Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Redirecting Walking and Driving for Natural Navigation in Immersive Virtual Environments

Walking is the most natural form of locomotion for humans, and real walking interfaces have demonstrated their benefits for several navigation tasks. With recently proposed redirection techniques it becomes possible to overcome space limitations as imposed by tracking sensors or laboratory setups, and, theoretically, it is now possible to walk through arbitrarily large virtual environments. However, walking as sole locomotion technique has drawbacks, in particular, for long distances, such that even in the real world we tend to support walking with passive or active transportation for longer-distance travel. In this article we show that concepts from the field of redirected walking can be applied to movements with transportation devices. We conducted psychophysical experiments to determine perceptual detection thresholds for redirected driving, and set these in relation to results from redirected walking. We show that redirected walking-and-driving approaches can easily be realized in immersive virtual reality laboratories, e. g. , with electric wheelchairs, and show that such systems can combine advantages of real walking in confined spaces with benefits of using vehiclebased self-motion for longer-distance travel.
STANDARD PENETRATION TEST-BASED PROBABILISTIC AND DETERMINISTIC ASSESSMENT OF SEISMIC SOIL LIQUEFACTION POTENTIAL

This paper presents new correlations for assessment of the likelihood of initiation (or “triggering”) of soil liquefaction. These new correlations eliminate several sources of bias intrinsic to previous, similar correlations, and provide greatly reduced overall uncertainty and variance. Key elements in the development of these new correlations are (1) accumulation of a significantly expanded database of field performance case histories; (2) use of improved knowledge and understanding of factors affecting interpretation of standard penetration test data; (3) incorporation of improved understanding of factors affecting site-specific earthquake ground motions (including directivity effects, site-specific response, etc.); (4) use of improved methods for assessment of in situ cyclic shear stress ratio; (5) screening of field data case histories on a quality/uncertainty basis; and (6) use of high-order probabilistic tools (Bayesian updating). The resulting relationships not only provide greatly reduced uncertai.
The roles of adulthood behavioural factors and familial influences in bone density among men

BACKGROUND. A primary strategy in osteoporosis prevention is advice on exercise, smoking, and calcium intake, although its practical value is unclear. AIM. To investigate the roles of such factors on bone density (BMD) after considering the influences of familial aggregation (combined effects of genetics and familial influences) in Finnish men 35-69 years old. METHODS. We selected 105 male monozygotic twin pairs, with discordance in suspected determinants. RESULTS. Dietary calcium was associated with BMD of the femoral neck; and body weight and lifetime frequency of endurance and ball game sport activities were associated with both femoral neck and lumbar BMD. Occupational loading and smoking were associated with neither. However, age and familial aggregation explained 73% of the variance of BMD in both the femoral neck and lumbar spine; calcium intake explained 1% in femoral neck and lifetime exercise 1% in lumbar spine. CONCLUSIONS. The effects of dietary calcium and physical activity that are not 'embedded' in the familial influences had very modest effects on the variance of BMD. Thus our chances of influencing BMD in later adulthood by targeting behavioural habits are likely to be limited. Interventions focused on childhood and the family unit may achieve more beneficial long-term results.
Order in the Chaos: Spin-up and Spin-down during the 2002 Outburst of SAX J1808.4–3658

We present a timing analysis of the 2002 outburst of the accreting millisecond pulsar SAX J1808.4-3658. A study of the phase delays of the entire pulse profile shows a behavior that is surprising and difficult to interpret: superposed to a general trend, a big jump by about 0.2 in phase is visible, starting at day 14 after the beginning of the outburst. An analysis of the pulse profile indicates the presence of a significant first harmonic. Studying the fundamental and the first harmonic separately, we find that the phase delays of the first harmonic are more regular, with no sign of the jump observed in the fundamental. The fitting of the phase delays of the first harmonic with a model that takes into account the observed exponential decay of the X-ray flux (and therefore of the mass accretion rate onto the neutron star) gives important information on the torque acting on the neutron star during the outburst. We find that the source shows spin-up in the first part of the outburst, while a spin-down dominates at the end. From these results we derive an estimate of the neutron star magnetic field strength.
Crystallographic evaluation of internal motion of human alpha-lactalbumin refined by full-matrix least-squares method.

The low temperature form of human alpha-lactalbumin (HAL) was crystallized from a 2H2O solution and its structure was refined to the R value of 0.119 at 1.15 A resolution by the full-matrix least-squares method. Average estimated standard deviations of atomic parameters for non-hydrogen atoms were 0.038 A for coordinates and 0.044 A2 for anisotropic temperature factors (Uij). The magnitude of equivalent isotropic temperature factors (Ueqv) was highly correlated with the distance from the molecular centroid and fitted to a quadratic equation as a function of atomic coordinates. The atomic thermal motion was rather isotropic in the core region and the anisotropy increased towards the molecular surface. The statistical analysis revealed the out-of-plane motion of main-chain oxygen atoms, indicating that peptide groups are in rotational vibration around a Calpha.Calpha axis. The TLS model, which describes the rigid-body motion in terms of translation, libration, and screw motions, was adopted for the evaluation of the molecular motion and the TLS parameters were determined by the least-squares fit to Uij. The reproduced Ueqvcal from the TLS parameters was in fair agreement with observed Ueqv, but differences were found in regions of residues, 5-22, 44-48, 70-75, and 121-123, where Ueqv was larger than Ueqvcal because of large local motions. To evaluate the internal motion of HAL, the contribution of the rigid-body motion was determined to be 42.4 % of Ueqv in magnitude, which was the highest estimation to satisfy the condition that the Uijint tensors of the internal motion have positive eigen values. The internal motion represented with atomic thermal ellipsoids clearly showed local motions different from those observed in chicken-type lysozymes which have a backbone structure very similar to HAL. The result indicates that the internal motion is closely related to biological function of proteins.
Aspergillus fumigatus: contours of an opportunistic human pathogen

Aspergillus fumigatus is currently the major air‐borne fungal pathogen. It is able to cause several forms of disease in humans of which invasive aspergillosis is the most severe. The high mortality rate of this disease prompts increased efforts to disclose the basic principles of A. fumigatus pathogenicity. According to our current knowledge, A. fumigatus lacks sophisticated virulence traits; it is nevertheless able to establish infection due to its robustness and ability to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions. This review focuses on two crucial aspects of invasive aspergillosis: (i) properties of A. fumigatus that are relevant during infection and may distinguish it from non‐pathogenic Aspergillus species and (ii) interactions of the pathogen with the innate and adaptive immune systems.
PENERAPAN KONSELING ANALISIS TRANSAKSIONAL TEKNIK BERMAIN PERAN UNTUK MENURUNKAN FEELING OF INFERIORITY SISWA KELAS XI A ADMINISTRASI PERKANTORAN SMK NEGERI 1 SINGARAJA

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui penurunan feeling of inferiority siswa kelas XI.A. AP SMK Negeri 1 Singaraja setelah diberikan konseling analisis transaksional teknik bermain peran. Penelitian ini merupakan jenis penelitian tindakan dalam bimbingan konseling (Action Research In Counseling). Subjek penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas XI A AP SMK Negeri 1 Singaraja yang berjumlah 38 orang. Penelitian ini dilakukan dalam dua siklus, dan setiap siklus terdiri dari perencanaan, tindakan evaluasi, refleksi. Hasil tindakan selanjutnya dipantau dengan observasi dan kuesioner kemudian dianalisis secara deskriptif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya penurunan feeling of inferiority siswa sebelum tindakan dan sesudah tindakan. Penurunan persentase keberhasilan layanan yaitu 65% pada siklus I namun terdapat 7 orang siswa yang masih dalam kategori tinggi, sehingga perlu dilanjutkan ke siklus II melalui konseling kelompok dan konseling individu. Pada evaluasi siklus II penurunan persentase keberhasilan pencapaian siswa yaitu 48%, dari hasil tindakan diketahui bahwa penurunan feeling of inferiority siswa bervariasai dan umumnya penurunan ini berjalan dengan baik. Persentase dari siklus I dan siklus II yaitu: 65% menjadi 48%, sehingga penurunan persentasenya adalah 27%. Persentase penurunan feeling of inferiority tercapai dan sesuai dengan target keberhasilan yakni di bawah 65%. Kesimpulannya, bahwa konseling analisis transaksional teknik bermain peran mampu menurunkan feeling of inferiority siswa. Kata Kunci : konseling analisis transaksional, teknik bermain peran, feeling of inferiority This study was aimed to decrease feeling of inferiority for class XII.A. AP students at SMK Negeri 1 Singarajaby conducting transactional analysis counseling on role play. This study was an Action Reseach In Counseling. Data in this study were obtained through questionnaire method. Then, the data obtained were descriptively analyzed. This study was conducted in 2 cycles and each cycle consisted of planning, acting, evaluation and reflection. The results of action was controlled by using questionnaire, then analyzed descriptively.The subject of this study were 38 students of class XI.A. AP inSMK Negeri 1 Singaraja in the academic year of 2013/2014. The result of the study showed students feeling of inferiority was decreased after the treatment. Students’ improvement were showed from the questionnaire results, from 52% to 66% and the improvement was 31% in cycle I. However, there were 7 students still in poor category, so the cycle II was conducted by group and individual counceling. On the evaluation in cycle II, the result of students’ questionnaire was improved from 54% became 76% and the improvement was 43%. It could be concluded that transactional analysis counselling on role play technique could decrease students’ feeling of inferiority. keyword : transactional counseling analysis, role play technique, feeling of inferiority.
Immune Modulation by Zoledronic Acid in Human Myeloma: An Advantageous Cross-Talk between Vγ9Vδ2 T Cells, αβ CD8+ T Cells, Regulatory T Cells, and Dendritic Cells

Vγ9Vδ2 T cells play a major role as effector cells of innate immune responses against microbes, stressed cells, and tumor cells. They constitute <5% of PBLs but can be expanded by zoledronic acid (ZA)-treated monocytes or dendritic cells (DC). Much less is known about their ability to act as cellular adjuvants bridging innate and adaptive immunity, especially in patients with cancer. We have addressed this issue in multiple myeloma (MM), a prototypic disease with several immune dysfunctions that also affect γδ T cells and DC. ZA-treated MM DC were highly effective in activating autologous γδ T cells, even in patients refractory to stimulation with ZA-treated monocytes. ZA inhibited the mevalonate pathway of MM DC and induced the intracellular accumulation and release into the supernatant of isopentenyl pyrophosphate, a selective γδ T cell activator, in sufficient amounts to induce the proliferation of γδ T cells. Immune responses against the tumor-associated Ag survivin (SRV) by MHC-restricted, SRV-specific CD8+ αβ T cells were amplified by the concurrent activation of γδ T cells driven by autologous DC copulsed with ZA and SRV-derived peptides. Ancillary to the isopentenyl pyrophosphate-induced γδ T cell proliferation was the mevalonate-independent ZA ability to directly antagonize regulatory T cells and downregulate PD-L2 expression on the DC cell surface. In conclusion, ZA has multiple immune modulatory activities that allow MM DC to effectively handle the concurrent activation of γδ T cells and MHC-restricted CD8+ αβ antitumor effector T cells.
Division of Labor Regulates Precision Rescue Behavior in Sand-Dwelling Cataglyphis cursor Ants: To Give Is to Receive

Division of labor, an adaptation in which individuals specialize in performing tasks necessary to the colony, such as nest defense and foraging, is believed key to eusocial insects' remarkable ecological success. Here we report, for the first time, a completely novel specialization in a eusocial insect, namely the ability of Cataglyphis cursor ants to rescue a trapped nestmate using precisely targeted behavior. Labeled “precision rescue”, this behavior involves the ability of rescuers not only to detect what, exactly, holds the victim in place, but also to direct specific actions to this obstacle. Individual ants, sampled from each of C. cursor's three castes, namely foragers, nurses and inactives, were experimentally ensnared (the “victim”) and exposed to a caste-specific group of potential “rescuers. ” The data reveal that foragers were able to administer, and obtain, the most help while members of the youngest, inactive caste not only failed to respond to victims, but also received virtually no help from potential rescuers, regardless of caste. Nurses performed intermediate levels of aid, mirroring their intermediate caste status. Our results demonstrate that division of labor, which controls foraging, defense and brood care in C. cursor, also regulates a newly discovered behavior in this species, namely a sophisticated form of rescue, a highly adaptive specialization that is finely tuned to a caste member's probability of becoming, or encountering, a victim in need of rescue.
Milk production and reproduction traits of different grades of zebu x Friesian crossbreds under semi-arid conditions

from Zebu x Friesian crossbred dairy cows of different upgrading kept in the Kenana Sugar Company (KSC) farm, 300 km south of Khartoum on the bank of the White Nile in the low rainfall savannah region were collected over a period from 1984 to 2004 and analyzed using Harvey's (1990) Least Squares programme. The results indicated that there were no significant differences in milk yield per lactation, daily milk yield and lactation between the 25% and 37.5% genetic groups. The 50% Zebu x Friesian group produced significantly more milk per lactation (2721.10 ± 87.36 kg) compared to the 25% and 37.5% groups (2067.20 ± 241.62 and 2192.68 ± 122.66, respectively). The milk yield per lactation and daily milk yield of the 50, 62.5, 75 and 87.5% breed groups was not significantly different. There were no significant differences in length of lactation between the 25%, 37.5% and the 50% group (267.99±18.14, 273.11±9.25 and 278.75±6.52, respectively). Groups with 75% and 87.5% of Friesian blood proportion had significantly longer lactation days (305.09 ±10.63 and 347.07 ±30.14, respectively). The range for dry period was between 78.37±12.27 days for the 75% genetic group to 92.56±16.76 days for the 25% group. The mean calving intervals for the five genetic groups ranged from 367.85±21.38 days for the 75% group to 394.60±16.33 days for the 50% group. The earliest age at calving (41.56±2.16 months) was achieved by the 37.5% group while the latest age at first calving (49.01±1.29 months) was recorded for the 62.5 % group. The results of this study and other similar studies in tropical countries provide proof that the local environment (i.e. high temperature, low feed quality and quantity, disease and parasitic loads) can sustain composite genotypes of up to 50% B. taurus blood and does not lead to significant yield increases in upgraded groups. The economic feasibility of raising crossbred cows (Zebu x Bos taurus) under the Sudan condition has to be further evaluated in comparison with native dairy breeds to determine the overall efficiency and economic benefits.
Kefir prevented excess fat accumulation in diet-induced obese mice

Excessive body fat accumulation can result in obesity, which is a serious health concern. Kefir, a probiotic, has recently shown possible health benefits in fighting obesity. This study investigated the inhibitory effects of 0.1 and 0.2% kefir powder on fat accumulation in adipose and liver tissues of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Kefir reduced body weight and epididymal fat pad weight and decreased adipocyte diameters in HFD-induced obese mice. This was supported by decreased expression of genes related to adipogenesis and lipogenesis as well as reduced proinflammatory marker levels in epididymal fat. Along with reduced hepatic triacylglycerol concentrations and serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activities, genes related to lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation were downregulated and upregulated, respectively, in liver tissue. Kefir also decreased serum triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein–cholesterol concentrations. Overall, kefir has the potential to prevent obesity. Graphical abstract Kefir prevented fat accumulation in adipose tissue of diet-induced obese mice.
THE EFFECT OF TWO FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING APPROACHES, COMMUNICATIVE LANGUAGE TEACHING AND TEACHING PROFICIENCY THROUGH READING AND STORYTELLING, ON MOTIVATION AND PROFICIENCY FOR SPANISH III STUDENTS IN HIGH SCHOOL

The purpose of this comparative study was to examine the effects of two foreign language teaching approaches--communicative language teaching and teaching proficiency through reading and storytelling--on motivation and proficiency for Spanish III students in high school. These two teaching approaches have gained prominence over the last couple of decades and no consensus exists between second language (L2) researchers and practitioners on which approach might be best to increase students’ motivation to learn and to become proficient. One hundred and seventeen Spanish III students in high school studying with the TPRS or the CLT teaching approach, completed the LLOS-IEA Motivation Scale in order to collect L2 motivational data and took the Standards-Based Measurement of Proficiency test (STAMP 4S) to collect data on proficiency. The researcher used descriptive and parametric inferential statistics to examine mean scores differences on the variables between both approaches. Looking at the results of the analyses run for this study, the researcher observed that the TPRS teaching approach had statistically significant higher levels of L2 motivation for IM Accomplishment, IM Knowledge, and IM Stimulation ( p = .001), whereas the CLT approach had higher levels of proficiency in Reading (p = .001); Writing (p = .001); and Listening (p = .29).
An evaluation of a FRIENDS for Life programme in a mainstream secondary school and its impact on emotional distress, anxiety and coping skills

‘FRIENDS for Life’ is a manualised, 10 week, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) based programme designed to be run in school and community settings (Barrett, 2010b). The programme has been introduced to schools within the local authority where the researcher is based via the local Targeted Mental Health in Schools (TAMHS) project. The programme is well reviewed and is recommended by the World Health Organisation for the treatment of anxiety disorders in children (World Health Organisation, 2004). Previous research has evaluated the programme when delivered in closely monitored situations with optimal implementation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of FRIENDS for Life as implemented in a mainstream secondary school by school staff trained as part of the TAMHS initiative. This study makes an original contribution to the existing research base by evaluating the programme in a naturalistic, real world setting using an alternative methodology to the majority of published evaluations. Data regarding implementation of the programme was collected and analysed using activity theory. A single case experimental design was used to monitor the impact of the intervention on the emotional distress, anxiety levels and coping strategies of 5 secondary school participants (aged 11-13) who had been identified by school staff as appearing anxious. The findings suggest that participation in FRIENDS did not result in the hypothesised reductions in emotional distress, anxiety and negative coping skills or the hypothesised improvement in active coping skills. These results are discussed with regard to the finding that some aspects of the programme were not delivered. Analysis of the context using activity theory suggested that factors such as lack of time, space for delivery and experience and training impacted upon implementation. Methodological issues contributing to these findings are considered and implications for the local TAMHS project and for Educational Psychologists are discussed.
Rapid-scanning Terahertz Precision Spectrometer with More than 6 Thz Spectral Coverage

We report a teraheItz time-domain spectrometer with more than 6 THz spectral coverage and 1 GHz resolution based on high-speed asynchronous optical sampling. It operates at 2 kHz scan rate without mechanical delay stage. The frequency error of the system at 60 s acquisition time is determined by comparing a measured water vapor absorption spectrum to data reported in the HITRAN database. The mean error of 87 evaluated absorption lines is 142 MHz.Generation offemtosecond electromagnetic pulses from semiconductor surfaces," App! Generation and field-resolved detection of femtosecond electromagnetic pulses tunable up to 41 THz," App! resolved detection of phase-locked infrared transients from a compact Er:fiber system tunable between 55 and 107 THz," App! Rapid and precise read-out of terahertz sensor by high-speed asynchronous optical sampling," Electron.Dresden pulsed magnetic field facility," J.Pump/probe method for fast analysis of visible spectral signatures utilizing asynchronous optical sampling," App! Ultrafast time-domain spectroscopy based on high-speed asynchronous optical sampling," Rev. resonances within a metal parallel plate waveguide," App! Detectors and sources for ultrabroadband electro-optic sampling: Experiment and theory," Appl.Cherenkov radiation emitted by ultrafast laser pulses and the generation of coherent polaritons," Phys.High-intensity terahertz radiation from a microstructured large-area photoconductor," Appl.Reduction of phonon resonant terahertz wave absorption in photoconductive switches using epitaxial layer transfer," Appl.
Option pricing with quadratic volatility: a revisit

This paper considers the pricing of European options on assets that follow a stochastic differential equation with a quadratic volatility term. We correct several errors in the existing literature, extend the pricing formulas to arbitrary root configurations, and list alternative representations of option pricing formulas to improve computational performance. Our exposition is based entirely on probabilistic arguments, adding a fresh perspective and new intuition to the existing PDE-dominated literature on the subject. Our main tools are martingale methods and shifts of probability measures; the fact that the underlying process is typically a strict local martingale is carefully considered throughout the paper.