Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Investigation into College Students' Preferences for Technology Integration into Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction

This study investigates if college students in general and those with stress, depression, and anxiety in particular would use technology to reduce their stress via mindfulness-based training. We conducted two studies. The first study focused on how college students who struggle with stress, depression, and anxiety view mindfulness-based stress reduction and using technology to support it. We conducted a survey that assessed how college students rated a variety of technologies that they could use to enhance their mindfulness-based stress reduction. The second study focused on whether college students with and without mental health issues would prefer to use an app in their mindfulness training. The first study involved 81 U.S. college students from 18 to 27 years old, and the second involved nine college students over 18 years old who had experienced stress, depression, and anxiety. The results suggest that college students did not differ in the likelihood that they would use different technologies to reduce their stress via mindfulness-based training. A majority of participants who struggled with stress, depression, and anxiety and who had taken mindfulness-based stress reduction training believed that having a mindfulness-based stress reduction app in conjunction with the in-person class we offered would reduce barriers to practicing mindfulness-based stress reduction. While many companies and technologists tout the benefits of pure online or digital solutions to mindfulness practice, the college students who struggled with stress, depression, and anxiety in our study clearly signaled that they did not prefer a technology solution alone and that they found such a solution insufficient.
Formal analysis of ubiquitous computing environments through the APEX framework

Ubiquitous computing (ubicomp) systems involve complex interactions between multiple devices and users. This complexity makes it difficult to establish whether: (1) observations made about use are truly representative of all possible interactions; (2) desirable characteristics of the system are true in all possible scenarios. To address these issues, techniques are needed that support an exhaustive analysis of a system's design. This paper demonstrates one such exhaustive analysis technique that supports the early evaluation of alternative designs for ubiquitous computing environments. The technique combines models of behavior within the environment with a virtual world that allows its simulation. The models support checking of properties based on patterns. These patterns help the analyst to generate and verify relevant properties. Where these properties fail then scenarios suggested by the failure provide an important aid to redesign. The proposed technique uses APEX, a framework for rapid prototyping of ubiquitous environments based on Petri nets. The approach is illustrated through a smart library example. Its benefits and limitations are discussed.
Frequency Domain Realization of Space-Time Receivers in Dispersive Wireless Channels

In this paper, we present a class of low complexity space-time receivers for frequency-selective channels in multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) systems. The main idea is that under certain conditions the matrices involved in the implementation of linear and nonlinear equalizers for MIMO systems can be approximated with block circulant matrices which can be inverted via block DFT operations. As result, the computational complexity of the receiver implementation is drastically reduced. First, we extend to MIMO systems two linear approaches originally derived in the framework of joint detection techniques for code division multiple access. Next, we develop a hybrid zero-forcing block decision feedback equalizer (DFE) and a minimum mean square error block DFE for MIMO systems, by performing in the frequency domain the feedback processing as in Benvenuto and Sostrato and the block linear equalizer as in Vollmer , while interference cancellation is performed in the time domain. Last, we extend to the frequency domain the fully connected ordered successive interference cancellation DFE. We show that these receivers yield almost the same performance as the original space-time receivers implemented in the time domain, and their computational complexity is lower, even against state of the art fast "time-domain" realizations
Motives for Social Isolation Following a Negative Emotional Episode

After experiencing an emotional event, people either seek out others’ presence (social affiliation) or avoid others’ presence (social isolation). The determinants and effects of social affiliation are now well-known, but social psychologists have not yet thoroughly studied social isolation. This study aims to ascertain which motives and corresponding regulation strategies participants report for social isolation following negative emotional events. A group of 96 participants retrieved from memory an actual negative event that led them to temporarily socially isolate themselves and freely listed up to 10 motives for social isolation. Through semantic categorization of the 423 motives reported by the participants, we found that “cognitive clarification” and “keeping one’s distance” – that is, the need for cognitive regulation and the refusal of socioaffective regulation, respectively – were the most commonly and quickly reported motives for social isolation. We discuss the findings in terms of ideas for future studies aimed at clarifying the role of social isolation in health situations.
Path discovery by Querying the federation of Relational Database and RDF Graph

The class of queries for detecting path is an important as those can extract implicit binary relations over the nodes of input graphs. Most of the path querying languages used by the RDF community, like property paths in W3C SPARQL 1.1 and nested regular expressions in nSPARQL are based on the regular expressions. Federated queries allow for combining graph patterns and relational database that enables the evaluations over several heterogeneous data resources within a single query. Federated queries in W3C SPARQL 1.1 currently evaluated over different SPARQL endpoints. In this paper, we present a federated path querying language as an extension of regular path querying language for supporting RDF graph integration with relational database. The federated path querying language is absolutely more expressive than nested regular expressions and negation-free property paths. Its additional expressivity can be used for capturing the conjunction and federation of nested regular path queries. Despite the increase in expressivity, we also show that federated path queries are still enjoy a low computational complexity and can be evaluated efficiently.
Geographic and Ecological Overlap of Parasitoid Wasps Associated with the Rhagoletis pomonella (Diptera: Tephritidae) Species Complex

ABSTRACT One of the fundamental questions in evolutionary ecology seeks to understand how new biodiversity is created and structured into communities. The apple maggot, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) (Diptera: Tephritidae), a model for rapid ecological speciation via host plant shifting for phytophagous insects, and its parasitoid community can offer insight into answering this and other related questions. Speciation of Rhagoletis also seems to be driving sequential speciation in a host specific parasitoid wasp Diachasma alloeum (Muesebeck) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). However, biological and geographic information regarding D. alloeum and other parasitoids attacking flies in the genus Rhagoletis is sorely lacking, a problem that complicates the study of their evolution. Here, we present a synthesis of the geographic ranges and extended host associations of Rhagoletis-attacking parasitoids and test whether parasitoids can overlap in host use. In particular, we ask whether 1) wasps that co-occur in sympatry attack different life stages of the fly, 2) locally co-occurring wasps share some fly species in common but not others, 3) wasps differ in local abundance on those fly hosts they share in common, and 4) wasps vary on a regional scale in their geographic distributions. We use both collections and published records to answer the above-mentioned questions. A strong understanding of the Rhagoletis-attacking parasitoid distributions will facilitate future study of sequential radiation in this system.
Resource allocation based on subcarrier grouping in OFDMA cognitive radio networks

In this paper, we investigate the subcarrier grouping based resource allocation in orthogonal frequency division multiple access cognitive radio networks. The objective is to maximize the secondary user's minimal transmission rate, while taking into account the subcarrier grouping constraint, subcarrier allocation constraint, power allocation constraint, and the interference power constraint. The problem is formulated as a mixed integer programming problem. It can be solved by the exhaustive searching method, which has an exponential complexity. In order to decrease the computation complexity, a suboptimal fast algorithm will be developed. The suboptimal algorithm solves the subcarrier allocation and power allocation separately. By exploiting the structure of the problem, a fast power allocation algorithm based on the barrier method is proposed. Simulations have been done to verity the performance of the proposed algorithm.
Altered Gene Expression and Intracellular Changes of the Viable But Nonculturable State in Ralstonia solanacearum by Copper Treatment

Environmental stresses induce several plant pathogenic bacteria into a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state, but the basis for VBNC is largely uncharacterized. We investigated the physiology and morphology ofthe copper-induced VBNC state in the plant pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum in liquid microcosm. Supplementation of 200 μM copper sulfate to the liquid microcosm completely suppressed bacterial colony formation on culture media; however, LIVE/DEAD BacLight bacterial viability staining showed that the bacterial cells maintained viability, and that the viable cells contain higher level of DNA. Based on electron microscopic observations, the bacterial cells in the VBNC state were unchanged in size, but heavily aggregated and surrounded by an unknown extracellular material. Cellular ribosome contents, however, were less, resulting in a reduction of the total RNA in VBNC cells. Proteome comparison and reverse transcription PCR analysis showed that the Dps protein production was up-regulated at the transcriptional level and that 2 catalases/peroxidases were present at lower level in VBNC cells. Cell aggregation and elevated levels of Dps protein are typical oxidative stress responses. H2O2 levels also increased in VBNC cells, which could result if catalase/peroxidase levels are reduced. Some of phenotypic changes in VBNC cells of R. solanacearum could be an oxidative stress response due to H2O2 accumulation. This report is the first of the distinct phenotypic changes in cells of R. solanacearum in the VBNC state.
Modeling of Transistor Laser Optical Amplifiers under steady state and transient conditions

We have explored the possibility of using Transistor Laser as an Optical Amplifier in addition to its normal function as an electronic amplifier. The steady state gain is calculated by assuming different InGaAs Quantum Well thickness within the GaAs base of fixed width thereby changing the capture rate and confinement factor. Clear gin saturation effect is exhibited. Using ODE solver, the gain saturation as a function of time is demonstrated. The linewidth enhancement factor of the amplifier is also evaluated.
A Predictor-Corrector Path-Following Algorithm for Dual-Degenerate Parametric Optimization Problems

Most path-following algorithms for tracing a solution path of a parametric nonlinear optimization problem are only certifiably convergent under strong regularity assumptions about the problem functions. In particular, linear independence of the constraint gradients at the solutions is typically assumed, which implies unique multipliers. In this paper we propose a procedure designed to solve problems satisfying a weaker set of conditions, allowing for nonunique (but bounded) multipliers. Each iteration along the path consists of three parts: (1) a Newton corrector step for the primal and dual variables, which is obtained by solving a linear system of equations, (2) a predictor step for the primal and dual variables, which is found as the solution of a quadratic programming problem, and (3) a jump step for the dual variables, which is found as the solution of a linear programming problem. We present a convergence proof and demonstrate the successful solution tracking of the algorithm numerically on a couple.
Fingerprint recognition distributed system

The paper proposes a distributed identification and verification system which integrates fingerprint recognition and Global Positioning System methods. The system is composed of a number of mobile fingerprinting terminals which communicate with data processing units using GSM\GPRS technology. The motivation for integrating GPS technology in an identification system is to add a supplementary security level by granting access based on area localization. In order to further increase the system security a cryptographic module is used to encrypt / decrypt messages passed between the distributed components. The system architecture is presented and main modules are described.
Decision making styles in computer games

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a research agenda for measuring and modeling human decision making styles in computer games within the ﬁeld of Game Artiﬁcial Intelligence (Game AI). It is proposed that the combination of psychological decision theory and BDI agents could provide a valuable frame for both modeling and simulating human decision making styles in computer games. An approach for a study investigating this proposition is presented
Image Segmentation Model Based on Local Image Fitting Energy and Split Bregman Method

PDE based image segmentation methods are the state-of-the-art methods due to the high accuracy and continuity of detected edges. Some examples are the region-scalable fitting (RSF) model and the local image fitting energy (LIF) model. But they suffer from the high computing complexity and instability. Recently, the globally convex method and the split Bregman method are introduced to overcome this problem. In this paper, a globally convex version of the LIF model is proposed and then the split Bregman method is used to solve the model. Experiments show that this model is more efficient than the RSF model and the LIF model while with similar segmentation results.
A structural approach reveals how neighbouring C2H2 zinc fingers influence DNA binding specificity

Development of an accurate protein–DNA recognition code that can predict DNA specificity from protein sequence is a central problem in biology. C2H2 zinc fingers constitute by far the largest family of DNA binding domains and their binding specificity has been studied intensively. However, despite decades of research, accurate prediction of DNA specificity remains elusive. A major obstacle is thought to be the inability of current methods to account for the influence of neighbouring domains. Here we show that this problem can be addressed using a structural approach: we build structural models for all C2H2-ZF–DNA complexes with known binding motifs and find six distinct binding modes. Each mode changes the orientation of specificity residues with respect to the DNA, thereby modulating base preference. Most importantly, the structural analysis shows that residues at the domain interface strongly and predictably influence the binding mode, and hence specificity. Accounting for predicted binding mode significantly improves prediction accuracy of predicted motifs. This new insight into the fundamental behaviour of C2H2-ZFs has implications for both improving the prediction of natural zinc finger-binding sites, and for prioritizing further experiments to complete the code. It also provides a new design feature for zinc finger engineering.
The practice of error prevention in anatomic pathology

The formal practice of surgical pathology and cytopathology error prevention involves the performance of several sequential process steps, which has been described in the patient safety literature. The first step involves understanding the work of anatomic pathology to determine when work is safe or unsafe in all testing phases. The total testing process (TTP)1 describes three main testing phases: (1) the preanalytic phase, composed of clinical decision making of test choice and test procurement; (2) the analytic phase, composed of anatomic pathology laboratory activities, such as tissue processing and interpretation; and (3) the postanalytic phase of clinical decision making based on the test result.2 The anatomic pathology test pathway comprises hundreds of steps, consisting of technical and cognitive tasks/activities and connections/hand-offs among laboratory personnel and technologies. One standardized approach to error prevention and reduction is the continuous quality improvement method best known as the plan, do, check, and act (PDCA) cycle, popularized by Deming.3 Planning involves the activities of defining the problem, establishing the level of the problem, determining the root causes of the problem, developing a target goal based on an ideal state, and designing initiatives that target specific causes of the problem. Doing involves the implementation of these initiatives using formal or informal methods described by implementation science. Checking involves the activities of evaluating the effect of the implementation. Acting (or adjusting) involves the activities of continuing or changing the implementation strategy and quality improvement initiative. The PDCA cycle is optimized when performed by frontline personnel and is sometimes characterized as single loop learning. The current practice of the PDCA cycle of surgical pathology and cytopathology error reduction is discussed below.
Phase-only signal reconstruction by MagnitudeCut

In this paper, we present a new algorithm, called MagnitudeCut, for recovering a signal from the phase of its Fourier transform. We casted our recovering problem into a new convex optimization problem, and then solved it by the block coordinate descent algorithm and the interior point algorithm, in which the iteration process consists of matrix vector product and inner product. We used the new method for reconstruction of a set of signal/image. The simulation results reveal that the proposed MagnitudeCut method can reconstruct the original signal with fewer sampling number of the phase information than that of the Greedy algorithm and iterative method under the same reconstruction error. Moreover, our algorithm can also reconstruct the symmetric image from its Fourier phase.
Multi-associative memory in fLIF cell assemblies.

The fundamental mammalian behaviours of perception, recognition, recollection, and all other psychological phenomena are intrinsically related to the basic cognitive tasks of memorisation and association. Based on Hebb’s Cell Assembly (CA) theory, it is believed that concepts are encoded as neuronal CAs in mammalian cortical areas. This paper describes a series of simulations that demonstrate various associative memory tasks using CAs based on biologically plausible fatiguing, Leaky, Integrate and Fire neurons. The simulations show the ability of CAs to form, retain and recollect basic concepts and multiple and sequential associations.
Agriculture and Biology Journal of North America Variation in Nutrient Composition of Crop Contents of Scavenging Local Chickens in North Central Nigeria

A total of 154 free ranging local chicken comprising 54 hens and 100 growers of mixed sexes randomly sampled from the rural flock of Beetse and Ahua communities in North Central Nigeria were used in this study to evaluate the effect of season on crop contents of the birds. The chickens were carefully stunned, slaughtered, scalded and eviscerated at the end of the day's scavenging hours for physical examination and subsequent proximate analysis of the crop contents. Crop contents were visually categorized, oven dried to a constant weight at 70 0 C, milled and analyzed for proximate values. Cereal grains, kitchen wastes, green forage and insects/worms were the main crop contents and their composition varied with season and type of bird. Proximate results of crop contents show that the nutritional status of the scavenging birds fell short of requirements for profitable production. Therefore, a deliberate and regular supplementation of feed based on the available scavenging feed resources is recommended for any meaningful profitable production by these class of birds.
A statistical framework for the design of microarray experiments and effective detection of differential gene expression

MOTIVATION Microarray experiments generate a high data volume. However, often due to financial or experimental considerations, e.g. lack of sample, there is little or no replication of the experiments or hybridizations. These factors combined with the intrinsic variability associated with the measurement of gene expression can result in an unsatisfactory detection rate of differential gene expression (DGE). Our motivation was to provide an easy to use measure of the success rate of DGE detection that could find routine use in the design of microarray experiments or in post-experiment assessment. RESULTS In this study, we address the problem of both random errors and systematic biases in microarray experimentation. We propose a mathematical model for the measured data in microarray experiments and on the basis of this model present a t-based statistical procedure to determine DGE. We have derived a formula to determine the success rate of DGE detection that takes into account the number of microarrays, the number of genes, the magnitude of DGE, and the variance from biological and technical sources. The formula and look-up tables based on the formula, can be used to assist in the design of microarray experiments. We also propose an ad hoc method for estimating the fraction of non-differentially expressed genes within a set of genes being tested. This will help to increase the power of DGE detection. AVAILABILITY The functions to calculate the success rate of DGE detection have been implemented as a Java application, which is accessible at http://www.le. ac.uk/mrctox/microarray_lab/Microarray_Softwares/Microarray_Softwares. htm
MicroRNA signatures in vitreous humour and plasma of patients with exudative AMD

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide affecting individuals over the age of 50. The neovascular form (NV AMD) is characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and responsible for the majority of central vision impairment. Using non-biased microRNA arrays and individual TaqMan qPCRs, we profiled miRNAs in the vitreous humour and plasma of patients with NV AMD. We identified a disease-associated increase in miR-146a and a decrease in miR-106b and miR-152 in the vitreous humour which was reproducible in plasma. Moreover, miR-146a/miR-106b ratios discriminated patients with NV AMD with an area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC AUC) of 0,977 in vitreous humour and 0,915 in plasma suggesting potential for a blood-based diagnostic. Furthermore, using the AMD Gene Consortium (AGC) we mapped a NV AMD-associated SNP (rs1063320) in a binding site for miR-152-3p in the HLA-G gene. The relationship between our detected miRNAs and NV AMD related genes was also investigated using gene sets derived from the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). To our knowledge, our study is the first to correlate vitreal and plasma miRNA signatures with NV AMD, highlighting potential future worth as biomarkers and providing insight on NV AMD pathogenesis.