Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Runtime Models Based on Dynamic Decision Networks: Enhancing the Decision-making in the Domain of Ambient Assisted Living Applications

Dynamic decision-making for self-Adaptive systems (SAS) requires the runtime trade-off of multiple non-functional requirements (NFRs) -Aka quality properties-And the costsbenefits analysis of the alternative solutions. Usually, it requires the specification of utility preferences for NFRs and decisionmaking strategies. Traditionally, these preferences have been defined at design-Time. In this paper we develop further our ideas on re-Assessment of NFRs preferences given new evidence found at runtime and using dynamic decision networks (DDNs) as the runtime abstractions. Our approach use conditional probabilities provided by DDNs, the concepts of Bayesian surprise and Primitive Cognitive Network Process (P-CNP), for the determination of the initial preferences. Specifically, we present a case study in the domain problem of ambient assisted living (AAL). Based on the collection of runtime evidence, our approach allows the identification of unknown situations at the design stage.
Estimation of optimal cutting parameters of plane turning using quantum inspired evolutionary algorithm

Turning is a versatile machining process that involves different cutting parameters and conditions. The surface finish is the vital design requirement as it is a key indicator of quality of the work piece. This work, presents the application of Quantum Inspired Evolutionary Algorithm (QIEA), that essentially exploits some principles of quantum mechanics such as Q-bits, superposition, quantum gate and quantum measurement, for the process optimization of plane turning. The QIEA estimated optimal cutting parameters i.e., cutting speed, feed rate, tool nose radius and depth of cut of plane turning for improved surface finish within the operating conditions. The results are compared with real coded genetic algorithm (RCGA) and differential evolution algorithm (DEA). The results obtained by Quantum Inspired Evolutionary Algorithm are better than those reported with RCGA and are comparable to those of DEA.
Reaching contralateral target by chronic hemiparetic stroke survivors using active-assisted/active exercise with 2D/3D visual feedback

Chronic hemiparetic stroke survivors need 3D point-to-point movements every day at home. We compared device-assisted 3D reaching exercise performed by chronic stroke and evaluated the effect of active-assisted/active devices and 2D/3D visual feedback. We chose two arms to serve as upper extremity exercise devices, with active-assisted and active modes. 2D/3D visual feedback of the target position is projected on a large screen. The arm and display devices corresponded to the motor and cognitive functions of a subject, respectively. Thirty four chronic-stage stroke survivors were randomly placed in four groups. Four groups performed a set of reaching tasks over four weeks. Movement data such as movement velocity and curvilinearity ratio for the reaching tasks were compared, and based on this comparison, 3D visual feedback was found to be more effective than 2D visual feedback. When the target position changed, stroke survivors could effectively reach it with the help of the 3D visual feedback. The performance of the active-assisted exercise device was similar to that of a spring-loaded active exercise device. Active-assisted exercises can be applied to subjects who have difficulty in reaching movements, especially in the early sessions of reaching exercise.
It's Everywhere, but What is it? Professional Learning Communities

This article first explores the characteristics of professional learning communities (PLCs) identified in the research literature. Second, it examines the staff and student outcomes derived from the implementation and integration of a PLC in a K–12 school or a university. Third, it provides suggestions for school leaders about creating and operating a PLC and its highly democratic and participatory way of working and about supporting and guiding the staff to become a PLC. Noted are structural features that support collegial interaction. These opportunities for open discussion and debate inevitably lead to conflict, which must be managed and used constructively. Thus, the article includes counsel about developing trusting relationships, positive regard, and other human capacities.
Tidal Stirring and the Origin of Dwarf Spheroidals in the Local Group

N-body + smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) simulations are used to study the evolution of dwarf irregular galaxies (dIrr's) entering the dark matter halo of the Milky Way or M31 on plunging orbits. We propose a new dynamical mechanism driving the evolution of gas-rich, rotationally supported dIrr's, mostly found at the outskirts of the Local Group (LG), into gas-free, pressure-supported dwarf spheroidals (dSph's) or dwarf ellipticals (dE's), observed to cluster around the two giant spirals. The initial model galaxies are exponential disks embedded in massive dark matter halos and reproduce nearby dIrr's. Repeated tidal shocks at the pericenters of their orbits partially strip their halos and disks and trigger dynamical instabilities that dramatically reshape their stellar components. After only 2-3 orbits low surface brightness dIrr's are transformed into dSp'hs while high surface brightness dIrr's evolve into dE's. This evolutionary mechanism naturally leads to the morphology-density relation observed for LG dwarfs. Dwarfs surrounded by very dense dark matter halos, such as the dIrr GR8, are turned into Draco or Ursa Minor, the faintest and most dark matter dominated among LG dSph's. If disks include a gaseous component, this is both tidally stripped and consumed in periodic bursts of star formation. The resulting star formation histories are in good qualitative agreement with those derived using Hubble Space Telescope (HST) color-magnitude diagrams for local dSph's.
A survey of image retargeting techniques

Advances in imaging technology have made the capture and display of digital images ubiquitous. A variety of displays are used to view them, ranging from high-resolution computer monitors to low-resolution mobile devices, and images often have to undergo changes in size and aspect ratio to adapt to different screens. Also, displaying and printing documents with embedded images frequently entail resizing of the images to comply with the overall layout. Straightforward image resizing operators, such as scaling, often do not produce satisfactory results, since they are oblivious to image content. In this work, we review and categorize algorithms for contentaware image retargeting, i.e., resizing an image while taking its content into consideration to preserve important regions and minimize distortions. This is a challenging problem, as it requires preserving the relevant information while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing image for the user. The techniques typically start by computing an importance map which represents the relevance of every pixel, and then apply an operator that resizes the image while taking into account the importance map and additional constraints. We intend this review to be useful to researchers and practitioners interested in image retargeting.
Efficacy and Safety of Repeated Courses of rTMS Treatment in Patients with Chronic Subjective Tinnitus

Background. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has shown promising effects in the treatment of chronic subjective tinnitus. However, little is known about maintenance treatment in order to achieve long-lasting improvements. Objective. This study addresses the questions whether the repeated application of rTMS treatment can contribute to the maintenance or enhancement of treatment effects and if so in which cases repetitive treatment courses are beneficial. Methods. 55 patients with chronic tinnitus were treated with two rTMS treatment courses with ten treatment sessions each. The mean intertreatment interval was 20.65 ± 18.56 months. Tinnitus severity was assessed before and after each treatment course. Results. Both treatments were well tolerated and caused significant improvement of tinnitus severity. The main predictor for the outcome of the second treatment was the development of tinnitus distress in the phase between both treatment courses: the more patients worsened in this interval, the more they improved during the second treatment course. Conclusion. Repeated application of rTMS seems to be useful in tinnitus management and should preferentially be offered to patients who experience a worsening of their tinnitus during the intertreatment interval, irrespective of their response to the first treatment course.
Comparing Acceptance and Commitment Group Therapy and 12-Steps Narcotics Anonymous in Addict’s Rehabilitation Process: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: Substance abuse is a socio-psychological disorder. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy with 12-steps Narcotics Anonymous on psychological well-being of opiate dependent individuals in addiction treatment centers in Shiraz, Iran. Method: This was a randomized controlled trial. Data were collected at entry into the study and at post-test and follow-up visits. The participants were selected from opiate addicted individuals who referred to addiction treatment centers in Shiraz. Sixty individuals were evaluated according to inclusion/ exclusion criteria and were divided into three equal groups randomly (20 participants per group). One group received acceptance and commitment group therapy (Twelve 90-minute sessions) and the other group was provided with the 12-steps Narcotics Anonymous program and the control group received the usual methadone maintenance treatment. During the treatment process, seven participants dropped out. Data were collected using the psychological well-being questionnaire and AAQ questionnaire in the three groups at pre-test, post-test and follow-up visits. Data were analyzed using repeated measure analysis of variance. Results: Repeated measure analysis of variance revealed that the mean difference between the three groups was significant (P<0.05) and that acceptance and commitment therapy group showed improvement relative to the NA and control groups on psychological well-being and psychological flexibility. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that acceptance and commitment therapy can be helpful in enhancing positive emotions and increasing psychological well-being of addicts who seek treatment.
A mathematical modelling of bloom of the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi in a mesocosm experiment

A dynamic model has been developed to represent biogeochemical variables and processes observed during a bloom of Emiliania huxleyi coccolithophore. This bloom was induced in a mesocosm experiment during which the ecosystem development was followed over a period of 23-days through changes in various biogeochemical parameters 5 such as inorganic nutrients (nitrate, ammonium and phosphate), total alkalinity (TA), dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2), dissolved oxygen (O 2 ), photosynthetic pigments, particulate organic carbon (POC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), Transparent Exopolymer Particles (TEP), primary production, and calcification. This dynamic model is based on unbalanced algal growth and balanced 10 bacterial growth. In order to adequately reproduce the observations, the model includes an explicit description of phosphorus cycling, calcification, TEP production and an enhanced mortality due to viral lysis. The model represented carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus fluxes observed in the mesocosms. Modelled profiles of algal biomass and final concentrations of DIC and nutrients are in agreement with the experimental 15
Taxonomy and distribution of some katydids (Orthoptera Tettigoniidae) from tropical Africa

Abstract Results of the study of specimens collected in tropical Africa and preserved in different European collections and museums are reported and extensively illustrated. The following three new species are described: Horatosphaga aethiopica sp. n. , Dapanera occulta sp. n. and Cestromoecha laeglae sp. n. In addition, new diagnostic characters or distributional data for Ruspolia differens (Serville, 1838), Thyridorhoptrum senegalense Krauss, 1877, Horatosphaga leggei (Kirby, 1909), Horatosphaga linearis (Rehn, 1910), Preussia lobatipes Karsch, 1890 and Dapanera eidmanni Ebner, 1943 are reported. Finally, Symmetropleura plana (Walker, 1869) is proposed to be transferred to the genus Symmetrokarschia Massa, 2015, Conocephalus carbonarius (Redtenbacher, 1891) to the genus Thyridorhoptrum Rehn & Hebard, 1915; the genus Gonatoxia Karsch, 1889 is proposed to be synonymized with Dapanera Karsch, 1889.
Long-Term Plasticity in Mouse Sensorimotor Circuits after Rhythmic Whisker Stimulation

Mice actively explore their environment by rhythmically sweeping their whiskers. As a consequence, neuronal activity in somatosensory pathways is modulated by the frequency of whisker movement. The potential role of rhythmic neuronal activity for the integration and consolidation of sensory signals, however, remains unexplored. Here, we show that a brief period of rhythmic whisker stimulation in anesthetized mice resulted in a frequency-specific long-lasting increase in the amplitude of somatosensory-evoked potentials in the contralateral primary somatosensory (barrel) cortex. Mapping of evoked potentials and intracortical recordings revealed that, in addition to potentiation in layers IV and II/III of the barrel cortex, rhythmic whisker stimulation induced a decrease of somatosensory-evoked responses in the supragranular layers of the motor cortex. To assess whether rhythmic sensory input-based plasticity might arise in natural settings, we exposed mice to environmental enrichment. We found that it resulted in somatosensory-evoked responses of increased amplitude, highlighting the influence of previous sensory experience in shaping sensory responses. Importantly, environmental enrichment-induced plasticity occluded further potentiation by rhythmic stimulation, indicating that both phenomena share common mechanisms. Overall, our results suggest that natural, rhythmic patterns of whisker activity can modify the cerebral processing of sensory information, providing a possible mechanism for learning during sensory perception.
Detecting Pornographic Images by Localizing Skin ROIs

AbstractIn this study 1 , a novel algorithm for recognizing pornographic images based on the analysis of skin color regionsis presented. The skin color information essentially provides Regions of Interest (ROIs). It is demonstrated that theconvex hull of these ROIs provides semantically useful information for pornographic image detection. Based onthese convex hulls, the authors extract a small set of low-level visual features that are empirically proven to possessdiscriminative power for pornographic image classiﬁcation. In this study, we consider multi-class pornographicimage classiﬁcation, where the ”nude” and ”benign” image classes are further split into two specialized sub-classes, namely ”bikini” / ”porn” and ”skin” / ”non-skin”, respectively. The extracted feature vectors are fed to anensemble of random forest classiﬁers for image classiﬁcation. Each classiﬁer is trained on a partition of the trainingset and solves a binary classiﬁcation problem. In this sense, the model allows for seamless coarse-to-ﬁne-grainedclassiﬁcation by means of a tree-structured topology of a small number of intervening binary classiﬁers. The overalltechnique is evaluated on the AIIA-PID challenge of 9;000 samples of pornographic and benign images collectedfrom the Web. The technique is shown to exhibit state-of-the-art performance against publicly available integratedpornographic image classiﬁers. Index Termsconvex hull calculation, multi-class classiﬁcation, porn detection, random forests, skin ROI localization
Solution structures of all parallel-stranded monomeric and dimeric G-quadruplex scaffolds of the human c-kit2 promoter

Previous studies have demonstrated that nuclease hypersensitivity regions of several proto-oncogenic DNA promoters, situated upstream of transcription start sites, contain guanine-rich tracts that form intramolecular G-quadruplexes stabilized by stacked G•G•G•G tetrads in monovalent cation solution. The human c-kit oncogenic promoter, an important target in the treatment of gastrointestinal tumors, contains two such stretches of guanine-rich tracts, designated c-kit1 and c-kit2. Our previous nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based studies reported on the novel G-quadruplex scaffold of the c-kit1 promoter in K+-containing solution, where we showed for the first time that even an isolated guanine was involved in G-tetrad formation. These NMR-based studies are now extended to the c-kit2 promoter, which adopts two distinct all-parallel-stranded conformations in slow exchange, one of which forms a monomeric G-quadruplex (form-I) in 20 mM K+-containing solution and the other a novel dimeric G-quadruplex (form-II) in 100 mM K+-containing solution. The c-kit2 promoter dimeric form-II G-quadruplex adopts an unprecedented all-parallel-stranded topology where individual c-kit2 promoter strands span a pair of three-G-tetrad-layer-containing all-parallel-stranded G-quadruplexes aligned in a 3′ to 5′-end orientation, with stacking continuity between G-quadruplexes mediated by a sandwiched A•A non-canonical pair. We propose that strand exchange during recombination events within guanine-rich segments, could potentially be mediated by a synapsis intermediate involving an intergenic parallel-stranded dimeric G-quadruplex.
On fostering critical thinking and integrating reading and writing instruction under web condition

The paper is a case study on integrating reading and writing instruction under web condition aimed at fostering critical thinking in a Chinese EFL classroom at tertiary level. The design of integrated reading and writing tasks follows action learning formula, which stimulates learners to apply critical thinking skills at different stages. The integrated instruction under web condition enhances reading and writing abilities, and in turn promotes critical thinking.
Identification of Biomarkers for Breast Cancer Using Databases

Breast cancer is one of the major causes of cancer death in women. Many studies have sought to identify specific molecules involved in breast cancer and understand their characteristics. Many biomarkers which are easily measurable, dependable, and inexpensive, with a high sensitivity and specificity have been identified. The rapidly increasing technology development and availability of epigenetic informations play critical roles in cancer. The accumulated data have been collected, stored, and analyzed in various types of databases. It is important to acknowledge useful and available data and retrieve them from databases. Nowadays, many researches utilize the databases, including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER), and Embase, to find useful informations on biomarkers for breast cancer. This review summarizes the current databases which have been utilized for identification of biomarkers for breast cancer. The information provided by this review would be beneficial to seeking appropriate strategies for diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
The impact of traffic aggregation on the memory performance of networking applications

The trend of the networking processing is to increase the intelligence of the routers (i.e. security capacities). This means that there is an increment in the workload generated per packet and new types of applications are emerging, such as stateful programs. On the other hand, Internet traffic continues to grow vigorously. This fact involves an increment of the traffic aggregation levels and overloades the processing capacities of the routers.In this paper we show the importance of traffic aggregation level on networking application studies. We also classify the applications according to the data management of the packet processing. Hence, we present the different impacts on the data cache performance depending on the application category. Our results show that traffic aggregation level may affect the cache performance depending on the networking application category. Stateful applications show a significant sensitivity to this impact.
Formation of the avian nucleus magnocellularis from the auditory anlage

In the avian auditory system, the neural network for computing the localization of sound in space begins with bilateral innervation of nucleus laminaris (NL) by nucleus magnocellularis (NM) neurons. We used antibodies against the neural specific markers Hu C/D, neurofilament, and SV2 together with retrograde fluorescent dextran labeling from the contralateral hindbrain to identify NM neurons within the anlage and follow their development. NM neurons could be identified by retrograde labeling as early as embryonic day (E) 6. While the auditory anlage organized itself into NM and NL in a rostral‐to‐caudal fashion between E6 and E8, labeled NM neurons were visible throughout the extent of the anlage at E6. By observing the pattern of neuronal rearrangements together with the pattern of contralaterally projecting NM fibers, we could identify NL in the ventral anlage. Ipsilateral NM fibers contacted the developing NL at E8, well after NM collaterals had projected contralaterally. Furthermore, the formation of ipsilateral connections between NM and NL neurons appeared to coincide with the arrival of VIIIth nerve fibers in NM. By E10, immunoreactivity for SV2 was heavily concentrated in the dorsal and ventral neuropils of NL. Thus, extensive pathfinding and morphological rearrangement of central auditory nuclei occurs well before the arrival of cochlear afferents. Our results suggest that NM neurons may play a central role in formation of tonotopic connections in the auditory system. J. Comp. Neurol. 498:433–442, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fused and vaulted nasals of tyrannosaurid dinosaurs: Implications for cranial strength and feeding mechanics

Tyrannosaurid theropods display several unusual adaptations of the skulls and teeth. Their nasals are fused and vaulted, suggesting that these elements braced the cranium against high feeding forces. Exceptionally high strengths of maxillary teeth in Tyrannosaurus rex indicate that it could exert relatively greater feeding forces than other tyrannosaurids. Areas and second moments of area of the nasals, calculated from CT cross−sections, show higher nasal strengths for large tyrannosaurids than for Allosaurus fragilis. Cross−sectional geometry of theropod crania reveals high second moments of area in tyrannosaurids, with resulting high strengths in bending and torsion, when compared with the crania of similarly sized theropods. In tyrannosaurids trends of strength increase are positively allomeric and have similar allometric expo− nents, indicating correlated progression towards unusually high strengths of the feeding apparatus. Fused, arched nasals and broad crania of tyrannosaurids are consistent with deep bites that impacted bone and powerful lateral movements of the head for dismembering prey.