Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Heuristic approach for optimal energy usage by selection of relay node

Communication is one which plays very important role in all aspects of upgrading technologies today. Efficiency, Energy savings, Delay, Throughput, Range etc. are some of the factors which affects performance of communication. one part of communication is wireless sensor network, in which Energy saving optimization is major thing to be concentrated. Since most of embedded sensor nodes are equipped with limited power resources. The idea of this paper focuses on reducing the expenditure of energy and finding shortest path between the nodes, thereby improving network lifetime and reducing the delay. By using the method of heuristic routing approach, multiple hopping data relay decisions are made between the nodes, in terms of routing path distance between the source and destination, residual energy concerned with every node. An algorithm called Energy saving via Heuristic Routing (ENSHR)has been designed to provide less power cost of data relay and providing a nodes with a relatively less residual energy. Results and graph simulations shows that proposed algorithm ENSHR can significantly improve the network life time and provide energy savings.
MobTorrent: A Framework for Mobile Internet Access from Vehicles

In this paper, we present MobTorrent, an on- demand, user-driven framework designed for vehicles which have intermittent high speed access to roadside WiFi access points (AP). Mobile nodes in MobTorrent use the WWAN network as a control channel. When a mobile client wants to initiate a down- load, instead of waiting for contact with the AP, it informs one (or multiple) selected AP(s) to prefetch the content. The scheduling algorithm in MobTorrent then replicates the prefetched data on the mobile helpers so that the total amount of data transferred and the average transfer rate to the mobile clients are maximized. Therefore, instead of limiting high speed data transfer to the short contact periods between APs and mobile clients, high speed transfers among vehicles are opportunistically exploited. Evaluation based on testbed measurement and trace-driven simulation shows that MobTorrent provides substantial improve- ment over existing architectures. For the case of a single AP, its performance approximates that of an off-line optimal scheduler. In case of multiple APs, our evaluation shows that MobTorrent's performance is robust in a variety of settings.
Astrocyte‐specific expression of hamster prion protein (PrP) renders PrP knockout mice susceptible to hamster scrapie

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are characterized by spongiosis, astrocytosis and accumulation of PrPSc, an isoform of the normal host protein PrPC. The exact cell types responsible for agent propagation and pathogenesis are still uncertain. To determine the possible role of astrocytes, we generated mice devoid of murine PrP but expressing hamster PrP transgenes driven by the astrocyte‐specific GFAP promoter. After inoculation with hamster scrapie, these mice accumulated infectivity and PrPSc to high levels, developed severe disease after 227 ± 5 days and died 7 ± 4 days later. Therefore, astrocytes could play an important role in scrapie pathogenesis, possibly by an indirect toxic effect on neurons. Interestingly, mice expressing the same transgenes but also endogenous murine PrP genes propagated infectivity without developing disease.
The Child Language Data Exchange System in research on second language acquisition

These materials are made available for use in research, teaching and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright Law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source. The publisher or original authors may retain copyright to the materials. The Child Language Data Exchange System in research on second language acquisition
Answering top-k queries using views

The problem of obtaining efficient answers to top-k queries has attracted a lot of research attention. Several algorithms and numerous variants of the top-k retrieval problem have been introduced in recent years. The general form of this problem requests the k highest ranked values from a relation, using monotone combining functions on (a subset of) its attributes.In this paper we explore space performance tradeoffs related to this problem. In particular we study the problem of answering top-k queries using views. A view in this context is a materialized version of a previously posed query, requesting a number of highest ranked values according to some monotone combining function defined on a subset of the attributes of a relation. Several problems of interest arise in the presence of such views. We start by presenting a new algorithm capable of combining the information from a number of views to answer ad hoc top-k queries. We then address the problem of identifying the most promising (in terms of performance) views to use for query answering in the presence of a collection of views. We formalize both problems and present efficient algorithms for their solution. We also discuss several extensions of the basic problems in this setting.We present the results of a thorough experimental study that deploys our techniques on real and synthetic data sets. Our results indicate that the techniques proposed herein comprise a robust solution to the problem of top-k query answering using views, gracefully exploring the space versus performance tradeoffs in the context of top-k query answering.
Uncovering a Differentiated Theory of Mind in Children with Autism and Asperger Syndrome

Dissertation Title: Uncovering a Differentiated Theory of Mind in Children with Autism and Asperger Syndrome Michele Tully Tine Dissertation Chair: Joan Lucariello Metarepresentational Theory of Mind was studied in children with autism and Asperger syndrome. This research challenged the prominent view that Theory of Mind (ToM) is a single, integrated cognitive ability, wherein reasoning about the mental states of self and others are considered to be one and the same. The Functional Multilinear Socialization Model (Lucariello, 2004) proposes that ToM differentiates into separate cognitive abilities based on the target of reasoning. Social ToM is defined as reasoning about others’ mental states. Intrapersonal ToM is defined reasoning about one’s own mental states. The current work aimed to investigate if ToM abilities in children with autism and Asperger syndrome differentiate into Social and Intrapersonal ToM. A second aim was to determine if ToM differentiation patterns for children with autism and Asperger syndrome were different. Participants included 39 children with autism and 34 children with Asperger syndrome ages 8-14. Measures included a language measure, an IQ measure, and a battery of ToM tasks. The ToM tasks assessed Social and Intrapersonal ToM related to distinguishing appearance from reality, representational change, false belief, and perspective-taking across the domains of emotions, beliefs, and perceptions. Theory of Mind differentiated into Social ToM and Intrapersonal ToM for all participants. Both children with autism and Asperger syndrome obtained lower Social ToM scores than Intrapersonal ToM scores. ToM differentiation patterns for children with autism were distinct from children with Asperger syndrome. The difference between Intrapersonal ToM and Social ToM was greater for children with autism than children with Asperger syndrome.
Aided Navigation Techniques for Indoor and Outdoor Unmanned Vehicles

This paper presents design considerations of indoor and outdoor navigation techniques proposed for unmanned vehicles (UV). In this paper, we mainly investigate the use and the advantages of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for indoor navigation, and Global Positioning System (GPS) for outdoor navigation. The system primarily uses laser range finder (LRF) measurements for indoor navigation, and is based on Extended Kalman Filter (EKF). For outdoor navigation the system uses Inertial Navigation System (INS) measurements. At periodical intervals the system integrates the measurements of an absolute sensor to improve estimations. The absolute sensor is a WSN interface for indoor navigation, and a GPS receiver for outdoor navigation. Simulation studies were conducted using Unified System for Automation and Robot Simulation (USARSim) and Player/Stage. The results of USARSim based simulations prove the advantages of integrating GPS measurements. Player/Stage based simulations show the advantages of integrating Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) measurements obtained from WSN interfaces. In addition to the simulation studies, field tests with a custom-built Corobot autonomous robot platform will be realized to prove the effectiveness of the methods.
An improved SATD-based intra mode decision algorithm for H.264/AVC

In the previous work [3] we presented a SATD-based intra mode decision algorithm for H.264/AVC to reduce the computational complexity, based upon SATD coefficients. In this paper, we extend the previous work and propose an improved SATD-based intra mode decision, which uses low-frequency components to provide local characteristics for intra mode selection. The experimental results reveal that our proposed algorithm can achieve significant reduction of computation time compared to the reference program, while still maintaining good coding performance. The proposed algorithm is also compared with two distinct algorithms and the results indicate that the proposed algorithm brings out higher reduction in computation that these two algorithms.
ARE MACRO AND MICRO ENVIRONMENT AFFECTING MANAGEMENT OF FRESH WATER RESOURCES? A CASE FROM IRAN WITH PESTLE ANALYSIS

Introduction: Oil spill in fresh water can affect ecological processes and accordingly it can influence human health. Iran, due to having 58.8 % of the world oil reserves, is highly vulnerable to water contamination by oil products. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine environmental factors affecting the management of the oil spill into one of the river in Iran using the PESTLE analysis. Material and methods: This was a qualitative case study conducted in 2015 on an oil spill incident in Iran and its roots from a disaster management approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for data collection. Seventy managers and staffs with those responsible or involved in oil spill incident management were recruited to the study. Qualitative content analysis approach was employed for the data analysis. Document analysis was used to collect additional information. Results: Findings of the present study indicated that different factors affected the management of the event of oil spill onto one of the central river and consequently the management of drink water resources. Using this analysis, managers can plan for such events and develop scenarios for them to have better performance for the future events.
Association Analysis of Genetic Variants in the Myosin IXB Gene in Acute Pancreatitis

Introduction Impairment of the mucosal barrier plays an important role in the pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis. The myosin IXB (MYO9B) gene and the two tight-junction adaptor genes, PARD3 and MAGI2, have been linked to gastrointestinal permeability. Common variants of these genes are associated with celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, two other conditions in which intestinal permeability plays a role. We investigated genetic variation in MYO9B, PARD3 and MAGI2 for association with acute pancreatitis. Methods Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MYO9B, two SNPs in PARD3, and three SNPs in MAGI2 were studied in a Dutch cohort of 387 patients with acute pancreatitis and over 800 controls, and in a German cohort of 235 patients and 250 controls. Results Association to MYO9B and PARD3 was observed in the Dutch cohort, but only one SNP in MYO9B and one in MAGI2 showed association in the German cohort (p < 0.05). Joint analysis of the combined cohorts showed that, after correcting for multiple testing, only two SNPs in MYO9B remained associated (rs7259292, p = 0.0031, odds ratio (OR) 1.94, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.35-2.78; rs1545620, p = 0.0006, OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.16-1.53). SNP rs1545620 is a non-synonymous SNP previously suspected to impact on ulcerative colitis. None of the SNPs showed association to disease severity or etiology. Conclusion Variants in MYO9B may be involved in acute pancreatitis, but we found no evidence for involvement of PARD3 or MAGI2.
Enlightening communication analysis in Asia–Pacific: Media studies, ethics and law using a Buddhist perspective

A Western paradigm has dominated approaches to communication and journalism studies – particularly in the areas of theory, analysis and law and ethics. This article backgrounds important critiques of that paradigm, and considers how globalized communication and media studies has become, before exemplifying how a secular Buddhist perspective might offer 2,500 year-old analytical tools that can assist with media analysis, law and ethics. The article proposes the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths, particularly the sila (moral/ethical) dimension of the fourth truth, the Noble Eightfold Path (magga), can serve as a fruitful tool for informing communication theory and analysis, and media law and ethics. The article begins by assessing the extent to which communication and media studies in Asia and the Pacific has shifted to accommodate non-Western approaches. In media analysis, it suggests the Buddha’s teachings on Right Speech (samma vaca) offer key understandings to assist with the deconstruction of media texts. In media law and ethics, it extends the application of Right Speech principles to comparing defences to libel (defamation) as they have developed in four Western jurisdictions.
Characterisation of global precipitation frequency through the L-moments approach

Higher-order statistics, such as skewness and kurtosis, are useful measures to describe the shape of a probability distribution. In hydrology, the assessment of these parameters is an important step for representing precipitation frequencies and understanding rainfall variability. Because of restrictions related to data acquisition and methods of analysis, the global patterns of higher-order precipitation statistics are still poorly described. The objective of this study is to combine global precipitation datasets and state-of-the-art statistical methods in order to build a spatio-temporal assessment of global precipitation frequency. Gridded precipitation records were obtained from NOAA's Precipitation Reconstruction over Land (PREC/L) product. The L-moments approach was applied to describe the shape of the probability distribution and estimate the function parameters in each point of the global grid. Like conventional statistical moments, the L-moments can be used to describe the shape of a probability distribution, but with the advantage of being less susceptible to the presence of outliers and performing better with small sample sizes. The results of this study provide a new perspective on the spatial and temporal patterns of the parameters defining the shape of the precipitation probability distribution at a global scale.
Masculinity Ideology among Male Workers and Its Relationship to Self-Reported Health Behaviors

This study examines the association between masculinity ideology and health-promoting behaviors (HPB) among male workers. In total, 669 participants completed the Male Role Norms Inventory and the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, which measures six HPBs (nutrition, physical activity, stress management, interpersonal relations, health responsibility, and spiritual growth). Results show that masculinity ideology was associated with HPBs, controlling for socioeconomic characteristics. Men who consider themselves poor and have low education endorsed masculinity norms more strongly and adopted fewer HPBs. Restrictive Emotionality was negatively associated with all HPBs, while Negativity Toward Sexual Minorities was negatively associated with physical activity and interpersonal relations. Avoidance of Femininity and Toughness were positively associated with physical activity. This study suggests that men’s endorsement of masculinity norms should be considered in health promotion programs.
Isoflurane Preconditioning Uncouples Mitochondria and Protects from Hypoxia / Reoxygenation

Ischemic cardiac injury can be substantially alleviated by exposing the heart to pharmacological agents such as volatile anesthetics before occurrence of ischemia/reperfusion. A hallmark of this preconditioning phenomenon is its memory, when cardioprotective effects persist even after removal of preconditioning stimulus. Since numerous studies pinpoint mitochondria as crucial players in protective pathways of preconditioning, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of preconditioning agent isoflurane on the mitochondrial bioenergetic phenotype. Endogenous flavoprotein fluorescence, an indicator of mitochondrial redox state, was elevated to 193±19% of baseline upon isoflurane application in intact cardiomyocytes, indicating more oxidized state of mitochondria. Isoflurane treatment also elicited partial dissipation of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, which remained depolarized even after anesthetic withdrawal (TMRE fluorescence intensity declined to 83±3% and 81±7% of baseline during isoflurane exposure and washout, respectively). Mild uncoupling, with preserved ATP synthesis, was also detected in mitochondria that were isolated from animals that had been previously preconditioned by isoflurane in vivo, revealing its memory nature. These mitochondria, after exposure to hypoxia and reoxygenation, exhibited better preserved respiration and ATP synthesis compared to mitochondria from non-preconditioned animals. Partial mitochondrial depolarization was paralleled by a diminished Ca2+ uptake into isoflurane-treated mitochondria, as indicated by the reduced increment in rhod-2 fluorescence when mitochondria were challenged with increased Ca2+ (180±24% vs. 258±14% for the control). Page 2 of 39
Chronic hepatitis in the English springer spaniel: clinical presentation, histological description and outcome

Medical records and liver histology of 68 English springer spaniels (ESS) with a histological diagnosis of CH were reviewed retrospectively. PCR was performed on liver tissue for canine adenovirus-1 (CAV-1), canine parvovirus, canine herpesvirus and pathogenic Leptospira species. Follow-up information was obtained to calculate survival times. Median age at presentation was three years seven months (range, seven months to eight years five months) and there were 48 female and 20 male dogs. Clinical signs were non-specific and five dogs were asymptomatic. All dogs had an increase in serum activity of one or more hepatobiliary enzymes. Histopathology demonstrated hepatocyte necrosis and apoptosis with varying amounts of fibrosis. A predominantly lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate throughout the hepatic parenchyma was found in all 68 dogs, but 45 of these dogs also had a neutrophilic component to the inflammatory infiltrate. There was no significant copper accumulation and no aetiological agent was identified by PCR. The median survival time was 189 days (range, 1 to 1211 days), 38 dogs died within three months and 12 dogs survived more than a year following diagnosis.
Alternative Contexts of Language Policy and Planning in Sub-Saharan Africa

My main contention in this article is that the nation-state paradigm for policies targeted at effecting development in sub-Saharan Africa is undermined by arbitrary colonial boundaries and porous borders and the challenges of transnationalism as part of the globalization phenomenon in late modernity. The nation-state paradigm is also the framework for guaranteed dominance of English and French, the two main excolonial official languages of sub-Saharan Africa, because the indigenous languages, at least theoretically, operate within ethnic boundaries. I cite evidence of internal migration and displacement across national boundaries to argue that policies which are coterminous with these boundaries motivate people to move. I suggest that the treatment of boundaries as zones of continuity rather than discontinuity will allow for the development of stronger interstate agencies within which framework projects may be better managed. I present evidence of the difficulty in pushing macro-language policy and planning and make a case for micro-language policy and planning not only as a more viable alternative in the region but also one for which success is easier to measure.
NPM and change management in asset management organisations

Purpose – Effective engineering asset management is essential in delivering public services safely whilst avoiding breakdowns and accidents. The purpose of this paper is to ensure asset safety and sustainability, public sector firms have to adopt new processes and practices. It is the role of supervisors to implement the changes, and as part of the new public management (NPM) public sector reforms, public sector asset managers have more discretionary power to implement further changes related to increased accountability. Design/methodology/approach – The paper explores the impact of management practices on supervisor-employee relationships and employees’ perception of autonomy, employees’ attitudes towards change and their perceptions of organisational culture within Australian public sector engineering asset management organisations, and in the context of NPM reforms and consequent changes in supervisory discretionary power. Social exchange theory provided the theoretical framework and a self-report surv.
Cardiomyocyte Regeneration: A Consensus Statement.

Cell therapy is an exciting option for repairing the injured heart, one that has attracted considerable interest over the past 15 years. Consensus exists that the injection/infusion or tissue-based implantation of various cell types may exert therapeutic effects,1–3 and there is general agreement that additional molecular, translational, and clinical studies are required to define the optimal cell source, method of delivery, and underlying mechanism(s) of action. One of the remaining questions in this field pertains to cardiomyocyte turnover under normal and diseased conditions and its contribution to the beneficial effects of cell therapy. Although results published in the literature have not been consistent, we believe that the time is ripe to formulate a consensus for many of the pertinent questions. It is important to emphasize that the focus of this consensus statement is on cardiomyocyte renewal; it is not on cell therapy in general. Although we touch on some aspects of therapeutic strategies based on delivery of exogenous cells, our intent here is to define areas of agreement and areas requiring further elucidation related to the regenerative potential of the myocardium itself. We have included references to the scientific literature throughout the document. Although it is impossible for us to include all publications in this expansive field, representative studies that corroborate statements herein have been cited. 1. Definition of cardiomyocyte renewal. In this consensus statement, the term cardiomyocyte renewal is defined as the ability to replace lost cardiomyocytes by new ones. It is distinct from the turnover of cardiac proteins or the generation of polyploid cardiomyocytes (ie, those harboring >2 sets of chromosomes), either by nuclear division giving rise to multinucleation or by duplication of DNA without nuclear division resulting in polyploid nuclei. 2. Naturally occurring cardiomyocyte renewal and proliferation. 1. During normal mammalian development 1. Growth of the heart during …