Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuroimaging of Goal-Directed Behavior in Midlife Women

BackgroundMotivational interventions to improve health behaviors based on conventional cognitive and behavioral theories have been extensively studied; however, advances in neuroimaging technology make it possible to assess the neurophysiological basis of health behaviors, such as physical activity. The goals of this approach are to support new interventions to achieve optimal outcomes. ObjectivesThis study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess differences in brain responses in healthy weight to obese midlife women during a goal-directed decision task. MethodsThirty nondiabetic, midlife (age 47–55 years) women with body mass index (BMI) ranging from 18.5 to 40 kg/m2 were recruited. A descriptive, correlational design was used to assess the relationship between brain activations and weight status. Participants underwent a goal-directed behavior task in the fMRI scanner consisting of a learning and implementation phase. The task was designed to assess both goal-directed and habitual behaviors. One participant was omitted from the analysis because of excessive motion (>4 mm), and six were omitted because of fewer than 50% correct responses on the exit survey. Four participants developed claustrophobia in the scanner and were disqualified from further participation. The remaining 19 participants were included in the final analysis. ResultsBrain responses while participants learned goal-directed behavior showed a positive correlation with BMI in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) and a negative correlation with BMI in the insula. During the implementation of goal-directed behavior, brain responses in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) negatively correlated with BMI. DiscussionThese results indicate that overweight women activate regions associated with cognitive control to a greater degree than healthy weight women during goal-directed learning. The brain regions activated (dmPFC, dlPFC, insula) are associated with cognitive control and self-regulation. On the other hand, healthy weight women activate regions associated with emotion processing, planning, and self-regulation (lateral orbitofrontal cortex, anterior insula) to a greater degree than overweight women during goal-directed learning and implementation of goal-directed behavior. Overweight women activate cognitive control regions while learning associations between actions and outcomes; however, this is not the case during the implementation phase—which may make it more difficult to transform goals into action (e.g., maintain physical activity over time). Overall, these results indicate that overweight midlife women respond differently during learning and implementation of actions that lead to positive outcomes during a general test of goal-directed behavior. Future study is needed to assess the transfer of goal-directed and habitual behavior to specific aspects of energy balance to improve health outcomes.
Models of competitive learning: complex dynamics, intermittent conversions, and oscillatory coarsening.

We present two models of competitive learning, which are respectively interfacial (i.e., where the interiors of domains are unaffected by the rules of the model) and cooperative (i.e., where the bulk as well as the interface of an individual domain is governed by the rules of the model) learning. This learning is outcome related, so that spatially and temporally local environments influence the conversion of a given site between one of two different types. We focus here on the behavior of the models at coexistence, which yields critical behavior and the existence of a phase involving a type of coarsening which is oscillatory in nature. In the discussion we speculate on, among other issues, the likely behavior of the models away from coexistence.
Vowel duration in Scottish English speaking children

In most English accents vowel length is approximately 50% greater before a voiced consonant than before its voiceless cognate (the ‘Voicing Effect’). In Scottish English it is conditioned by the ‘Scottish Vowel Length Rule’. The lengthening environments of this rule overlap with those of the Voicing Effect. The phonetic details of the Scottish Vowel Length Rule and its relationship with the Voicing Effect are uncertain. Its influence on the speech of younger speakers is also not known. In this study, tokens of /i/ and /¬/ were measured in minimal pairs produced by seven Scottish English speaking children aged 6-9 years. Some pairs tested for a Voicing Effect, others for a Scottish Vowel Length effect. Results suggested a robust Scottish Vowel Length pattern for four of the subjects, with a minimal Voicing Effect. However, in children with two non-Scottish English speaking parents this pattern was either absent or less definite.
Markov Random Fields for Recognizing textures modeled by Feature Vectors

This paper decribes a new probabilistic framework for recognizing textures in images. Images are described by local affine-invariant descriptors and by spatial relationships between these descriptors. We propose to introduce the use of statistical parametric models of the dependence between descriptors. Hidden Markov Models (HMM) are investigated for such a task using recent estimation procedures based on the mean eld principle to perform the non trivial parameter estimation they require. Preliminary experiments obtained with 140 images of seven dierent natural textures show promising results.
WAIS III UK: an extension of the UK comparability study.

OBJECTIVES To correct and augment the sample on which a previous study, assessing the applicability of USA WAIS III norms to the UK population, was based. To repeat this study using the modified sample. DESIGN The WAIS III UK was administered to a supplementary sample, which was used to enhance and correct the original sample, allowing a better match to UK population demographics. METHOD WAIS III UK scores were processed using USA norms. RESULTS Distributions of UK IQ, Index, and subtest scores were consistent with USA norms. Means were significantly above USA values and did not show a flat profile. Correlational analysis suggested the presence of an age-related sampling bias, which was then statistically controlled for using analysis of covariance, with age as covariate, to give corrected means. These means, with the exception of two subtests (block design and picture arrangement), did not differ significantly from USA values. CONCLUSION With a minor proviso concerning the above subtests, it is probable that USA norms can be safely used with the UK population. Future UK samples need to ensure random sampling within demographic categories if sampling bias is to be avoided.
Qualitative estimation of amylase enzyme activity of fungal species isolated from iron ore mined overburden soil

The enzyme is a biocatalyst and processes many biological activities. In the present investigation soil samples were collected from iron ore mined overburden soil and fungal flora were isolated. For qualitative estimation of fungi for amylase activity, plate assay method was used. Out of 99 fungi, only 21 test fungi were found to produce amylase. Most of the amylase producers identified belonged to Aspergillus sp. , Penicillium sp. , Periconia sp. , Scytalidium sp. , Memmoniella sp. , Trichoderma sp. , Phoma sp. and Fusarium sp. followed by Alternaria sp. Other 78 test fungi were found to grow on medium, but were unable to produce amylase. Maximum 44 fungi were isolated from Trichocomaceae family and one fungus from Chaetomiaceae and Myxotrichaceae family. Isolated fungi of Chaetomiaceae, Mucoraceae, Mycosphaerelleaceae, Myxotrichaceae and Nectriaceae family were unable to produce enzyme. Maximum numbers of enzyme producing fungi belongede to Trichocomaceae family, followed by Incertae sedis. In the present investigation observed that Penicillium sp. 1 give the highest relative enzyme activity index.
“Pain is forgotten where gain follows: ” The masking effect of positive outcomes on emotional suffering

Previous research has shown that people tend to overstate or understate their past feelings in memory when asked to recall their past emotional experiences. Drawing from cognitive reappraisal theory and mood congruence theory, we presented an integrative explanation that the type of outcome of stressful events influences the magnitude and direction of bias in emotional memory. The results of two studies showed that individuals who succeeded in a postgraduate recruitment interview or a job interview tended to overstate positive emotions and understate negative emotions. In contrast, individuals who failed in an interview understated positive emotions and overstated negative emotions. This phenomenon can be named “pain is forgotten where gain follows. ” These results shed light on the controversy between mood congruent theory and the appraisal model as well as application values in intervention research on emotional biases.
The alternative oxidase of Candida albicans causes reduced fluconazole susceptibility.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of Candida albicans mitochondrial respiratory status on antifungal azole susceptibility. METHODS The inhibitors cyanide and salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM) were each combined with azoles to examine the effect of the combinations on C. albicans. C. albicans strains deleted for the alternative oxidase (Aox) were also examined for susceptibility to azoles and for the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). A chequerboard microdilution assay was performed on several C. albicans clinical strains including azole-resistant isolates to explore the combined effect of fluconazole and inhibitors of Aox. RESULTS The induction of the alternative respiratory pathway by cyanide decreased susceptibility to azoles, while the inhibition of alternative respiration by SHAM increased azole susceptibility. It was found that ROS production was increased in the absence of Aox in C. albicans upon treatment by antifungals such as miconazole and benomyl. The combination of fluconazole with SHAM resulted in a synergistic effect on the killing of C. albicans clinical isolates. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that the induction of the alternative respiratory pathway confers reduced susceptibility to antifungal azoles, potentially through a mechanism that involves decreased intracellular ROS production during exposure to antifungal agents.
Enrichment and Purification of Polyphenol Extract from Sphallerocarpus gracilis Stems and Leaves and in Vitro Evaluation of DNA Damage-Protective Activity and Inhibitory Effects of α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase

An efficient preparative separation method for Sphallerocarpus gracilis stems and leaves polyphenols (SGslP) was established in this study. An X-5 macroporous adsorption resin was selected for the purification of the SGslP, and the polyphenol content of the purified SGslP (PSGslP) was increased 5.11-fold from 8.29% to 42.38% after one treatment run. The chemical composition of the PSGslP was analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS, and the predominant compounds were found to be luteolin-7-glucoside, acacetin-7-acetyglycoside and its isomers. In addition, the PSGslP was evaluated in vitro to determine the DNA damage-protective activity and inhibitory effects of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The results indicated that the PSGslP exhibited significant protective activities against both ROO• and •OH radical-induced DNA damage. Moreover, the PSGslP exerted a dose-dependent inhibition effect on α-glucosidase but no inhibitory effect on α-amylase. These findings indicate that the Sphallerocarpus gracilis stems and leaves are good natural sources of antioxidants and are potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase activity and are potential anti-diabetic inhibitor.
QUANTIFYING SOCIAL CAPITAL AT SCHOOL Sense Publishers

Because schools operate in such complex environments the effects of various forms of social capital on outcomes is difficult to delineate without careful and detailed analysis. Therefore the challenge to be faced when addressing the quantification of Social Capital at school is considerable. This has led some to argue that qualitative research is necessary to achieve an understanding of the complex networks that operate in and about schools (e.g. Horvath et al). Whilst not disputing the value of such research, social capital has attracted interest from policy makers at least in part because various analysts have quantified social capital and have reported correlations between social capital and other desirable outcomes. For example Putnam and Feldstein (2000, 4) made the following claims for the effects of social capital:
The effect of food quality and relative abundance on food choice in fallow deer

The diet choice of large herbivores is influenced by the presence of nutrients and toxins in available plants. It is generally assumed that herbivores ingest food that contains higher amounts of nutrients and lower amounts of toxins than the average of the food available. We studied the effects of quality and relative abundance on food choice in fallow deer, Dama dama. Preferences for and aversions against different compounds were first examined in two-choice tests with food and water. We then did cafeteria (multiple-choice) tests with hydrolysable tannin and sucrose added to food to investigate the influence of the frequency of occurrence. We found that food choice was biased towards lower tannin content. Consumption with respect to tannin content was relative rather than absolute, however, in that the intake of a given concentration depended on which other concentrations were present. In addition, the relative preference for low-tannin food was weaker in the cafeteria test, where this food had a smaller frequency of occurrence, indicating that frequency of occurrence influences food choice. We discuss these results from the perspective of optimal foraging theory and suggest that a changing and complex distribution of food types in nature may make it advantageous for large herbivores to show intermediate selectivity, rather than attempting to ingest only the highest quality food possible.
Green Marketing: Role of Psychographic Variables on Awareness and Purchase of FRP Products

The Conception of the present exploratory and empirical research paper is based on the growth of interest on "Green marketing" particularly "Green buildings" and consequently to analyse the application of the concept of green products. The paper attempts to analyse the scope of application of various FRP (Fibreglass reinforced plastics) products as green products in the development of construction of structure and infrastructure. The research methodology was framed with the thought that many marketing problems can be solved by looking beyond the secondary data. The questionnaire for primary data was presented to 700 respondents out of which received back only 550. For analysis of data, 200 queationnaire of those respondents who were aware of FRP material, and were the residents of Himachal Pradesh who took part in the decision making process regarding the purchase made at the residential level, were taken . The hypothesis was framed regarding the impact of demographic variables on the awarenesss and purchase behavior of the consumers. After the analysis of the results the hypothesis related to demographic variables was accepted.
Disk Truncation and Planet Formation in γ Cephei

The γ Cephei system is one of the most closely bound binary planet hosts known to date. The companion (γ Cep B) to the planet-hosting star (γ Cep A) should have truncated any protoplanetary disk around γ Cep A, possibly limiting planet formation in the disk. We explore this problem by calculating the truncation radii of protoplanetary disk models around γ Cep A to determine whether or not there is sufficient material remaining in the disk to form a planet. We vary the accretion rate and viscosity parameter of the disk models to cover a range of reasonable possibilities for the disk properties and determine that for accretion rates of ≥10−7 M☉ yr−1 and low viscosity parameter, sufficient material in gas and solids exist for planet formation via core accretion to be possible. Disk instability is less favored, as this can only occur in the most massive disk model with an extremely high accretion rate.
The Atmospheric Response to Realistic Arctic Sea Ice Anomalies in an AGCM during Winter.

Abstract The influence of realistic Arctic sea ice anomalies on the atmosphere during winter is investigated with version 3.6 of the Community Climate Model (CCM3.6). Model experiments are performed for the winters with the most (1982/83) and least (1995/96) Arctic ice coverage during 1979–99, when ice concentration estimates were available from satellites. The experiments consist of 50-member ensembles: using large ensembles proved critical to distinguish the signal from noise. The local response to ice anomalies over the subpolar seas of both the Atlantic and Pacific is robust and generally shallow with large upward surface heat fluxes (>100 W m−2), near-surface warming, enhanced precipitation, and below-normal sea level pressure where sea ice receded, and the reverse where the ice expanded. The large-scale response to reduced (enhanced) ice extent to the east (west) of Greenland during 1982/83 resembles the negative phase of the Arctic Oscillation/North Atlantic Oscillation (AO/NAO) with a ridge over t.
Electronic correlation effects in Cr2GeC Mn+1AXn-phase

The magnetic properties, electronic band structure and Fermi surfaces of the hexagonal Cr2GeC system have been studied by means of both generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and the +U corrected method (GGA+U). The effective U value has been computed within the augmented plane-wave theoretical scheme by following the constrained density functional theory formalism of Anisimov et al. [1]. On the basis of our GGA+U calculations, a compensated anti-ferromagnetic spin ordering of Cr atoms has been found to be the ground state solution for this material, where a Ge-mediated super-exchange coupling is responsible for an opposite spin distribution between the ABA stacked in-plane Cr-C networks. Structural properties have also been tested and found to be in good agreement with the available experimental data. Topological analysis of Fermi surfaces have been used to qualitatively address the electronic transport properties of Cr2GeC and found an important asymmetrical carrier-type distribution within the hexagonal crystal lattice. We conclude that an appropriate description of the strongly correlated Cr-d electrons is an essential issue for interpreting the material properties of this unusual Cr-based MAX-phase. PACS numbers: 71.15. Mb, 71.20. -b, 75.25. -j, 71.18. +y, 72.15. -v Submitted to: J. Phys.: Condens. Matter Electronic correlation effects in Cr2GeC Mn+1AXn-phase 2
Beyond people and tools, what is the place for the organization in the analysis of ICT uses?

The IS literature allows to identify the role played by the characteristics of the people and the characteristics of the tools in the uses if an ICT tool. However, these papers have in common to develop a very narrow analysis of them. They have difficulties to take into account the organization as a whole. Numerous papers ask for a greater consideration of the organization into the analysis of the uses of an ICT tool. In this paper, we suggest to enrich this reflection by paying attention to researches produced in the field of the sociology of organizations. To show the potential of this literature, we present a case study of a Small and Medium Enterprise that uses a software supposed to improve collective decisions. The results produced by this case study allow to validate the relevance of the framework which develop a localized analysis of uses but they also show that it is interesting to interpret those uses from a more global view, especially with regard to the strategic challenges of this firm. This framework allows us to propose a discussion which draws perspectives of research to progress towards a better consideration of the organization in the analysis of the uses of ICT.
Projected decline in spring snow depth on Arctic sea ice caused by progressively later autumn open ocean freeze‐up this century

We present the first analysis of snow depth on Arctic sea ice in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 (CMIP5) because of its importance for sea ice thermodynamics and ringed seal (Phoca hispida) habitat. Snow depths in April on Arctic sea ice decrease over the 21st century in RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5 scenarios. The chief cause is loss of sea ice area in autumn and, to a lesser extent, winter. By the end of the 21st century in the RCP8.5 scenario, snowfall accumulation is delayed by about three months compared to the late 20th century in the multi‐model mean. Mean April snow depth north of 70°N declines from about 28 cm to 16 cm. Precipitation increases as expected in a warmer climate, but much of this increase in the Arctic occurs as rainfall. The seasonality of snowfall rate grows, with increasing rates in winter and decreasing rates in summer and autumn, but the cumulative snowfall from September to April does not change. Ringed seals depend on spring snow cover on Arctic sea ice to create subnivean birth lairs. The area with snow depths above 20 cm — a threshold needed for ringed seals to build snow caves — declines by 70%.
Performance Evaluation of C/N0 Estimators Using a Real Time GNSS Software Receiver

The high level of flexibility achievable with software defined radio (SDR) technology generates interest in the industry of mass market receivers, but represents also a valuable tool for research-oriented analysis. This paper exploits this last aspect and demonstrates how it is possible to assess the performance of different digital estimators of C/N0 (i.e., the carrier power to noise power spectral density ratio) using a real time SDR Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. In a GNSS receiver the measure of C/N0 is not only a measure of the strength of the received signal, but is also used to determine the lock condition of the carrier and tracking loops and to control the channel scheduling. This paper investigates the possibility of implementing various low complexity C/N0 estimators, properly adapted from the digital communications world. After a theoretical analysis, the performance of such estimation techniques are assessed through both simulated and real GPS signals.
Decoupling Estimators in Mobile Cooperative Positioning for Heterogeneous Networks

Positioning in wireless communications represents nowadays an important topic in the research community. The main reason is the increasing number of new location based services available on the market. Since some types of these services require accurate positioning information, research has evolved in the direction of overcoming the adverse propagation effects that commonly degrade accuracy of positioning solutions. One approach to overcome propagation effects is to consider cooperative schemes where close-by users share information regarding their links. However, due to the coexistence of numerous technologies, heterogeneity and interaction between technologies shall be regarded as an additional problem. This paper proposes and analyzes a positioning framework for cooperative schemes, which is specifically beneficial for scenarios with heterogeneous link technologies.