Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Internet Freedom and Human Rights

This article considers whether the Internet has become so significant, for the provision of, and access to, information and in the formation of political community and associated questions of participation, that it requires further human rights protection beyond freedom of expression. In short, should Internet freedom be configured as a human right? The article begins by considering the ubiquity of the Internet and its significance. A wider historical view is then taken to understand Internet freedom in terms of its lineage and development from earlier debates over freedom of expression and the right to communicate, through to the recognition of the significance of an information society and the need for Internet regulation on the international plane. The current debate over Internet freedom is then analysed with particular focus given to Hillary Clinton's speech on Internet freedom and its subsequent articulation by Special Rapporteur Frank La Rue. The concluding part introduces the critical work of Evgeny Morozov and Jaron Lanier to an international law audience in order to deepen the debate over Internet freedom and to point to the concept's limitations and dangers. It is too early to say whether a "right to Internet freedom" has achieved universal recognition, but this article makes the case that it is worth taking seriously and that Internet freedom may need its own category of protection beyond freedom of expression.
Perceptual image quality: A dissimilarity measure to quantify the degradation of image quality

This paper introduces a novel image quality metric that outperforms other existing and widely used metrics, namely the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Structural Similarity Index (SSIM). Objective methods for assessing perceptual image quality are important for many image processing applications nowadays, however none of the existing metrics are completely satisfactory. Structural Similarity Index has been found promising in some cases, however for medical imaging (especially for CT and MRI images) it still remains immature. Perceptual Dissimilarity (PD) has been found reliable considering medical imaging demands; however for natural images, SSIM still outperforms PD. On that perspective, the proposed image quality metric named Perceptual Image Quality (PIQ) is more consistent with the human visual system's characteristics than SSIM and RMSE.
Modeling and simulation for NBTI-considered path delay prediction in logical circuit

NBTI (Negative Bias Temperature Instability) is a major concern in long-time circuit performance. In this paper, NBTI degradation models of basic logic gates have been developed based on the conventional reaction-diffusion (R-D) model which is used to predict the threshold voltage shift (ΔVTH) of p-type MOSFET. Besides load capacitance (CL), input slew rate (ti) and supply voltage (VDD), ΔVTH versus gate delay degradation of NAND, INV, and NOR have been evaluated and approximated by second-order polynomials. Furthermore, a method to calculate the degradation of circuit speed over a long period of time given input switching rate, duty factor and power supply, is built up. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed has been demonstrated with the ISCAS'85 benchmark circuit.
Initiation of Polyene Macrolide Biosynthesis: Interplay between Polyketide Synthase Domains and Modules as Revealed via Domain Swapping, Mutagenesis, and Heterologous Complementation

ABSTRACT Polyene macrolides are important antibiotics used to treat fungal infections in humans. In this work, acyltransferase (AT) domain swaps, mutagenesis, and cross-complementation with heterologous polyketide synthase domain (PKS) loading modules were performed in order to facilitate production of new analogues of the polyene macrolide nystatin. Replacement of AT0 in the nystatin PKS loading module NysA with the propionate-specific AT1 from the nystatin PKS NysB, construction of hybrids between NysA and the loading module of rimocidin PKS RimA, and stepwise exchange of specific amino acids in the AT0 domain by site-directed mutagenesis were accomplished. However, none of the NysA mutants constructed was able to initiate production of new nystatin analogues. Nevertheless, many NysA mutants and hybrids were functional, providing for different levels of nystatin biosynthesis. An interplay between certain residues in AT0 and an active site residue in the ketosynthase (KS)-like domain of NysA in initiation of nystatin biosynthesis was revealed. Some hybrids between the NysA and RimA loading modules carrying the NysA AT0 domain were able to prime rimocidin PKS with both acetate and butyrate units upon complementation of a rimA-deficient mutant of the rimocidin/CE-108 producer Streptomyces diastaticus. Expression of the PimS0 loading module from the pimaricin producer in the same host, however, resulted in production of CE-108 only. Taken together, these data indicate relaxed substrate specificity of NysA AT0 domain, which is counteracted by a strict specificity of the first extender module KS domain in the nystatin PKS of Streptomyces noursei.
Stress, Social Engagement and Psychological Well-Being in Institutional Settings: Evidence Based on the Minimum Data Set 2.0

RÉSUMÉ Alors qu'il existe une importante documentation sur la relation entre le stress, le soutien social et le bien-etrê chez les aîné(e)s vivant dans la communauté, peu d'études ont examiné la population des institutions. Cette étude a utilisé les données d'enquêtes pilotes du MDS 2.0 de trois hôpitaux ainsi que d'autres enquêtes reliées au bien-être psychologique. On a constaté que les patients les plus engagés socialement avaient tendance à afficher des niveaux plus élevés de bien-être et cette tendance était encore plus frappante chez ceux qui jouissaient d'un meilleur état de santé. La douleur était un prédicteur important de la réduction du bien-être. Étant donné que le MDS 2.0 fournit une approche complète à l'identification des problèmes sociaux, psychologiques et physiques et à leur réponse chez les aîné(e)s vivant en institution, il peut entraîner des effets importants sur le bien-être si on l'utilise à l'appui de la prise de décision et des interventions cliniques. ABSTRACT While a substantial body of literature has emerged on the relationships between stress, social support and well-being in community-based older persons, few studies have examined institutionalized populations. The present study used data from pilot studies of the MDS 2.0 in three hospitals, along with supplementary surveys related to psychological well-being. It was found that patients with higher social engagement scores tended to have higher levels of well-being, and this effect was greatest among those with more stable physical health. Pain was an important predictor of lower well-being. Since the MDS 2.0 provides a comprehensive approach to identifying and responding to social, psychological and physical problems in institutionalized older persons, it can have an important impact on well-being when used to support decision making and clinical intervention.
Conceptual analysis of critical moments in Victoria Climbié's life

Victoria Climbie was a West African child sent to Europe in the care of her aunt, Kouao. She died as a consequence of cruelty and neglect at the hands of her aunt and her aunt's boyfriend, Manning, in particularly extreme circumstances. A major inquiry by Lord Laming into the failings of the statutory services revealed widespread problems and made many recommendations to government. Drawing on the Victoria Climbie Inquiry Report, the paper aims to describe and understand Victoria's states of mind during her time in England. The report contains many clues to the meaning of what happened, but their significance for learning from the entire tragedy is missed. The paper explores why professionals found it impossible to see what was happening, despite the evidence being available. Both Victoria's states of mind and those of the professionals who came into contact with her are analysed in terms of defences against extreme mental pain. The importance of the right kind of training and organizational support being available for child protection staff is discussed.
Predictors of loneliness among adolescents from Portuguese immigrant families in Switzerland.

In this study we aimed to find out the degree of loneliness among Portuguese adolescents from immigrant backgrounds in Switzerland, and the factors that may predict the level of loneliness among them. There were no significant differences between Portuguese adolescents living in Portugal and in Switzerland in terms of level of loneliness. Sociodemographic, intercultural contact, and psychosocial adjustment variables accounted for 35% of the variance explained. Majority language proficiency was the most important predictor of loneliness. Implications of the study for counselors are suggested.
Perceptual, Mechanical, and Electromyographic Responses to Different Relative Loads in the Parallel Squat

Abstract Chapman, M, Larumbe-Zabala, E, Gosss-Sampson, M, Colpus, M, Triplett, NT, and Naclerio, F. Perceptual, mechanical, and electromyographic responses to different relative loads in the parallel squat. J Strength Cond Res 33(1): 8–16, 2019—The effectiveness of the OMNI-RES (0–10) Scale and the electromyographic signal for monitoring changes in the movement velocity were examined during a set to muscular failure using different percentages of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) in the parallel squat exercise (PSQ). Twelve men (26.3 ± 5.8 years) were evaluated on 8 separate days with 48 hours of rest between sessions. After determining the 1RM value, participants underwent 7 tests until achieving muscular failure with the following percentage ranges: 30 to <40%, 40 to <50%, 50 to <60%, 60 to <70%, 70 to <80%, 80 to <90%, and >90%. An optical rotary encoder measured mean accelerative velocity (MAV), and the OMNI-RES (0–10) Scale was used to express the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) after every repetition of each set. In addition, the normalized root mean square signal of the surface electromyography (N-EMG) was calculated for the vastus medialis muscle. The RPE expressed after the first repetition and when the maximum value of MAV was achieved along the sets was lower (p < 0.001, d > 0.8) than the RPE that corresponded to a 10% drop in MAV and at failure. In addition, the initial RPE was useful to distinguish different loading zones by anchoring the OMNI-RES value to the magnitude of the relative load (<60%, 60 to <70% or ⩽70% 1RM). Similar patterns were observed using the N-EMG. In conclusion, apart from differentiating between relative loads during a set to failure in the PSQ, the RPE and the N-EMG can both reflect changes associated with the initial, maximal, 10% drop in movement velocity and the muscular failure.
Gender Differences in Expatriate Job Performance

Cette etude s’etait donne pour but l’analyse des differences de genre dans les performances professionnelles a l’etranger. Ce faisant, on cherchait a repondre a deux grandes questions: 1. Les femmes peuvent-elles remplir efficacement les fonctions d’un emploi a l’etranger? 2. Les expatriees peuvent-elles reussir dans un environnement culturel susceptible d’etre percu peu accueillant aux femmes selon les normes occidentales? L’echantillon etait constitue de 193 expatries, provenant de 36 pays, qui travaillaient en Turquie. L’evaluation des performances professionnelles a ete faite par un collegue de l’expatrie appartenant au pays d’accueil. Les sujets ont en moyenne eteevalues de facon similaire quant a leurs performances quel que soit leur sexe. Notre recherche est favorable a l’accroissement de la mixite chez les expatries. Si les multinationals faisaient davantage appel aux femmes, cela ameliorerait la diversite qualitative de la main-d’oeuvre et construirait des environnements plus riches a l’etranger sans nuire a la perfomance. The purpose of this study was to examine gender differences in expatriate job performance. In doing so, we sought answers to two main questions: (1) Can women effectively perform expatriate job duties? (2) Can female expatriates be successful in a cultural environment that may be perceived to be unfriendly to females by Western standards? One hundred and ninety-three expatriates from 36 countries around the world, currently working in Turkey, constituted the sample. Job performance ratings were obtained from a host country national coworker of each expatriate. Men and women expatriates on average were rated quite similarly in terms of their job performance. Our study lends support to the employment of more gender diverse expatriates. The employment of more women in the international workforce by multinational companies would enhance the quality of workforce diversity, and build more inclusive contexts in expatriate assignments, without decrements to job performance.
Genome-Scale Mapping of Escherichia coli σ54 Reveals Widespread, Conserved Intragenic Binding

Bacterial RNA polymerases must associate with a σ factor to bind promoter DNA and initiate transcription. There are two families of σ factor: the σ70 family and the σ54 family. Members of the σ54 family are distinct in their ability to bind promoter DNA sequences, in the context of RNA polymerase holoenzyme, in a transcriptionally inactive state. Here, we map the genome-wide association of Escherichia coli σ54, the archetypal member of the σ54 family. Thus, we vastly expand the list of known σ54 binding sites to 135. Moreover, we estimate that there are more than 250 σ54 sites in total. Strikingly, the majority of σ54 binding sites are located inside genes. The location and orientation of intragenic σ54 binding sites is non-random, and many intragenic σ54 binding sites are conserved. We conclude that many intragenic σ54 binding sites are likely to be functional. Consistent with this assertion, we identify three conserved, intragenic σ54 promoters that drive transcription of mRNAs with unusually long 5ʹ UTRs.
Associating Parental to Child Psychological Symptoms

The current study investigated the longitudinal transactional association among paternal and maternal depressive symptoms and child internalizing and externalizing difficulties. Data were collected on preschool- to adolescent-age youth via a total of six assessments. The sample (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development [NICHD] Study of Early Child Care) consisted of 1,098 biological mothers and 770 biological fathers. The findings suggest that boys were at lower risk for exhibiting internalizing problems across time and girls were less likely to exhibit externalizing problems. Compared with fathers, mothers reported higher levels of depressive symptoms. The Autoregressive Latent Trajectory models provided evidence for parental and child effects across time, which emphasizes the dynamic association among parental and child psychological symptoms. Differences in the timing of effects were also identified. Transactional associations among maternal and paternal depressive symptoms and child problem behaviors and emotions were identified during the transition from toddlerhood to school age and during adolescence. Finally, gender differences were evident in the transactional associations between parental and child psychological symptoms.
Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci Across Recombinant Inbred Lines and Testcross Populations for Traits of Agronomic Importance in Rice

This study was conducted to determine whether quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling traits of agronomic importance detected in recombinant inbred lines (RILs) are also expressed in testcross (TC) hybrids of rice. A genetic map was constructed using an RIL population derived from a cross between B5 and Minghui 63, a parent of the most widely grown hybrid rice cultivar in China. Four TC hybrid populations were produced by crossing the RILs with three maintaining lines for the widely used cytoplasmic male-sterile (CMS) lines and the genic male-sterile line Peiai64s. The mean values of the RILs for the seven traits investigated were significantly correlated to those of the F1 hybrids in the four TC populations. Twenty-seven main-effect QTL were identified in the RILs. Of these, the QTL that had the strongest effect on each of the seven traits in the RILs was detected in two or more of the TC populations, and six other QTL were detected in one TC population. Epistatic analysis revealed that the effect of epistatic QTL was relatively weak and cross combination specific. Searching publicly available QTL data in rice revealed the positional convergence of the QTL with the strongest effect in a wide range of populations and under different environments. Since the main-effect QTL is expressed across different testers, and in different genetic backgrounds and environments, it is a valuable target for gene manipulation and for further application in rice breeding. When a restorer line that expresses main-effect QTL is bred, it could be used in a number of cross combinations.
Do negative interactions mediate the effects of Negative Emotionality, Communal Positive Emotionality, and Constraint on relationship satisfaction?

Previous research has shown that the personalities of both partners are associated with the qualities of their romantic relationship. This study extends this literature by examining whether or not reports of negative relationship interactions mediate the effects of personality traits on judgments of relationship satisfaction and quality. Participants were 337 couples from the Family Transitions Project who completed a comprehensive personality questionnaire and several scales measuring relationship behaviors and satisfaction. Negative Emotionality and Communal Positive Emotionality were related to both self- and partner reports of relationship satisfaction. These associations were substantially mediated by negative relationship interactions. Discussion furthers the ongoing rapprochement between intrapersonal and interpersonal approaches to the study of romantic relationships.
The Impact of Secondary School Students' Preconceptions on the Evolution of their Mental Models of the Greenhouse effect and Global Warming

This paper provides a video-based learning process study that investigates the kinds of mental models of the atmospheric greenhouse effect 13-year-old learners have and how these mental models change with a learning environment, which is optimised in regard to instructional psychology. The objective of this explorative study was to observe and analyse the learners' learning pathways according to their previous knowledge in detail and to understand the mental model formation processes associated with them more precisely. For the analysis of the learning pathways, drawings, texts, video and interview transcripts from 12 students were studied using qualitative methods. The learning pathways pursued by the learners significantly depend on their domain-specific previous knowledge. The learners' preconceptions could be typified based on specific characteristics, whereby three preconception types could be formed. The ‘isolated pieces of knowledge’ type of learners, who have very little or no previous knowledge about the greenhouse effect, build new mental models that are close to the target model. ‘Reduced heat output’ type of learners, who have previous knowledge that indicates compliances with central ideas of the normative model, reconstruct their knowledge by reorganising and interpreting their existing knowledge structures. ‘Increasing heat input’ type of learners, whose previous knowledge consists of subjective worldly knowledge, which has a greater personal explanatory value than the information from the learning environment, have more difficulties changing their mental models. They have to fundamentally reconstruct their mental models.
Construal of Manner in speech and gesture in Mandarin, English, and Japanese

Two-way typological patterning between satelliteand verb-framed languages in construal of Manner of motion is well attested in speech (e.g. Slobin 2006) and gesture (e.g. McNeill 2001), but contradictory findings exist regarding a third category of equipollently-framed languages (Slobin 2004b). This study examined elicited descriptions of motion from 14 native speakers of MandarinChinese (equipollently-framed), 13 native speakers of English (satellite-framed), and 16 native speakers of Japanese (verb-framed). Results showed that Mandarin and English speakers encoded Manner in speech significantly more than Japanese speakers, and rarely added Manner to gesture when it was absent from speech. However, Mandarin speakers differed from Japanese but also English speakers in gestural highlighting of Manner, where they frequently encoded Manner in speech but not in accompanying gestures, focusing instead on other aspects of the event, specifically Path. These results support a partial three-way typological distinction in construal of motion.
A Computational Study of External Shear Forces in Biofilm Clusters

We conduct a computational study of biofilm exposure to external detachment forces, utilising techniques from computational fluid dynamics and statistics. The results obtained for irregular arrangements of biofilm colonies are compared with those of evenly distributed colonies. This requires a multitude of flow field simulations in irregular domains. Our findings suggest that the biofilm community as an entity is protected better for non-uniform spacing between colonies, while the individual biofilm colony that lives under the worst condition is protected better if neighboring colonies are approximately equidistantly spaced.
Vegetation Indices, Remote Sensing and Forest Monitoring

With increasing threats and pressure exerted on Earth’s forest resources, there are greater demands for more quantitative, timely, and accurate information on their state, functioning, and sustainability. Satellite remote sensing offers an effective way of measuring and monitoring vast forest areas in a consistent and robust manner. This complements ground forest surveys and overcomes the spatial limitations of in situ sampling of forest biophysical properties. Among the various remote sensing tools used in characterizing forests, spectral vegetation indices (VIs) are widely adopted for monitoring forest states and canopy processes. In this article I provide a brief overview on VI applications and advances made in the assessment and monitoring of forest biophysical states, functioning, phenology, and disturbance. I also address current and future challenges, demands, and limitations of VIs for long term forest monitoring and applications in climate science, hydrology, and biogeochemistry.