Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The fragmented worker? ICTs, coping strategies and gender differences in the temporal and spatial fragmentation of paid labour

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are often proclaimed to facilitate the fragmentation of activities, a process whereby a certain activity is divided into several smaller pieces, which are performed at different times and/or locations. This study analyzes two-day combined activity, travel and communication diaries collected among Dutch households and presents quantitative findings of the associations between ICTs and the spatiotemporal fragmentation of paid labour. Controlling for various coping strategies, employment and commute factors, household characteristics, lifestyle orientation, time personality and spatial context, statistically significant relations were found between ICTs and the spatiotemporal fragmentation of paid labour for both men and women. The fact that both positive and negative associations were found suggests that ICTs can be adopted to make use of opportunities to arrange paid labour in a flexible way, or as a compensation when such opportunities are lacking. The results also indicate that up to a certain degree these associations are gender specific.
Multifunctional liposomes for nasal delivery of the anti-Alzheimer drug tacrine hydrochloride

Abstract The purpose of this study was the development of multifunctional liposomes for nasal administration of tacrine hydrochloride. Liposomes were prepared using traditional excipients (cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine), partly enriched with α-tocopherol and/or Omega3 fatty acids. This approach was chosen in order to obtain at the same time two positive results: an enhanced drug permeation through nasal mucosa and a concomitant neuroprotective effect. Several liposome formulations were prepared using the Reverse Phase Evaporation technique followed by membrane filter extrusion. In particular, liposome capacity to enhance drug permeation was evaluated by means of membrane permeation and cellular uptake studies. Furthermore, liposome effect on neuronal viability and intracellular ROS production was evaluated as well as their cytoprotective effect against oxidative stress. All liposome formulations showed a mean diameter in the range of 175 nm to 219 nm with polydispersity index lower than 0.22, a lightly negative zeta potential and excellent encapsulation efficiency. Moreover, along with good mucoadhesive properties, multifunctional liposomes showed a markedly increase in tacrine permeability, which can be related to liposome fusion with cellular membrane, a hypothesis, which was also supported by cellular uptake studies. Finally, the addition of α-tocopherol without Omega3 fatty acids, was found to increase the neuroprotective activity and antioxidant properties of liposomes.
Developing On-Line Speaker Diarization System

In this paper we describe the process of converting a research prototype system for Speaker Diarization into a fully deployed product running in real time and with low latency. The deployment is a part of the IBM Cloud Speech-to-Text (STT) Service. First, the prototype system is described and the requirements for the on-line, deployable system are introduced. Then we describe the technical approaches we took to satisfy these requirements and discuss some of the challenges we have faced. In particular, we present novel ideas for speeding up the system by using Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) transcripts as an input to diarization, we introduce a concept of active window to keep the computational complexity linear, we improve the speaker model using a new speaker-clustering al-gorithm, we automatically keep track of the number of active speakers and we enable the users to set an operating point on a continuous scale between low latency and optimal accuracy. The deployed system has been tuned on real-life data reaching average Speaker Error Rates around 3% and improving over the prototype system by about 10% relative.
Evaluating illness representations in heart transplant patients

The aim was to see whether qualitative analysis improved quantitative measurement of illness perception after heart transplant. Two methods of evaluating illness representations were compared: one quantitative (administration of the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised) and one qualitative (phenomenological reduction). The qualitative analysis provided greater insight into the idiosyncratic and dynamic nature of the concept of illness representations. Adjustments to the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised are suggested to improve the evaluation of illness perception in terms of dispersion of scores, emotional impact, coping strategies and treatment, and social support, and ultimately to enhance interventions designed to promote treatment compliance.
Waveguide band-pass filter with reduced sensitivity to fabrication tolerances for Q-band payloads

A rectangular waveguide band-pass filter with very low sensitivity to fabrication tolerances is proposed. The novel filter exploits the inherent first passband replica of commensurate-line stepped-impedance low-pass filters. Waveguide width reduction is also exploited to obtain a band-pass filter with a significant enhancement in the fabrication yield. This improvement is especially attractive for space applications in the millimeter-wave range. The validity of the novel design technique has been demonstrated with a 13th-order Chebyshev band-pass filter for Q-band payloads. The manufacturing yield of the novel filter has been dramatically improved when compared to the classical inductive-iris filter designed to fulfill the same frequency specifications (92 % vs. 8 %, for a worst-case fabrication error of ± 25 μm). A prototype has been fabricated using milling techniques showing a very good agreement between simulated and measured results.
Revealing a Novel Otubain-Like Enzyme from Leishmania infantum with Deubiquitinating Activity toward K48-Linked Substrate

Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) play an important role in regulating a variety of eukaryotic processes. In this context, exploring the role of deubiquitination in Leishmania infantum could be a promising alternative to search new therapeutic targets for leishmaniasis. Here we present the first characterization of a DUB from L. infantum, otubain (OtuLi), and its localization within parasite. The recombinant OtuLi (rOtuLi) showed improved activity on lysine 48 (K48)-linked over K63-linked tetra-ubiquitin (Ub) and site-directed mutations on amino acids close to the catalytic site (F82) or involved in Ub interaction (L265 and F182) caused structural changes as shown by molecular dynamics, resulting in a reduction or loss of enzyme activity, respectively. Furthermore, rOtuLi stimulates lipid droplet biogenesis (an inflammatory marker) and induces IL-6 and TNF-α secretion in peritoneal macrophages, both proinflammatory cytokines. Our findings suggest that OtuLi is a cytoplasmic enzyme with K48-linked substrate specificity that could play a part in proinflammatory response in stimulated murine macrophages.
Organization and Molecular Evolution of CENP-A–Associated Satellite DNA Families in a Basal Primate Genome

Centromeric regions in many complex eukaryotic species contain highly repetitive satellite DNAs. Despite the diversity of centromeric DNA sequences among species, the functional centromeres in all species studied to date are marked by CENP-A, a centromere-specific histone H3 variant. Although it is well established that families of multimeric higher-order alpha satellite are conserved at the centromeres of human and great ape chromosomes and that diverged monomeric alpha satellite is found in old and new world monkey genomes, little is known about the organization, function, and evolution of centromeric sequences in more distant primates, including lemurs. Aye-Aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) is a basal primate and is located at a key position in the evolutionary tree to study centromeric satellite transitions in primate genomes. Using the approach of chromatin immunoprecipitation with antibodies directed to CENP-A, we have identified two satellite families, Daubentonia madagascariensis Aye-Aye 1 (DMA1) and Daubentonia madagascariensis Aye-Aye 2 (DMA2), related to each other but unrelated in sequence to alpha satellite or any other previously described primate or mammalian satellite DNA families. Here, we describe the initial genomic and phylogenetic organization of DMA1 and DMA2 and present evidence of higher-order repeats in Aye-Aye centromeric domains, providing an opportunity to study the emergence of chromosome-specific modes of satellite DNA evolution in primate genomes.
The central elliptical galaxy in fossil groups and formation of brightest cluster galaxies

We study the dominant central giant elliptical galaxies in “Fossil groups” using deep optical (R-band) and near infrared (Ks-band) photometry. These galaxies are as luminous as the brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs), raising immediate inte rest in their link to the formation of BCGs and galaxy clusters. However, despite apparent similarities, the dominant fossil galaxies show non-boxy isophotes, in contrast to the most luminous BCGs. This study suggests that the structure of the brightest group galaxies produced in fossil groups are systematically different to the majority of BCGs. If the fossils do indeed fo rm from the merger of major galaxies including late-types within a group, then their di sky nature is consistent with the results of recent numerical simulations of semi-analytical models which suggest that gas rich mergers result in disky isophote ellipticals. We show that fossils form a homogeneous population in which the velocity dispersion of the fossil group is tightly correlated with the luminosity o f the dominant elliptical galaxy. This supports the scenario in which the giant elliptical galaxie s in fossils can grow to the size and luminosity of BCGs in a group environment. However, the boxy structure of luminous BCGs indicate that they are either not formed as fossils, or have u ndergone later gas-free mergers within the cluster environment.
A Mixed Poisson Process and Empirical Bayes Estimation Based Software Reliability Growth Model and Simulation

A new Software Reliability Model based on a Mixed Poisson process where the failure rate follows an Inverse Gaussian distribution is proposed. By using the Empirical Bayes estimate of the failure rate, our estimate depends just on the number of failures and the total past time, it is not necessary to know the exact instants of time were the failures have occurred. We simulate the failure detection process with exponential waiting times randomly generated where the failure rate is constantly updated with the Empirical Bayes estimate. Results of simulations are compared with two real projects.
Konrad-zuse-zentrum F ¨ Ur Informationstechnik Berlin Treewidth Lower Bounds with Brambles Treewidth Lower Bounds with Brambles *

In this paper we present a new technique for computing lower bounds for graph treewidth. Our technique is based on the fact that the treewidth of a graph G is the maximum order of a bramble of G minus one. We give two algorithms: one for general graphs, and one for planar graphs. The algorithm for planar graphs is shown to give a lower bound for both the treewidth and branchwidth that is at most a constant factor away from the optimum. For both algorithms, we report on extensive computational experiments that show that the algorithms give often excellent lower bounds, in particular when applied to (close to) planar graphs.
Adaptive Dynamic Range Optimization for Cochlear Implants: A Preliminary Study

Objective The present study investigated the acceptability and the effect of Adaptive dynamic range optimization (ADRO) on speech perception for cochlear implant subjects. ADRO is a preprocessing scheme that continuously adjusts the gain in each frequency band to optimize the signal in the output dynamic range. Design Speech processor programs were created with and without ADRO processing. Nine subjects were tested in the laboratory and encouraged to use both programs in everyday listening situations. Take-home experience was assessed with preference questionnaires. Speech perception performance was compared for the standard and ADRO programs using City University of New York (CUNY) sentences, consonant-nucleus-consonant (CNC) words, and closed set spondees presented in quiet. A range of presentation levels were used; from 70 to 40 dB sound pressure level (unweighted RMS). CUNY sentences were also presented in multi-talker babble with +15 dB and +10 dB signal to noise ratios. Results There was a significant improvement in speech perception scores with the ADRO programs compared with the standard. At 50 dB, the mean open set sentence scores in quiet improved by 16% (p < 0.001). There was an improvement in mean word score for CNC words presented at 60 dB of 9.5% (p < 0.001) and a 20% improvement in mean score for spondees presented at 40 dB. There was no significant difference in sentence scores between the ADRO and the standard program for sentences presented in either noise condition. ADRO was the preferred program in 59% of listening situations, with five out of nine subjects indicating a strong overall preference and three subjects indicating a slight preference for ADRO. Conclusions Continual adjustment of channel gains using ADRO provided improved sound quality and improved speech perception performance. Therefore, ADRO is a viable alternative to fixed channel gain and offers a means for cochlear implantees to gain more benefit from their devices.
Effect of aquatic weeds on methane emission from submerged paddy soil.

Paddy fields are one of the dominant anthropogenic sources of methane emission to the atmosphere, and the main passageway of methane from paddy soil is through the rice plant. However, the effect of aquatic weeds on methane emission from rice paddies has not been properly evaluated yet. Methane emission from weeded pots and unweeded ones with anaerobic paddy soil was measured throughout the period of rice growth. More than double the amount of methane was emitted from weeded pots compared with unweeded ones. Peroxidase activity of rice root was not different between weeded and unweeded pots. However, methanogenic bacteria populations were higher in weeded pots than in unweeded ones, while methane oxidation activity, measured by the propylene oxidation technique, was higher in unweeded pots than in weeded ones. Methane oxidation activity of roots from three typical aquatic weeds in paddy fields, Lipocarpha sp. , Rotala indica, and Ludwigia epilobioides, was higher than that of rice plants, while lower stems of these aquatic plants showed similar or lower activity compared with the same areas of rice plants. These results indicate that the role of aquatic weeds in paddy soil in methane emission should not be overlooked in evaluating mitigation options for reducing methane emission from paddy fields.
Does Correlated Analyst Coverage Explain Excess Comovement

Many studies have documented stock return comovement above and beyond that predicted by standard asset pricing models. For example, when stocks are added to an index, their betas with respect to that index tend to increase. I find that much of this excess comovement can be explained by correlated information. If individual analysts’ earnings forecast errors are correlated across stocks, stock return correlations should be higher than fundamental correlations. I develop a measure of correlated analyst coverage to test this hypothesis and find: (1) Stocks with similar analysts tend to exhibit more excess comovement, controlling for industry, (2) This effect is strongest among “star analysts”, (3) On average, when a stock enters the S&P 500 index, the same analysts that cover other S&P 500 stocks begin to cover the new stock, (4) Changes in excess comovement are larger for stocks with larger increases in correlated analyst coverage around this event, and (5) Changes in the measure around analyst turnover following brokerage firm mergers are correlated with changes in excess comovement. These effects are robust after controlling for industry, for correlations in mutual fund and institutional holdings, and for correlations in unexpected earnings and earnings revisions. Similar but weaker results exist using analysts from the same firm or analysts who previously worked for the same firm.
Finding Periodic Regularities on Sequential Data: Converging, Diverging and Cyclic Patterns

Temporal information has become one of the most important features when it comes to data analytics. The need to understand the dynamics and evolutionary behaviors of different domains has driven data analytics' processes to make use of the temporal information associated with the data. Therefore, several approaches have been proposed, in the field of Temporal Pattern Mining, in order to use this temporal information to disclose temporal trends that could help in the decision making process. However, there are still significant limitations regarding both the quality of the disclosed information or the efficiency of the processes. In this work we propose a new constraint-based sequential mining method, called ConstraintPrefixSpan, for mining three types of periodic regularities: Cyclic, Converging and Diverging. Our experiments on two different datasets show both the quality of patterns found and the efficiency and flexibility of or algorithm to deal with multiple types of regularities.
Perspectives on expedited partner therapy for chlamydia: a survey of health care providers

There is a lack of research on health care providers’ use of and perspectives on expedited partner therapy in a state where expedited partner therapy is not prohibited or explicitly allowed. The aim of our study was to understand if and how health care providers use expedited partner therapy, if specific demographic factors and knowledge contribute to increased use of expedited partner therapy, and to describe barriers and facilitators to the use of expedited partner therapy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A convenience sample of 112 health care providers from diverse disciplines who treat young women at risk for chlamydia completed an online survey. About 11% of health care providers used expedited partner therapy consistently. Those who self-reported that they were knowledgeable about expedited partner therapy were more likely to use expedited partner therapy (73% vs. 49%, p = .009) as were those who said no or were unsure about their institution’s guidelines for expedited partner therapy (35% vs. 22%, p = 0.01) (62% vs. 57%, p = 0.01). The most commonly reported facilitator of expedited partner therapy was having clear legal guidelines (86%). This study finds that in a setting where expedited partner therapy is not expressly permitted, health care providers still use the practice but also experience barriers that limit uptake. Legislation expressly endorsing expedited partner therapy in the state and in medical institutions is needed to increase expedited partner therapy use.
Enhanced time-shifted pilot based channel estimation in massive MIMO systems with finite number of antennas

Time-shifted pilot scheme can efficiency combat pilot contamination. However, when the number of base station (BS) antennas is finite, the pilot interference due to the downlink transmission symbols cannot be mitigated in the time-shifted scheme. This paper proposed a novel two-stage channel estimation algorithm based on time-shifted pilot to reduce the effect of pilot interference. In the first stage, beamforming vectors are determined to reduce the interference from other cells by introducing null symbol periods. Then, receive beamforming is carried out. In the second stage, channel estimation is performed. In the proposed scheme, the pilots of different users in the same cell are orthogonal and the pilots are reused in other cells. The proposed scheme can reduce the effect of pilot interference and improve spectrum efficiency, when the number of BS antennas is finite. The proposed channel estimation algorithm is presented in detail, and the channel estimation performance and achievable spectrum efficiency are analyzed. Simulation results validate the proposed scheme.
Centralized Blood Processing for the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial: Effects of Delayed Processing on Carotenoids, Tocopherols, Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I, Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3, Steroid Hormones, and Lymphocyte Viability

This experiment examined the effects of delays in separation and freezing of whole blood components on analytes of interest in studies of prostate cancer prevention, in order to evaluate the feasibility of centralized processing of blood for the multisite Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial. Blood from 40 healthy men was subjected to four treatment protocols, allowing the contrast of immediate processing to delays of 32, 72, and 144 hours. At 32 hours, simulating refrigerated storage and overnight shipping, there was a 2.9% decrease (95% confidence interval, 0.7-5.1) in insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) but no significant change in carotenoids, tocopherols, testosterone, 3α-androstanediol glucuronide (AAG), sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) or insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3). A 144-hour processing delay, simulating weekend blood collection or shipping delay, resulted in significant changes in γ-tocopherol (−1.5%), IGF-I (−5.7%), IGFBP3 (−2.9%), SHBG (−4.0%), testosterone (+4.7%), and AAG (+5.5%). The rank-order and intraclass correlations between analytes from blood processed immediately and those subjected to delayed processing were 0.96 or higher for carotenoids, tocopherols, AAG, and SHBG, and between 0.87 and 0.95 for IGF-I, IGFBP3, and testosterone. A 32-hour delay decreased lymphocyte viability from 82.5% to 75.0% (P = 0.45), but a 72-hour delay decreased viability to 36.8% (P < 0.001). Overnight shipping and centralized processing is an acceptable approach to blood collection in large multisite trials examining the cancer-related measures proposed in the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial. Longer processing delays, however, have small but statistically significant effects on many analytes and substantially decrease lymphocyte viability.
A single stage flyback power supply unit for LED lighting applications

This paper presents a 75W single-stage power supply unit for LED lighting. The proposed power supply designed using flyback converter topology that is controlled by the critical conduction mode control. The secondary side of main transformer is directly connected to LED strings. By a constant current feedback circuit, this flyback converter directly regulates LED current. Although the proposed circuit doesn't need input current-sensing and input voltage feed-forward, it can achieve high power factor for wide input range. A prototype experimental set-up has been built and tested. Through this experiment with a prototype set-up, the validity of the proposed circuit is verified.
Rural encounters: cultural translations through video

Requirements gathering for design in rural and remote areas needs to be considered within the prevailing cultural context. We explain our use of video as a technological site for cultural encounters during the preparatory elicitation of cultural influences and determinants. We outline the factors leading to the development of a co-generative approach arising from our understanding of the role played by indexicality during such encounters with different cultural systems of knowledge.