Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impaired inhibitory control is associated with higher-order repetitive behaviors in autism spectrum disorders

Background Impairments in executive cognitive control, including a reduced ability to inhibit prepotent responses, have been reported in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). These deficits may underlie patterns of repetitive behaviors associated with the disorder. Method Eighteen individuals with ASD and 15 age- and IQ-matched healthy individuals performed an antisaccade task and a visually guided saccade control task, each with gap and overlap conditions. Measures of repetitive behaviors were obtained using the Autism Diagnostic Inventory – Revised (ADI-R) and examined in relation to neurocognitive task performance. Results Individuals with an ASD showed increased rates of prosaccade errors (failures to inhibit prepotent responses) on the antisaccade task regardless of task condition (gap/overlap). Prosaccade error rates were associated with the level of higher-order (e.g. compulsions, preoccupations) but not sensorimotor repetitive behaviors in ASD. Conclusions Neurocognitive disturbances in voluntary behavioral control suggest that alterations in frontostriatal systems contribute to higher-order repetitive behaviors in ASD.
The index of $grad f(x,y)$

Let $f(x,y)$ be a real polynomial of degree $d$ with isolated critical points, and let $i$ be the index of $grad f$ around a large circle containing the critical points. An elementary argument shows that $|i| \leq d-1$. In this paper we show that $ i \leq max \{1, d-3 \}$. We also show that if all the level sets of $f$ are compact, then $i = 1$, and otherwise $ |i| \leq \dr -1 $ where $\dr$ is the sum of the multiplicities of the real linear factors in the homogeneous term of highest degree in $f$. The technique of proof involves computing $i$ from information at infinity. The index $i$ is broken up into a sum of components $i_{p,c}$ corresponding to points $p$ in the real line at infinity and limiting values $c \in \realinf$ of the polynomial. The numbers $i_{p,c}$ are computed in three ways: geometrically, from a resolution of $f(x,y)$, and from a Morsification of $f(x,y)$. The $i_{p,c}$ also provide a lower bound for the number of vanishing cycles of $f(x,y)$ at the point $p$ and value $c$.
Sawdust Ash ( SDA ) as Partial Replacement of Cement

The possibility of using Sawdust Ash (SDA) as a construction material was experimentally investigated. Saw dust was burnt and the ash sieved using a 90 micron sieve. Three grades of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) namely; 33, 43 and 53 as classified by Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) are commonly used in construction industry. A comparative study on effects of concrete properties when OPC of varying grades was partially replaced by SDA is discussed in this paper. Percentage replacement of OPC with SDA was 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% respectively. Experimental investigations are carried out on mortar cubes, concrete cubes and beams specimens. The mix was designed for target cube strength of 30 MPa at 28 days with watercement ratio of 0.38. The compressive strength, water absorption, shrinkage and durability of concrete were mainly studied. Test results shows that, inclusion of SDA cause little expansion due to low calcium content. Early strength development was observed to be about 50-60% of their 28 days strength. The study suggests the use of SDA as partial replacement of cement up to a maximum of 10% by volume in all grades of cement.
Evolução e distribuição espacial da produção de leite no estado do Paraná, Brasil

The dairy farming of Parana features a very heterogeneous production among its mesoregions. Hence, the scope of this study is to characterize spatially the regions dedicated to the activity of dairy farming in Parana, in 2005 and 2011. In this regard, we use the exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) as the methodology to verify the presence of spatial autocorrelation among Parana cities and to identify clusters for gross production value (GPV) of dairy farming. Thus, the following variables were used: productivity rate, production of milk, Agricultural GPV, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and FIRJAN index for social economic development of Parana cities. The results show the formation of a huge cluster in West and Southwest mesoregions for high GPV of dairy farming values in 2005 and 2011. Furthermore, there are clusters for low values of GPV, one in the mesoregion of 'pioneer north' and central north and another in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba. In order to foster an equal economic development among Parana cities engaged on dairy farming, this information can be used to assist the development of public policies, in order to improve less developed regions, located mainly in clusters type low-low.
Second International Seville Seminar on Future-oriented Technology Analysis: Impact of Fta Approaches on Policy and Decision-making – Seville towards the Desired Future of the Elderly and Ict: Policy Recommendations Based on a Dialogue with Senior Citizens

This study dealt with the interaction between two important trends in future Western societies, i.e. the greying of society and the technology-induced transformation of everyday life. It aimed at formulating a framework of policy recommendations with regard to the elderly and ICT in 2030. To meet this objective a three-phased methodology was developed, relying on methods of participatory technology assessment and technology foresighting. In the first phase of the project, a literature study, semi-structured expert discussions and focus groups with (future) elderly provided the necessary information for the development of scenarios about the future. In the second phase, these scenarios were transformed into a theatre play, which was performed for elderly audiences. Group discussions with senior participants led to the formulation of the " desired " future with regard to the elderly and ICT. During the last phase of the project – a backcasting exercise – experts and stakeholders from different fields formulated policy recommendations, necessary to achieve this future.
Structural Bioinformatics of Proteins: Predicting the Tertiary and Quaternary Structure of Proteins from Sequence

Although the regulatory role of non-coding nucleic acids is currently being unraveled, the role of proteins is still a major issue as they mediate most biological functions. Thus, understanding how proteins fulfill their intricate functions is one of the most relevant current challenges in biology. It is well known that a protein’s function is determined by its three-dimensional (3D) structure known as tertiary structure, which in turn is mainly dictated by its sequence (Thornton and cols. reviewed this issue in detail in (Watson et al., 2005)). Despite the exponential increase of available sequences and 3D structures, the number of sequences highly exceeds that of 3D structures. This difference in numbers is proportional to the disparity of the costs for experimentally obtaining either the sequence or the structure of a protein. Therefore, covering the gap between sequence and structure becomes a compelling requirement to achieve a molecular understanding of the protein function. Theoretical methods can help to bridge this gap by inferring the 3D structure from the sequence. These methods are classified into three different groups: comparative modeling, fold recognition and new fold or ab initio methods.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Dyssynergic Defecation

Dyssynergic defecation is common and affects up to one half of patients with chronic constipation. This acquired behavioral problem is due to the inability to coordinate the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles to evacuate stools. A detailed history, prospective stool diaries, and a careful digital rectal examination will not only identify the nature of bowel dysfunction, but also raise the index of suspicion for this evacuation disorder. Anorectal physiology tests and balloon expulsion test are essential for a diagnosis. Newer techniques such as high-resolution manometry and magnetic resonance defecography can provide mechanistic insights. Recently, randomized controlled trials have shown that biofeedback therapy is more effective than laxatives and other modalities, both in the short term and long term, without side effects. Also, symptom improvements correlated with changes in underlying pathophysiology. Biofeedback therapy has been recommended as the first-line of treatment for dyssynergic defecation. Here, we provide an overview of the burden of illness and pathophysiology of dyssynergic defecation, and how to diagnose and treat this condition with biofeedback therapy.
Fabricating microgeometry for custom surface reflectance

We propose a system for manufacturing physical surfaces that, in aggregate, exhibit a desired surface appearance. Our system begins with a user specification of a BRDF, or simply a highlight shape, and infers the required distribution of surface slopes. We sample this distribution, optimize for a maximally-continuous and valley-minimizing height field, and finally mill the surface using a computer-controlled machine tool. We demonstrate a variety of surfaces, ranging from reproductions of measured BRDFs to materials with unconventional highlights.
Bioavailability of Iron, Zinc, Phytate and Phytase Activity during Soaking and Germination of White Sorghum Varieties

The changes in phytate, phytase activity and in vitro bioavailability of iron and zinc during soaking and germination of three white sorghum varieties (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), named Dorado, Shandweel-6, and Giza-15 were investigated. Sorghum varieties were soaked for 20 h and germinated for 72 h after soaking for 20 h to reduce phytate content and increase iron and zinc in vitro bioavailability. The results revealed that iron and zinc content was significantly reduced from 28.16 to 32.16% and 13.78 to 26.69% for soaking treatment and 38.43 to 39.18% and 21.80 to 31.27% for germination treatments, respectively. Phytate content was significantly reduced from 23.59 to 32.40% for soaking treatment and 24.92 to 35.27% for germination treatments, respectively. Phytase enzymes will be activated during drying in equal form in all varieties. The results proved that the main distinct point is the change of phytase activity as well as specific activity during different treatment which showed no significant differences between the varieties used. The in vitro bioavailability of iron and zinc were significantly improved as a result of soaking and germination treatments.
Obtaining evidence by a single well-powered trial or several modestly powered trials

There is debate whether clinical trials with suboptimal power are justified and whether results from large studies are more reliable than the (combined) results of smaller trials. We quantified the error rates for evaluations based on single conventionally powered trials (80% or 90% power) versus evaluations based on the random-effects meta-analysis of a series of smaller trials. When a treatment was assumed to have no effect but heterogeneity was present, the error rates for a single trial were increased more than 10-fold above the nominal rate, even for low heterogeneity. Conversely, for meta-analyses on a series of trials, the error rates were correct. When selective publication was present, the error rates were always increased, but they still tended to be lower for a series of trials than single trials. We conclude that evidence of efficacy based on a series of (smaller) trials, may lower the error rates compared with using a single well-powered trial. Only when both heterogeneity and selective publication can be excluded, a single trial is able to provide conclusive evidence.
Demonstration of an FPGA controller for guaranteed-rate optical packet switching

A switch controller which achieves low-latency deterministic `Guaranteed-Rate' (GR) connections in packet switched networks is demonstrated on a `Field Programmable Gate Array' (FPGA) device. A Software Defined Networking (SDN) control plane can configure the FPGA controllers to establish deterministic GR connections in a forwarding plane of IP routers or layer-2 packet switches. The use of deterministic GR connections can reduce queueing delays to negligible values, so that the end-to-end delays are reduced to the fiber latency. The switch controller can operate routers, switches and links at 100% loads, while simultaneously guaranteeing very low end-to-end queueing delays. A testbed consisting of 8 switches in a linear array is synthesized on an Altera Cyclone IV FPGA. An SDN control plane routes 128 traffic flows through the testbed to saturate the switches and links. Packets move through the forwarding plane at a clock rate of 52 MHz, transferring millions of packets per second, and statistics are recorded. The demonstration shows that all traffic flows in the testbed achieve deterministic GR service. The FPGA demonstration is accompanied by a video which visually illustrates packet forwarding in the network. The GR technology applies to IP routers and layer 2 packet switched networks, with thousands of nodes spanning arbitrary distances. The FPGA controller also applies to layer 2 MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) and Ethernet switches, and to `Optical Packet Switched' networks, to achieve deterministic GR services and to operate links at 100% loads.
How Product Category Shapes Preferences toward Global and Local Brands: A Schema Theory Perspective

In contrast to the abundance of research on brand- and consumer-related determinants of global/local brand preference, little is known about whether and how the product category affects consumer choices between local and global brands. Drawing from schema theory, the authors (1) argue that consumers rely on their product category schemata to form perceptions of global versus local brand superiority, (2) introduce a compact scale to measure these perceptions, and (3) identify the key antecedents and consequences of these perceptions. Two studies in developed and emerging markets empirically support the hypotheses across multiple product categories, for both real and fictitious brands. The results indicate that consumers perceive global brands as superior to local brands in product categories with strong functional character and extensive symbolic capacity. Moreover, brands congruent with category superiority perceptions are preferred because of their justifiability, while brands that deviate from these perceptions are avoided because of their proneness to normative criticism. The findings imply that global/local brand preference is largely formed at the product category level and advocate for the use of category-specific strategies in global/local brand management.
Enhanced Speech Features by Single-Channel Joint Compensation of Noise and Reverberation

For a natural verbal communication between humans and machines, automatic speech recognition, which works reasonably well on recordings captured with mid- or far-field microphones, is essential. While a lot of research and development are devoted to address one of the two distortions frequently encountered in mid- and far-field sound pickup, namely noise or reverberation, less effort has been undertaken to jointly combat both kinds of distortions. In our view, however, this is essential to further reduce the demolishing effect by moving the microphone away from the speaker's mouth because in real environments both kinds of distortions are present. In this paper, we propose a first step into this direction by integrating an estimate of the reverberation energy derived by an auxiliary model based on multistep linear prediction, into a framework, which, so far tracks and removes nonstationary additive distortion by particle filters in a low-dimension logarithmic power frequency domain. On actual recordings with different speaker-to-microphone distances, we observe that combating, in the feature space, either nonstationary noise or reverberation alone, on a single channel, is already able to improve speech recognition performance before and after acoustic model adaptation. Furthermore, we observe that a simple concatenation of techniques addressing either additive noise or reverberation can further improve the accuracy in some cases. Last but not least, we demonstrate that the joint estimation and removal of both kinds of distortions, as proposed in this publication, further improve the accuracy of the text output.
On the Interaction of Architecture and Algorithm in the Domain-based Parallelization of an Unstructu

The convergence rates and, therefore, the overall parallel e ciencies of additive Schwarz methods are often notoriously dependent on subdomain granularity. Except when e ective coarse-grid operators and intergrid transfer operators are known, so that optimal multilevel preconditioners can be constructed, the number of iterations to convergence and the communication overhead per iteration tend to increase with granularity for elliptically-controlled problems, for either xed or memory-scaled problem sizes. In practical large-scale applications, however, the convergence rate degradation of ne-grained single-level additive Schwarz is sometimes not as serious as the scalar, linear elliptic theory would suggest. Its e ects are mitigated by several factors, including pseudo-transient nonlinear continuation and dominant intercomponent coupling that can be captured exactly in a point-block ILU preconditioner. We illustrate these claims with encouraging scalabilities for a legacy unstructuredgrid Euler ow application code, parallelized with the pseudo-transient NewtonKrylov-Schwarz algorithm using the PETSc library. We note some impacts on performance of the horizontal (distributed) and vertical (hierarchical) aspects of the memory system and consider architecturally motivated algorithmic variations for their amelioration.
Comparing 3D Pharmacophore Triplets and 2D Fingerprints for Selecting Diverse Compound Subsets

The performance of two important 2D and 3D molecular descriptors for rational design to maximize the structural diversity of databases is investigated in this publication. Those methods are based either on a 2D description using a binary fingerprint, which accounts for the absence or presence of molecular fragments, or a 3D description based on the geometry of pharmacophoric features encoded in a fingerprint (pharmacophoric definition triplets, PDTs). Both descriptors in combination with maximum dissimilarity selections, complete linkage hierarchical cluster analysis, or sequential dissimilarity selections were compared to random subsets as reference. This comparison is based on their ability to cover representative biological classes from parent databases (coverage analysis) and the degree of separation between active and inactive compounds for a biological target from hierarchical clustering (cluster separation analysis). While the similarity coefficients (Tanimoto, cosine) show only a minor influence, .
Compression of interventricular septum during right ventricular pressure loading.

The interventricular septum, which flattens and inverts in conditions such as pulmonary hypertension, is considered by many to be an unstressed membrane, in that its position is assumed to be determined solely by the transseptal pressure gradient. A two-dimensional finite element model was developed to investigate whether compression and bending moments (behavior incompatible with a membrane) exist in the septum during diastole under abnormal loading, i.e., pulmonary artery (PA) constriction. Hemodynamic and echocardiographic data were obtained in six open-chest anesthetized dogs. For both control and PA constriction, the measured left ventricular and right ventricular pressures were applied to a residually stressed mesh. Adjustments were made to the stiffness and end-bending moments until the deformed and loaded residually stressed mesh matched the observed configuration of the septum. During PA constriction, end-bending moments were required to obtain satisfactory matches but not during control. Furthermore, substantial circumferential compressive stresses developed during PA constriction. Such stresses might impede septal blood flow and provoke the unexplained ischemia observed in some conditions characterized by abnormal septal motion.
İletişim Becerileri Eğitimi Programının Öğretmen Adaylarının Ego Durumlarına ve Problem Çözme Becerisi

Arastirmanin amaci, iletisim becerilerini gelistirme programinin, ogretmen adaylarinin ego durumlari puanlari ve problem cozme becerisi algilari uzerindeki etkilerim incelemektir. Deney grubu 14, kontrol grubu da 16 ogretmen adayindan olusmustur. Veriler Sifat Tarama Listesi ve Problem Cozme Envanteri ile toplanmistir. Deney grubuna haftada birbucuk ile iki saat arasi olmak uzere 12 hafta sureyle iletisim becerileri egitimi programi uygulanmistir. Deneysel islemin etkililigini test etmek icin toplanan veriler kovaryans analizi teknigi ile cozumlenmistir. Deney grubunda kaliciligi test etmek icin 15 hafta sonra izleme calismasi yapilmistir. Sonucta, egitim programinin Ogretmen adaylarinin Elestirel Ebeveyn, Koruyucu Ebeveyn, Yetiskin, Uygiilu Cocuk ego durumu puanlan ve problem cozme becerisi algilari uzerinde olumlu yonde etkisinin oldugu bulunmustur.
Gender differences in the perception and acceptance of online games

With the proliferation of online games, understanding users' intention to play online games has become a new issue for academics and practitioners. Prior studies have investigated the factors affecting behavioural intention to play online games. However, little research has been conducted to investigate the gender differences in the acceptance of online games. Thus, this study is to investigate the effects of perceived playfulness and its potential antecedents (ie, computer self-efficacy, computer anxiety, challenge, speed and feedback) on the behavioural intention to play online games, and to examine the gender differences in the perception and acceptance of online games. Data collected from 281 respondents in Taiwan were tested against the research model using analysis of variance and structural equation modelling approaches. The theoretical and practical implications of the results were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
An exploration of cognitive subgroups in Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract Heterogeneity is observed in the patterns of cognition in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Such heterogeneity might suggest the involvement of different etiological pathways or different host responses to pathology. A total of 627 subjects with mild/moderate AD underwent cognitive assessment with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Dementia Rating Scale-2 (DRS-2). Latent class analysis (LCA) was performed on cognition subscale data to identify and characterize cognitive subgroups. Clinical, demographic, and genetic factors were explored for association with class membership. LCA suggested the existence of four subgroups; one group with mild and another with severe global impairment across the cognitive domains, one group with primary impairments in attention and construction, and another group with primary deficits in memory and orientation. Education, disease duration, age, Apolipoprotein E-ε4 (APOE ε4) status, gender, presence of grasp reflex, white matter changes, and early or prominent visuospatial impairment were all associated with class membership. Our results support the existence of heterogeneity in patterns of cognitive impairment in AD. Our observation of classes characterized by predominant deficits in attention/construction and memory respectively deserves further exploration as does the association between membership in the attention/construction class and APOE ε4 negative status. (JINS, 2010, 16, 233–243.)