Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does extra genetic diversity maintain escalation in a co-evolutionary arms race

In evolutionary computation (EC), genetic diversity (or its absence) gets the credit (or the blame) for a multitude of effects — and so mutation operators, population initialization, and even pseudo-random number generators, all get probed and prodded to improve genetic diversity. This paper demonstrates how extra initial diversity can appear to cause improvements in the performance of coevolutionary learning, but the true cause is in unforeseen effects of the problem-specific representation. The learning task considered in this paper is a variation on the game of Iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma (IPD): here players have a fine-grained range of intermediate choices between full cooperation and full defection.
LAPTOP OWNERSHIP AND USE AMONG EDUCATORS: REFLECTIONS FROM SCHOOL TEACHERS IN MALAYSIA

This research explored the experiences of owning and using laptops among three secondary school teachers in Malaysia. They were granted personal laptops by the Ministry of Education through the Teaching and Learning of Science and Mathematics in English, or known as Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran Sains dan Matematik dalam Bahasa Inggeris (PPSMI) programme. This document has no comments. PPSMI was aimed at enhancing the teaching of these subjects in English with the aid of technology. The research adopted a case study qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews. Three in-depth interviews were audio recorded in the teachers’ schools, transcribed and analysed. Several themes related to the benefits and challenges of owning and using laptops emerged from these interviews. This paper, therefore, also seeks to discuss these themes in detail.
Seeing Empty Space

In this paper I offer an account of a particular variety of perception of absence, namely, visual perception of empty space. In so doing, I aim to make explicit the role that seeing empty space has, implicitly, in Mike Martin's account of the visual field. I suggest we should make sense of the claim that vision has a field-in Martin'ss sense-in terms of our being aware of its limitations or boundaries. I argue that the limits of the visual field are our own sensory limitations, and that we are aware of them as such. Seeing empty space, I argue, involves a structural feature of experience that constitutes our awareness of our visual sensory limitations, and thus, in virtue of which vision has a field.
A non-linear programming-based similarity reasoning scheme for modelling of monotonicity-preserving multi-input fuzzy inference systems

In this paper, the zero-order Sugeno Fuzzy Inference System FIS that preserves the monotonicity property is studied. The sufficient conditions for the zero-order Sugeno FIS model to satisfy the monotonicity property are exploited as a set of useful governing equations to facilitate the FIS modelling process. The sufficient conditions suggest a fuzzy partition at the rule antecedent part and a monotonically-ordered rule base at the rule consequent part that can preserve the monotonicity property. The investigation focuses on the use of two Similarity Reasoning SR-based methods, i.e., Analogical Reasoning AR and Fuzzy Rule Interpolation FRI, to deduce each conclusion separately. It is shown that AR and FRI may not be a direct solution to modelling of a multi-input FIS model that fulfils the monotonicity property, owing to the difficulty in getting a set of monotonically-ordered conclusions. As such, a Non-Linear Programming NLP-based SR scheme for constructing a monotonicity-preserving multi-input FIS model is proposed. In the proposed scheme, AR or FRI is first used to predict the rule conclusion of each observation. Then, a search algorithm is adopted to look for a set of consequents with minimized root means square errors as compared with the predicted conclusions. A constraint imposed by the sufficient conditions is also included in the search process. Applicability of the proposed scheme to undertaking fuzzy Failure Mode and Effect Analysis FMEA tasks is demonstrated. The results indicate that the proposed NLP-based SR scheme is useful for preserving the monotonicity property for building a multi-input FIS model with an incomplete rule base.
The contributions of mindfulness meditation on burnout, coping strategy, and job satisfaction: Evidence from Thailand

Abstract The present study examined the contributions of mindfulness meditation practice on job burnout, a choice of stress coping styles, and job satisfaction. The online survey data were obtained from 93 meditation practitioners and 54 non-practitioners in Thailand (total n = 147). Results from partial least squares regression suggested that respondents who had regularly practiced mindfulness meditation tended to report lower burnout. In addition, they tended to adopt more problem-focused coping and less emotion-focused coping in order to deal with work-related stress. The author also found that regular mindfulness meditation practice also contributed indirectly to higher job satisfaction.
Positive Portrayal of Grandparents in Current Children's Literature

Children's books have the potential to affect cultural norms and attitudes about older adults in many ways. The purpose of this study was to investigate the portrayal of grandparents in children's literature. Sixty-four children's books published since 1985 were randomly selected and content analyzed. In general, there was an overwhelming positive portrayal of grandparents in these books. Positive grandparent characteristics such as independence and happiness were depicted in a majority of the books the authors examined. Other characteristics such as wisdom and understanding were portrayed in slightly less than a majority of the stories. Although some of the stories depicted grandparents with various disabilities, physical impairment did not detract from the positive depiction of the grandparent. Future research might investigate the variance in the portrayal of grandparents along racial/ethnic and gender lines. For example, how are grandparents from various demographic groups portrayed in terms of status, wisdom, functional abilities, or equity?
An assessment of country of origin effects under alternative presentation formats

Empirical research concerning the effects of country of origin (COO) on consumers’ evaluative reactions to products has produced mixed and sometimes inconsistent results. Potential explanations for this situation include differences in the countries considered, populations sampled, products investigated, availability of product cues other than COO, the format in which the product cues were presented to the subjects, and the types of evaluative reactions considered. The authors present the results of three experiments designed to investigate the impact of three presentation formats (i.e., single cue, explicit multiple cues, and implicit multiple cues) on COO effects for four evaluative reactions (i.e., perceived quality, product evaluations other than quality, affect, and purchase intentions). COO effects were strongest for the single-cue format and weakest for the implicit multiple-cues condition. Perception of product quality was most strongly affected by COO, followed by product evaluations other than quality; COO had its smallest effect on purchase intention. Implications of these results and future research directions are discussed.
Outcomes of Tacrolimus Therapy in Adults With Refractory Membranous Nephrotic Syndrome: A Prospective, Multicenter Clinical Trial

Introduction:The treatment of adult refractory idiopathic membranous nephropathy with steroid and other immunosuppressant-resistant nephrotic syndrome can be a significant challenge. The authors investigated the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus (TAC) as a promising regimen. Methods:A prospective, multicenter trial was conducted in 9 nephrology centers from 2006 to 2008. Fourteen patients were enrolled. In conjunction with prednisone, TAC was started at 0.05 mg/kg/d, titrated to achieve a trough blood level of 5 to 10 ng/mL for the first 6 months, then reduced to 4 to 6 ng/mL for the subsequent 6 months. The primary endpoints included complete or partial remission. Secondary endpoints included relapse, change of clinical parameters and adverse events. Results:After 12 months, complete remission was achieved in 35.7% of patients and partial remission in 42.9%, yielding a response rate of 78.6%. Proteinuria, serum albumin, cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein were improved significantly (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.002, P = 0.01, P = 0.004, respectively). Proteinuria and serum albumin were significantly improved (42.0% ± 13.2%, P = 0.02; 15.2% ± 4.5%, P = 0.01, respectively) even after the first month of treatment. One patient relapsed during the subsequent 6 months of follow-up. Adverse events included 2 cases of infection and 1 case each of hyperglycemia, hand tremor, sudden death (nondrug related) and diarrhea. Conclusions:TAC plus prednisone may be an alternative therapeutic option for steroid and general immunosuppressant-resistant membranous nephrotic syndrome patients, with a favorable safety profile. However, given the limitation of a small number of patients in this trial, further study with a larger number and longer follow-up is needed.
Evaluating Service Organization Models

Based on the example of the evaluation of service organization models, this article shows how a configurational approach overcomes the limits of traditional methods which for the most part have studied the individual components of various models considered independently of one another. These traditional methods have led to results (observed effects) that are difficult to interpret. The configurational approach, in contrast, is based on the hypothesis that effects are associated with a set of internally coherent model features that form various configurations. These configurations, like their effects, are context-dependent. We explore the theoretical basis of the configuration approach in order to emphasize its relevance, and discuss the methodological challenges inherent in the application of this approach through an in-depth analysis of the scientific literature. We also propose methodological solutions to these challenges. We illustrate from an example how a configurational approach has been used to evaluate primary care models. Finally, we begin a discussion on the implications of this new evaluation approach for the scientific and decision-making communities.
A Dual Role of erbB2 in Myelination and in Expansion of the Schwann Cell Precursor Pool

Neuregulin-1 provides an important axonally derived signal for the survival and growth of developing Schwann cells, which is transmitted by the ErbB2/ErbB3 receptor tyrosine kinases. Null mutations of the neuregulin-1, erbB2, or erbB3 mouse genes cause severe deficits in early Schwann cell development. Here, we employ Cre-loxP technology to introduce erbB2 mutations late in Schwann cell development, using a Krox20-cre allele. Cre-mediated erbB2 ablation occurs perinatally in peripheral nerves, but already at E11 within spinal roots. The mutant mice exhibit a widespread peripheral neuropathy characterized by abnormally thin myelin sheaths, containing fewer myelin wraps. In addition, in spinal roots the Schwann cell precursor pool is not correctly established. Thus, the Neuregulin signaling system functions during multiple stages of Schwann cell development and is essential for correct myelination. The thickness of the myelin sheath is determined by the axon diameter, and we suggest that trophic signals provided by the nerve determine the number of times a Schwann cell wraps an axon.
Structure and folding of a designed knotted protein

A very small number of natural proteins have folded configurations in which the polypeptide backbone is knotted. Relatively little is known about the folding energy landscapes of such proteins, or how they have evolved. We explore those questions here by designing a unique knotted protein structure. Biophysical characterization and X-ray crystal structure determination show that the designed protein folds to the intended configuration, tying itself in a knot in the process, and that it folds reversibly. The protein folds to its native, knotted configuration approximately 20 times more slowly than a control protein, which was designed to have a similar tertiary structure but to be unknotted. Preliminary kinetic experiments suggest a complicated folding mechanism, providing opportunities for further characterization. The findings illustrate a situation where a protein is able to successfully traverse a complex folding energy landscape, though the amino acid sequence of the protein has not been subjected to evolutionary pressure for that ability. The success of the design strategy—connecting two monomers of an intertwined homodimer into a single protein chain—supports a model for evolution of knotted structures via gene duplication.
Isolation of Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio splendidus from Aquacultured Carpet Shell Clam (Ruditapes decussatus) Larvae Associated with Mass Mortalities

ABSTRACT Two episodes of mortality of cultured carpet shell clams (Ruditapes decussatus) associated with bacterial infections were recorded during 2001 and 2002 in a commercial hatchery located in Spain. Vibrio alginolyticus was isolated as the primary organism from moribund clam larvae that were obtained during the two separate events. Vibrio splendidus biovar II, in addition to V. alginolyticus, was isolated as a result of a mixed Vibrio infection from moribund clam larvae obtained from the second mortality event. The larval mortality rates for these events were 62 and 73%, respectively. Mortality was also detected in spat. To our knowledge, this is the fist time that these bacterial species have been associated with larval and juvenile carpet shell clam mortality. The bacterial strains were identified by morphological and biochemical techniques and also by PCR and sequencing of a conserved region of the 16S rRNA gene. In both cases bacteria isolated in pure culture were inoculated into spat of carpet shell clams by intravalvar injection and by immersion. The mortality was attributed to the inoculated strains, since the bacteria were obtained in pure culture from the soft tissues of experimentally infected clams. V. alginolyticus TA15 and V. splendidus biovar II strain TA2 caused similar histological lesions that affected mainly the mantle, the velum, and the connective tissue of infected organisms. The general enzymatic activity of both live cells and extracellular products (ECPs), as evaluated by the API ZYM system, revealed that whole bacterial cells showed greater enzymatic activity than ECPs and that the activity of most enzymes ceased after heat treatment (100°C for 10 min). Both strain TA15 and strain TA2 produced hydroxamate siderophores, although the activity was greater in strain TA15. ECPs from both bacterial species at high concentrations, as well as viable bacteria, caused significant reductions in hemocyte survival after 4 h of incubation, whereas no significant differences in viability were observed during incubation with heat-killed bacteria.
Biosorption performance of Albezia lebbeck pods powder for the removal of lead: Application of statistical method

The impact of industries on ground water resources is immense and only through good pollution prevention practices the contamination and deterioration of ground water sources will decrease. Biosorption a promising method for removal of metal ions from aqueous solution is under taken for the present experimentation. This paper determines the thermodynamics, isotherms and kinetic studies on biosorption of lead ions from an aqueous solution onto low cost biosorbent from waste plant namely Albizia lebbeck pods powder. The biosorption was carried out in a batch process varying six parameters. Results have shown that the biosorption of lead increases with an increase in biosorbent dosage and decreases with increase in biosorbent size. A significant increase in percentage removal of lead is observed as pH is increased from 1 to 6 and the percentage removal is maximum at ph = 6. Freundlich, Temkin and Langmuir models are applied to describe the equilibrium isotherms. The kinetic study showed that biosorption of lead followed pseudo second order kinetics. Various thermodynamic parameters such as change in enthalpy, entropy and gibb’s free energy are also determined. The Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was used for optimization using Response Surface methodology. The ANOVA of the regression model demonstrated that the model is highly significant which is evident from Fisher test.
Preparing for Action: Inferences from CNV and LRP

Abstract The execution of efficient motor actions is often preceded by preparation in the central nervous system. Although this kind of preparation cannot be observed directly, it, nevertheless, shortens reaction time. In this review we focus on two types of action preparation, namely event and temporal preparation. In particular, we show how modern event-related brain potential techniques can be employed to determine both the covert processes underlying such preparatory effects as well as their locus within the processing chain between stimulus input and action output.
A New Compton-thick AGN in Our Cosmic Backyard: Unveiling the Buried Nucleus in NGC 1448 with NuSTAR

NGC 1448 is one of the nearest luminous galaxies (L8–1000μm > 109 L⊙) to ours (z = 0.00390), and yet the active galactic nucleus (AGN) it hosts was only recently discovered, in 2009. In this paper, we present an analysis of the nuclear source across three wavebands: mid-infrared (MIR) continuum, optical, and X-rays. We observed the source with the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR), and combined these data with archival Chandra data to perform broadband X-ray spectral fitting (≈0.5–40 keV) of the AGN for the first time. Our X-ray spectral analysis reveals that the AGN is buried under a Compton-thick (CT) column of obscuring gas along our line of sight, with a column density of NH(los) ≳ 2.5 × 1024 cm−2. The best-fitting torus models measured an intrinsic 2–10 keV luminosity of L (3.5–7.6) × 1040 erg s−1, making NGC 1448 one of the lowest luminosity CTAGNs known. In addition to the NuSTAR observation, we also performed optical spectroscopy for the nucleus in this edge-on galaxy using the European Southern Observatory New Technology Telescope. We re-classify the optical nuclear spectrum as a Seyfert on the basis of the Baldwin–Philips–Terlevich diagnostic diagrams, thus identifying the AGN at optical wavelengths for the first time. We also present high spatial resolution MIR observations of NGC 1448 with Gemini/T-ReCS, in which a compact nucleus is clearly detected. The absorption-corrected 2–10 keV luminosity measured from our X-ray spectral analysis agrees with that predicted from the optical [O iii]λ5007 Å emission line and the MIR 12 μm continuum, further supporting the CT nature of the AGN.
Novel multilocus measure of linkage disequilibrium to estimate past effective population size.

Linkage disequilibrium (LD) between densely spaced, polymorphic genetic markers in humans and other species contains information about historical population size. Inferring past population size is of interest both from an evolutionary perspective (e.g., testing the "out of Africa" hypothesis of human evolution) and to improve models for mapping of disease and quantitative trait genes. We propose a novel multilocus measure of LD, the chromosome segment homozygosity (CSH). CSH is defined for a specific chromosome segment, up to the full length of the chromosome. In computer simulations CSH was generally less variable than the r(2) measure of LD, and variability of CSH decreased as the number of markers in the chromosome segment was increased. The essence and utility of our novel measure is that CSH over long distances reflects recent effective population size (N), whereas CSH over small distances reflects the effective size in the more distant past. We illustrate the utility of CSH by calculating CSH from human and dairy cattle SNP and microsatellite marker data, and predicting N at various times in the past for each species. Results indicated an exponentially increasing N in humans and a declining N in dairy cattle. CSH is a valuable statistic for inferring population histories from haplotype data, and has implications for mapping of disease loci.
Strategy, Size and Performance

Miles and Snow's four different types of strategy are discussed and operationally defined in terms of three recurring organizational problems. A field study of 47 firms was conducted to investigate the typology and the relationship between the typology, size and performance. Support is provided for the analyzer and prospector strategies but there is less evidence for defenders. Results demonstrate the importance of contingency research and indicate that firm size can explain differences in the relationship between strategy and performance.
Short-term effects of problem-based learning curriculum on students' self-directed skills development.

AIM To investigate short-term effects of problem-based learning on students' scientific thinking, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills. METHODS The study was conducted in two medical schools, Ondokuz Mayis University in Samsun and Trakya University in Edirne, Turkey. The two schools used different instructional approaches in educational methods: Ondokuz Mayis University followed a problem-based learning curriculum and Trakya University a traditional didactic curriculum. Three groups of students were included as follows: (a) 83 first-year from Ondokuz Mayis University, who passed an English language proficiency exam; (b) 146 students who failed English language proficiency exam and had to spend a year attending preparatory English language classes before starting their first year at Ondokuz Mayis University (first control group); and (c) 124 students first-year students from Trakya University (second control group). All participants completed the Problem Solving Inventory, Scientific Thinking Skills Questionnaire, and Conflict Resolution Scale at the beginning of the 2003/2004 academic year. The tests were re-administered to same students at the end of the academic year, ie, 10 months later. RESULTS Analysis of covariance revealed no differences in pre-test scores among the problem-based learning, first, and second control groups in their scientific thinking (9.0+/-71.2, 8.9+/-3.2, and 8.7+/-1.3, respectively; P=0.124), problem solving (132.2+/-15.4, 131.2+/-16.2, and 132.1+/-17.4, respectively; P=0.454), and conflict resolution skills (112.3+/-14.6, 109.7+/-12.8, and 110.2+/-11.4, respectively; P=0.07). The study group in comparison with first and second control group had significantly better post-test results in scientific thinking (13.9+/-3.5, 9.5+/-2.2, and 9.1+/-2.7, respectively), problem solving (125.5+/-12.6, 130.1+/-11.2, and 131.1+/-15.4, respectively), and conflict resolution skills (125.4+/-12.7, 110.9+/-23.7, and 111.6+/-23.6, respectively) (P<0.001 for all). The skills of the two control groups did not improve in this time period and their post-test scores were not significantly different. CONCLUSION Problem-based learning curricula may positively affect some of the self-directed skills, such as scientific thinking, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills of students, even in a short period of time.