Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Copper Affects Composition and Functioning of Microbial Communities in Marine Biofilms at Environmentally Relevant Concentrations

Copper (Cu) pollution in coastal areas is a worldwide threat for aquatic communities. This study aims to demonstrate the usefulness of the DNA metabarcoding analysis in order to describe the ecotoxicological effect of Cu at environmental concentrations on marine periphyton. Additionally, the study investigates if Cu-induced changes in community structure co-occurs with changes in community functioning (i.e., photosynthesis and community tolerance to Cu). Periphyton was exposed for 18 days to five Cu concentrations, between 0.01 and 10 μM, in a semi-static test. Diversity and community structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms were assessed by 16S and 18S amplicon sequencing, respectively. Community function was studied as impacts on algal biomass and photosynthetic activity. Additionally, we studied Pollution-Induced Community Tolerance (PICT) using photosynthesis as the endpoint. Sequencing results detected an average of 9,504 and 1,242 OTUs for 16S and 18S, respectively, reflecting the high biodiversity of marine periphytic biofilms. Eukaryotes represent the most Cu-sensitive kingdom, where effects were seen already at concentrations as low as 0.01 μM. The structure of the prokaryotic part of the community was impacted at slightly higher concentrations (0.06 μM), which is still in the range of the Cu concentrations observed in the area (0.08 μM). The current environmental quality standard for Cu of 0.07 μM therefore does not seem to be sufficiently protective for periphyton. Cu exposure resulted in a more Cu-tolerant community, which was accompanied by a reduced total algal biomass, increased relative abundance of diatoms and a reduction of photosynthetic activity. Cu exposure changed the network of associations between taxa in the communities. A total of 23 taxa, including taxa within Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Stramenopiles, and Hacrobia, were identified as being particularly sensitive to Cu. DNA metabarcoding is presented as a sensitive tool for community-level ecotoxicological studies that allows to observe impacts simultaneously on a multitude of pro- and eukaryotic taxa, and therefore to identify particularly sensitive, non-cultivable taxa.
Labor Market Institutions and Performance Economic Within Trial Labor Market Models: Flexibility, Rigidity, and Flexicurity

The purpose of this article is to identify economic performance through three labor market models (flexibility, rigidity, and flexicurity) that result from the effect of the labor market regulation. After conducting a comparative analysis of the flexibility, rigidity, and flexicurity models of the labor market using a feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) applied to 18 organisation for economic co-operation and development (OECD) countries for the period between 2005 and 2013, we reached the following results. First, the effect of the labor market regulation on the unemployment rate appears to be particularly important for demographic groups (women and young people) on the flexible labor market. The union density and bargaining coverage seem to have the best results in the unemployment rate on the flexible market. More coordinated collective bargaining appears to reduce unemployment on the rigid labor market compared with the flexible one. However, our results are opposed to the neoclassical assertions which suggest that women are excluded from the permanent employment when a strict employment protection legislation (EPL) is excised. We also show that the replacement rate, the duration of unemployment benefits, the active labor market policies, permanent immigration inflows, and the tax wedge seem to have the best results on the flexible labor market, while the other variables have mixed effects on the different models of the labor market. These findings can provide policy makers and regulators with a better understanding of the performance of the flexible labor market and its behavior in the face of labor market institutions and adverse economic shocks. In fact, the government should liberalize strict labor laws.
Texture analysis with a texture matched M-channel wavelet approach

A novel method of texture analysis based on the wavelet transform is described. An M-channel extension of the existing two-channel biorthogonal wavelets is proposed. The extension offers a compact and efficient decomposition, a higher degree of freedom in the design of the filter coefficients, and the facility of an iterative linear solution. In contra-distinction to the classical, purely mathematical design procedures of wavelet filters, the proposed design takes into account texture-relevant features. Texture-matched, asymmetric separable 2-D FIR (finite impulse response) filters are obtained which permit the decomposition of the image into texture-feature-dependent pyramid structures downsampled by a factor of M for each direction. The performance of the new filters is tested with the Brodatz textures and compared with the results of other wavelet approaches. <<ETX>>
Quartic integral Cayley graphs

We give exhaustive lists of connected 4-regular integral Cayley graphs and connected 4-regular integral arc-transitive graphs. An integral graph is a graph for which all eigenvalues are integers. A Cayley graph Cay(Γ, S) for a given group Γ and connection set S ⊂ Γ is the graph with vertex set Γ and with a connected to b if and only if ba−1 ∈ S. Up to isomorphism, we find that there are 32 connected quartic integral Cayley graphs; 17 of which are bipartite. Many of these can be realized in a number of different ways by using non-isomorphic choices for Γ and/or S. A graph is arc-transitive if its automorphism group acts transitively upon ordered pairs of adjacent vertices. Up to isomorphism, there are 27 quartic integral graphs that are arc-transitive. Of these 27 graphs, 16 are bipartite and 16 are Cayley graphs. By taking quotients of our Cayley or arc-transitive graphs we also find a number of other quartic integral graphs. Overall, we find 9 new spectra that can be realised by bipartite quartic integral graphs.
Bit allocation for dependent quantization with applications to MPEG video coders

The problem of efficient bit allocation in a dependent coding environment is addressed. Techniques of optimal bit allocation for independently coded signal blocks are extended to the more general dependent coding scenarios. Of particular interest is the topical MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group) video coder. It is shown how a certain monotonicity property of dependent operational rate-distortion (R-D) curves, verified through MPEG simulations, can be exploited in formulating fast ways to obtain optimal and near-optimal solutions (in the R-D sense) for the MPEG bit allocation problem. <<ETX>>
Image interpolation using adaptive fast B-spline filtering

An adaptive version of a B-spline interpolation algorithm is proposed. Adaptivity is used in two different phases: (1) adaptive zero order interpolation is realized by considering directional edge information, and (2) adaptive length of the moving average filter in four directions is obtained by computing the local image statistics. The proposed algorithm exhibits significant improvements in image quality compared with the conventional B-spline type for algorithm, especially with high magnification ratio, such as four times or more. Another advantage of the proposed algorithm is its simplicity in both computation and implementations. <<ETX>>
Advances in phase-only signal processing

The problem of estimating the frequencies of two sinusoids in white Gaussian noise using only the sequence of phase angles of the complex-valued data is addressed. The authors extend the single sinusoid results of Tretter (1985), Kay (1989), Lang and Musicus (1989), and Lovell et al. (1991) to two sinusoids. A computationally simple estimation scheme is proposed, which uses only phase data to estimate the frequencies, and uses envelope data to resolve the inherent ambiguity. A computer simulation was performed to compare the estimation performance of the scheme with weighted phase averaging and with Cramer-Rao lower bounds. <<ETX>>
A 655Mbps Successive-Cancellation Decoder for a 1024-bit Polar Code in 180nm CMOS

This paper presents the implementation of a high-throughput successive-cancellation decoder for a 1024-bit polar code. The proposed decoder processes the kernels in two successive layers in a fused manner within a cycle, so as to reduce the cycle count taken to decode a codeword. In addition, the log-likelihood ratios are represented in a redundant form to realize a high-speed kernel processing. As a result, the cycle period is not lengthened even with the fused kernel processing and thus achieving a high throughput. Implemented in 180nm CMOS, the proposed decoder shows the throughput of 655 Mbps for the rate-1/2 code. In terms of the throughput efficiency, the proposed decoder is 3.51 times superior to the previous state-of-the art one.
Diagnostic application of computerised nuclear morphometric image analysis in fine needle aspirates of breast lesions

Background: Alterations in nuclear structure are the indications of cancer diagnosis. This study has thus focused on variation in nuclear morphometry in breast lesions. Aim: The aim of the study is to compare morphometric characteristics of different types of breast lesions and evaluate its utility in differentiating benign against malignant. Study Design: Sixty fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of ethanol fixed samples were obtained and stained with Papanicolou stain. All diagnoses reported were confirmed histopathologically. Nuclear morphometric parameters for free cells in smears were calculated using the ImageJ 1.47 morphometric computer software. Result: The nuclear morphometric parameters including mean nuclear area, perimeter, diameter, long axis, and short axis were found to be statistically significant (ANOVA, P < 0.0001) in differentiating benign and malignant breast aspirates. Conclusion: Nuclear morphometry has been found to be a valuable objective method in differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions, especially in the grey zones, when diagnostic dilemmas are encountered. This study results demonstrate that the size-related parameters (area, perimeter, diameter, long, and short axes) of the nucleus are the most appropriate nuclear morphometric parameters for differentiating between benign lesions and infiltrative ductal carcinoma of the breast.
Penggunaan Model Pembelajaran Blended Learning terhadap Hasil Belajar Matematika Kelas VIII di SMPN 38 Surabaya

Permasalahan dalam penelitian ini adalah masih banyaknya pendidik dan peserta didik yang belum memaksimalkan akses internet di era globalisasi saat ini, kurangnya pendidik dalam menguasai model pembelajaran e-learning digunakan dalam mengajar, serta masih banyak pula pendidik dan peserta didik SMPN 38 Surabaya yang belum menggunakan secara maksimal fasilitas wifi guna mencari sumber belajar yang berguna untuk mengemas materi agar lebih luas dan bervairiasi. Penelitian ini termasuk penelitian eksperimen. Desain yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design. Penelitian dilakukan di SMPN 38 Surabaya. Sampel dalam penelitian adalah kelas VIII B sebagai kelas eksperimen dan kelas VIII E sebagai kelas kontrol. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa, pengaruh model pembelajaran Blended Learning terhadap hasil belajar matematika yang dilakukan pada kelas VIII SMPN 8 Surabaya, dapat disimpulkan bahwa model pembelajaran Blended Learning berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap hasil belajar siswa. Hal ini dilihat dari adanya perbedaan positif hasil belajar siswa antara kelas kontrol dan kelas eksperimen. Hasil belajar siswa pada kelas eksperimen lebih baik daripada hasil belajar pada kelas kontrol. Selain itu, Pada hasil angket respon siswa, terlihat bahwa 42% siswa (pada pernyataan angket positif) sangat setuju dan 32% setuju dengan penggunaan model pembelajaran Blended Learning dalam pembelajaran matematika, ini berarti bahwa banyak siswa pada kelompok kelas eksperimen merespon baik terhadap penggunaan model pembelajaran Blended Learning dalam pembelajaran matematika di kelas.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation using an LTP-like repetitive stimulation protocol for patients with upper limb complex regional pain syndrome: A feasibility study

Introduction This feasibility study aimed to (i) develop a clinical protocol using a long-term potentiation-like repetitive stimulation protocol for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in patients with upper limb complex regional pain syndrome and (ii) develop a research protocol for a single-blind randomised controlled trial investigating the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for complex regional pain syndrome. Methods This small-scale single-blind feasibility randomised-controlled trial planned to randomise 30 patients with upper limb complex regional pain syndrome to either a variant of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or placebo transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for three weeks. Stimulation comprised 20 pulses over 1 s with a non-stimulation interval of 5 s, a so-called repetitive electrical stimulation protocol following the timing of long-term potentiation. Pain, function and body image were measured at baseline, post-treatment and at three months follow-up. At three months, participants were invited to one-to-one interviews, which were analysed thematically. Results A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation protocol with electrodes applied proximal to the area of allodynia in the region of the upper arm was developed. Participant concordance with the protocol was high. Recruitment was below target (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (n = 6), placebo (n = 2)). Mean (SD) pain intensity for the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group on a 0 to 10 scale was 7.2 (2.4), 6.6 (2.8) and 7.8 (1.9), at baseline, post-treatment and at three-month follow-up, respectively. Qualitative data suggested that some patients found transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation beneficial, easy to use and were still using it at three months. Conclusion Patients tolerated transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation well, and important methodological information to facilitate the design of a large-scale trial was obtained (ISRCTN48768534).
The effect of yoga on the total number of off-task behaviors for children with autism spectrum disorder

ii LIST OF TABLES . iv LIST OF FIGURES . v INTRODUCTION . 1 METHODS . 9 RESULTS . 17 DISCUSSION . 31 CONCLUSION . 34 REFERENCES . 36
Risks to human and animal health related to the presence of deoxynivalenol and its acetylated and modified forms in food and feed

Abstract Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin primarily produced by Fusarium fungi, occurring predominantly in cereal grains. Following the request of the European Commission, the CONTAM Panel assessed the risk to animal and human health related to DON, 3‐acetyl‐DON (3‐Ac‐DON), 15‐acetyl‐DON (15‐Ac‐DON) and DON‐3‐glucoside in food and feed. A total of 27,537, 13,892, 7,270 and 2,266 analytical data for DON, 3‐Ac‐DON, 15‐Ac‐DON and DON‐3‐glucoside, respectively, in food, feed and unprocessed grains collected from 2007 to 2014 were used. For human exposure, grains and grain‐based products were main sources, whereas in farm and companion animals, cereal grains, cereal by‐products and forage maize contributed most. DON is rapidly absorbed, distributed, and excreted. Since 3‐Ac‐DON and 15‐Ac‐DON are largely deacetylated and DON‐3‐glucoside cleaved in the intestines the same toxic effects as DON can be expected. The TDI of 1 μg/kg bw per day, that was established for DON based on reduced body weight gain in mice, was therefore used as a group‐TDI for the sum of DON, 3‐Ac‐DON, 15‐Ac‐DON and DON‐3‐glucoside. In order to assess acute human health risk, epidemiological data from mycotoxicoses were assessed and a group‐ARfD of 8 μg/kg bw per eating occasion was calculated. Estimates of acute dietary exposures were below this dose and did not raise a health concern in humans. The estimated mean chronic dietary exposure was above the group‐TDI in infants, toddlers and other children, and at high exposure also in adolescents and adults, indicating a potential health concern. Based on estimated mean dietary concentrations in ruminants, poultry, rabbits, dogs and cats, most farmed fish species and horses, adverse effects are not expected. At the high dietary concentrations, there is a potential risk for chronic adverse effects in pigs and fish and for acute adverse effects in cats and farmed mink.
Organizational Form as a Function of Knowledge Types Distribution

In this article knowledge types are combined with organizational forms. Knowledge is something only individual actors have. Regarding knowledge not only content, but also type can be discerned. Three knowledge types are distinguished: sensory, coded and theoretical. In developing a conceptual framework for the cognitive analysis of knowledge management, I will demonstrate that dominance and various distributions of knowledge types fit wellknown organizational forms and coordination mechanisms with labels such as machine bureaucracy, simple structure, professional bureaucracy and market.
Role of Tissue Specific Plantar Fascia Stretching Exercises Versus Myofascial Released Technique in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

Objective : The effectiveness of tissue specific stretching exercises and myofascial released technique on intensity of pain and Foot function was compared in chronic plantar fasciitis patients. Study Design : Randomized controlled trial study Place and Duration of Study : This study was conducted at Al-Ain Poly clinic Karachi between 2012-13. Materials and Methods : Fifty patients with chronic plantar fasciitis were enrolled through convenience sampling and were randomly assigned into Stretching Exercise and Myofascial Release Technique groups. Intensity of pain and foot function were evaluated by Visual Analouge Scale and foot function index, respectively. Ten sessions were done for both groups. T-tests and ANCOVA test were used for statistical analysis (p<0.05). Results : The score of visual analogue scale (VAS) and foot functioning index (FFI) improved in both groups, though the decrease of intensity of pain was more in stretching exercises Group (p<0.01). Additionally, improvement in foot functioning index did not significantly differ between two groups. Conclusion : The stretching exercises can reduce pain and improve foot functioning in chronic plantar fasciitis.
Hierarchical Coordinate Structure Analysis for Japanese Statutory Sentences Using Neural Language Models

We propose a method for analyzing the hierarchical coordinate structure of Japanese statutory sentences using neural language models (NLMs). Our method deterministi-cally identiﬁes hierarchical coordinate structures according to their rigorously deﬁned descriptive rules. In addition, our method identiﬁes all conjuncts in each coordinate structure using NLM-based scoring. Furthermore, it does not rely on any training data labeled with coordinate structures. An experiment demonstrates that our method drastically outperforms an existing method for Japanese statutory sentences
The Overlooked Perspective of Police Trust in the Public: Measurement and Effects on Police Job Behaviors

Many studies have looked at the public’s trust in the police, but very few have examined police trust in the public. Based on Mayer, Davis, and Schoorman’s model of trust, we conducted two studies. The first study created scales measuring the antecedents of trust and assessed police trust in the public based on a survey of 990 police officers from across the United States. The second study used the trust measures developed in the first study, as well as supervisors’ evaluations and archival performance data, in a study of the job performance of 135 police officers. We found that officers who had greater trust in the public engaged in more proactive policing and made more arrests. We discuss the implications of these findings, including what they mean for police officers and the communities they serve.
Informal learning spaces (ILS) in university libraries and their campuses

Purpose – This paper aims to explore at Loughborough University (UK) how informal learning spaces (ILS) are used by students in the Library and elsewhere on campus. Focus includes learning activities undertaken by students, reasons why the ILS is chosen, suggestions on how they can be improved and how technologies are used. Comparison will be drawn between how students use Library ILS and other ILS. Design/methodology/approach – Case study based at Loughborough University and its Library. Semi-structured interviews were held with 265 students in various ILS spaces across campus. Findings – Similarities and differences are present in the way students use Library ILS compared with other ILS campus spaces. These include impact of campus geography and individual academic levels of students. Research limitations/implications – This is a single case study and the results can only relate to Loughborough University. There may be some lessons and themes that are relevant to other universities. The number of interv.
Emotional and Behavioural Disorders in Children and Adolescents with Neoplasm

Background: Chronic physical illness including neoplasm has significant adverse impact on quality of life of the effected children and adolescents and their caregivers. This aspect has yet not been explored in Bangladesh and there exists significant lack of awareness. Objectives: To delineate the frequency of emotional and behavioural disorders among children and adolescents with neoplasm and to find out the relationship of socio-demographic and relevant variables with psychiatric disorders of them. Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted at Department of Psychiatry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka. Sixty children and adolescent with neoplasm admitted in paediatric unit of same institution who were referred to psychiatric department for assessment. They were assessed for emotional and behavioural disorders by using validated Bangla translation of a standardized child psychiatric assessment tool, the Development and Well-Being Assessment. Results: Out of 60 cases, 53% had been suffering from any ICD-10 psychiatric disorders (87.5% emotional and 34.7% behavioural disorders). Seventy five percent of children with ALL, 18% with Hodgkin Lymphoma followed by 7% with Wilms’ tumour suffered from psychiatric disorders. Emotional and behavioural disorder was found more in ALL cases. Though emotional disorder was found higher among girls,the difference was not significant. Conversely, behavioural disorders were found among the boys which was highly significant (p<0.005). In terms of education, both emotional and behavioural disorders were significantly found in higher grade. Conclusion: The identification and management of the emotional and behavioural disorders that accompany chronic physical illness including neoplasm would optimize treatment outcome and quality of life. Key words: Emotional & behavioural disorders; children & adolescents; neoplasm. DOI: 10.3329/bsmmuj.v3i2. 7058 BSMMU J 2010; 3(2): 86-90