Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robust Video Streaming over an Urban VANET

Because of restricted mobility patterns, multi-hop routing, and wireless channel conditions, streaming video over a Vehicular Ad Hoc Network (VANET) is a daunting task. This paper demonstrates that H.264 codec Flexible Macroblock Ordering (FMO) with receiver error concealment is capable of streaming good-quality video across a VANET. FMO is shown to be superior to other error resilience techniques but attention should be given to packet size, choice of protocol and the rate the video is released into the network if there are multiple destinations. Settings close to those of the emerging IEEE 802.11p standard for VANETs were emulated for a Manhattan grid mobility model.
Understanding and embracing contradictions: an exploration of high school English teachers’ beliefs about whole-class discussion

ABSTRACT Despite the effectiveness of dialogic instruction and whole-class discussion, it does not happen with regularity in the English Language Arts classroom. To examine this discrepancy, this study focused on the beliefs of teachers as they thought about discussion. To this end, the question addressed in this study was: How do high school English teachers define and conceptualize whole-class discussion in their classrooms? Fifteen high school English Language Arts (ELA) teachers were interviewed about their thoughts on whole-class discussion. Analysis of the interviews found seven meta-themes, which included three pairs of seemingly contradictory concepts about discussion. By understanding these contradictions, teachers and researchers can consciously focus on their purpose and emphasis, and make choices that can enhance whole-class discussion instruction in the classroom.
Cointegration Testing Using Pseudolikelihood Ratio Tests

This paper considers pseudomaximum likelihood estimators for vector autoregressive models. These estimators are used to determine the cointegration rank of a multivariate time series process using pseudolikelihood ratio tests. The asymptotic distributions of these tests depend on nuisance parameters if the pseudolikelihood is non-Gaussian. This even holds if the likelihood is correctly specified. The nuisance parameters have a natural interpretation and can be consistently estimated. Some simulation results illustrate the usefulness of the tests: non-Gaussian pseudolikelihood ratio tests generally have a higher power than the Gaussian test of Johansen if the innovations demonstrate leptokurtic behavior.
Joint Source-Channel Vector Quantization for Compressed Sensing

We study joint source-channel coding (JSCC) of compressed sensing (CS) measurements using vector quantizer (VQ). We develop a framework for realizing optimum JSCC schemes that enable encoding and transmitting CS measurements of a sparse source over discrete memoryless channels, and decoding the sparse source signal. For this purpose, the optimal design of encoder-decoder pair of a VQ is considered, where the optimality is addressed by minimizing end-to-end mean square error (MSE). We derive a theoretical lower bound on the MSE performance and propose a practical encoder-decoder design through an iterative algorithm. The resulting coding scheme is referred to as channel-optimized VQ for CS, coined COVQ-CS. In order to address the encoding complexity issue of the COVQ-CS, we propose to use a structured quantizer, namely low-complexity multistage VQ (MSVQ). We derive new encoding and decoding conditions for the MSVQ and then propose a practical encoder-decoder design algorithm referred to as channel-optimized MSVQ for CS, coined COMSVQ-CS. Through simulation studies, we compare the proposed schemes vis-à-vis relevant quantizers.
Development of an Integrated Adaptive and Maladaptive Personality Model for Measuring the Big Five

The structure of the Big Five model of personality was examined when its dimensions were measured independently at both poles, based on new items designed to reduce the social desirability bias often found between the polarities. Inductive, deductive and criterion-centric methods were employed and an instrument created that measures Big Five traits both adaptively and maladaptively. Based on a comprehensive literature review of the potency of different personality scales in predicting positive and negative performance at work, 410 items were created to measure the desired adaptive and maladaptive scales and a sample of English speaking professionals (N = 1,686 females, mean age = 44.0, SD = 12.0; N = 820 males, mean age = 46.5, SD = 13.0) assessed themselves against them on a Likert scale. Eighteen scales were created based on fifty-seven items and exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was employed to understand the impact of the new structure on the Big Five. The convergent and divergent validity were tested using hypotheses regarding the proposed correlations with industry benchmark instruments. A re-validation study (N = 438), test re-test study (N = 117), consensual validity study (N = 105) and social desirability study (N = 26, N = 28, N = 40) were also undertaken. Criterion validity was examined using behavioural competency models (N = 254, N = 73), with 360 observer feedback gathered and a priori hypotheses tested. The results revealed that evaluative bias can be reduced with the proposed approach, and the Big Five factor structure persists, whilst simultaneously enabling test users to explore their adaptive and maladaptive traits at both ends of the polarities. It is argued that conceptualising maladaptive traits as the more extreme ends of the Big Five (“too much of a good thing”) is helpful from a user validity perspective and avoids the risk of pathologizing people in organisational settings. Finally, the instrument’s eighteen scales have been located in the personality periodic table (Woods and Anderson, 2016) and the concept of a blended Conscientiousness and Neuroticism scale has been supported by the current research and provides a new approach. The implications for research and practice are discussed.
Report on First International Workshop on Robotic Surgery in Thoracic Oncology

A workshop of experts from France, Germany, Italy, and the United States took place at Humanitas Research Hospital Milan, Italy, on February 10 and 11, 2016, to examine techniques for and applications of robotic surgery to thoracic oncology. The main topics of presentation and discussion were robotic surgery for lung resection; robot-assisted thymectomy; minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer; new developments in computer-assisted surgery and medical applications of robots; the challenge of costs; and future clinical research in robotic thoracic surgery. The following article summarizes the main contributions to the workshop. The Workshop consensus was that since video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is becoming the mainstream approach to resectable lung cancer in North America and Europe, robotic surgery for thoracic oncology is likely to be embraced by an increasing numbers of thoracic surgeons, since it has technical advantages over VATS, including intuitive movements, tremor filtration, more degrees of manipulative freedom, motion scaling, and high-definition stereoscopic vision. These advantages may make robotic surgery more accessible than VATS to trainees and experienced surgeons and also lead to expanded indications. However, the high costs of robotic surgery and absence of tactile feedback remain obstacles to widespread dissemination. A prospective multicentric randomized trial (NCT02804893) to compare robotic and VATS approaches to stages I and II lung cancer will start shortly.
A four-mode model for efficient fault-tolerant mixed-criticality systems

Mixed-criticality systems (MCS) integrate components from different levels of criticality onto the same platform. MCS, like all other electronic systems, are susceptible to transient faults. These systems must mitigate the effects of faults and provide recovery mechanisms when faults occur. In this paper, we consider the problem of designing and scheduling certifiable fault-tolerant mixed-criticality systems. To address certification and transient faults, two-mode models must treat any single overrun or fault as a combination of the two, reserving time for the re-execution of tasks with extended execution time. We therefore propose a new four-mode model that addresses fault and execution time overrun with separate modes. This model, combined with the selective continuation of low-criticality tasks, improves the quality of service (QoS) to these tasks while providing the same guarantee to high-criticality tasks. Experimental results show that QoS improvements of up to 42.9% can be achieved by the new model. Furthermore, we show how the model and its schedulability analysis can be calibrated to realistic failures rates to achieve even more efficient designs.
Horizontal Allocation of Decision Rights for On-Premise Applications and Software-as-a-Service

This study addresses a major gap in our knowledge about the allocation of information technology (IT) decision rights between business and IT units at the application level, including the governance of applications delivered on-premise versus those delivered with a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model. Building on the findings from a multicase qualitative study of organizations that had adopted the same SaaS application, we draw on three theoretical lenses (agency theory, transaction cost economics, and knowledge-based view) to develop a theoretically grounded model with three organization-level factors, three application-level factors, and application-level IT governance. Hypotheses derived from the model, as well as a set of differential hypotheses about factor influences due to on-premise versus SaaS delivery, are tested with survey responses from 207 firms in which application-level governance is operationalized with two dimensions: decision control rights (decision authority) and decision management rights (task responsibility). Three antecedents (origin of the application initiative, scope of application use, business knowledge of the IT unit) were significantly associated with application governance postimplementation, and the on-premise/SaaS subgroup analyses provide preliminary evidence for the mode of application delivery as a moderator of these relationships. Overall, this study contributes to a growing body of research that takes a more modular approach to studying IT governance and provides theoretical explanations for differing application-level governance designs.
Integrating family planning services into HIV care and treatment clinics in Tanzania: evaluation of a facilitated referral model.

BACKGROUND Many clients of HIV care and treatment services have unmet contraceptive needs. Integrating family planning (FP) services into HIV services is an increasingly utilized strategy for meeting those unmet needs. However, numerous models for services integration are potentially applicable for clients with diverse health needs. This study developed and tested a 'facilitated referral' model for integrating FP into HIV care and treatment in Tanzania with the primary outcome being a reduction in unmet need for contraception among female clients. METHODS The facilitated referral model included seven distinct steps for service providers. A quasi-experimental, pre- and post-test, repeated cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the impact of the model. Female clients at 12 HIV care and treatment clinics (CTCs) were interviewed pre- and post-intervention and CTC providers were interviewed post-intervention. RESULTS A total of 323 CTC clients were interviewed pre-intervention and 299 were interviewed post-intervention. Among all clients, the adjusted decrease in proportion with unmet need (3%) was not significant (P = 0.103) but among only sexually active clients, the adjusted decrease (8%) approached significance (P = 0.052). Furthermore, the proportion of sexually active clients using a contraceptive method post-intervention increased by an estimated 12% (P = 0.013). Dual method use increased by 16% (P = 0.004). Increases were observed for all seven steps of the model from pre- to post-intervention. All providers (n = 45) stated that FP integration was a good addition although there were implementation challenges. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that the facilitated referral model is a feasible strategy for integrating FP into HIV care and treatment services. The findings show that this model resulted in increased contraceptive use among HIV-positive female clients. By highlighting the distinct steps necessary for facilitated referrals, this study can help inform both programmes and future research efforts in services integration.
Selection, Optimization, and Compensation in the Self-Regulatory Driving Behaviors of Older Adults

by ERIN J. LEA To combat declines in functioning, older drivers engage in selection, optimization, and compensation (SOC). Often these behaviors are either ineffective at reducing accidents or associated with negative outcomes such as depressed mood. The Compensatory Driving Behavior Scale was created to clarify self-regulatory driving behaviors related to this process. The scale yielded a five-component solution assessing Comfort, Vision Comfort, Frequency, Avoidance, and Difficulty Adapting associated with driving in challenging situations. These components demonstrated relationships with age, health, changes in driving abilities, extraversion, emotional stability, and external locus of control. Older drivers reported additional self-regulatory behaviors, including increasing attention, defensive driving, and increasing adherence to the laws. Reasons for these adaptations varied from age to concern for others. A re-conceptualization of the SOC model, focused on independence through driving rather than mobility, follows.
Metabolic Forearm Vasodilation is Enhanced Following Bier Block with Phentolamine

The ability and the extent to which the sympathetic nervous system restrains metabolic vasodilator stimuli in humans remains unclear. To examine this question we determined the forearm blood flow responses to 10 min of ischemia (reactive hyperemia) and to 10 min of systemic hypoxia (FiO2 0.1) before and after regional sympathetic blockade (Bier block with the α‐receptor antagonist phentolamine) in healthy volunteers (5F, 7M; 27±1 yrs). Blood flow in the brachial artery was determined via ultrasound/Doppler and conductance was calculated as blood flow/mean arterial pressure. Following phentolamine, basal forearm blood flow (pre vs. post: 36.8±5.2 vs. 97.0±22.3 ml/min, P<0.02) and basal conductance (pre vs. post: 0.42±0.05 vs. 1.03±0.21 units, P<0.01; n=12) were increased and consistent with α‐receptor inhibition. In addition, following phentolamine, peak reactive hyperemic blood flow and peak conductance were markedly enhanced (pre vs. post: 581.5±63.6 vs. 821.7±91.6 ml/min, P<0.01; and 6.82±0.52 vs. 9.04±0.83 units, P< 0.01, respectively; n=12). Furthermore, following phentolamine, the blood flow and conductance responses to systemic hypoxia (SaO2 77±1%) were markedly enhanced (pre vs. post: 33.5±7.2 vs. 89.6±18.8 ml/min; P<0.01; and 0.44±0.06 vs. 1.16±0.17 units, P<0.01, respectively; n=8). These data suggest that sympathetic nervous system activity significantly restrains increases in blood flow induced by local (forearm ischemia) and systemic (hypoxia) metabolic vasodilator stimuli.
The influence of pharmacogenetics and cofactors on clinical outcomes in kidney transplantation

Introduction: Immunosuppressive drugs have a narrow therapeutic range and large inter-individual response variability. This has prompted pharmacogenetic studies, mostly with regard to their dose–concentration relationships, but also about proteins involved in their pharmacodynamics. Some polymorphisms of genes involved in their disposition pathways were shown to affect their dose–concentration relationships. The impact of pharmacogenetics on tissue distribution and the resulting clinical effects have less often been studied. More importantly, a few single nucleotide polymorphisms seem to have a significant impact on the incidence of acute rejection or the adverse effects of immunosuppressants. Environmental factors often interact with such genotype–phenotype relationships. Areas covered: This article reviews the impact of genetic polymorphisms of the metabolic enzymes, membrane transporters and target proteins of mycophenolic acid, calcineurin inhibitors and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors on clinical outcomes in kidney transplantation. Expert opinion: The current level of evidence is not yet high enough to recommend pharmacogenetic personalization of immunosuppressive regimens in transplant recipients. The prevention of cellular toxicity associated with local metabolism or transport, which cannot be addressed by routine monitoring, is worth investigating further.
Visual art as a way to communicate climate change: a psychological perspective on climate change–related art

This article discusses the possible effects of climate change–related visual art, based on a comprehensive review of the psychological research literature. Taking a psychological perspective, potential effects of confrontation with such works of art are explored and a preliminary conceptual framework is proposed about special features of art that go beyond other means of communication. Potential barriers to change are discussed, as well as promising and often overlooked aspects that can trigger long-term changes, such as inspiration. Perceiving art demands attention, and processing art requires parts of the brain that are not normally accessed by typical communications about climate change. Art typically uses novel metaphors, analogies or narratives, which climate communication generally lacks. In addition, art can provide people with visualizations of the problem and give them a personal experience with the subject-matter, which is especially important regarding climate change as many people still see it as an abstract issue that poses no direct threat. Art may also help to establish a group identity and to give people a sense of being supported in their efforts to help combat climate change.
Optimization of Corynebacterium glutamicum immobilization process on bacterial cellulose carrier and its application for lysine fermentation

Bacterial cellulose (BC) was used as a modern carrier in immobilization of cell. The immobilization of Corynebacterium glutamicum using bacterial cellulose (BC) as a carrier was carried out in two steps: adsorption and incubation. The screening method Plackett-Burman Design was used to identify the significantly influenced factors and the experiments were designed by Response Surface Methodology having the Central Composite Design (RSM-CCD). The obtained immobilization parameters were the cell density of 6.6 billion clone form units per milliliter, the weight of BC of 10g/100mL, the adsorption time of 6.82 hours with the shaking speed of 150 rpm and immobilized cell was incubated at 30 0 C for 3 days. The optimal efficiency of this immobilization reached 72.4% and the average density of cell on BC carrier was achieved 47.7 ± 0.02 billion clone form units per gram of finished product. These were fermented to receive L-lysine, the number reusing times of immobilized cell was eight, and the lysine field was 95% in the eighth time of reusing immobilized cell for fermentation with 26.032 ± 0.023 g/L and volumetric productivity was achieved 0.618 ± 0.100 g/(L.h). Furthermore, this immobile product was maintained under the suitable condition in the sterile water, pH = 7. After storing at 4 0 C for 30 days, the percentage of cell survival was 80%.
Beyond Hacking: a Model Based Approach to User Interface Design

This paper discusses the role of models in the design of user interfaces, with particular emphasis on integration across different modelling stages. We are concerned with bridging the gap between psychologically motivated modelling approaches to HCI and implementation oriented interaction models, to produce a task-informed user interface design process. An early version of a UIDE which provides support for the role played by models in the design process is described and exemplified through models taken from a case study. We conclude with an assessment of our experiences and a discussion of how the work will proceed.
Beyond Individual Differences: Exploring School Effects on SAT Scores

This article explores the complex, hierarchical relation among school characteristics, individual differences in academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and socioeconomic background on performance on the verbal and mathematics Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Using multilevel structural equation models (SEMs) with latent means, we analyzed data from a national sample of college-bound high school students. A nested series of SEMs were fit simultaneously to eight subgroups (disaggregated by both gender and ethnicity) of high school students. Our analyses suggest that (a) multilevel SEMs provide a reasonably good fit to the data, (b) family background influences SAT scores directly and indirectly, learning opportunities in and outside the school curriculum are related to SAT performance, and (c) the characteristics of the schools matter when it comes to performance on the SAT. We argue that context matters and that researchers ought to move beyond analyses of individual differences when attempting to understand performance on large-scale standardized tests.
Does this coughing adolescent or adult patient have pertussis?

CONTEXT Pertussis is often overlooked as a cause of chronic cough, especially in adolescents and adults. Several symptoms are classically thought to be suggestive of pertussis, but the diagnostic value of each of them is uncertain. OBJECTIVE To systematically review the evidence regarding the diagnostic value of 3 classically described symptoms of pertussis: paroxysmal cough, posttussive emesis, and inspiratory whoop. DATA SOURCES, STUDY SELECTION, AND DATA EXTRACTION We searched MEDLINE (January 1966-April 2010), EMBASE (January 1969 to April 2010), and the bibliographies of pertinent articles to identify relevant English-language studies. Articles were selected that included children older than 5 years, adolescents, or adults and confirmed the diagnosis of pertussis among patients with cough illness (of any duration) with an a priori-defined accepted reference standard. Two authors independently extracted data from articles that met selection criteria and resolved any discrepancies by consensus. DATA SYNTHESIS Five prospective studies met inclusion criteria; 3 were used in the analysis. Presence of posttussive emesis (summary likelihood ratio [LR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-2.2) or inspiratory whoop (summary LR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.4-2.6) increases the likelihood of pertussis. Absence of paroxysmal cough (summary LR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.27-1.0) or posttussive emesis (summary LR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.44-0.77) reduced the likelihood. Absence of inspiratory whoop was less useful (summary LR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.66-0.93). No studies evaluated combinations of findings. CONCLUSIONS In a nonoutbreak setting, data to determine the diagnostic usefulness of symptoms classically associated with pertussis are limited and of relatively weak quality. The presence or absence of posttussive emesis or inspiratory whoop modestly change the likelihood of pertussis; therefore, clinicians must use their overall clinical impression to decide about additional testing or empirical treatment.