Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lability in Parental Warmth in Childhood: Antecedents and Early Adolescent Outcomes

ABSTRACT Objective: Parenting and parent-child relationships change dramatically during development. One unique feature of developmental changes in parenting–lability–is associated with adolescent problem behaviors, above and beyond the general level and developmental trends of parenting. This study investigated lability in parental warmth in childhood, its associations with early adolescent adjustment, as well as antecedents in kindergarten: socioeconomic status (SES), parental depressive symptoms, and child problem behaviors. Method: Using longitudinal data from a large and racially diverse sample (N = 710, 46% urban Black, 58% male), parents reported their warmth annually from kindergarten to grade 5, as well as child externalizing and internalizing problems in grade 7. Teachers rated child social competence in grade 6. Results: Lability accounted for the majority of the variance in the year-to-year changes in parental warmth. Greater lability was associated with more internalizing problems and lower social competence. There was little evidence of the influence of child problem behaviors and parental depressive symptoms on lability. However, parents from lower-SES families showed greater lability in their warmth. Furthermore, lability partly explained the effects of SES on social competence in boys but not in girls, whereas the indirect effects of SES on internalizing problems through lability were significant in girls but not in boys. Conclusions: The findings highlight lability in parental warmth as a unique feature of the developmental changes in parenting in childhood, with linkages to adjustment in early adolescence. Family-based interventions should emphasize consistent parenting and provide stress management and coping skills for parents in order to reduce lability.
An Investigation into the Effects of Martial Arts Training on Impulsive Consumer Behavior

Consumer impulsiveness is an enticing topic regarding consumer behavior, and methods of avoiding such impulsiveness (through nurturing self-control) have been considered virtuous, mainly to achieve better long-term goals. Past studies show that self-control has been developed not only through a systematic theoretical framework but also neurologically. Martial arts (MA) training involves mind and body coordination, which is beneficial for nurturing concentration and self-control. The present study investigated the influence of martial arts training on individual capacity to avoid impulsive consumer behavior. Sixty-seven students joined in the study, in three different groups: (1) practitioners of martial arts (MA Group); (2) non-practitioners of martial arts (Non-MA Group); and (3) lapsed practitioner of martial arts (Lapsed-MA Group). The scale consisted of two separate subscales: (1) Consumer Impulsiveness Sub-scale (CIS); and (2) (Lack of) Premeditation Sub-scale. The study used some correlation methods, the ANCOVA method, and a hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis. Results showed that all three groups were prudent in their thinking processes and abilities to resist temptation. In the martial arts and ex-martial arts groups, the more frequent individual training (current training for the MA Group and in the past for the Lapsed MA Group), and the higher the ranks they achieved, significantly predicted their lower propensity towards impulsiveness in their consumer habits.
Insights to the European debt crisis using recurrence quantification and network analysis

The turmoil in the sovereign debt markets in Europe has raised concerns on the usefulness of sovereign credit default swaps and government bond yields in periods of distress. In addressing this issue, we introduce a novel nonlinear approach for the analysis of non-stationary multivariate data based on complex networks and recurrence analysis. We show the relevance of the approach in studying joint risk connections, extracting hidden spatial information, time dependence, detection of regime changes and providing early warning indicators. The feasibility and relevance of the approach in studying systemic risk is discussed. Finally, we share more light on possible extensions and applications of the approach to systemic risk.
Stability of perception of the hand's aperture in a grasp

How we judge the location of our body parts can be affected by a range of factors that change how our brain interprets proprioceptive signals. We examined the effect of several such factors on how we perceive an object's width and the spacing between our thumb and fingers when grasping. Grasp‐related perceptions were slightly wider when using all digits, in line with our tendency to grasp larger objects with the entire hand. Surprisingly, these perceptions were not affected by the frames of reference for judgements (object width versus grasp aperture), whether the object was grasped actively or passively, or the strength of the grasp. These results show that the brain maintains a largely stable representation of the hand when grasping stationary objects. This stability may underpin our dexterity when grasping a vast array of objects.
PML isoform expression and DNA break location relative to PML nuclear bodies impacts the efficiency of homologous recombination.

Promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML NBs) are nuclear subdomains that respond to genotoxic stress by increasing in number via changes in chromatin structure. However, the role of the PML protein and PML NBs in specific mechanisms of DNA repair has not been fully characterized. Here, we have directly examined the role of PML in homologous recombination (HR) using I-SceI extrachromosomal and chromosome-based homology-directed repair (HDR) assays, and in HDR by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing. We determined that PML loss can inhibit HR in an extrachromosomal HDR assay but had less of an effect on CRISPR/Cas9-mediated chromosomal HDR. Overexpression of PML also inhibited both CRISPR HDR and I-SceI-induced HDR using a chromosomal reporter, and in an isoform specific-manner. However, the impact of PML overexpression on the chromosomal HDR reporter was dependent on the intra-nuclear chromosomal positioning of the reporter. Specifically, HDR at the TAP1 gene locus, which is associated with PML NBs, was reduced compared to a locus not associated with a PML NB; yet, HDR could be reduced at the non-PML NB-associated locus by PML overexpression. Thus, both loss and overexpression of PML isoforms can inhibit HDR, and proximity of a chromosomal break to a PML NB can impact HDR efficiency.
Towards Reliable Intrusion Detection in High Speed Networks

Existing machine learning solutions for network-based intrusion detection cannot maintain their reliability over time in production environments. In such context, detection schemes must be able to detect intrusion attempts at a high network bandwidth, besides having to deal with the lack of realistic training/testing data, changes in network traffic behavior, unreliable classifications over time and adversarial settings. In this work a new intrusion detection model, namely reliable intrusion detection, is introduced, whose main characteristic is the usage of both batch and stream learning algorithms coupled together. The proposed model advances the state-of-the-art in intrusion detection, providing reliable detection even in the presence of network traffic behavior changes and lack of model updates. The work relevance was recognized in the publication of 5 international top-tier journals, 6 international and national conference papers, and 1 registered patent.
The Double Step Hybrid Linear Multistep Method for Solving Second Order Initial Value Problems

In this paper, we develop the double step hybrid linear multistep method for solving second order initial value problems via interpolation and collocation method of power series approximate solution to give a system of nonlinear equations which is solved to give a continuous hybrid linear multistep method. The continuous hybrid linear multistep method is solved for the independent solutions to give a continuous hybrid block method which is then evaluated at some selected grid points to give a discrete block method. The basic numerical properties of the hybrid block method was established and found to be zero-stable, consistent and convergent. The efficiency of the new method was conformed on some initial value problems and found to give better approximation than the existing methods.
Overview of biological and chemical conditions on the Flemish Cap with comparisons of the Grand Banks Shelf and slope waters during 1996-2003

The seasonal dynamics of nutrients, phytoplankton and zooplankton populations are described for the period 1996–2003 along an oceanographic section extending from the inshore across the Grand Banks (GB) and Flemish Cap (FC). We present evidence of enhanced inventories of nitrate and silicate and biological productivity on the FC and adjacent Slope (SL) waters compared to the Grand Banks Shelf (GBS). The seasonal occupations along the oceanographic section indicated persistent and enhanced inventories of nitrate and silicate and the potential for higher nutrient fluxes in the SL water and the FC, in contrast to the GBS. The shallow water of the Flemish Cap combined with the proximity of large-scale oceanic circulation around the Bank, including the Labrador Current (LC) and North Atlantic Current (NAC) which generate an anticyclonic gyre, elevate water temperatures, and entrain NAC water rich in inorganic dissolved nutrients, that act to enhance primary and secondary production. The southerly flow of the LC through the Flemish Pass and northeastern flank of the FC act to transport subarctic copepod species from northern regions to the FC and SL waters. These subarctic Calanoid copepods tend to be much larger in body size compared to the community observed on the GBS and contribute to a significant increase in biomass on the FC and SL waters. Fluxes of "new" nitrogen (principally nitrate) delivered to the FC and SL waters appear to support significant levels of "new" primary productivity resulting in a higher productive capacity compared to the adjacent GBS environment. The biomass estimates obtained from the dominant copepod genera from the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) survey and Atlantic Zonal Monitoring Program (AZMP) provide evidence in support of the hypothesis of higher primary productivity that enhances secondary production over the FC and adjacent waters.
BCI effectiveness test through N400 replication study

In an effort to test the ability of a commercial grade EEG headset to effectively measure the N400 ERP, a replication study was conducted to see if similar results could be produced as that which used a medical grade EEG. Pictures of meaningful and meaningless hand postures were borrowed from the author of the replicated study and subjects were required to perform a semantic discrimination task. The N400 was detected indicating semantic processing of the meaningfulness of the hand postures. The results corroborate those of the replication study and support the use of some commercial grade EEG headsets for non-critical research applications.
Laboratory testing of LoRa modulation for CubeSat radio communications

We report the results of the feasibility study of using LoRa modulation for radio communications between CubeSat at low Earth orbit and ground station. The main goal of the study is to define how Doppler effect affects a LoRa radio link. Results of laboratory testing have shown high immunity of LoRa radio link to Doppler shift and a possibility to use LoRa modulation in CubeSat radio communications without any limitations.
Estimating Output Gap and Potential Output for Russia and Its Usefulness by Forecasting Inflation

This paper deals with an estimation of output gap and potential output for Russian? s economy. Three methods of estimation have been used for estimating these two unobservable variables: Hodrick-Prescott filter, production function and SVAR model. All methods of estimation showed very similar course, although obtained values were not identical. Then obtained values of output gap were used to analyse the ability of output gap to forecast inflation. Two simple gap models were used for this purpose. Results showed that output gap could be used as useful indicator of inflation, according to all methods of estimation output gap. Abstrac Abstract Abstract
Surveillance of panicle positions by unmanned aerial vehicle to reveal morphological features of rice

Rice plant architecture affects biomass and grain yield. Thus, it is important to select rice genotypes with ideal plant architecture. High-throughput phenotyping by use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) allows all lines in a field to be observed in less time than with traditional procedures. However, discrimination of plants in dense plantings is difficult, especially during the reproductive stage, because leaves and panicles overlap. Here, we developed an original method that relies on using UAV to identify panicle positions for dissecting plant architecture and to distinguish rice lines by detecting red flags attached to panicle bases. The plant architecture of recombinant inbred lines derived from Japanese cultivars ‘Hokuriku 193’ and ‘Mizuhochikara’, which differ in plant architecture, was assessed using a commercial camera-UAV system. Orthomosaics were made from UAV digital images. The center of plants was plotted on the image during the vegetative stage. The horizontal distance from the center to the red flag during the reproductive stage was used as the panicle position (PP). The red flags enabled us to recognize the positions of the panicles at a rate of 92%. The PP phenotype was related to but was not identical with the phenotypes of the panicle base angle, leaf sheath angle, and score of spreading habit. These results indicate that PP on orthomosaics could be used as an index of plant architecture under field conditions.
Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers with a Cost-Effective Bottom-Up Fabrication Scheme for Millimeter-Scale Range Finding

This study proposes a novel piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (PMUT), fabricated on a metal foil. Using a bottom-up, cost-effective micromachining technique, the PMUTs made of electrodes, a piezoelectric film, or electrode-sandwiched structures with versatile patterns were implemented on a large-area foil thinner rather than regular paper. The proposed microfabrication facilitated the PMUT to be able to generate ultrasonic waves with fundamental and harmonic resonances. The fourth-order resonances of the fabricated PMUT functionally operated at an ultrasonic spectrum of approximately 30 kHz as an ultrasonic emitter. The developed PMUT was paired with a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microphone module for range-finding applications in the range of several tens of millimeters. A signal-processing scheme was developed to extract the representative pattern from the acquired signals that were emitted and received. The pattern enabled finding the distance between the PMUT and the microphone using time-of-flight and strength-variation technology. The developed PMUT-microphone pair demonstrated its range-finding performance, displaying an error of less than 0.7% using the time-of-flight method.
Effectiveness of intensive treatment services for obsessive compulsive disorder: outcomes from the first Canadian residential treatment program

Abstract Background: Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric illness that can result in debilitating symptoms and functional impairment. Until recently, individuals with severe OCD symptoms have not received appropriate services within the Canadian healthcare system. The Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre launched an Intensive Services Residential treatment programme for OCD in July 2017 to meet the needs of the Canadian population. This paper sets out to demonstrate the effectiveness of this programme. Methods: This study incorporated quantitative and qualitative data collection. Quantitative data were analysed using paired sample t-tests while qualitative data was transcribed and coded for emerging themes. Results: Beneficial changes in symptomatology were found. Client narrative emphasised the importance of exposure response prevention (ERP), creation of an OCD community as well as enhanced functionality in clients’ lives. Clients also commented on why they believed the treatment worked and points of potential improvement for discharge planning and programme organisation. Conclusions: This study adds to the growing body of evidence regarding the importance of intensive services for individuals experiencing severe symptoms of OCD. Enhancing accessibility to services and ensuring ongoing maintenance of gains will be important next steps in ensuring long-term recovery for individuals with severe symptoms of OCD. Key points Intensive services treatment for OCD has been found to be beneficial for clients and this paper demonstrates the first time this has been seen within a Canadian programme. Treatment provided decreased OCD severity and increased functionality and quality of life. Clients cited exposure and response prevention work as a key ingredient in their recovery. Our programme is always in an ongoing state of quality improvement, ensuring client engagement and satisfaction.
Opicapone for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease: an update

ABSTRACT Introduction: Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder which is characterized by the combination of motor and non-motor symptoms. As yet, there is no curative treatment. The gold standard for symptom control is levodopa. Two years after the start of substitution therapy, around 50% of patients experience some degree of fluctuation in motor performance. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors are important agents in treating these fluctuations. Areas covered: This article summarizes our knowledge about a new third-generation COMT inhibitor, namely opicapone (OPC) (Search period: 2016–2019). The authors detail the pharmacological profile of OPC and summarize the results of completed clinical trials. In addition, they briefly summarize the achievements of the past few years. Expert opinion: Based on clinical trials conducted so far, OPC is an effective and safe new drug. In comparison to entacapone and tolcapone, it does not require close laboratory monitoring or multiple oral administrations, which may result in better adherence. No serious adverse event was reported during the drug development phases. Dyskinesia was the most common complaint. Further comparative studies and broader trial inclusion criteria are needed to help the decision between COMT inhibitors and to expand the patient spectrum where this drug can be applied.
Impact of Village Saving and Loan Associations (VSLAs) in Rubengera Sector – Rwanda

Option of Rural Development Department of Management and Development Studies Faculty of Social sciences, Management and Development Studies University of Technology and Arts of Byumba, Rwanda. Option of Entrepreneurship Development Department of Management and Development Studies Faculty of Social sciences, Management and Development Studies – University of Technology and Arts of Byumba (UTAB), Rwanda.
Myelin Pathology: Involvement of Molecular Chaperones and the Promise of Chaperonotherapy

The process of axon myelination involves various proteins including molecular chaperones. Myelin alteration is a common feature in neurological diseases due to structural and functional abnormalities of one or more myelin proteins. Genetic proteinopathies may occur either in the presence of a normal chaperoning system, which is unable to assist the defective myelin protein in its folding and migration, or due to mutations in chaperone genes, leading to functional defects in assisting myelin maturation/migration. The latter are a subgroup of genetic chaperonopathies causing demyelination. In this brief review, we describe some paradigmatic examples pertaining to the chaperonins Hsp60 (HSPD1, or HSP60, or Cpn60) and CCT (chaperonin-containing TCP-1). Our aim is to make scientists and physicians aware of the possibility and advantages of classifying patients depending on the presence or absence of a chaperonopathy. In turn, this subclassification will allow the development of novel therapeutic strategies (chaperonotherapy) by using molecular chaperones as agents or targets for treatment.
Impact of Skin Effect, Resistive and Dielectric Losses on Current Estimation and Reliability of ULSI Interconnects

In this study, a series connection system of interconnects and gates is studied. In the system, we focus on skin effect, resistive and dielectric losses in previous level interconnects and the impact of their variations on the fast current estimation and the lifetime calculation of the post level interconnects. The changes in cross-section dimensions of interconnects are used to represent their differences in resistances, dielectric losses and skin effect in actual circuits or to represent the process of Electro Migration (EM). Through the analysis of the voltage transfer function of interconnects, the different roles of skin effect, resistive and dielectric losses in signal attenuation for interconnects of various cross-sections are pointed out. The study shows that the input voltage waveforms of the post level interconnects will change if the cross-section sizes of the previous level interconnects vary. By means of showing the changing tendencies of current and lifetime estimation results affected by the cross-section dimensions of the previous interconnects, we indicate that the fast current and reliability estimation results will not be accurate enough if these effects are not included.
4-1-2003 Racetrack Betting and Consensus of Subjective Probabilities

In this paper we consider the dynamic process of race track betting. We show that there is a close connection between the dynamic race track betting process and the pari-mutuel method for constructing consensus of subjective probabilities considered in Eisenberg and Gale. This enables us to show that there exists a unique equilibrium point for the betting process. We further show that the dynamic betting process converges to this equilibrium point almost surely. Therefore the sequential race track betting gives a natural approach to inducing the consensus probabilities in Eisenberg and Gale. These consensus probabilities are different from the average of the subjective probabilities which is used in the conventional way of combining individually held opinions into a collective group statement. We compare these probabilities and this leads to a potential explanation of the favorite-longshot bias consistently observed in the studies of race track betting.