in overall Zenk expression between the three experimental groups. However, there was a significant positive correlation between Zenk expression in the NCM (but not in the other two regions) and strength of song learning in the males that were exposed to the tutor song. There was no such correlation in the other two groups. These results suggest that experience-related neuronal activation is specific to the tutor song and thus unlikely to be a result of differences in attention.
Empirical Analysis of Working Capital Management and its Impact on the Profitability of Listed Manufacturing Firms in Ghana

This paper empirically analyses working capital management and its impact on firm profitability. Panel data is obtained from the financial statements of listed manufacturing firms in Ghana from 2004 to 2011 inclusive. In all, six (6) out of seven (7) manufacturing firms quoted on the Ghana Stock Exchange with complete financial data constituted the research sample. This paper uses working capital cycle and gross operating profit margin as proxies for working capital management and profitability respectively. Whiles leverage, interest cover and the ratio of current assets to total assets are used as control variables. The study employs descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and ordinary least squares regression analyses. The results reveal that working capital cycle significantly affects firm profitability negatively. This means that less profitable listed manufacturing firms in Ghana have longer working capital cycle. From the correlation analysis, the study also finds that inventory turnover period, account receivables collection period and account payables payment period each negatively correlates with profitability. Finally while leverage negatively but significantly relates to profitability, interest cover and the ratio of current to total assets have significantly positive relation with profitability. Keywords: Working capital, profitability, manufacturing firms, Ghana
A benchmark for ph estimation algorithms: results for acyclic-ph

Distribution functions that can be expressed as exponential polynomials have useful computational properties in applied stochastic modeling and have gained widespread acceptance in recent years. Nevertheless, the implementation of efficient numerical procedures for estimating the distribution parameters remains an open problem that limits the use of this class of distributions in applications. The difficulty of the fitting problem is largely related to the non-linearity of the model and to the number of the parameters to be estimated Many attempts have been presented in the literature. However, the lack of accepted and standardized test examples makes it difficult to establish a comparative merit among the various approaches. This paper proposes a benchmark based on the workshop on Fitting phase type distributions, organized by S. Asmussen in February 1991. It also presents the results obtained by applying the Maximum Likelihood (ML) estimation procedure to the canonical representation of Acyclic Phase Ty.
Effect of Intrinsic Point Defect on the Magnetic Properties of ZnO Nanowire

The effect of intrinsic point defect on the magnetic properties of ZnO nanowire is investigated by the first-principles calculation based on the density functional theory (DFT). The calculated results reveal that the pure ZnO nanowire without intrinsic point defect is nonmagnetic and ZnO nanowire with VO, Zni, Oi, OZn, or ZnO point defect also is nonmagnetic. However, a strong spin splitting phenomenon is observed in ZnO nanowire with VZn defect sitting on the surface site. The Mulliken population analysis reveals that the oxygen atoms which are close to the VZn defect do major contribution to the magnetic moment. Partial density states calculation further suggests that the appearance of the half-metallic ferromagnetism in ZnO nanorod with VZn originates from the hybridization of the O2p states with Zn 3d states.
Towards a neuroimaging biomarker of depression vulnerability

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a pervasive and debilitating illness, with a recurrent course and chronic prognosis. Although effective treatments for MDD exist, there is a pressing need to characterize relapse vulnerability in order to design effective prophylactic care. To date, heterogeneity within depression neuroimaging research has made it difficult to establish a reliable biomarker of disorder susceptibility. In this paper, we review neuroimaging evidence for the assessment of MDD vulnerability, theorizing that current findings can be broadly distinguished between those indicating the presence of depressive episodes and those indicating MDD vulnerability during symptom remission. We argue that unlike the amygdala hyperactivity and prefrontal hypoactivity observed during MDD episodes, prefrontal hyperactivity may be a characteristic of dysphoric cognition during symptom remission that indicates MDD vulnerability and relapse risk. Drawing on current research of normative emotion regulation, we describe a potential test of MDD vulnerability, employing emotional challenge paradigms that induce cognitive reactivity — the increased endorsement of negative self-descriptions during a transient dysphoric mood. Relative to a normative model of prefrontal function, the neuroimaging assessment of cognitive reactivity may provide a reliable indicator of MDD vulnerability, advancing the field of biomarker research as well as the delivery of preventative treatment on an individual basis.
Antivenom Cross-Neutralization of the Venoms of Hydrophis schistosus and Hydrophis curtus, Two Common Sea Snakes in Malaysian Waters

Sea snake envenomation is a serious occupational hazard in tropical waters. In Malaysia, the beaked sea snake (Hydrophis schistosus, formerly known as Enhydrina schistosa) and the spine-bellied sea snake (Hydrophis curtus, formerly known as Lapemis curtus or Lapemis hardwickii) are two commonly encountered species. Australian CSL sea snake antivenom is the definitive treatment for sea snake envenomation; it is unfortunately extremely costly locally and is not widely available or adequately stocked in local hospitals. This study investigated the cross-neutralizing potential of three regionally produced anti-cobra antivenoms against the venoms of Malaysian H. schistosus and H. curtus. All three antivenoms conferred paraspecific protection from sea snake venom lethality in mice, with potency increasing in the following order: Taiwan bivalent antivenom < Thai monocled cobra monovalent antivenom < Thai neuro polyvalent antivenom (NPAV). NPAV demonstrated cross-neutralizing potencies of 0.4 mg/vial for H. schistosus venom and 0.8 mg/vial for H. curtus, which translates to a dose of less than 20 vials of NPAV to neutralize an average amount of sea snake venom per bite (inferred from venom milking). The cross-neutralization activity was supported by ELISA cross-reactivity between NPAV and the venoms of H. schistosus (58.4%) and H. curtus (70.4%). These findings revealed the potential of NPAV as a second-line treatment for sea snake envenomation in the region. Further profiling of the cross-neutralization activity should address the antivenomic basis using purified toxin-based assays.
Physics-based 3D position analysis of a soccer ball from monocular image sequences

In this paper, we propose a method for locating 3D position of a soccer ball from monocular image sequence of soccer games. Toward this goal, we adopted ground-model-to-image transformation together with physics-based approach, that a ball follows the parabolic trajectory in the air. By using the transformation the heights of a ball can be easily calculated using simple triangular geometric relations given the start and the end position of the ball on the ground. Here the heights of a ball are determined in terms of a player's height. Even if the end position of a ball is not given on the ground due to kicking or heading of a falling ball before it touches the ground, the most probable trajectory can be determined by searching based on the physical fact that the ball follows a parabolic trajectory in the air. We have tested and experimented with a real image sequence the results of which seem promising.
Calcium-binding Protein Calretinin Immunoreactivity in the Dog Superior Colliculus

We studied calretinin-immunoreactive (IR) fibers and cells in the canine superior colliculus (SC) and studied the distribution and effect of enucleation on the distribution of this protein. Localization of calretinin was immunocytochemically observed. A dense plexus of anti-calretinin-IR fibers was found within the upper part of the superficial gray layer (SGL). Almost all of the labeled fibers were small in diameter with few varicosities. The intermediate and deep layers contained many calretinin-IR neurons. Labeled neurons within the intermediate gray layer (IGL) formed clusters in many sections. By contrast, labeled neurons in the deep gray layer (DGL) did not form clusters. Calretinin-IR neurons in the IGL and DGL varied in morphology and included round/oval, vertical fusiform, stellate, and horizontal neurons. Neurons with varicose dendrites were also labeled in the IGL. Most of the labeled neurons were small to medium in size. Monocular enucleation produced an almost complete reduction of calretinin-IR fibers in the SC contralateral to the enucleation. However, many calretinin-IR cells appeared in the contralateral superficial SC. Enucleation appeared to have no effect on the distribution of calretinin-IR neurons in the contralateral intermediate and deep layers of the SC. The calretinin-IR neurons in the superficial dog SC were heterogeneous small- to medium-sized neurons including round/oval, vertical fusiform, stellate, pyriform, and horizontal in shape. Two-color immunofluorescence revealed that no cells in the dog SC expressed both calretinin and GABA. Many horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled retinal ganglion cells were seen after injections into the superficial layers. The vast majority of the double-labeled cells (HRP and calretinin) were small cells. The present results indicate that antibody to calretinin labels subpopulations of neurons in the dog SC, which do not express GABA. The results also suggest that the calretinin-IR afferents in the superficial layers of the dog SC originate from small class retinal ganglion cells. The expression of calretinin might be changed by the cellular activity of selective superficial collicular neurons. These results are valuable in delineating the basic neurochemical architecture of the dog visual system.
Smart Homopolymer Microgels: Influence of the Monomer Structure on the Particle Properties

In this work, we compare the properties of smart homopolymer microgels based on N-n-propylacrylamide (NNPAM), N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) and N-isopropylmethacrylamide (NIPMAM) synthesized under identical conditions. The particles are studied with respect to size, morphology, and swelling behavior using scanning electron and scanning force microscopy. In addition, light scattering techniques and fluorescent probes are employed to follow the swelling/de-swelling of the particles. Significant differences are found and discussed. Poly(N-n-propylacrylamide) (PNNPAM) microgels stand out due to their very sharp volume phase transition, whereas Poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) (PNIPMAM) particles are found to exhibit a more homogeneous network structure compared to the other two systems.
The Political Economy of Global Remittances: Gender, Governmentality and Neoliberalism

1. Introduction 2. A Gender-Sensitive Governmentality Approach 3. The GRT in the International Realm 4. The GRT in Mexico 5. The Power Technologies and Subjectivities of the GRT in Mexico 6. Resistance and Empowerment within the GRT in Mexico 7. Conclusion
Capacity of an IEEE 802.11b wireless LAN supporting VoIP

In this paper we evaluate the capacity of an IEEE 802.11b network carrying voice calls in a wide range of scenarios, including varying delay constraints, channel conditions and voice call quality requirements. We consider both G.711 and G.729 voice encoding schemes and a range of voice packet sizes. We first present an analytical upper bound and, using simulation, show it to be tight in scenarios where channel quality is good and delay constraints are weak or absent. We then use simulation to show that capacity is highly sensitive to the delay budget allocated to packetization and wireless network delays. We also show how channel conditions and voice quality requirements affect the capacity. Selecting the optimum amount of voice data per packet is shown to be a trade-off between throughput and delay constraints: by selecting the packet size appropriately given the delay budget and channel conditions, the capacity can be maximized. Unless a very high voice quality requirement precludes its use, G.729 is shown to allow a capacity greater than or equal to that when G.711 is used, for a given quality requirement.
Monitoring Influenza Trends through Mining Social Media

Analysis of Google Influenza-like-illness (ILI) search queries has shown a strongly correlated pattern with Center for Disease Control and Prevention seasonal ILI reporting data. Web and social media (WSM) provide another resource to detect increases in ILI. This paper evaluates trends in blog posts that discuss Influenza. The results of the analysis show Influenza-related blogging trends have a significant correlation with the beginning of US Fall 2008 flu season. We also identify WSM Influenza-related communities that share flu-postings which could broker or disseminate information in the case of a severe outbreak or Influenza epidemic.
Indications and contraindications of dental implants in medically compromised patients: Update

The aim of this study was to review the current scientific literature in order to analyse the indications and contraindications of dental implants in medically compromised patients. A reference research was carried out on PubMed using the key words “implant” AND (oral OR dental) AND (systemic disease OR medically compromised), in articles published between 1993 and 2013. The inclusion criteria were the following: clinical studies in which, at least, 10 patients were treated, consensus articles, reviewed articles and meta-analysis performed in humans treated with dental implants, and which included the disease diagnosis. A total of 64 articles were found, from which 16 met the inclusion criteria. Cardiac systemic diseases, diabetic endocrine pathologies or controlled metabolic disorders do not seem to be a total or partial contraindication to the placement of dental implants. Tobacco addiction, and head and neck radiotherapy are correlated to a higher loss of dental implants. Patients suffering from osteoporosis undergoing biphosphonates therapy show an increased risk of developing bone necrosis after an oral surgery, especially if the drugs are administered intravenously or they are associated to certain concomitant medication. Key words:Dental implants, medically compromised patient, systemic diseases.
Glycogen synthesis in the astrocyte: from glycogenin to proglycogen to glycogen

The astrocyte of the newborn rat brain has proven to be a versatile system in which to study glycogen biogenesis. We have taken advantage of the rapid stimulation of glycogen synthesis that occurs when glucose is fed to astrocytes, and the marked limitation on this synthesis that occurs in astrocytes previously exposed to ammonium ions. These observations have been related to our earlier reports of the initiation of glycogen synthesis on a protein primer, glycogenin, and the discovery of a low‐molecular‐weight form of glycogen, proglycogen. The following conclusions have been drawn: 1) In the ammonia‐treated astrocytes starved of glucose, free glycogenin is present. 2) When these astrocytes are fed with glucose, proglycogen is synthesized from the glycogenin primer by a glycogen‐synthase‐like UDPglucose transglucosylase activity (proglycogen synthase) distinct from the well‐recognized glycogen synthase, and synthesis stops at this point. 3) Proglycogen is the precursor of macromolecular glycogen, which is synthesized from proglycogen by glycogen synthase when glucose is fed to untreated astrocytes, accounting for the much greater accumulation of total glycogen. 4) The stimulus to proglycogen and macroglycogen synthesis that occurs on feeding glucose to untreated or ammonia‐treated astrocytes is the result of the activation of proglycogen synthase, not of glycogen synthase. 5) Therefore, in the synthesis of macromolecular glycogen from glycogenin via proglycogen, the step between glycogenin and proglycogen is rate‐limiting. 6) The discovery of additional potential control points in glycogen synthesis, now emerging, may assist the identification of so‐far‐unexplained aberrations of glycogen metabolism. —Lomako, J., Lomako, W. M. , Whelan, W. J., Dombro, R. S. , Neary, J. T. , and Norenberg, M. D. Glycogen synthesis in the astrocyte: from glycogen to proglycogen to glycogen. FASEB J. 7: 1386‐1393; 1993.