Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
BIG-AFF: Exploring Low Cost and Low Intrusive Infrastructures for Affective Computing in Secondary Schools

Recent research has provided solid evidence that emotions strongly affect motivation and engagement, and hence play an important role in learning. In BIG-AFF project, we build on the hypothesis that ``it is possible to provide learners with a personalised support that enriches their learning process and experience by using low intrusive (and low cost) devices to capture affective multimodal data that include cognitive, behavioural and physiological information''. In order to deal with the affect management complete cycle, thus covering affect detection, modelling and feedback, there is lack of standards and consolidated methodologies. Being our goal to develop realistic affect-aware learning environments, we are exploring different approaches on how these can be supported by either by traditional non-intrusive interaction sources or low intrusive and inexpensive sensing devices. In this work we describe the main issues involved in two user studies carried out with high school learners, highlight some open problems that arose when designing the corresponding experimental settings. In particular, the studies involved varied nature of information sources and each focused on one of the approaches. Our experience reflects the need to develop an extensive knowledge about the organization of this type of experiences that consider user-centric development and evaluation methodologies.
Cronología, magnetoestratigrafía y caracterización bioestratigráfica del Ensenadense (Pleistoceno Inferior-Medio) en la ciudad de Buenos Aires

Chronology, magnetostratigraphy and biostratigraphic characteristics of the Ensenadense (Lower-Middle Pleistocene) in the city of Bue- nos Aires. At the paleontological collections of the principal museums of the Argentina, there are numerous remains of fos- sil mammals coming from the city of Buenos Aires; those exhumed of the Ensenada Formation, there come especially from the "toscas del Rio de La Plata". The stratigraphic profiles associated with the fossil records, as well as the magnetostratigraphic ones published from the decade of 1980, were the base for the knowledge of the superficial geology of the city and of their underground. However, these profiles are not strictly comparable since in some cases the authors used different altimetric points (zero reference). We have homologated in this contribution all the altimetric points to facilitate the intercomparison among the different profiles to the zero reference from the Riachuelo standarized level. The correlation among different pro- files allowed to determine that: 1) the Ensenada sediments (early-middle Pleistocene), biostratigraphically defined by the pre- sence of fossils such as Mesotherium cristatum, Arctotherium angustidens, Glyptodon munizi and Neosclerocalyptus pseudorntaus, are foun- ded at least from 8 m above the zero of the Riachuelo level until something a few meters below it, 2) the sector of the Ensenada Formation corresponding to the "toscas del Rio de La Plata" has probably a late Matuyama (subcron C1r1n) age.
Reduced Recombination Rate and Genetic Differentiation Between the M and S Forms of Anopheles gambiae s.s.

Genetic differentiation between the largely sympatric molecular forms M and S of Anopheles gambiae appears mostly limited to division 6 and part of division 5 of the X chromosome. This region is adjacent to the centromere and includes the rDNA that was used to define these forms. This localized differentiation between populations that experience gene flow strongly suggests that this region contains genes responsible for reproductive isolation. Regions adjacent to centromeres are known to experience less recombination in several species and it has recently been suggested that low recombination rates can facilitate the accumulation and maintenance of isolation genes in partially isolated populations. Therefore, we measured the recombination rate in division 5D/6 directly and estimate that it is at least 16-fold reduced across this region compared to the remainder of the X chromosome. Additionally, sequence data from four loci from field-collected mosquitoes from several West African countries show very strong differentiation between the molecular forms in division 5D/6, whereas none was observed in two loci elsewhere on the X chromosome. Furthermore, genetic variation was substantially lower in division 5D/6 compared to the two reference loci, and the inferred genealogies of the division 5D/6 genes show patterns consistent with selective sweeps. This suggests that the reduced recombination rate has increased the effect of selection on this region and that our data are consistent with the hypothesis that reduced recombination rates can play a role in the accumulation of isolation genes in the face of gene flow.
A Formative Classroom Evaluation of a Tutorial Dialogue System that Supports Self- Explanation

Previous research has shown that self-explanation can be supported effectively in an intelligent tutoring system by simple means, namely, menu selection (Aleven & Koedinger, 2002). We are exploring whether self-explanation can be supported even more effectively by means of a tutorial dialogue system. When students explain in their own words, they may pay more attention to the crucial features of the problem and thus acquire more transferable knowledge. To test this hypothesis, we are developing the Geometry Explanation Tutor, a tutor which supports students as they solve problems and engages them in a restricted form of dialogue to help them state general explanations of their problem-solving steps. We conduced a formative evaluation study in a local junior high school, comparing two tutor versions, one in which students explain in their own words, one in which they explain by means of a simple menu. We found that there was little difference between the learning results of the two conditions. We also found that the pre-test scores in both conditions were unexpectedly high. Thus, the hypothesized advantages for explaining in one’s own words do not seem to materialize for students who start out with considerable knowledge of the subject matter, yet may still materialize for students more typical of the target population.
Human Neuroscience

connectivity is thought to reflect communication between different brain areas, thus having a major impact on optimal brain function-department showed that functional connectivity of the electroen-cephalogram (EEG) changed dramatically after amobarbital injection (Douw et al., 2009). Changes in connectivity were found not only in the injected and contralateral hemispheres themselves, but also in the interaction between both hemispheres. These results suggest that connectivity throughout the whole brain immediately reacts to changes in activity level in one part of the brain. The brain functions as a complex integrated network, in which focal changes influence the integrity and functional status of the brain as a whole. Patterns of connectivity between brain areas may change when suppressing activity in one hemisphere. Visual representations of these patterns can be constructed from neurophysi-ological time series, such as recorded with EEG. The electrodes or brain areas are nodes in the network, while functional connectiv-ity is the strength of the link between these vertices. The application of complex network theory or " graph theory " to the brain
Engineering Abstractions in Model Checking and Testing

Abstractions are used in model checking to tackle problems like state space explosion or modeling of IO. The application of these abstractions in real software development processes, however, lacks engineering support. This is one reason why model checking is not widely used in practice yet and testing is still state of the art in falsification. We show how user-defined abstractions can be integrated into a Java PathFinder setting with tools like AspectJ or Javassist and discuss implications of remaining weaknesses of these tools. We believe that a principled engineering approach to designing and implementing abstractions will improve the applicability of model checking in practice.
Robust architectures for open distributed systems and topological self-stabilization: invited paper

Distributed systems are often dynamic in the sense that there are frequent membership changes (nodes joining and leaving the network), either due to regular churn or due to an attack. Maintaining availability and full functionality of such a system under continuous topological changes hence constitutes an important algorithmic challenge. This paper reports on some of our recent results on robust distributed systems. We review two randomized architectures that build upon the continuous-discrete approach by Naor and Wieder, namely the SHELL network which allows for fast joins and leaves and organizes more reliable (or stronger) nodes in a core network where their communication is not affected by malicious (or weak) nodes, and the Chameleon network whose replica placement strategy and whose intentional topological updates ensure resiliency against denial-of-service attacks, even from past insiders. To complement our investigations on randomized architectures, we discuss algorithms to maintain hypercubic networks under worst-case churn. Finally, we advocate the design of self-stabilizing topologies---a very appealing and still not well-understood notion of robustness---that converge quickly to a desirable structure from arbitrarily degenerated states. As a use case, graph linearization is examined in more detail. This invited paper complements the WRAS'10 talk and is joint work with Matthias Baumgart, Dominik Gall, Riko Jacob, Fabian Kuhn, Andrea Richa, Stephan Ritscher, Christian Scheideler, Joest Smit, Hanjo Täubig, and Roger Watten-hofer.
Do frequent moderate exacerbations contribute to progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients who are ex-smokers?

Background In addition to smoking, acute exacerbations are considered to be a contributing factor to progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, these findings come from studies including active smokers, while results in ex-smokers are scarce and contradictory. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if frequent acute moderate exacerbations are associated with an accelerated decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and impairment of functional and clinical outcomes in ex-smoking COPD patients. Methods A cohort of 100 ex-smoking patients recruited for a 2-year follow-up study was evaluated at inclusion and at 6-monthly scheduled visits while in a stable condition. Evaluation included anthropometry, spirometry, inspiratory capacity, peripheral capillary oxygen saturation, severity of dyspnea, a 6-minute walking test, BODE (Body mass index, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea, Exercise performance) index, and quality of life (St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire and Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire). Severity of exacerbation was graded as moderate or severe according to health care utilization. Patients were classified as infrequent exacerbators if they had no or one acute exacerbation/year and frequent exacerbators if they had two or more acute exacerbations/year. Random effects modeling, within hierarchical linear modeling, was used for analysis. Results During follow-up, 419 (96% moderate) acute exacerbations were registered. At baseline, frequent exacerbators had more severe disease than infrequent exacerbators according to their FEV1 and BODE index, and also showed greater impairment in inspiratory capacity, forced vital capacity, peripheral capillary oxygen saturation, 6-minute walking test, and quality of life. However, no significant difference in FEV1 decline over time was found between the two groups (54.7±13 mL/year versus 85.4±15.9 mL/year in frequent exacerbators and infrequent exacerbators, respectively). This was also the case for all other measurements. Conclusion Our results suggest that frequent moderate exacerbations do not contribute to accelerated clinical and functional decline in COPD patients who are ex-smokers.
Isolation, characterization and culture of Thy1-positive cells from fetal rat livers.

AIM To investigate whether Thy1 recognizes oval cells in the fetal liver and to characterize the cultured Thy1- selected cells from E14 rat livers. METHODS Thy1 populations were analyzed by fluorescence activated cell sorter analysis. Thy1 positive cells were isolated using magnetic beads. Hepatic markers were detected by Western blotting, immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR. RESULTS The percentage of Thy1-positive cells decreased during early development of fetal rat liver (E13-E16). E14 fetal livers contained 7.8% Thy1 positive cells, of which 61% were positive for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and 25% expressed albumin. The Thy1+ population expressed oval cell markers c-Kit and CXCR4, liver enriched-transcription factors HNF1alpha and HNF6, hepatocytic markers albumin, AFP and cytokeratin 18, and biliary marker cytokeratin 19. Thy1- selected cells formed only mesenchymal colonies when plated on collagen and in serum-containing media. Thy1 selected cells were able to form hepatic colonies positive for HNF1alpha, HNF6, albumin, AFP, cytokeratin 18, cytokeratin 19 and glycogen, when grown on STO feeder layers in serum free-media. CONCLUSION Oval cells positive for Thy1 are present in early liver embryonic stages.
First Admissions of Native-Born and Immigrants to Psychiatric Hospitals in South-East England 1976

Summary In the past, birthplace has frequently been omitted in completing the Sheet, but in 1976, over 91 per cent of all first admissions to psychiatric hospitals in South-East England were analysed by birthplace, sex, age-group and marital status. First admissions for schizophrenia were five times the expected number for immigrants from New Commonwealth America (the West Indies), four times the expected number for immigrants from New Commonwealth Africa (mostly ethnic Asians) and three times the expected number from India. Immigrants from Pakistan and the remaining New Commonwealth Asian countries did not show a significantly higher than expected number of admissions for schizophrenia, and their first admissions for alcoholic psychosis and alcoholism, psychoneuroses and personality and behaviour disorders were significantly fewer than expected. First admissions for schizophrenia were also significantly more than expected among immigrants from Ireland, Germany and Poland, but not from Italy.
Testosterone levels of children with a diagnosis of developmental stuttering

Background Stuttering is defined as a disruption in the rhythm of speech and language articulation, where the subject knows what he/she wants to say, but is unable to utter the intended word or phrase fluently. The effect of sex on development and chronicity of stuttering is well known; it is more common and chronic in males. We aimed to investigate the relationship between developmental stuttering and serum testosterone levels in this study. Materials and methods In this study, we evaluated a total of 50 children (7–12 years of age); eight (16%) were female and 42 (84%) were male. Twenty-five children who stutter and 25 typically fluent peers with the same demographic properties (ages between 7 years and 12 years) were included in this study. The testosterone levels of the two groups were determined in terms of nanogram per milliliter (ng/mL) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The difference between the means of the two groups was analyzed. Results The medians of the testosterone levels of the stutterer and control groups were determined as 20 ng/mL (range =12–184 ng/mL) and 5 ng/mL (range =2–30 ng/mL), respectively. Testosterone levels of the stutterer group were significantly higher than in the control group (P=0.001). Besides, there was a significant correlation between the severity of the stuttering and testosterone levels in the stutterer group (P=0.0001). Conclusion The findings of this study show that testosterone may have an effect on the severity of developmental stuttering and on the clinical differences between sexes. However, further investigations are needed to show that testosterone may play a role in the etiology of developmental stuttering.
Folate-Equipped Nanolipoplexes Mediated Efficient Gene Transfer into Human Epithelial Cells

Since recombinant viral vectors have been associated with serious side effects, such as immunogenicity and oncogenicity, synthetic delivery systems represent a realistic alternative for achieving efficacy in gene therapy. A major challenge for non-viral nanocarriers is the optimization of transgene expression in the targeted cells. This goal can be achieved by fine-tuning the chemical carriers and the adding specific motifs to promote cellular penetration. Our study focuses on the development of novel folate-based complexes that contain varying quantities of folate motifs. After controlling for their physical properties, neutral folate-modified lipid formulations were compared in vitro to lipoplexes leading to comparable expression levels. In addition, no cytotoxicity was detected, unlike what was observed in the cationic controls. Mechanistically, the delivery of the transgene appeared to be, in part, due to endocytosis mediated by folate receptor targeting. This mechanism was further validated by the observation that adding free folate into the medium decreased luciferase expression by 50%. In vivo transfection with the folate-modified MM18 lipid, containing the highest amount of FA-PEG570-diether co-lipid (w:w; 90:10), at a neutral charge ratio, gave luciferase transgene expression. These studies indicate that modification of lipids with folate residues could enhance non-toxic, cell-specific gene delivery.
Correlation between Skin-prick Testing, Individual Specific IgE Tests, and a Multiallergen IgE Assay for Allergy Detection in Patients with Chronic Rhinitis

Background Allergy test results can differ based on the method used. The most common tests include skin-prick testing (SPT) and in vitro tests to detect allergen-specific IgE. This study was designed to assess allergy test results using SPT, individual specific IgE tests, and a multiallergen IgE assay (multiple allergen simultaneous test) in patients with chronic rhinitis and controls. Methods One hundred forty total patients were prospectively enrolled in the study, including 100 patients with chronic rhinitis and 40 control patients without atopy. All eligible patients underwent SPT, serum analysis using individual specific IgE test, and multiple allergen simultaneous test against 10 common allergens. Allergy test results were then compared to identify correlation and interest agreement. Results There was an 81–97% agreement between SPT and individual specific IgE test in allergen detection and an 80–98% agreement between SPT and multiple allergen simultaneous test. Individual specific IgE test and multiple allergen simultaneous test allergy detection prevalence was generally similar to SPT in patients with chronic rhinitis. All control patients had negative SPT (0/40), but low positive results were found with both individual specific IgE test (5–12.5%) and multiple allergen simultaneous test (2.5–7.5%) to some allergens, especially cockroach, Dermatophagoides farina, and ragweed. Agreement and correlation between individual specific IgE test and multiple allergen simultaneous test were good to excellent for a majority of tested allergens. Conclusion This study shows good agreement and correlation between SPT with individual specific IgE test and multiple allergen simultaneous test on a majority of the tested allergens for patients with chronic rhinitis. Comparing the two in vitro tests, individual specific IgE test agrees with SPT better than multiple allergen simultaneous test.
Population of Croatia - demogeographical studies and analyses

Knjiga sadržava studije i analize demogeografskih pojava i procesa u Hrvatskoj. Podijeljena je na sedam poglavlja: Razmjestaj stanovnistva, Ukupno (opce) kretanje stanovnistva, Prirodno kretanje, Prostorna pokretljivost, Bioloski sastav stanovnistva, Demografski resursi i Buduce kretanje broja stanovnika. Kamo ide Hrvatska?
Identification of cysteine protease inhibitors that belong to cystatin family 1 in the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum

Abstract Family 1 cystatins are cytosolic inhibitors of cysteine proteases, and they are conserved in higher eukaryotes. We characterized two newly identified family 1 cystatins of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum, cystatin A1 and A2. Their recombinant proteins showed specific inhibitory activity against papain and cathepsin B, respectively. Using specific polyclonal antibodies, we found that cystatin A1 is stably expressed throughout the life cycle of Dictyostelium, whereas cystatin A2 expression is up-regulated during the course of development.
MIMIC NATURAL DRAINAGE PROCESSES A practical approach for stormwater management in Western Australia

When rain falls on undeveloped land in temperate climate zones, most of the water will soak into the topsoil and slowly make its way to the nearest receiving water body (via subsurface flow). A small portion of rainfall in undeveloped catchments, generally 10-20%, will become direct surface runoff and most of this will be generated by only a few intense rainfall events a year (The Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia 2002; Argue 2004; Department of Environment 2004). The same types of processes occur in all areas of Australia; however, the degree of infiltration and surface runoff will vary. Runoff moves slowly through catchments because the ground surface is rough due to the presence of vegetation, rocks and soil. Small rainfall events have little impact on flow rates in surface water bodies because the major movement of water to receiving water bodies is through subsurface flow (Walsh et al. 2004).
Effects of Intermittent Administration of Parathyroid Hormone (1-34) on Bone Differentiation in Stromal Precursor Antigen-1 Positive Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells

Periodontitis is the most common cause of tooth loss and bone destruction in adults worldwide. Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) may represent promising new therapeutic biomaterials for tissue engineering applications. Stromal precursor antigen-1 (STRO-1) has been shown to have roles in adherence, proliferation, and multipotency. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) has been shown to enhance proliferation in osteoblasts. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to compare the functions of STRO-1(+) and STRO-1(−) hPDLSCs and to investigate the effects of PTH on the osteogenic capacity of STRO-1(+) hPDLSCs in order to evaluate their potential applications in the treatment of periodontitis. Our data showed that STRO-1(+) hPDLSCs expressed higher levels of the PTH-1 receptor (PTH1R) than STRO-1(−) hPDLSCs. In addition, intermittent PTH treatment enhanced the expression of PTH1R and osteogenesis-related genes in STRO-1(+) hPDLSCs. PTH-treated cells also exhibited increased alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization ability. Therefore, STRO-1(+) hPDLSCs represented a more promising cell resource for biomaterials and tissue engineering applications. Intermittent PTH treatment improved the capacity for STRO-1(+) hPDLSCs to repair damaged tissue and ameliorate the symptoms of periodontitis.