Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Developmental Change in the Acuity of the " Number Sense " : the Approximate Number System in 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-year-olds and Adults the Same Pattern Obtains in Audition: 6-month-olds Discriminate

Behavioral, neuropsychological, and brain imaging research points to a dedicated system for processing number that is shared across development and across species. This foundational Approximate Number System (ANS) operates over multiple modalities, forming representations of the number of objects, sounds, or events in a scene. This system is imprecise and hence differs from exact counting. Evidence suggests that the resolution of the ANS, as specified by a Weber fraction, increases with age such that adults can discriminate numerosities that infants cannot. However, the Weber fraction has yet to be determined for participants of any age between 9 months and adulthood, leaving its developmental trajectory unclear. Here we identify the Weber fraction of the ANS in 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old children and in adults. We show that the resolution of this system continues to increase throughout childhood, with adultlike levels of acuity attained surprisingly late in development. The ability to nonverbally represent number is shared across species and across development (for reviews see Dehaene, 1997; Feigenson, Dehaene, & Spelke, 2004). The foundational Approximate Number System (ANS) that underlies this ability produces abstract number representations (Barth, Kanwisher, & Spelke, 2003) that support arithmetic computation across the life span and may even provide a foundation for more sophisticated mathematics, it is surprising that no research to date has explored the full developmental trajectory of its representational acuity. Here we tested ANS acuity in 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old children and in adults, using psychophysical modeling to determine the finest numerical discriminations possible at each age. Our findings reveal that the ANS does not attain full acuity until quite late in development, long after children have begun formal instruction in mathematics. The ANS differs from counting in that it produces inexact number representations (Gallistel & Gelman, 1992; but see Zorzi & Butterworth, 1999). A hallmark of the ANS is that the impre-cision of its representations grows with the target numerosity, such that the ability to nonverbally discriminate two quantities depends on their ratio (Moyer & Landauer, 1967). This ratio dependence is observed when adults estimate numbers of items judge the more numerous of two arrays (Barth et al., 2003), and estimate the results of arithmetic events (Pica et al., 2004). Because of the inexactness of ANS representations , two quantities cannot be distinguished when the distance between them is too small. The finest numerical ratio that adults can consistently discriminate has been identified …
Systems and Political Development in Malaysia

Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia with an area of 329 758 km2 and a population in 2007 amounted to 27.17 million. Of the total population in 2007, 60% are ethnic Malay “Bumiputera”, 26% ethnic Chinese, 8% Indians, 5% other ethnic Bumiputera, and 1% other ethnic groups such as Arabic, Sinhalese, Eurasian and Europe. [1] Under the constitution, Malays are Malaysian citizens who practice a traditional Malay, Melayu Language, and Muslim. Approximately 25% of the Malaysian population is Chinese, and 7% is made up of India. Almost 85% of the races Indians in Malaysia are Tamil community. More than half the population of Sarawak and Sabah 66% of the population consists of non-Malay indigenous people. The entry of another race to some extent reduce the percentage of indigenous population in the two states. In addition, Malaysia also has a population that comes out of Europe and the Middle East. Malaysia's population density is not distributed evenly, with 17 million of the 25 million people living in Peninsula Malaysia.Keywords: Malaysia; Politic; Constitutional. [1] Barbara Watson Andaya and Leonard Andaya, 1983, History of Malaysia, Petaling Jaya: Macmillan Publishers, p. 6-7
New karyologycal data and cytotaxonomic considerations on small mammals from Santa Virgínia (Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar, Atlantic Forest, Brazil)

Abstract Atlantic Forest, in the eastern coast of Brazil, is a hotspot of biodiversity of mammals, and Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar (PESM) is the largest continuous area of this biome. Here, we characterized the karyotype composition of the small mammals from Santa Virgínia, a region in the northern part of PESM. Specimens were collected from July 2008 to September 2009. We identified 17 species (13 rodents and 4 marsupials) from which 7 exhibited species-specific karyotypes, illustrating the importance of karyotype information in cytotaxonomy. We report for first time the karyotype of Monodelphis scalops (Thomas, 1888) and two new records for PESM: Akodon montensis Thomas, 1913 and Brucepattersonius soricinus Hershkovitz, 1998. Cytogenetic polymorphisms were detected for some species trapped in the area. Our results show the importance of Santa Virgínia / PESM in addressing studies for the conservation of small mammal wildlife in the Atlantic Forest.
Exploring Lecturers' Perceptions of Learning Management System: An Empirical Study Based on TAM

With the pervasive take-up and presence of digital technologies, learning management system (LMS) is popular for its open accessibility and its interactive nature. Implementation of LMS has become part of the strategic plan in higher education institution to enhance the flexibility in teaching and learning. It is essential to explore the perceptions of users in using the LMS in order to inform stakeholders the positive influencing aspects and improve the negative factors in the future. This study investigates the perception of lecturers in using LMS in term of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use for teaching purposes. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is used as the research framework to design the questionnaire. An online questionnaire was created to address the research questions. The results reveal that lecturers do not react positively towards perceived ease of use of Moodle for teaching. Lecturers treat Moodle as content repository and do not fully utilize the interactive features in Moodle. It was found that usability issues, interaction and communication issues had a negative impact on the lecturers' perception.
Advances in the prevention, management, and treatment of community-acquired pneumonia

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the infectious disease with the highest number of deaths worldwide. Nevertheless, its importance is often underestimated. Large cohorts of patients with CAP have been established worldwide and improved our knowledge about CAP by far. Therefore, current guidelines are much more evidence-based than ever before. This article discusses recent major studies and concepts on CAP such as the role of biomarkers, appropriate risk stratification to identify patients in need of hospitalisation or intensive care, appropriate empiric antibiotic therapy (including the impact of macrolide combination therapy and antibiotic stewardship), and CAP prevention with novel influenza and pneumococcal vaccines.
The Common Swift Louse Fly, Crataerina pallida: An Ideal Species for Studying Host-Parasite Interactions

Abstract Little is known of the life-history of many parasitic species. This hinders a full understanding of host-parasitic interactions. The common swift louse fly, Crataerina pallida Latreille (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), an obligate haematophagous parasite of the Common Swift, Apus apus Linnaeus 1758, is one such species. No detrimental effect of its parasitism upon the host has been found. This may be because too little is known about C. pallida ecology, and therefore detrimental effects are also unknown. This is a review of what is known about the life-history of this parasite, with the aim of promoting understanding of its ecology. New, previously unreported observations about C. pallida made from personal observations at a nesting swift colony are described. Unanswered questions are highlighted, which may aid understanding of this host-parasite system. C. pallida may prove a suitable model species for the study of other host-parasite relationships.
Senior designers: empowering seniors to design enjoyable falls rehabilitation tools

Studies have shown that functional strength and balance exercises can reduce the risk of falling in older people if they are done on a regular basis. However, the repetitive nature of these exercises; as well as the use of instructional booklets and videos for rehabilitation may discourage seniors to exercise in the home, thereby rendering such an intervention ineffective. Our work proposed that the use of multimodal games -- co-designed with seniors -- could be a way of making falls rehabilitation more enjoyable; thereby improving adherence to home exercise programmes. In this paper, we first explain the process by which we identified barriers to the users' effective interaction with current home rehabilitation tools. We then go on to describe how we actively involved seniors in the initial design, and improvement of useful, enjoyable games for falls rehabilitation. Our findings suggest that seniors are an integral part of the design process and should be directly involved from the concept stages of the design of tools for their rehabilitation.
MicroRNA‐30a ameliorates hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting Beclin1‐mediated autophagy

We explored the role of microRNA‐30a (miR‐30a) and the mechanism involved in hepatic fibrosis. MiR‐30a overexpression was achieved by miR‐30a mimics transfection in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) (HSC‐T6, LX‐2), and miR‐30a agomir (ago‐miR‐30a) treatment in mice. MiR‐30a levels were measured using TaqMan miRNA assay system, and the localization of miR‐30a was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The interaction of miR‐30a and Beclin1 was confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Autophagic flux was analysed using tandem mRFP‐GFP‐LC3 fluorescence microscopy, electron microscopy and Western blot of LC3‐II/I ratio. MiR‐30a was notably down‐regulated in activated HSCs and LX‐2‐exosomes induced by TGF‐β1; overexpression of miR‐30a down‐regulated extracellular matrix (ECM), such as α‐SMA, TIMP‐1, and Collagen I expression, and suppressed cell viability in HSCs. MiR‐30a was significantly down‐regulated in hepatic fibrosis mice and overexpression of miR‐30a prevented BDL‐induced fibrogenesis, concomitant with the down‐regulation of ECM. MiR‐30a inhibited HSCs autophagy and increased lipid accumulation in HSCs and in mice fibrotic hepatic tissues. MiR‐30a inhibited its downstream effector of Beclin1 by direct targeting its 3′‐UTR region. Moreover, Knock‐down of Beclin1 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibited HSC autophagy and activation in LX‐2 cells. In conclusion, miR‐30a is down‐regulated in hepatic fibrosis models and its overexpression prevents liver fibrogenesis by directly suppressing Beclin1‐mediated autophagy; therefore, miR‐30a may be a new potential therapeutic target for controlling hepatic fibrosis.
A model of Internet topology using k-shell decomposition

We study a map of the Internet (at the autonomous systems level), by introducing and using the method of k-shell decomposition and the methods of percolation theory and fractal geometry, to find a model for the structure of the Internet. In particular, our analysis uses information on the connectivity of the network shells to separate, in a unique (no parameters) way, the Internet into three subcomponents: (i) a nucleus that is a small (≈100 nodes), very well connected globally distributed subgraph; (ii) a fractal subcomponent that is able to connect the bulk of the Internet without congesting the nucleus, with self-similar properties and critical exponents predicted from percolation theory; and (iii) dendrite-like structures, usually isolated nodes that are connected to the rest of the network through the nucleus only. We show that our method of decomposition is robust and provides insight into the underlying structure of the Internet and its functional consequences. Our approach of decomposing the network is general and also useful when studying other complex networks.
Replacement Schemes for Transposition Tables

Almost every chess program makes use of a transposition table, typically implemented as a large hash table. Even though this table is usually made as large as possible, subject to memory constraints, collisions occur. Then a choice has to be made which position to retain or to replace in the table, using some replacement scheme. This article compares the performance of seven replacement schemes, as a function of transposition-table size, on some chess middle-game positions. A two-level table, using the number of nodes in the subtree searched as the deciding criterion, performed best and is provisionally recommended.
Granulocytic Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells Expansion during Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis Is Associated with High Nitric Oxide Plasma Level

Tuberculosis (TB) is still the principal cause of death caused by a single infectious agent, and the balance between the bacillus and host defense mechanisms reflects the different manifestations of the pathology. The aim of this work was to study the role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) during active pulmonary tuberculosis at the site of infection. We observed an expansion of MDSCs in the lung and blood of patients with active TB, which are correlated with an enhanced amount of nitric oxide in the plasma. We also found that these cells have the remarkable ability to suppress T-cell response, suggesting an important role in the modulation of the immune response against TB. Interestingly, a trend in the diminution of MDSCs was found after an efficacious anti-TB therapy, suggesting that these cells may be used as a potential biomarker for monitoring anti-TB therapy efficacy.
Watch Out for the “Living Dead”: Cell-Free Enzymes and Their Fate

Microbes are the engines driving biogeochemical cycles. Microbial extracellular enzymatic activities (EEAs) are the “gatekeepers” of the carbon cycle. The total EEA is the sum of cell-bound (i.e., cell-attached), and dissolved (i.e., cell-free) enzyme activities. Cell-free enzymes make up a substantial proportion (up to 100%) of the total marine EEA. Although we are learning more about how microbial diversity and function (including total EEA) will be affected by environmental changes, little is known about what factors control the importance of the abundant cell-free enzymes. Since cell-attached EEAs are linked to the cell, their fate will likely be linked to the factors controlling the cell’s fate. In contrast, cell-free enzymes belong to a kind of “living dead” realm because they are not attached to a living cell but still are able to perform their function away from the cell; and as such, the factors controlling their activity and fate might differ from those affecting cell-attached enzymes. This article aims to place cell-free EEA into the wider context of hydrolysis of organic matter, deal with recent studies assessing what controls the production, activity and lifetime of cell-free EEA, and what their fate might be in response to environmental stressors. This perspective article advocates the need to go “beyond the living things,” studying the response of cells/organisms to different stressors, but also to study cell-free enzymes, in order to fully constrain the future and evolution of marine biogeochemical cycles.
Sorted spectral factorization of matrix polynomials in MIMO communications

Sorted spectral factorization of matrix polynomials is studied. Such type of factoring Hermitian matrix polynomials is the key step in calculating the optimum receive filter matrices in spatial/temporal decision-feedback equalization as well as the optimum transmit filter matrices in spatial/temporal Tomlinson-Harashima-type precoding schemes. Contrary to other approaches, we inherently consider asymptotic rather than finite-length results for transmission over MIMO channels with intersymbol interference. It is shown how the different types of factorizations can be transformed onto a prototype factorization task, which in turn can be solved by first performing an unsorted factorization and then determining the optimal processing order. An easy-to-use iterative algorithm for unsorted spectral factorization and the adjustment of the optimized order in DFE and precoding are explained. Numerical simulations cover the impact of sorted and unsorted spectral factorization on the performance of DFE and precoding schemes.
Phenotypic characterization of Ethiopian finger millet accessions (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn), for their agronomically important traits

Abstract Cereal finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) is one of the most promising vital crops of Asia and Africa in the face of climate change. It has a capacity to adapt to extreme environmental conditions and can be grown under a wide range of wider agroecology. It is believed to be originated in the highlands of Ethiopia and then disseminated across the globe. It is mainly cultivated as dietary staple food for humans, animal feeds and also used as medicinal crop. Though finger millet is recognized as the most important staple crop, particularly for the poor people in dry and semidry areas, it has been neglected and given little concern in mainstreaming the crop for its improvement research.
NEOWISE STUDIES OF ASTEROIDS WITH SLOAN PHOTOMETRY: PRELIMINARY RESULTS

We have combined the NEOWISE and Sloan Digital Sky Survey data to study the albedos of 24,353 asteroids with candidate taxonomic classifications derived using Sloan photometry. We find a wide range of moderate to high albedos for candidate S-type asteroids that are analogous to the S complex defined by previous spectrophotometrically based taxonomic systems. The candidate C-type asteroids, while generally very dark, have a tail of higher albedos that overlaps the S types. The albedo distribution for asteroids with a photometrically derived Q classification is extremely similar to those of the S types. Asteroids with similar colors to (4) Vesta have higher albedos than the S types, and most have orbital elements similar to known Vesta family members. Finally, we show that the relative reflectance at 3.4 and 4.6 μm is higher for D-type asteroids and suggest that their red visible and near-infrared spectral slope extends out to these wavelengths. Understanding the relationship between size, albedo, and taxonomic classification is complicated by the fact that the objects with classifications were selected from the visible/near-infrared Sloan Moving Object Catalog, which is biased against fainter asteroids, including those with lower albedos.
Mind the First Step: The Intrapersonal Effects of Affect on the Decision to Initiate Negotiations under Bargaining Power Asymmetry

We undertook two vignette studies to examine the role of affect (trait and state) and bargaining power on initiating negotiations, an often overlooked stage of the negotiation process. Using a job negotiation opportunity, we examine three distinct phases of the initiation process—engaging a counterpart, making a request, and optimizing a request. Study 1 examines the effects of two affect dispositions (happiness and sadness), under power asymmetry (low vs. high bargaining power), on the three initiation behaviors. We found that power is pivotal to the decision to engage, request, and optimize. Also, sadness reduces the likelihood of initiation when power is high but is immaterial when power is low. In contrast, individuals who tend to be happy can reverse the adverse effect of powerlessness on requesting, but not on engaging and optimizing. However, happiness does not carry over a positive effect on negotiation initiation, over and above that of power. Study 2 investigated the role of trait affect when individuals are in power asymmetry and when they are induced with sadness or happiness. We found that those with a happy disposition initiate more (engage, request, and optimize) when power is high and experience incidental sadness. Overall, these findings qualify previous research on negotiation initiation and highlight the importance of trait affect and its interaction with state affect as additional driving forces and of power as a boundary condition. “for the error occurs at the beginning, and the beginning as the proverb says is half of the whole, so that even a small mistake at the beginning stands in the same ratio to mistakes at the other stages. ” (trans. Aristotle, 1944, 1303b)
The Nurse Practitioner's Role in Helping Patients Achieve Lipid Goals with Statin Therapy

Purpose To discuss the merits of statins in achieving lipid goals and the role of nurse practitioners (NPs) in improving adherence to medical regimens with the goals of improving patient outcomes, reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk within the population at large, and enhancing patients’ ability to reach their individual goals. Data sources Original research articles, journal articles, professional association practice guidelines. Conclusions Despite extensive research clearly documenting the relation between lowering low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and decreasing rates of cardiovascular events and deaths, lipid‐lowering therapy is not being aggressively managed to achieve optimal lipid levels and CVDs remain the leading cause of death among adults in the United States. Contributing factors include lack of patient adherence with prescribed therapy, absence of dose titration when needed, and suboptimal follow‐up. Two pathways to improving compliance are the following: first, use of a starting dose of a more efficacious statin to allow more patients to reach their LDL‐C goal and, second, more effective primary care programs with NPs as team leaders who can assess and diagnose patients, then develop individual treatment plans and follow‐up with patients to ensure that their lipid goals are met. Implications for practice NPs are well suited to manage patients with hypercholesterolemia. The NP can bridge all aspects of care for the patient by overseeing assessment and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors, including elevated levels of LDL‐C, initiating pharmacotherapy when needed, and establishing for each patient an individualized program that features education, support, and follow‐up.
Free Trade Areas and Rules of Origin: Economics and Politics

Incorporating intermediate inputs into a small-union general-equilibrium model, this paper first develops the welfare economics of preferential trading under the rules of origin (ROO) and then demonstrates that the ROO could improve the political viability of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Two interesting outcomes are derived. First, a welfare reducing FTA that was rejected in the absence of the ROO becomes feasible in the presence of these rules. Second, a welfare improving FTA that was rejected in the absence of the ROO is endorsed in their presence, but upon endorsement it becomes welfare inferior relative to the status quo.
Maturity in the websites of Australian wineries: a study of varying website content

This paper examines the longitudinal development of 86 Australian winery websites over a two-year period. Wineries, like many Australian businesses, have websites that offer a range of facilities for the consumer: information provision, online ordering, and community participation. The 2002 study, when contrasted with a study conducted two years earlier, has unearthed some trends in the development of Australian winery websites. Other features have been introduced to encourage more visitors to the winery. More wineries offered the chance for customers to purchase their offerings over the internet. However, this was not generally accomplished by using an interactive sales feature; it was by providing a form to print out and fax to the winery. In general, it appeared that there was some maturity developing in the websites of Australian wineries over the period of the study.