Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potential greenhouse gas benefits of transatlantic wood pellet trade

Power utility companies in the United Kingdom are using imported wood pellets from the southern region of the United States for electricity generation to meet the legally binding mandate of sourcing 15% of the nation’s total energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020. This study ascertains relative savings in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for a unit of electricity generated using imported wood pellet in the United Kingdom under 930 different scenarios: three woody feedstocks (logging residues, pulpwood, and logging residues and pulpwood combined), two forest management choices (intensive and non-intensive), 31 plantation rotation ages (year 10 to year 40 in steps of 1 year), and five power plant capacities (20–100 MW in steps of 20 MW). Relative savings in GHG emissions with respect to a unit of electricity derived from fossil fuels in the United Kingdom range between 50% and 68% depending upon the capacity of power plant and rotation age. Relative savings in GHG emissions increase with higher power plant capacity. GHG emissions related to wood pellet production and transatlantic shipment of wood pellets typically contribute about 48% and 31% of total GHG emissions, respectively. Overall, use of imported wood pellets for electricity generation could help in reducing the United Kingdom’s GHG emissions. We suggest that future research be directed to evaluation of the impacts of additional forest management practices, changing climate, and soil carbon on the overall savings in GHG emissions related to transatlantic wood pellet trade.
Design space for spatio-data coordination: Tangible interaction devices for immersive information visualisation

We introduce the concept of “spatio-data coordination” (SD coordination) which defines the mapping of user actions in physical space into the space of data in a visualisation. SD coordination is intended to lower the user's cognitive load when exploring complex multi-dimensional data such as biomedical data, multiple data attributes vs time in a space-time-cube visualisation, or three-dimensional projections of three-or-higher-dimensional data sets. To inform the design of interaction devices to allow for SD coordination, we define a design space and demonstrate it with sketches and early prototypes of three exemplar devices for SD coordinated interaction.
Financial Accelerator Effects in UK Business Cycles

This paper uses a dynamic general equilibrium model incorporating financial accelerator effects to examine interactions between corporate investment and financial conditions in recent UK business cycles. The paper notes correspondences in recent recessions between the behaviour of business investment, the financial health of the corporate sector and some indicators of the availability of finance. It then investigates whether a financial accelerator model, developed by Bernanke, Gertier and Gilchrist (1999), can shed light on key features of recent recessions. The model is calibrated to broadly match UK financial conditions prevailing at the start of recent recessions, and is simulated with and without its financial accelerator mechanism. Simulations of the model incorporating financial accelerator effects seem consistent with some of the observed features of corporate real and financial behaviour in previous downturns.
A dynamic attribute-based risk aware access control model (DA-RAAC) for cloud computing

Cloud computing is a distributed computing paradigm and provides services to the customers through the internet. Cloud computing virtualizes system by pooling and sharing resources. Customers store their data on the cloud using resources and they provide the access of data to the users. Cloud computing has to ensure the security of the data stored in the cloud. Access to the data stored in the cloud is provided through access controls defined by data owner while storing the data in the cloud. Access control models using access controls specified by the data owner will monitor access to the data on the cloud. Earlier various traditional access control models are proposed and they are not sufficient for the cloud environment. Cloud environment supports remote access for computation, storage etc. Cloud computing demands attribute based encryption-access control models. Various access control models are proposed using attribute encryption namely KP-ABE, CP-ABE, HASBE. These access control models are static in nature. In this paper, we propose a dynamic attribute-based risk aware access control model which can be hybridized with the above access control models. Our model combines risk computation with attributes used for access control. This paper describes the need and motivation for the design and development of the DA-RAAC model by enhancing NIST RBAC model. We formally prove our model is highly dynamic when compared to the existing attribute-based access control models through experiment results.
Levels of Urinary Complement Factor H in Patients with IgA Nephropathy are Closely Associated with Disease Activity

Factor H plays a key inhibitory role in control of the activation of alternative pathway of complement system. The aim of the study was to investigate the predictive value of factor H as a biomarker of renal injury in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Urine factor H concentration from 202 patients was measured and compared with that of 60 healthy volunteers. Forty‐eight patients fulfilled Haas‐I or II (group 1), 60 fulfilled Haas‐III (group 2) and 94 fulfilled Haas‐IV or V (group 3). Co‐deposition of factor H and C3b in kidneys were investigated using confocal microscope. The levels of urinary factor H, when expressed as a ratio of urinary creatinine, were significantly higher in groups 3 than group 1 and 2, also significantly higher in group 2 than group 1. In addition, the levels of urinary factor H were significantly higher in those with factor H deposition in the kidney than those without deposition. The levels of urinary factor H may be a useful biomarker to evaluate kidney injury in IgAN.
Improving classification of EEG signals for a four-state brain machine interface

Neural network classifiers are one among the popular modes in the design of classifiers for electroencephalograph based brain machine interfaces. This study presents algorithms to improve the classification performance of motor imagery for a four state brain machine interface. Dynamic neural network models with band power and Parseval energy density features are proposed to improve the classification of task signals. Motor imagery signals recorded noninvasively at the sensorimotor cortex region using two bipolar electrodes are used in the study. The performances of the proposed algorithms are compared with a static neural classifier. Average classification performance of 97.7% was achievable. Experiment results show that the distributed time delay neural network model out performs the layered recurrent and feed forward neural classifiers.
Inequality aversion in long-term contracts

This paper examines a two-period moral hazard model with an inequality-averse agent. We show how the agent's past performance will help the principal to relax incentive compatibility constraints and how the existence of an inequality aversion of the agent affects a level of wage in each period in a long-term contract. In particular, we focus on the performance in period 1 on the level of wage in period 2. We show that the agent's wage in period 2 depends on performance in periods 1 and 2. This implies that the long-term relationship creates the opportunity for intertemporal risk and inequality sharing.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Chickens in Durango State, Mexico

Abstract: Little is known concerning the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in chickens (Gallus domesticus) in Mexico. Antibodies to T. gondii were determined in 519 chickens in Durango, Mexico using the modified agglutination test (MAT). Two groups (A, B) of chickens were sampled. Group A chickens (n = 51) were raised in backyards in 7 municipalities in 3 geographical regions in Durango State. Group B chickens were raised in farms in the Mexican States of Sinaloa (n = 289) and Nayarit (n = 179) but slaughtered in 2 abattoirs in Durango City. Overall, antibodies to T. gondii were found in 36 (6.9%) of 519 chickens, with MAT titers of 1∶25 in 22, 1∶50 in 8, 1∶100 in 2, 1∶200 in 3, and 1∶400 in 1. Seroprevalence of T. gondii increased significantly with age and was significantly higher in Group A chickens than in Group B chickens. In Group A chickens, a 25.5% seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was found. Seropositive chickens were found in all 7 municipalities sampled. In Group B chickens, the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was 4.9%. This is the first report of T. gondii infection in chickens in Durango State, Mexico.
Comparative evaluation of coupling L-CL filter for interleaved three-phase voltage source inverters

In this paper, the combinations of coupled inductors (CIs) and LCL filters are comparatively investigated for grid-connected interleaved three-phase voltage source inverters (VSIs) in terms of the resonance phenomenon. In current-controlled direct parallel VSIs, two current controllers are required for the power flow and the circulating currents. Therefore, the stability of both current controllers are evaluated for three possible configurations of CIs and LCL filters. As a result, the resonance frequencies vary with the placement of the parallel capacitors and the grid-side inductors. A configuration for reducing the effect of the resonance on the system stability is proposed, and the stable operation of the proposed configuration is simply achieved without additional losses by passive or the controller complexity by active damping. The three possible combinations of CIs and LCL filters are simulated and the proposed configuration is experimentally verified.
Fragile Watermarking Based on LBP for Blind Tamper Detection in Images

Nowadays, with the development of signal processing technique, the protection to the integrity and authenticity of images has become a topic of great concern. A blind image authentication technology with high tamper detection accuracy for different common attacks is urgently needed. In this paper, an improved fragile watermarking method based on local binary pattern (LBP) is presented for blind tamper location in images. In this method, a binary watermark is generated by LBP operator which is often utilized in face identification and texture analysis. In order to guarantee the safety of the proposed algorithm, Arnold transform and logistic map are used to scramble the authentication watermark. Then, the least significant bits (LSBs) of original pixels are substituted by the encrypted watermark. Since the authentication data is constructed from the image itself, no original image is needed in tamper detection. The LBP map of watermarked image is compared to the extracted authentication data to determine whether it is tampered or not. In comparison with other state-of-the-art schemes, various experiments prove that the proposed algorithm achieves better performance in forgery detection and location for baleful attacks.
[The Role of Worry and Rumination in the Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression].

AIM The aim of this study is to examine the unique and interactive role of worry and rumination in anxiety and depression symptoms. METHOD A total of 328 university students responded to questionnaires assessing worry (Penn State Worry Questionnaire), rumination (Ruminative Response Styles Questionnaire-Short Form), anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory and Trait Anxiety Inventory), and depression (Beck Depression Inventory). RESULTS The results of regression analyses demonstrated that the relationship between worry and depressive symptoms is significant only if individuals engage in high levels of brooding type rumination. The main effect of worry was a significant predictor of trait anxiety, but it did not make a significant contribution to somatic anxiety. Brooding was found to be associated not only with depressive symptoms but also with both types of anxiety. Finally, the reflection type of rumination did not significantly predict depressive symptoms, somatic anxiety, or trait anxiety. CONCLUSION Findings indicated that worry and rumination are related to both anxiety and depression. Clinical implications of these results were discussed in the light of the current literature.
Evaluation of a dental pulp-derived cell sheet cultured on amniotic membrane substrate.

OBJECTIVE Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are transplanted for periodontal tissue regeneration, and the periodontal ligament (PDL) is regenerated using a cultured cell sheet. This cultured cell sheet is prepared using PDL-derived cells, growth factors, and amniotic membrane (AM). Dental pulp (DP)-derived cells can be easily obtained from extracted wisdom teeth, proliferate rapidly, and are less susceptible to bacterial infection than PDL-derived cells. Thus, to prepare a novel cell sheet, DP-derived cells were cultured on AM as a culture substrate for immunohistochemical examination. METHODS Wisdom teeth extracted from three adults were cut along the cement-enamel border. DP tissue was collected, minced, and primarily cultured. After three or four passage cultures, DP-derived cells were cultured on AM, followed by hematoxylin-eosin (H-E) and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS DP-derived cells cultured on AM formed a layered structure. Cells positive for vimentin, Ki-67, ZO-1, desmoplakin, CD29, 44, 105 or 146, STRO-1, collagen IV or VII or laminin 5 or α5 chain were localized. CONCLUSIONS DP-derived cells proliferated on AM, while retaining the properties of DP, which allowed the cultured cell sheet to be prepared. In addition, the cultured cell sheet contained MSC, which suggests its potential application in periodontal tissue regeneration.
Sexual Behavior in Later Life

Objectives: This research tests the influences of age, biological, and psychosocial factors on sexual expression in later life. Method: The American Association of Retired Persons Modern Maturity Sexuality Survey collected data on diagnosed illnesses, treated illnesses, sexual desire, sexual attitudes, partner circumstances, and sexual behavior from 1,384 persons ages 45 and older. Ordered logistic regression models estimate the associations of age, biological, and psychosocial factors with the frequency of five sexual behaviors. Results: Diagnosed illnesses and treatments are generally unrelated to frequency of sexual activity. Sexual attitudes are related to frequency of partnered behavior and sexual desire is related to frequency of masturbation among both women and men. Satisfaction with the physical relationship with a partner is strongly related to behavior. Age remains significant after all other factors are controlled. Discussion: The authors conclude that the nature of sexual expression in later life reflects the interplay of body, mind, and social context.
Executive styles in Canada : cabinet structures and leadership practices in Canadian government

Canada's political regime is centred on the existence of a federal system of government within the institutions of Westminster parliamentary democracy. This system places a great deal of political power in the hands of cabinet ministers, and while cabinet systems of government in Canada have evolved at different speeds in different federal and provincial governments, they have, over the last two decades, increased centralization of administrative and legislative control in ever fewer hands. This shift has been well demonstrated by scholars such as Donald J. Savoie regarding the federal system, but little examined in the context of provincial governance. Executive Styles in Canada places equal emphasis on both levels, explaining how and in what way cabinet systems have conformed to or diverged from this general pattern. This unique collection is the only systematic, cross-provincial study of its kind, and is certain to be of great benefit to anyone interested in the structure of government in Canada.
Cell Culture and Xenograft-Bearing Animal Studies of Radiolabeled Antisense DNA–Carrier Nanoparticles with Streptavidin as a Linker

Transmembrane transfectors (carriers) are increasingly being viewed as helpful or even necessary to improve cellular delivery in connection with antisense tumor targeting and other applications requiring cell membrane transport of DNAs, RNAs, and other oligomers. We are investigating streptavidin as a convenient linker for biotinylated carriers and oligomers because it requires only simple mixing for preparation. The goal of this study was to evaluate antisense DNA–streptavidin–carrier nanoparticles for accumulation in cell culture and in xenograft-bearing mice. Methods: The 3 carriers were cholesterol, a 10-mer Tat peptide, and a 10-mer polyarginine peptide. A 20-mer DNA targeting the mdr1 messenger RNA coding for Pgp expression was used as the phosphodiester (PO) DNA as well as the phosphorothioate (PS) DNA. In all cases, the 99mTc radiolabel was on the DNA. The 8 nanoparticles were first tested in mdr1++ KB-G2 and TCO-1 cells and in mdr1+/− KB-31 cells in culture for evidence of improved accumulation and antisense targeting. Thereafter, the PS DNA–streptavidin–Tat, PO DNA–streptavidin–Tat, and PS DNA–streptavidin–cholesterol nanoparticles were administered intravenously to KB-G2 xenograft–bearing mice, and tissue distributions were measured. Results: In culture, the PO nanoparticles showed increased accumulation compared with the corresponding nanoparticles without the carrier in all 3 cell types; in contrast, with the PS nanoparticles, any similar carrier-mediated increase may have been obscured by the much higher protein-binding affinity of PS DNA. As evidence of antisense targeting, the Tat and cholesterol PS nanoparticles showed statistically significant accumulation at 23 h in cells in the descending order TCO-1, KB-G2, and KB-31, although there were no significant differences among the PO nanoparticles. In xenograft-bearing mice, the tissue accumulation of both forms of the PS nanoparticles greatly exceeded that of the PO nanoparticles and, including in the tumor, were similar to that obtained previously for naked PS DNA. Conclusion: The presence of the streptavidin linker had no obvious detrimental effect on the functions of the carriers and antisense DNAs. The higher protein-binding affinity of the PS nanoparticles than the PO nanoparticles was still apparent both in vitro and in vivo, the pharmacokinetics of the PS nanoparticles were similar to that of naked PS DNA, and the carriers improved cellular accumulation, at least for the PO nanoparticles. These observations, taken together with the higher accumulation of both forms of the antisense PS nanoparticles in mdr1++ KB-G2 and TCO-1 cells than in mdr1+/− KB-31 cells, suggest that further effort is justified to confirm that the antisense properties of the DNAs were not compromised by the presence of streptavidin.
Transformations: Immigration, Family Life, and Achievement Motivation Among Latino Adolescents

This book focuses on migration family life and achievement motivation among Latino adolescents. Reported are the findings of a 3-year interdisciplinary research project that was carried out by a research anthropologist and a research psychologist in an area of emigration in central Mexico and in an immigrant-receiving area of southern California. Chapter 1 frames the current American discourse on immigration in the context of a broader postindustrial paradox. Chapter 2 presents some debates in the field of Latino immigration with special reference to family dynamics achievement motivation and schooling. The chapter also examines competing paradigms for exploring the problem of minority status and schooling. Chapter 3 explores theoretical concerns and methodological challenges facing psychological anthropology and cross-cultural psychology in the postmodern moment. It further provides an outline of study methods including a description of informants and instruments used in conducting the research. Chapter 4 presents findings on family dynamics and explores the important psychosocial differences in peer group dynamics. Chapter 5 focuses on achievement motivation and attitudes toward school. The last chapter reviews the prevailing worldwide debate over immigration and offers some general conclusions.
Exchange Rate Volatility and Interest Rate Risk: In Case of Pakistan

The study examines the volatility of exchange rate effects on interest rates and inflation. For this purpose the study used monthly data over the period January 1990 to December 2010. To explore the volatility of exchange rate study used the ARCH (Auto Regressive Conditional Heterosidasticity) and GARCH (Generalized Auto regressive conditional Heterosidasticity). The result shows that positive association between exchange rate risk and interest rate in the form risk premia in the interest rate. The result of the study fulfills the interest parity condition and purchasing power parity.
Genomes of Three Methylotrophs from a Single Niche Reveal the Genetic and Metabolic Divergence of the Methylophilaceae

ABSTRACT The genomes of three representatives of the family Methylophilaceae, Methylotenera mobilis JLW8, Methylotenera versatilis 301, and Methylovorus glucosetrophus SIP3-4, all isolated from a single study site, Lake Washington in Seattle, WA, were completely sequenced. These were compared to each other and to the previously published genomes of Methylobacillus flagellatus KT and an unclassified Methylophilales strain, HTCC2181. Comparative analysis revealed that the core genome of Methylophilaceae may be as small as approximately 600 genes, while the pangenome may be as large as approximately 6,000 genes. Significant divergence between the genomes in terms of both gene content and gene and protein conservation was uncovered, including the varied presence of certain genes involved in methylotrophy. Overall, our data demonstrate that metabolic potentials can vary significantly between different species of Methylophilaceae, including organisms inhabiting the very same environment. These data suggest that genetic divergence among the members of this family may be responsible for their specialized and nonredundant functions in C1 cycling, which in turn suggests means for their successful coexistence in their specific ecological niches.
Crystallization Pathways in Bone

Many biomineralization processes involve the sequestering of ions by cells and their translocation through the cells to the final deposition site. In many invertebrate crystallization pathways the cells deposit an initial highly disordered mineral phase with intracellular vesicles, and this mineral is subsequently transported into the final deposition site outside the cell. As this initial mineral phase is metastable, it can easily dissolve or crystallize during sample preparation and examination. A cryogenic electron microscopy study of the forming fin bone of a zebra fish strain with continuously growing fins shows that the cells responsible for bone tissue formation do have mineral-bearing intracellular vesicles and that the mineral phase is a highly disordered calcium phosphate. We also show that globules of disordered calcium phosphate are present in the extracellular collageneous matrix and that they are not membrane bound. Close to the mineralization front these globules appear to penetrate into the collagen fibrils where they crystallize to form mature bone. This crystallization pathway is similar to pathways observed in invertebrates, and it differs from the matrix vesicle pathway documented for a variety of vertebrate mineralizing tissues as the extracellular mineral globules are not membrane bound.