Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Laser‐ablated nanofunctional polymers for the formulation of slow‐release powders for dry powder inhalers: physicochemical characterization and slow‐release characteristics

Recently, dry powder inhalation (DPI) powders coated with nanometre‐thin layers of biodegradable polymers, prepared using pulse laser deposition (PLD), have been evaluated as a slow‐release formulation for DPI use, with the goal of improving pulmonary selectivity. This paper describes evaluation of the chemical stability of one potential polymer, poly lactic acid (PLA), during the ablation process, the resulting respirable properties and potential cytotoxicity of coated glucocorticoid powders, and the resulting sustained‐release characteristics of PLA‐coated glucocorticoids creating using PLD. Triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and budesonide (BUD) were used as two model glucocorticoids to determine pulmonary targeting (PT) in‐vivo.
The host galaxies and classification of active galactic nuclei

We present an analysis of the host properties of 85224 emission-line galaxies selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We show that Seyferts and LINERs form clearly separated branches on the standard optical diagnostic diagrams. We derive a new empirical classification scheme which cleanly separates star-forming galaxies, composite AGN-H ii galaxies, Seyferts and LINERs and we study the host galaxy properties of these different classes of objects. LINERs are older, more massive, less dusty and more concentrated, and they and have higher velocity dispersions and lower [OIII] luminosities than Seyfert galaxies. Seyferts and LINERs are most strongly distinguished by their [OIII] luminosities. We then consider the quantity L[OIII]/σ 4 , which is an indicator of the black hole accretion rate relative to the Eddington rate. Remarkably, we find that at fixed L[OIII]/σ 4 , all differences between Seyfert and LINER host properties disappear. LINERs and Seyferts form a continuous sequence, with LINERs dominant at low L/LEDD and Seyferts dominant at high L/LEDD . These results suggest that the majority of LINERs are AGN and that the Seyfert/LINER dichotomy is analogous to the high/low-state transition for X-ray binary systems. We apply theoretical photo-ionization models and show that pure LINERs require a harder ionizing radiation field with lower ionization parameter than Seyfert galaxies, consistent with the low and high X-ray binary states.
Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations with Repulsive Harmonic Potential and Applications

We study the Cauchy problem for Schrodinger equations with repulsive quadratic potential and powerlike nonlinearity. The local problem is well-posed in the same space as that used when a confining harmonic potential is involved. For a defocusing nonlinearity, it is globally well-posed, and a scattering theory is available, with no long range effect for any superlinear nonlinearity. When the nonlinearity is focusing, we prove that choosing the harmonic potential sufficiently strong prevents blow-up in finite time. Thanks to quadratic potentials, we provide a method to anticipate, delay, or prevent wave collapse; this mechanism is explicit for critical nonlinearity.
Applying Social Cognitive Theory to Academic Advising to Assess Student Learning Outcomes.

Review of social cognitive theory constructs of self-efficacy and self-regulated learning is applied to academic advising for the purposes of assessing student learning. A brief overview of the history of student learning outcomes in higher education is followed by an explanation of self-efficacy and self-regulated learning constructs and how they can be applied to academic advising. The article concludes with the development of a model for assessing student learning outcomes in academic advising using these theoretical constructs.
Estimating directions-of-arrival of coherent signals in unknown correlated noise via spatial smoothing

We show that any weighted spatial smoothing (WSS) of subarray covariance matrices with nonzero weights will lead to a decorrelation of signals, and we discuss the consequences of using negative weights. We next propose a WSS that will eliminate correlated noise and establish a relationship between the WSS and covariance differencing. Finally, we present numerical results to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed WSS.
Activity of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 cell cycle-dependent internal ribosomal entry site is modulated by IRES trans-acting factors

The 5′ leader of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genomic RNA harbors an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) that is functional during the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Here we show that translation initiation mediated by the HIV-1 IRES requires the participation of trans-acting cellular factors other than the canonical translational machinery. We used ‘standard’ chemical and enzymatic probes and an ‘RNA SHAPE’ analysis to model the structure of the HIV-1 5′ leader and we show, by means of a footprinting assay, that G2/M extracts provide protections to regions previously identified as crucial for HIV-1 IRES activity. We also assessed the impact of mutations on IRES function. Strikingly, mutations did not significantly affect IRES activity suggesting that the requirement for pre-formed stable secondary or tertiary structure within the HIV-1 IRES may not be as strict as has been described for other viral IRESes. Finally, we used a proteomic approach to identify cellular proteins within the G2/M extracts that interact with the HIV-1 5′ leader. Together, data show that HIV-1 IRES-mediated translation initiation is modulated by cellular proteins.
Factorized Latent Spaces with Structured Sparsity

Recent approaches to multi-view learning have shown that factorizing the information into parts that are shared across all views and parts that are private to each view could effectively account for the dependencies and independencies between the different input modalities. Unfortunately, these approaches involve minimizing non-convex objective functions. In this paper, we propose an approach to learning such factorized representations inspired by sparse coding techniques. In particular, we show that structured sparsity allows us to address the multi-view learning problem by alternately solving two convex optimization problems. Furthermore, the resulting factorized latent spaces generalize over existing approaches in that they allow having latent dimensions shared between any subset of the views instead of between all the views only. We show that our approach outperforms state-of-the-art methods on the task of human pose estimation.
Continuous Local Intra-Arterial Nimodipine for the Treatment of Cerebral Vasospasm

Abstract Vasospasm (VSP) is one of the major causes for prolonged neurologic deficit in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Few case series have reported about continuous local intra-arterial nimodipine administration (CLINA) in refractory VSP. We report our experience with CLINA in a patient with refractory cerebral VSP.
DyKnow: A dynamically reconfigurable stream reasoning framework as an extension to the robot operating system

DyKnow is a framework for stream reasoning aimed at robot applications that need to reason over a wide and varying array of sensor data for e.g. situation awareness. The framework extends the Robot Operating System (ROS). This paper presents the architecture and services behind DyKnow's run-time reconfiguration capabilities and offers an analysis of the quantitative and qualitative overhead. Runtime reconfiguration offers interesting advantages, such as fault recovery and the handling of changes to the set of computational and information resources that are available to a robot system. Reconfiguration capabilities are becoming increasingly important with the advances in areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT). We show the effectiveness of the suggested reconfiguration support by considering practical case studies alongside an empirical evaluation of the minimal overhead introduced when compared to standard ROS.
Antecedents and consequences of employee engagement

Purpose – Employee engagement has become a hot topic in recent years among consulting firms and in the popular business press. However, employee engagement has rarely been studied in the academic literature and relatively little is known about its antecedents and consequences. The purpose of this study was to test a model of the antecedents and consequences of job and organization engagements based on social exchange theory.Design/methodology/approach – A survey was completed by 102 employees working in a variety of jobs and organizations. The average age was 34 and 60 percent were female. Participants had been in their current job for an average of four years, in their organization an average of five years, and had on average 12 years of work experience. The survey included measures of job and organization engagement as well as the antecedents and consequences of engagement.Findings – Results indicate that there is a meaningful difference between job and organization engagements and that perceived organi.
Robust Quantitative Trait Association Tests in the Parent‐Offspring Triad Design: Conditional Likelihood‐Based Approaches

Association studies, based on either population data or familial data, have been widely applied to mapping of genes underlying complex diseases. In family‐based association studies, using case‐parent triad families, the popularly used transmission/disequilibrium test (TDT) was proposed for avoidance of spurious association results caused by other confounders such as population stratification. Originally, the TDT was developed for analysis of binary disease data. Extending it to allow for quantitative trait analysis of complex diseases and for robust analysis of binary diseases against the uncertainty of mode of inheritance has been thoroughly discussed. Nevertheless, studies on robust analysis of quantitative traits for complex diseases received relatively less attention. In this paper, we use parent‐offspring triad families to demonstrate the feasibility of establishment of the robust candidate‐gene association tests for quantitative traits. We first introduce the score statistics from the conditional likelihoods based on parent‐offspring triad data under various genetic models. By applying two existing robust procedures we then construct the robust association tests for analysis of quantitative traits. Simulations are conducted to evaluate empirical type I error rates and powers of the proposed robust tests. The results show that these robust association tests do exhibit robustness against the effect of misspecification of the underlying genetic model on testing powers.
On periodically iterated morphisms

We investigate the computational power of periodically iterated morphisms, also known as D0L systems with periodic control; we call them PerD0L systems for short. These systems give rise to a class of one-sided infinite sequences, called PerD0L words. We construct a PerD0L word with exponential subword complexity, thereby answering a question raised by Lepistö [23] on the existence of such words. We solve another open problem concerning the decidability of the first-order theories of PerD0L words [24]; we show it is already undecidable whether a certain letter occurs in a PerD0L word.
Assessing Cognitive Therapy Instead Of Neuroleptics: Rationale, study design and sample characteristics of the ACTION trial

Abstract Aims: Recent evidence regarding over-estimation of the efficacy of antipsychotics and under-estimation of their toxicity, as well as emerging data regarding alternative treatment options, suggest it may be time to introduce patient choice. However, only a small number of studies have reported on the efficacy of interventions for psychological interventions such as cognitive therapy. Early results suggest that cognitive therapy may be an effective, well-tolerated treatment for people who choose not to take antipsychotics. We report on the rationale and design for a multi-site randomised, controlled trial of cognitive therapy for people with a schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis who choose not to take antipsychotics. Methods: The study employs a single-blind design in which all participants receive treatment as usual, and half are randomised to up to 30 sessions of cognitive therapy for up to 9 months. Participants will be followed-up for a minimum of 9 months and to a maximum of 18 months. Results: We report the characteristics of the final sample at baseline (N = 74). Conclusions: Our study aims to expand the currently limited evidence base for best practice in interventions for individuals with psychosis who choose not to take antipsychotics.
The Boolean Solution to the Congested IP Link Location Problem: Theory and Practice

Like other problems in network tomography or traffic matrix estimation, the location of congested IP links from end-to-end measurements requires solving a system of equations that relate the measurement outcomes with the variables representing the status of the IP links. In most networks, this system of equations does not have a unique solution. To overcome this critical problem, current methods use the unrealistic assumption that all IP links have the same prior probability of being congested. We find that this assumption is not needed, because these probabilities can be uniquely identified from a small set of measurements by using properties of Boolean algebra. We can then use the learnt probabilities as priors to find rapidly the congested links at any time, with an order of magnitude gain in accuracy over existing algorithms. We validate our results both by simulation and real implementation in the PlanetLab network.
Equality, justice and gender: barriers to the ethical university for women

Academic women experience working in higher education differently to their male counterparts. This article argues that the unequal position of women academics is unethical, irrespective of whether one takes a consequentialist or deontological ethical position. By drawing on a range of international studies, the article explores the reasons for this inequity, suggesting that the ‘cult of individual responsibility’, the positioning of women academics as ‘other’ and the impact of having a family are significant factors. Having identified the reasons why university women experience the system differently, the article then reflects on how the ethical university can move towards bringing about greater equity between male and female colleagues.
Thesaurus Alignment for Linked Data Publishing

As part of the publication of the AGROVOC thesaurus as Linked Data (LD), AGROVOC is now mapped with six well-known thesauri in the agricultural domain, i.e., EUROVOC, NALT, GEMET, STW, LCSH, RAMEAU. To find matching candidates, known matching algorithms discussed in the literature and available from public API were used. Results were evaluated by a domain expert, and almost total precision obtained. The candidate matches that were confirmed have already been added to the LD version of AGROVOC. Moreover, the owners of two of the thesauri mapped with AGROVOC have included in their data the mapping we identified. From this work, we conclude that we achieved our goal to enhance the Linked Data version of AGROVOC with reliable links to other thesauri, following a procedure that is fully replicable.
Outcome measurement in an inpatient and outpatient traumatic brain injury rehabilitation programme

This paper outlines approaches taken to the measurement of outcome from a rehabilitation programme for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). It describes methods used to evaluate progress made by individuals towards the attainment of goals within the programme, including the use of a Role Checklist and Goal Attainment Scaling. Maintenance of gains and long-term outcome in a range of life domains over 5 years after injury has been documented using a structured questionnaire, on which we obtained good inter-rater reliability. By 5 years after injury, the majority of individuals with TBI were in reasonable agreement with their close others regarding the presence of cognitive and behavioural changes. Standardised measures used in addition to the structured questionnaire have included the Sickness Impact Profile, the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART), and the Leeds Scales for the Self-assessment of Anxiety and Depression. Findings and inter-correlations of all these measures ar.
Critical Realism, Urban Planning and Urban Research

Abstract The paper discusses key meta-theoretical presuppositions for urban planning to be possible and meaningful, pointing at critical realism as a fruitful philosophical position for research within urban planning and urban studies. For ontological reasons, critical realism considers that interdisciplinary integration is necessary to arrive at valid knowledge, whereas competing positions such as positivism and poststructuralism tend to neglect important parts of reality. Critical realism acknowledges the independent causal powers of both agents and structures and thus provides a suitable platform for investigating causal relationships between social conditions, spatial urban structures and the actions of agents (including those of planners). Moreover, a critical realist view on the possibilities of research-based predictions squares well with the qualitative impact assessments of alternative solutions and the modest, context-adapted estimates of magnitudes of effects typical within urban planning.
Dimensions of teacher self‐efficacy among Chinese secondary school teachers in Hong Kong

This article reports the development of a teacher self‐efficacy scale that aims to accommodate the complexity of teacher functioning in secondary schools in times of education reforms in Hong Kong. The scale was designed to assess six domains of teacher self‐efficacy: teaching highly able learners, classroom management, guidance and counselling, student engagement, teaching to accommodate diversity, and teaching for enriched learning. The total scale and the six subscales were evaluated based on the responses of 159 Hong Kong Chinese prospective and in‐service teachers for internal consistency and construct validity, and for convergent and discriminant validation with external measures.
Effects of $\hbox{N}_{2}$ Plasma Pretreatment on the SiN Passivation of AlGaN/GaN HEMT

The impact of in situ low-power plasma pretreatment, prior to silicon-nitride (SiN) deposition, was investigated in AlGaN/GaN high-electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). These studies reveal that the use of plasma in HEMT passivation reduces current-collapse and gate-lag effects. Such treatment is also beneficial to improve gate leakage, and from RF measurements, no degradation of was observed. These beneficial effects of the plasma pretreatment seem to be due to a significant reduction in interface charge density, as shown in this letter using GaN MIS devices, where a decrease of 60% was observed.
Temporal Context Representation and Reasoning

This paper demonstrates how a model for temporal context reasoning can be implemented. The approach is to detect temporally related events in natural language text and convert the events into an enriched logical representation. Reasoning is provided by a first order logic theorem prover adapted to text. Results show that temporal context reasoning boosts the performance of a Question Answering system.
Height and jealousy over partner’s ex and a new rival among coupled men and women

Recent studies suggest that body height has an effect on the intensity of jealousy among men and women. Since short men and both short and tall women are regarded as less attractive, they could be at greater risk of being cheated by their partners and therefore more jealous. Numerous studies have documented sex differences in jealousy about a partner’s sexual and emotional infidelity with a person of the opposite sex. However, the partner’s ex as a rival has been neglected in the literature. Therefore, in this study the relationships between height and jealousy about two types of infidelity among 112 heterosexual men and 314 women were investigated. Infidelity scenarios included two types of rival: new rival and partner’s ex. As expected on the basis of prior studies, men were more jealous of sexual infidelity and women of emotional infidelity. Both sexes reported greater jealousy over a new rival than over partner’s ex. Among men, there were no relationships between height and jealousy, while among women.
The mediating role of affect in the relationship between need satisfaction and autonomous motivation

The relationship between need satisfaction and motivation is well established within self-determination theory (SDT). However, less is known about the affective mechanism that underlies this relationship. In this study, we extend SDT by focusing on the exact role of affect in the need satisfaction�motivation relationship. To this end, we conducted a daily diary study (N = 72) and an experience sampling study (N = 37) in which we tested the mediating role of positive and negative affect in the relationship between satisfaction of the autonomy, competence, and relatedness need on the one hand and autonomous motivation on the other hand. Moreover, alternative models were tested. The results of both studies demonstrated that affect did mediate the need satisfaction�intrinsic motivation relationship. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
A Biomechanical Comparison of the Traditional Squat, Powerlifting Squat, and Box Squat

Abstract Swinton, PA, Lloyd, R, Keogh, JWL, Agouris, I, and Stewart, AD. A biomechanical comparison of the traditional squat, powerlifting squat, and box squat. J Strength Cond Res 26(7): 1805–1816, 2012. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanics of the traditional squat with 2 popular exercise variations commonly referred to as the powerlifting squat and box squat. Twelve male powerlifters performed the exercises with 30, 50, and 70% of their measured 1 repetition maximum (1RM), with instruction to lift the loads as fast as possible. Inverse dynamics and spatial tracking of the external resistance were used to quantify biomechanical variables. A range of significant kinematic and kinetic differences (p < 0.05) emerged between the exercises. The traditional squat was performed with a narrow stance, whereas the powerlifting squat and box squat were performed with similar wide stances (48.3 ± 3.8, 89.6 ± 4.9, 92.1 ± 5.1 cm, respectively). During the eccentric phase of the traditional squat, the knee traveled past the toes resulting in anterior displacement of the system center of mass (COM). In contrast, during the powerlifting squat and box squat, a more vertical shin position was maintained, resulting in posterior displacements of the system COM. These differences in linear displacements had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on a number of peak joint moments, with the greatest effects measured at the spine and ankle. For both joints, the largest peak moment was produced during the traditional squat, followed by the powerlifting squat, then box squat. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were also noted at the hip joint where the largest moment in all 3 planes were produced during the powerlifting squat. Coaches and athletes should be aware of the biomechanical differences between the squatting variations and select according to the kinematic and kinetic profile that best match the training goals.