Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dissemination protocols to support cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC) merging

Cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC) is a form of cruise control in which vehicles cooperatively control their speed using wireless communication. Previously we have implemented CACC using beaconing: the regular broadcasting of status information using 802.11p. Currently we are concerned with extending both our beaconing mechanism and our CACC system to support automatic CACC merging. In this paper we focus on extending the beaconing mechanism to disseminate the required merging. We propose three beacon-based dissemination protocols and evaluate how well they are able to support automatic CACC merging. All protocols piggyback merging information on the CACC beacons, without changing the timing of the beacons. Our main goal is to identify which protocol can disseminate merging information during a CACC merging manoeuvre most efficiently. We show that all three protocols have low loss rates but that the impact on the network load differs per protocol.
Recent speciation associated with the evolution of selfing in Capsella

The evolution from outcrossing to predominant self-fertilization represents one of the most common transitions in flowering plant evolution. This shift in mating system is almost universally associated with the “selfing syndrome,” characterized by marked reduction in flower size and a breakdown of the morphological and genetic mechanisms that prevent self-fertilization. In general, the timescale in which these transitions occur, and the evolutionary dynamics associated with the evolution of the selfing syndrome are poorly known. We investigated the origin and evolution of selfing in the annual plant Capsella rubella from its self-incompatible, outcrossing progenitor Capsella grandiflora by characterizing multilocus patterns of DNA sequence variation at nuclear genes. We estimate that the transition to selfing and subsequent geographic expansion have taken place during the past 20,000 years. This transition was probably associated with a shift from stable equilibrium toward a near-complete population bottleneck causing a major reduction in effective population size. The timing and severe founder event support the hypothesis that selfing was favored during colonization as new habitats emerged after the last glaciation and the expansion of agriculture. These results suggest that natural selection for reproductive assurance can lead to major morphological evolution and speciation on relatively short evolutionary timescales.
Carnitine or dimethyl sulfoxide, or both, for the treatment of anthracycline extravasation in rats

Abstract This study aimed to compare the efficacy of topical dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), intralesional and systemic carnitine as monotherapy and in combination against ulceration in rats induced by intradermal doxorubicin extravasation. Sixty-nine 3-month-old male Wistar albino rats, weighing between 200–225 g, were used in this study. Rats were applied monotherapy or a combination of topical DMSO, intraperitoneal or intralesional carnitine. Control groups received saline or no drug. The necrotic area was measured and extravasated neutrophil leukocytes were counted in healthy tissue adjacent to necrotic areas. Monotherapy with topical and systemic carnitine did not significantly reduce the size of necrotic areas. However, topical DMSO had reduced necrotic areas and inflammatory cells significantly and the addition of systemic carnitine to topical DMSO had increased the efficacy. DMSO is an effective, safe, and easy-to-apply treatment for doxorubicin-induced extravasation. Further clinical studies are needed to evaluate the use of carnitine in combination with DMSO.
Restaurant Quality and Customer Satisfaction

This study aimed to explore the impact of restaurant quality on customer satisfaction. Restaurant quality was measured using 11 dimensions related to halal, food, hygiene, menu and atmospheric quality, as well as assurance, accuracy, responsiveness, interior design, external environment and price. The sample consisted of 289 respondents randomly selected from 100 small (70) and large (30) full-service restaurants in Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire containing 33 items was developed based on a review of the literature to collect the required data. Based on the dimensions of restaurant quality selected, 11 hypotheses were proposed, all of which are supported. The findings show that all the restaurant quality dimensions examined have a significant and positive influence on customer satisfaction. Moreover, it can be concluded that halal quality is unquestionably influential as none of the restaurants serve prohibited foods. However, other dimensions are also very important, particularly food quality (taste, freshness of meals and amount of food), hygiene (clean dining area and clean staff), responsiveness (prompt service) and menu (display, variety and knowledge of items). As the study was carried out in full-service restaurants, the results cannot be generalized to all types of restaurants, such as fast-food or self-service restaurants. Therefore, future research should consider a larger sample size and different types of restaurant.
Strategic Voting and Social Networks

With the ever increasing ubiquity of social networks in our everyday lives, comes an increasing urgency for us to understand their impact on human behavior. Social networks quantify the ways in which we communicate with each other, and therefore shape the ow of information through the community. It is this same ow of information that we utilize to make sound, strategic decisions. This thesis focuses on one particular type of decisions: voting. When a community engages in voting, it is soliciting the opinions of its members, who present it in the form of a ballot. The community may then choose a course of action based on the submitted ballots. Individual voters, however, are under no obligation to submit sincere ballots that accurately re ects their opinions; they may instead submit a strategic ballot in hopes of a ecting the election's outcome to their advantage. This thesis examines the interplay between social network structure and strategic voting behavior. In particular, we will explore how social network structure a ects the ow of information through a population, and thereby a ects the strategic behavior of voters, and ultimately, the outcomes of elections. We will begin by considering how network structure a ects information propagation. This work builds upon the rich body of literature called opinion dynamics by proposing a model for skeptical agents agents that distrust other agents for holding opinions that di er too wildly from their own. We show that network structure is one of several factors that a ects the degree of penetration that radical opinions can achieve through the community. Next, we propose a model for strategic voting in social networks, where voters are self-interested and rational, but may only use the limited information available through their social network contacts to formulate strategic ballots. In particular, we study the Echo Chamber E ect , the tendency for humans to favor connections with similar people, and show that it leads to the election of less suitable candidates. We also extend this voter model by using boundedly-rational heuristics to scale up our simulations to larger populations. We propose a general framework for voting agents embedded in social networks, and show that our heuristic models can demonstrate a variation of the Micromega Law which relates the popularity of smaller parties to the size of the population. Finally, we examine another avenue for strategic behavior: choosing when to cast your vote. We propose a type of voting mechanism called Sticker Voting , where voters cast ballots by placing stickers on their favored alternatives, thereby publicly and irrevocably declaring their support. We present a complete analysis of several simple instances of the Sticker Voting game and discuss how our results re ect human voting behavior.
Industry culture influences pseudo-knowledge sharing: a multiple mediation analysis

Purpose – The paper seeks to extend self‐determination theory (SDT) and the triple helix model of knowledge sharing to predict that between‐industry differences in financial rewards and the quality of knowledge‐sharing motivation will explain the extent of useless, pseudo‐knowledge sharing.Design/methodology/approach – Participants are certified management accountant (CMA) survey respondents in two industries: finance, insurance, and real estate (FIRE; n=52) and higher education (n=50). Findings – Consistent with predictions, the results indicate more pseudo‐knowledge sharing occurs among FIRE than among higher‐education CMAs, and, financial incentives and the quality of knowledge‐sharing motivation fully mediate the effect of industry on pseudo‐knowledge sharing.Research limitations/implications – A larger sample, and triangulating the survey data with archival and non‐self‐reported measures, would strengthen the inferences and conclusions.Practical implications – Industry culture, through its influence o.
CLINICO-PATHOLOGICAL STUDIES OF IMIDACLOPRID TOXICITY IN BROILER CHICKENS

The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and clinico-pathological studies on oral administration of imidacloprid (IMC) were undertaken in 40 broiler chicks of 14 days of age. The chicks were divided into eight groups (A to H) of five chicks each. The chicks were given IMC @ 52.05 (1/2 LD 50 ), 34.70 (1/3 LD 50 ), 26.03 (1/4 LD 50 ), 17.35 (1/6 LD 50 ), 13.01 (1/8 LD 50 ), 10.41(1/10 LD 50 ) mg/kg b. wt. by oral route in a single dose in groups A, B, C, D, E and F, respectively. IMC @ 29.74 mg/kg b. wt. (1/3.5 LD 50 ) orally in a single dose was administered in group G. Based on mortality pattern, MTD was calculated as 26.03 mg/kg b. wt. To verify MTD, additional group (group H) of five chicks of 14 days of age were given 26.03 mg/kg b. wt. of IMC orally. The birds administered IMC at a higher dose than MTD exhibited nervous clinical signs such as tremors of head and paralysis of one or both the legs. Other abnormalities such as abduction of legs from body and belly of bird touching the ground, ataxia, loss of appetite, respiratory distress, excessive salivation, dropping of wings, diarrhoea and closing of eyes were also seen. Necropsy examination of birds of all the IMC treated groups revealed severe congestion in various organs such as liver, kidney, lungs and spleen. Besides this hydropericardium and blood filled pouches on the surface of liver were also noticed. Mild hemorrhage was also noticed on heart, liver and lungs. Histopathologically, liver revealed severe congestion, hemorrhages, fatty changes and focal area of necrosis accompanied with infiltration of lymphocytes and heterophils. Mild pericarditis and myocarditis, peribronchiolar infiltration of lymphocytes and congestion in other organs such as spleen, kidney and thymus were also seen. It was concluded that MTD of IMC in chickens at 14 days of age was 26.03 mg/kg b. wt. by oral route and the doses higher than MTD caused severe toxicity in broiler chickens.
Treatment-specific changes in decentering following mindfulness-based cognitive therapy versus antidepressant medication or placebo for prevention of depressive relapse.

OBJECTIVE To examine whether metacognitive psychological skills, acquired in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), are also present in patients receiving medication treatments for prevention of depressive relapse and whether these skills mediate MBCT's effectiveness. METHOD This study, embedded within a randomized efficacy trial of MBCT, was the first to examine changes in mindfulness and decentering during 6-8 months of antidepressant treatment and then during an 18-month maintenance phase in which patients discontinued medication and received MBCT, continued on antidepressants, or were switched to a placebo. In total, 84 patients (mean age = 44 years, 58% female) were randomized to 1 of these 3 prevention conditions. In addition to symptom variables, changes in mindfulness, rumination, and decentering were assessed during the phases of the study. RESULTS Pharmacological treatment of acute depression was associated with reductions in scores for rumination and increased wider experiences. During the maintenance phase, only patients receiving MBCT showed significant increases in the ability to monitor and observe thoughts and feelings as measured by the Wider Experiences (p < .01) and Decentering (p < .01) subscales of the Experiences Questionnaire and by the Toronto Mindfulness Scale. In addition, changes in Wider Experiences (p < .05) and Curiosity (p < .01) predicted lower Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression scores at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS An increased capacity for decentering and curiosity may be fostered during MBCT and may underlie its effectiveness. With practice, patients can learn to counter habitual avoidance tendencies and to regulate dysphoric affect in ways that support recovery.
Influence of Azotobacter and vermicompost on growth, flowering, yield and quality of strawberry cv. Chandler

An experiment was carried out during two subsequent years, i.e., 2009–10 and 2010–11 to study the influence of Azotobacter, vermicompost on growth, flowering, yield and quality of strawberry cv. Chandler. There were nine treatments comprising two levels each of Azotobacter (6 and 7 kg/ha) and vermicompost (20 and 30 t/ha) and their combinations along with one control, replicated thrice in randomized block design. Five kg of FYM was applied as a basal dose in all the treatments including control. All the doses of Azotobacter and vermicompost were applied at the time of planting in the field. The data of both the years of experiment were pooled and analyzed. The combined application of Azotobacter at 7 kg/ha + vermicompost at 30 t/ha significantly increased the height of plant (18.70 cm), number of leaves (61.60), crowns (6.77) and runners (4.83) per plant, whereas, maximum number of flowers (56.69), fruits set (25.87) per plant with increased duration of harvesting (66.80 days) and minimum number of days taken to produce first flower (55.17 days) and fruit set (6.19 days) with significantly more yield (322.38 g/plant) were observed with Azotobacter at 6 kg/ha + vermicompost at 30 t/ha applied plants. Plants fertilized with Azotobacter at 6 kg/ha + vermicompost at 30 t/ha also produced the berries with maximum length (4.76 cm), width (2.49 cm), weight (8.75 g), volume (5.97 cc), TSS (9.80°Brix), total sugars (9.23%), ascorbic acid (54.72 mg/100 g edible portion) with minimum titratable acidity (0.50%) in comparison to other treatments under plains of central Uttar Pradesh.
Existence of staff barriers to partner violence screening and screening practices in military prenatal settings.

OBJECTIVE To identify, from a provider's perspective, the existence of staff barriers and the frequency of partner violence screening. DESIGN Quantitative descriptive design. SETTING Data were collected at two United States Army Community Hospitals. PARTICIPANTS Department of Defense physicians and family nurse practitioners that provide prenatal care completed a 26-item questionnaire. RESULTS Military health care providers are aware of partner violence screening barriers, with the biggest perceived barriers being lack of time (80%) and lack of education (72%). Screening practices exceeded research expectation, with 93% of the providers performing partner violence screening. Seventy-four percent of participants had received partner violence education and training, with 12% having received greater than 5 hours of training. CONCLUSION Perceived barriers to partner violence screening do exist in military prenatal settings but do not significantly affect screening practices. Most providers are screening prenatal patients for partner violence and are aware of resources available to assist victims of partner violence.
Relationships Among Therapy-Related Symptoms, Depressive Symptoms, and Quality of Life in Chinese Children Hospitalized With Cancer: An Exploratory Study

Background: Recent advances in cancer screening and treatment have resulted in a decrease in mortality rates in children and adolescents. However, despite the improved prognosis, the course of cancer treatment continues to be a very stressful experience in the life of a child. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the occurrence and severity of treatment-related symptoms manifested by children and adolescents undergoing active cancer treatment and to examine the relationships between therapy-related symptoms, depressive symptoms, and quality of life of these pediatric patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used, and 135 Hong Kong Chinese children (9- to 16-year-olds) who were admitted for treatment of cancer in a pediatric oncology unit were invited to participate in the study. Results: Results indicated that children and adolescents receiving combined cancer treatment generally experienced greater symptom occurrence and severity. In addition, children reporting greater symptom occurrence and severity experienced higher levels of depression and a lower level of quality of life. The study revealed that therapy-related symptoms are a strong predictor of quality of life of children and adolescents hospitalized for cancer treatment. Conclusions: Cancer and its treatments significantly affect the psychosocial well-being and quality of life of children and adolescent hospitalized for cancer care. Therapy-related symptoms can be a useful indicator for screening those pediatric patients who are likely to exhibit psychosocial distress or are at high risk of depression. Implications for Practice: It is essential for nurses to be sensitive and knowledgeable about the therapy-related symptoms of cancer treatment and their effects on children and adolescents to promote the psychosocial well-being of these patients and enhance their quality of life.
Humoral immunity in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

BACKGROUND Cancer and its treatment are a major cause of secondary immunodeficiency in childhood. Leukaemias are the most frequent pediatric neoplastic diseases and 80 % are lymphoblastic (ALL). The objectives of this study are to describe the epidemiology of children with ALL in our hospital and to analyse the evolution of immunoglobulins' concentration at leukaemia's onset, during its treatment and after finishing it. METHODS AND RESULTS Retrospective study of patients with ALL treated with the SHOP-LAL-94 protocol. 50 patients were studied. Patients were classified in three groups: ALL- cell line B, ALL-cell line B with relapse, and ALL-cell line T. We analysed clinical data and laboratory results (IgG, IgA and IgM concentration) at leukaemia's onset, during its treatment and until 12 months after it.1. ALL-B: 44 patients. At the onset all patients, but a newborn with congenital leukaemia, had normal immunoglobulins. During treatment there was a significant decrease in immunoglobulins'concentration, being IgM the most affected (65 % of patients), followed by IgG (53 % of patients). The mean normalization time of immunoglobulins was 12 months.2. ALL-B with relapse: 7 patients. At relapse 2 patients had an IgM deficit and 1 overall immunoglobulin deficiency. During treatment there was a decrease in all immunoglobulins, which was significant for IgG. IgG and IgM decreased in all patients during relapse's treatment. There were 5 deaths, all with IgM < 186 mg/L.3. ALL-T: 6 patients, one died 3 days after diagnosis. At the onset all patients had normal immunoglobulins. Two patients had a favourable evolution, having a decrease in immunoglobulins'concentration during treatment, significant for IgM, with normalization 6 months after treatment. The rest 3 patients relapsed and died, having a global immunoglobulins'deficit during treatment and previous to death. CONCLUSIONS At ALL's onset immunoglobulins' concentration is normal. During treatment the majority of patients have immunoglobulins' deficiency, being IgG and IgM the most affected immunoglobulins. A persistent IgM deficit is associated in our series with a higher risk of relapse and death. In patients with a good outcome immunoglobulins normalize before one year after treatment.
EVALUATION OF TRACE ELEMENTS AND ANTIOXIDANTS IN PRE AND POST HEMODIALYSIS OF CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE PATIENTS

Oxidative stress is related to several disea ses, including chronic renal insufficiency. The lipid peroxidation in hemolysis patients may be partly due to the trace elements disturbances. It has been mentioned that during hemolysis there are relations between deficiency in trace elements and antioxid ant levels. The present study was carried out to evaluate the differences between hemodialysis patients and control group according to selenium (Se) ,aluminium (Al),Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu),Manganese (Mn),malondialdyhyde (MDA),reduced form glutathione (G SH),superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity levels. The study comprised 25 hemodialysis patients. The blood samples were taken before and after hemodialysis session. The control group included 11 healthy volunteers. SOD, CAT, (Al) and MDA levels showed significant increase and GSH ,Cu,Mn and Zn levels were significant reduced in pre -hemodialysis group when compared with the controls. Moreover, after hemodialysis, the levels of SOD, CAT, (Al) and MDA were significantly elevated and ( Cu,Mn and Zn) levels were decreased compared to the control group. On the other hand, no significant changes in the values of GSH and (Se) between control and after dialysis process. From our findings, we concluded that there may be a relation between incre ased antioxidant enzyme activity levels and MDA and trace elements in chronic renal failure patients. In addition, the levels of aluminium can be used as an important marker in hemodialysis patients.
Biodegradation of toluene in a two-phase partitioning bioreactor – impact of activated sludge acclimation

A two-phase partitioning bioreactor was considered to remove toluene contained in a biodegradable organic phase by activated sludge (AS). The selected solvent was hexadecane. In a first step, the biodegradation of toluene dissolved in hexadecane by AS was examined. In a second step, acclimation of the AS was carried out in order to improve the biodegradation rate. Acclimation improved toluene removal, since biodegradation yield increased from 72% to more than 91%. A total consumption was observed after only 4 days culture with acclimated AS, since the rest of the toluene corresponded to gas leak; while in the case of non-acclimated sludge, losses cannot account for all non-degraded toluene. Regarding hexadecane, acclimation also improved its degradation, from 43% to 79% after 6 days culture for non-acclimated and acclimated AS, respectively.