Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Work Practices, Exposure Assessment and Geographical Analysis of Pesticide Applicators in Argentina

1.1 Argentina Argentina is the second largest country of South America. In its central-eastern region, there is a plain extending over more than 50 million hectares, whose high fertility and productivity provide significant comparative advantages for agriculture production (Hall et al., 1992, as cited in Manuel-Navarrete et al., 2009). This activity is one of the main axes of Argentina's economy, particularly the production of cereals and oilseeds, the primary export of Argentina, placing it among the main grain-producing countries of the world (United States Department of Agriculture, 2010). In the history of Argentina, agriculture has been a prime contributor to economic and social development. Among the factors that explain this process are the external economic environment, the political framework, domestic economic conditions and the behaviour of production and innovation. At the same time, it is important to analyse its impact both socially and environmentally. Several evolutionary periods can be noticed in Argentinean agriculture: a birth and expansion period (from 1862 to 1929); an agricultural recession period (from 1929 to 1950); a mechanization and modernization period (from 1950 to 1989) and the productive specialization and agriculturalization period (from 1990) (Stratta Fernandez & Rios Carmenado, 2010). In the latter two periods, from the mid-20th century, there was an important expansion of agricultural production, marked by technological transformations. Some highlights of this period are: a) the creation of INTA (National Institute for Agricultural Technology) in 1957;
Mechanisms determining relationships between feeding group size and foraging success in food patch use by Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata)

We evaluated the effects of social monitoring and feeding competition on foraging success in relation to the feeding group size of wild Japanese macaques ( Macaca fuscata ). Social monitoring is visual scanning by group members that assists them in following their own group. Individuals in smaller feeding groups may frequently use social monitoring while foraging, because they have an increased risk of losing their group. Therefore, social monitoring could be a cost for group-foraging animals. We made four predictions: (1) individuals in smaller feeding groups tend to abandon food patches to follow group members; (2) social monitoring frequency is higher in smaller feeding groups; (3) feeding rate decreases with increased social monitoring frequency; and (4) feeding rate initially increases with feeding group size because decreased social monitoring outweighs increased feeding competition, but after the feeding group reaches a certain size, feeding rate declines with increasing feeding group size due to the high costs of feeding competition. These predictions were supported by our results. Thus, the relationship between feeding group size and feeding rate can show three patterns (positive, neutral and negative) in response to the balance between the costs of social monitoring and feeding competition.
A Delay-Constrained Cross-Layer Model Using Network Coding

Traditionally, most packet-switched networks have only one wireless hop: the link between the end users and their access point. However, there is increasing interest in using wireless links to reach the edge of the network. Having more than one wireless link is a game changer. Network layer architecture is predicated on the assumption that the lower layers are reliable, but this comes at a high cost in terms of data rate on a band-limited, lossy wireless channel. This cost is tolerable over one underutilized link, but when the network demands high-capacity wireless links, it may be time to rethink the way the packet-switched network interacts with its underlying infrastructure. The aii of this thesis is to provide a general model that can be used to frame a wide variety of cross-layer coding problems. We do not explicitly consider the channel code, medium access, or modulation; instead, we leverage the maturity of these fields to observe the general effect they produce on higher layers. We focus our model on applications where delay is constrained, which forces us to consider coding results in the regime where code length is non-asymptotically large. In trying to extend our analysis to multi-hop flows, we develop an analytical tool that can be useful in wider applications. This tool simplifies certain network flows to a distribution on the amount of information available to the destination; it is a step towards characterizing network information flows in the non-asymptotic regime. Finally, we will use the model to design encoding schemes, given practically-motivated constraints. Thesis Supervisor: Muriel M6dard Title: EECS Professor Thesis Supervisor: Christopher Y. Yu Title: Draper Laboratory Technical Staff
A Multidimensional Nonnegative Matrix Factorization Model for Retweeting Behavior Prediction

Today microblogging has increasingly become a means of information diffusion via user’s retweeting behavior. As a consequence, exploring on retweeting behavior is a better way to understand microblog’s transmissibility in the network. Hence, targeted at online microblogging, a directed social network, along with user-based features, this paper first built content-based features, which consisted of URL, hashtag, emotion difference, and interest similarity, based on time series of text information that user posts. And then we measure relationship-based factor in social network according to frequency of interactions and network structure which blend with temporal information. Finally, we utilize nonnegative matrix factorization to predict user’s retweeting behavior from user-based dimension and content-based dimension, respectively, by employing strength of social relationship to constrain objective function. The results suggest that our proposed method effectively increases retweeting behavior prediction accuracy and provides a new train of thought for retweeting behavior prediction in dynamic social networks.
Optimal model selection in heteroscedastic regression using piecewise polynomial functions

We consider the estimation of a regression function with random design and heteroscedastic noise in a non-parametric setting. More precisely, we address the problem of characterizing the optimal penalty when the regression function is estimated by using a penalized least-squares model selection method. In this context, we show the existence of a minimal penalty, de ned to be the maximum level of penalization under which the model selection procedure totally misbehaves. Moreover, the optimal penalty is shown to be twice the minimal one and to satisfy a nonasymptotic pathwise oracle inequality with leading constant almost one. When the shape of the optimal penalty is known, this allows to apply the so-called slope heuristics initially proposed by Birge and Massart (2007), which further provides with a data-driven calibration of penalty procedure. Finally, the use of the results obtained in [30], considering the least-squares estimation of a regression function on a xed nite-dimensional linear model, allows us to go beyond the case of histogram models, which is already treated by Arlot and Massart in [6].
A variant of the IGF-I gene is associated with blood pressure but not with left heart dimensions at the age of 2 years: the Generation R Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE A common variant of the IGF-I gene has been shown to be associated with cardiovascular disease in adulthood. The objective of this study was to examine whether this variant of the IGF-I gene is associated with blood pressure and left heart dimensions in early childhood. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This study was embedded in the Generation R Study, a population-based prospective cohort study from foetal life onwards. IGF-I promoter region was genotyped in DNA obtained from cord blood. Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and echocardiography (left ventricular mass, left atrial diameter and aortic root diameter) measurements were performed at the age of 2 years. Analyses were performed in 538 subjects. RESULTS Eight alleles of the IGF-I promoter region were identified. In total, 43% of the subjects were homozygous for the 192 bp allele (wild type), 46% were heterozygous and 11% were non-carriers. Significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures were found in non-carrier subjects (difference compared with homozygous subjects: -4.4 (95% confidence interval (CI) -7.8 to -1.1) mmHg and -3.5 (95% CI: -6.9 to -0.1) mm respectively). No significant differences were found for left heart dimensions at the age of 2 years. No association was found when we used a previously proposed alternative classification of the IGF-I gene. CONCLUSION The variant type of the IGF-I promoter region is associated with lower blood pressure but not with left heart dimensions at the age of 2 years. Follow-up studies are needed to examine whether these differences persist in later life.
COMPARATIVE DISTRIBUTION AND DIVERSITY OF BATS FROM SELECTED LOCALITIES IN SARAWAK

Surveys on the chiropteran diversity were conducted at eight different localities in Sarawak to document the bat diversity as well as to estimate the composition of bats in these areas. The major finding of bat surveys shows that montane areas have distinct chiropteran composition compared with those in lowland and logged areas. Disturbed habitats do pose a threat to the overall diversity of bats, with the generalist bats been more successful in colonising altered area than those with specialised habitat requirements. Sampling of bats targeted at different site and vegetation type from several protected areas in Sarawak have revealed the current record of bats in Sarawak and its diversity can be monitored for better management of biodiversity in this important region.
NF-k B plays a key role in microcystin-RR-induced HeLa cell proliferation and apoptosis

Microcystins (MCs) arewell-known cyanobacterial toxins produced in eutrophic waters and can act as potential carcinogens and have caused serious risk to human health. However, pleiotropic even paradoxical actions of cells exposure to MCs have been reported, and the mechanisms of MC-induced tumorigenesis and apoptosis are still unknown. In this study, we performed the first comprehensive in vitro investigation on carcinogenesis associated with nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and its downstream genes in HeLa cells (Human cervix adenocarcinoma cell line from epithelial cells) exposure to MC-RR. HeLa cells were treated with 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 mg/mL MC-RR for 4, 8, 12, and 24 h. HeLa cells presented dualistic responses to different doses of MCs. CCK8 assay showed that MC-RR exposure evidently enhanced cell viability of HeLa cells at lower MCs doses. Cell cycle and apoptosis analysis revealed that lower MCs doses promoted G1/S transition and cell proliferation while higher doses of MCs induced apoptosis, with a dose-dependent manner. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) revealed that MC-RR could increase/decrease NF-kB activity at lower/ higher MC-RR doses, respectively. Furthermore, the expression of NF-kB downstream target genes including c-FLIP, cyclinD1, c-myc, and c-IAP2 showed the same variation trend as NFkB activity both at mRNA and protein levels, which were induced by lower doses of MC-RR and suppressed by higher doses. Our data verified for the first time that NF-kB pathwaymay mediate MC-induced cell proliferation and apoptosis and provided a better understanding of the molecular mechanism for potential carcinogenicity of MC-RR. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Are larger self managed superannuation funds riskier

In this paper, we examine the relationship between the portfolio size and allocation to risky assets that characterises self managed superannuation funds (SMSFs). In particular, we investigate whether the allocation to risky assets is higher for higher valued SMSFs. At this early stage of SMSF research the gathering of facts about these economic entities is necessary to guide policy makers and regulators. This study contributes to this small but growing body of factual knowledge regarding the microstructure of SMSFs in Australia. The results show that the percentage of the portfolios’ investable funds allocated to risky assets has no clearly defined relationship with portfolio size. A high net worth SMSF will, on average, have a greater absolute dollar amount invested in risky assets but the portfolio weightings may be such that a high valued fund has a lower percentage of its portfolio invested in risky assets than a much smaller fund. There is not a strong tendency for higher net worth SMSFs to bear greater risk through increasing allocations to risky assets but there is, nevertheless, a tendency for higher net worth SMSFs to have higher allocations to risky assets. Keywords : Self Managed Superannuation, Net Worth, Risk JEL Classifications : G11, G23, G28
Reversing a Bilingual Dictionary: a mixed blessing?

The presentation focuses on the experience of reversing a general Estonian-English dictionary of about 49,000 entries and 93,000 equivalents by means of the Tshwanelex dictionary compilation software. The reversal served two purposes. First, it seemed appropriate to reuse the established cross-linguistic equivalents in the Estonian-English dictionary for the B part of a new English-Estonian dictionary. Second, one also expected to enlarge and improve the reversed Estonian-English dictionary in the course of the post-editing phase. So far the post-editing phase of the English-Estonian dictionary has been highly rewarding. In fact, it could be regarded as simultaneous cross-fertilization of both dictionaries, especially with regard to additional meanings and a more balanced treatment of synonyms. On the other hand, the post-editing phase of a general dictionary has been more time-consuming than expected. It is also argued that, on the one hand, the reversal mercilessly reveals the drawbacks of the B part of a bilingual dictionary, such as explanation-like equivalents, inaccurate equivalents, lexical poverty, etc. In fact, it appears that many dictionaries are not actually suitable for reversal. On the other hand, in the case of reversibly oriented dictionaries the post-reversal editing process may result in enriched target and source dictionaries – and will considerably reduce asymmetry in bilingual dictionaries.
HESS very-high-energy gamma-ray sources without identified counterparts

Context.The detection of gamma rays in the very-high-energy (VHE) energy range (100 GeV-100 TeV) provides a direct view of the parent population of ultra-relativistic particles found in astrophysical sources. For this reason, VHE gamma rays are useful for understanding the underlying astrophysical processes in non-thermal sources. Aims.We investigate unidentified VHE gamma-ray sources that have been discovered with HESS in the most sensitive blind survey of the Galactic plane at VHE energies conducted so far. Methods.The HESS array of imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes (IACTs) has a high sensitivity compared with previous instruments (~ in 25 h observation time for a point-source detection), and with its large field of view, is well suited for scan-based observations. The on-going HESS survey of the inner Galaxy has revealed a large number of new VHE sources, and for each we attempt to associate the VHE emission with multi-wavelength data in the radio through X-ray wavebands. Results. For each of the eight unidentified VHE sources considered here, we present the energy spectra and sky maps of the sources and their environment. The VHE morphology is compared with available multi-wavelength data (mainly radio and X-rays). No plausible counterparts are found.
A Starvation-Induced Heritable Stress-Resistant State in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Transient exposures to diverse stimuli induce altered physiological properties in exposed cells that persist after the stimulus has been removed. This state, referred to as cellular memory, can be passed on to daughter cells. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, I found that meiotically produced yeast spores possess a state of heightened stress resistance that, following their germination, is propagated through their descendants. As yeast meiotic development is essentially a starvation response that diploid cells engage, I modelled this phenomenon by subjecting haploid cells to starvation conditions. Haploid cells exposed to glucose withdrawal acquire elevated hydrogen peroxide resistance following the reintroduction of the cells to glucose-replete-media. In both haploid starved cells and diploid produced meiotic spores I show that their cellular memories are not attributable to trehalose, a proposed stress protectant. My findings identify nutritionally induced states of cellular memory in yeast that exhibit striking degrees of persistence and inheritance.
The principal axis approach to value-added calculation

The assessment of the achievement of students and the quality of schools has drawn increasing attention from educational researchers, policy makers, and practitioners. Various test-based accountability and feedback systems involving the use of value-added techniques have been developed for evaluating the effectiveness of individual teaching professionals and schools. A variety of models have been employed for calculating value-added measures, including the use of linear regression models which link students' present and prior achievements. One of the limitations associated with the use of the conventional linear regression methods in value-added calculation is that the value-added measures are likely to be overestimated for students with higher prior achievements while underestimated for students with low prior achievements. This study explores an alternative approach, the principal axis approach, to calculating value-added measures which can eliminate some of the limitations associated with the conventional linear regression approaches.
How much do heavy quarks thermalize in a heavy ion collision

We investigate the thermalization of charm quarks in high-energy heavy-ion collisions. To this end, we calculate the diffusion coefficient in the perturbative quark gluon plasma and relate it to collisional energy loss and momentum broadening. We then use these transport properties to formulate a Langevin model for the evolution of the heavy quark spectrum in the hot medium. The model is strictly valid in the nonrelativistic limit and for all velocities $\ensuremath{\gamma}vl\ensuremath{\alpha}{s}^{\ensuremath{-}1/2}$ to leading logarithm in $T/{m}_{D}$. The corresponding Fokker-Planck equation can be solved analytically for a Bjorken expansion and the solution gives a simple estimate for the medium modifications of the heavy quark spectrum as a function of the diffusion coefficient. Finally we solve the Langevin equations numerically in a hydrodynamic simulation of the heavy-ion reaction. The results of this simulation are the medium modifications of the charm spectrum ${R}_{\mathit{AA}}$ and the expected elliptic flow ${v}_{2}({p}_{T})$ as a function of the diffusion coefficient.
Examining top management commitment to TQM diffusion using institutional and upper echelon theories

Total Quality Management (TQM) is an enduring approach for enhancing firm competitiveness. Still, there is dearth of research regarding organisational diffusion (post-adoption) of TQM. To address this gap, this research proposes a theoretical model rooted in institutional and upper echelon theories that explain TQM diffusion via top management commitment. We surveyed 300 senior quality managers representing 300 auto-components manufacturers in India to collect data to test the proposed model using variance based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings suggest that institutional pressures significantly influence top management commitment to TQM. Subsequently, top management commitment influences organisational diffusion of TQM via acceptance, routinisation and assimilation. Managers can use the findings of this research to better understand how to assimilate TQM so that anticipated benefits can be fully realised.
Preservice Mathematics Teachers’ Perceptions of Drama Based Instruction

Background:The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of preservice mathematics teachers related to drama-based instruction. For this purpose effects of a drama-based mathematics course on senior class pre-service mathematics teachers’ knowledge about drama-based instruction and teacher candidates’ competencies for developing and implementing drama-based lesson plans were investigated.Material and methods:Participants of the study were 21 senior class pre-service mathematics teachers of a public university. Data were collected through an open-ended test, lesson plans and self-assessment reports.Results:After the implementation of 11 weeks of drama-based activities with teacher candidates, preservice mathematics teachers succeeded to develop unique lesson plans and implement them with pupils.Conclusions:Lesson plans and self-assessment reports of teacher candidates were analyzed according to the content analysis. Findings were discussed according to the emergent categories.
Group Field Theory and Its Cosmology in a Matter Reference Frame

While the equations of general relativity take the same form in any coordinate system, choosing a suitable set of coordinates is essential in any practical application. This poses a challenge in background-independent quantum gravity, where coordinates are not a priori available and need to be reconstructed from physical degrees of freedom. We review the general idea of coupling free scalar fields to gravity and using these scalars as a “matter reference frame”. The resulting coordinate system is harmonic, i.e., it satisfies the harmonic (de Donder) gauge. We then show how to introduce such matter reference frames in the group field theory approach to quantum gravity, where spacetime is emergent from a “condensate” of fundamental quantum degrees of freedom of geometry, and how to use matter coordinates to extract physics. We review recent results in homogeneous and inhomogeneous cosmology, and give a new application to the case of spherical symmetry. We find tentative evidence that spherically-symmetric group field theory condensates defined in this setting can reproduce the near-horizon geometry of a Schwarzschild black hole.