Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Caught Between Cultures: Hmong Parents in America’s Sibling Society

Based on a qualitative study of the Hmong Community in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, this paper addresses the conflict between the traditionally hierarchical and patriarchal Hmong culture and those aspects of American culture that elevate freedom and equality over, not only patriarchy, but over hierarchy in general. Although this conflict has forced the Hmong community to change in some positive ways, it also creates great challenges for parents and their children. Distorted values of “freedom” and “equality,” promoted by much of American culture, compromise the ability of many Hmong to be effective parents. A comparison of traditional Hmong parenting with what author Robert Bly calls America’s “sibling society” demonstrates that both Hmong and mainstream families and society are hurt by a general rejection of authority and would greatly benefit from recognizing the value of hierarchy based on experience, genuine accomplishment and wisdom . Introduction According to community estimates, the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, are home to some 65,000 Hmong people, one of the largest Hmong communities in the United States (Hmong National Development and Hmong Cultural and Resource Center, 2004). The federal government has now agreed to accept some 14,000 additional Hmong refugees, current residents of Wat Thamkrabok, a large Hmong refugee community in Thailand. By early 2005, approximately 5000 members of this group are expected to arrive in the Twin Cities. I had the opportunity to visit Wat Thamkabrok in Thailand in January 2002. Residents lived in a cramped, unnatural environment, unable to engage in traditional Hmong farming and, because of restrictions imposed upon them as non-citizens of Thailand, also often unable to gain substantial employment outside the camp. Life in Wat Thamkabrok, however, much more closely resembles that of a traditional Hmong village than it does the life the refugees will
Reverse engineering gene networks using singular value decomposition and robust regression

We propose a scheme to reverse-engineer gene networks on a genome-wide scale using a relatively small amount of gene expression data from microarray experiments. Our method is based on the empirical observation that such networks are typically large and sparse. It uses singular value decomposition to construct a family of candidate solutions and then uses robust regression to identify the solution with the smallest number of connections as the most likely solution. Our algorithm has O(log N) sampling complexity and O(N4) computational complexity. We test and validate our approach in a series of in numero experiments on model gene networks.
Occupancy Grid Map Merging for Multiple robot simultaneous Localization and Mapping

In robotics, the key requirement for achieving autonomy is to provide robots with the ability to accurately map an environment and simultaneously localize themselves within that environment. This problem is referred to as Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). In this research, a decentralized platform for SLAM with multiple robots has been developed. Single-robot SLAM is achieved through Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) data fusion. This approach is then extended to multiple-robot SLAM with a novel occupancy grid map fusion algorithm. Map fusion is achieved through a multi-step process that includes image preprocessing, segmentation, cross correlation, approximating the relative transformation matrix, tuning of the transformation matrix, and finally verification of the result. Results are shown from tests performed in real-world environments with multiple homogeneous robotic platforms. 1
Composing Security-Aware Software

This article addresses a key issue in security: how to inspire trust by disclosing security properties of software components to others in a component-based software development environment. The authors introduce a component security characterization framework in this endeavor that characterizes security properties by exposing software security profiles to others. The active interface lets software engineers know up front the impact of security properties of a composition's candidate components.
OWA and PCA Integrated Assessment Model in Software Project

This research proposed the OWA and PCA integrated assessment model for appropriately evaluating the performance of software project. First, the amount of evaluation data was reduced by PCA. As a result, the number of criteria was cut down, but the originally contained information was preserved. Next, OWA was employed to analytically obtain the weights of resultant criteria. In empirical verification, three software projects of one famous hospital in Taiwan were selected as the objects to examine the model appropriateness.
An examination of retention factors among registered practical nurses in north-eastern Ontario, Canada.

INTRODUCTION Literature from the past two decades has presented an insufficient amount of research conducted on the nursing practice environments of registered practical nurses (RPNs). The objective of this article was to investigate the barriers and facilitators to sustaining the nursing workforce in north-eastern Ontario (NEO), Canada. In particular, retention factors for RPNs were examined. METHODS This cross-sectional research used a self-administered questionnaire. Home addresses of RPNs working in NEO were obtained from the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). Following a modified Dillman approach with two mail-outs, survey packages were sent to a random sample of RPNs (N=1337) within the NEO region. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine intent to stay (ITS) in relation to the following factor categories: demographic, and job and career satisfaction. RESULTS Completed questionnaires were received from 506 respondents (37.8% response rate). The likeliness of ITS in the RPNs' current position for the next 5 years among nurses aged 46-56 years were greater than RPNs in the other age groups. Furthermore, the lifestyle of NEO, internal staff development, working in nursing for 14-22.5 years, and working less than 1 hour of overtime per week were factors associated with the intention to stay. CONCLUSIONS Having an understanding of the work environment may contribute to recruitment and retention strategy development. The results of this study may assist with addressing the nursing shortage in rural and northern areas through improved retention strategies of RPNs.
Effects of Fasting on Plasma Glucose and Prolonged Tracer Measurement of Hepatic Glucose Output in NIDDM

We studied the measurement of hepatic glucose output (HGO) with prolonged [3-3H]glucose infusion in 14 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Over the course of 10.5 h, plasma glucose concentration fell with fasting by one-third, from 234 ± 21 to 152 ± 12 mg/dl, and HGO fell from 2.35 ± 0.18 to 1.36 ± 0.07 mg · kg−1 · min−1 (P < .001). In the basal state, HGO and glucose were significantly correlated (r = 0.68, P = .03), and in individual patients, HGO and glucose were closely correlated as both fell with fasting (mean r = 0.79, P < .01). Plasma [3-3H]glucose radioactivity approached a steady state only 5-6 h after initiation of the primed continuous infusion, and a 20% overestimate of HGO was demonstrated by not allowing sufficient time for tracer labeling of the glucose pool. Assumption of steadystate instead of non-steady-state kinetics in using Steele's equations to calculate glucose turnover resulted in a 9-24% overestimate of HGO. Stimulation of glycogenolysis by glucagon injection demonstrated no incorporation of [3-3H]glucose in hepatic glycogen during the prolonged tracer infusion. In a separate study, plasma glucose was maintained at fasting levels (207 ± 17 mg/dl) for 8 h with the glucose-clamp technique. Total glucose turnover rates remained constant during this prolonged tracer infusion. However, HGO fell to 30% of the basal value simply by maintaining fasting hyperglycemia in the presence of basal insulin levels. Inconclusion, elevated HGO is a major determinant of fasting hyperglycemia in NIDDM, and the close relationship of plasma glucose and HGO is maintained as both fall during a day-long fast. Insufficient time for tracer equilibration, and assumption of steady-state kinetics may result in significant overestimates of HGO. HGO is suppressed by 70% when the fall in glucose level is prevented by performing a glucose clamp at the fasting glucose level. This effect should be considered in studies with the isoglycemic clamp technique to study effects of interventions on HGO of NIDDM.
On the Necessity of Accurate IEEE 802.11P Models for IVC Protocol Simulation

In the scientific community, Inter-Vehicle Communication (IVC) protocols are frequently evaluated using simulation techniques, often using variants of WiFi stacks instead of IEEE 802.11p, which constitutes the basis for the new DSRC/WAVE standard. We discuss the necessity of using accurate WAVE models based on an extensive set of simulation experiments using: an IEEE 802.11b model, an IEEE 802.11b model tweaked to work in the same frequency range and using similar timings like IEEE 802.11p, as well as a fully featured channel hopping WAVE model. Even though, intuitively, the use of the different protocols will lead to a different network behavior, to the best of our knowledge, there has been no qualitative and quantitative evaluation or comparison of both worlds. According to our results, we can conclude that the simple WiFi model may indeed be used, but only for extremely sparse scenarios - this is exactly what has been validated using field tests. In denser traffic scenarios there is a significant deviation of the protocol behavior between WiFi (and its adapted variant) compared to WAVE. Thus, especially in dense scenarios, the application behavior is strongly influenced if simulated with the wrong model - leading to unrealistic results.
Participatory processes in sustainable universities – what to assess?

Purpose – This paper aims to connect participatory sustainability implementation with sustainability assessment, exploring learning theories, the principles of Higher Education for Sustainable Development (HESD) and respective indicators applied in the university context. Even though participation is partly considered in existing assessment practices, it is still unclear what and how to measure participatory processes that envision implementing sustainability principles in higher education institutions. Holistic approaches are often proclaimed, but reductionist assessment methods are frequently followed. Design/methodology/approach – The study followed a qualitative approach, inspired by the Delphi method, and includes semi-structured expert interviews (N = 15) and two focus group discussions (N = 23), with participants coming from a total of 17 different countries. Data were analysed and compared according to qualitative content analysis and systemized according to the underlying theoretical strands. Fin.
Game-based Abstraction for Markov Decision Processes

In this paper we present a novel abstraction technique for Markov decision processes (MDPs), which are widely used for modelling systems that exhibit both probabilistic and nondeterministic behaviour. In the field of model checking, abstraction has proved an extremely successful tool to combat the state-space explosion problem. In the probabilistic setting, however, little practical progress has been made in this area. We propose an abstraction method for MDPs based on stochastic two-player games. The key idea behind this approach is to maintain a separation between nondeterminism present in the original MDP and nondeterminism introduced through abstraction, each type being represented by a different player in the game. Crucially, this allows us to obtain distinct lower and upper bounds for both the best and worst-case performance (minimum or maximum probabilities) of the MDP. We have implemented our techniques and illustrate their practical utility by applying them to a quantitative analysis of the Zeroconf dynamic network configuration protocol
Variational reconstruction and restoration for video Super-Resolution

This paper presents a variational framework for obtaining super-resolved video-sequences, based on the observation that reconstruction-based Super-Resolution (SR) algorithms are limited by two factors: registration exactitude and Point Spread Function (PSF) estimation accuracy. To minimize the impact of the first limiting factor, a small-scale linear in-painting algorithm is proposed to provide smooth SR video frames. To improve the second limiting factor, a fast PSF local estimation and total variation-based denoising is proposed. Experimental results reflect the improvements provided by the proposed method when compared to classic SR approaches.
Intimal Ultrastructure of Human Umbilical Arteries: OBSERVATIONS ON ARTERIES FROM NEWBORN CHILDREN OF SMOKING AND NONSMOKING MOTHERS

The umbilical artery was chosen as a possible model for evaluating the vascular injury provoked by tobacco smoking in humans. Cords from newborn children delivered by 15 nonsmoking and 13 smoking mothers were studied in the transmission and the scanning electron microscope. Pronounced intimal changes were seen in the arteries from smoking mothers; the most important findings were degenerative changes of the endothelium such as swelling, blebbing, contraction, and subsequent opening of the endothelial junctions with formation of subendothelial edema. Other observations included dilation of the endoplasmic reticulum in the endothelium and reparative changes such as a considerable widening of the basement membrane. Since similar changes can be induced in arteries of animals by exposure to carbon monoxide or perfusion with nicotine, we conclude that the present study supports the concept that tobacco smoking is harmful to the vascular endothelium. This study also contributes to an understanding of the mechanism through which vascular injury is provoked in heavy smokers.
Performance Impact of LoS and NLoS Transmissions in Dense Cellular Networks

In this paper, we introduce a sophisticated path loss model incorporating both line-of-sight (LoS) and non-line-of-sight (NLoS) transmissions to study their impact on the performance of dense small cell networks (SCNs). Analytical results are obtained for the coverage probability and the area spectral efficiency (ASE), assuming both a general path loss model and a special case with a linear LoS probability function. The performance impact of LoS and NLoS transmissions in dense SCNs in terms of the coverage probability and the ASE is significant, both quantitatively and qualitatively, compared with the previous work that does not differentiate LoS and NLoS transmissions. Our analysis demonstrates that the network coverage probability first increases with the increase of the base station (BS) density, and then decreases as the SCN becomes denser. This decrease further makes the ASE suffer from a slow growth or even a decrease with network densification. The ASE will grow almost linearly as the BS density goes ultra dense. For practical regime of the BS density, the performance results derived from our analysis are distinctively different from previous results, and thus shed new insights on the design and deployment of future dense SCNs.
Kuhse on caring

After a brief description of Helga Kuhse’s arguments on the place of caring in moral decision-making in her recent book, Caring: Nurses, Women and Ethics, the author suggests that Kuhse is committed to reasons externalism and to a moderate form of motivational externalism. This compartmentalizes the psychology of moral agency and fails to see caring as the holistic stance toward patients which some nursing theorists have been espousing. The author then goes on to sketch such a holistic conception and to overcome difficulties relating to objectivity, the place of practical reason, and to weakness of will, which the new conception raises.
Trapping a salt-dependent unfolding intermediate of the marginally stable protein Yfh1

Yfh1, the yeast ortholog of frataxin, is a protein of limited thermodynamic stability which undergoes cold denaturation at temperatures above the water freezing point. We have previously demonstrated that its stability is strongly dependent on ionic strength and that monovalent or divalent cations are able to considerably stabilize the fold. Here, we present a study of the folded state and of the structural determinants that lead to the strong salt dependence. We demonstrate by nuclear magnetic resonance that, at room temperature, Yfh1 exists as an equilibrium mixture of a folded species and a folding intermediate in slow exchange equilibrium. The equilibrium completely shifts in favor of the folded species by the addition of even small concentrations of salt. We demonstrate that Yfh1 is destabilized by a localized energetic frustration arising from an “electrostatic hinge” made of negatively charged residues mapped in the β-sheet. Salt interactions at this site have a “frustration-relieving” effect. We discuss the consequences of our findings for the function of Yfh1 and for our understanding of protein folding stability.
Activation‐induced expression of CD1d antigen on mature T cells

In the present study, we investigated the expression of human CD1d antigen on activated mature T cells. Expression of this glycoprotein was found to be highly regulated and dependent on PHA stimulation. Flow cytometry studies using the NOR3.2 antibody, which recognized CD1d under denaturing conditions, showed a clear increase in its expression after PHA stimulation. Expression of this molecule after PHA activation was confirmed by analysis of its corresponding transcript by RT‐PCR. A single band representing mRNA for CD1d membrane isoform was observed in activated PBMC as well as in ER3 CD1D‐transfected and MOLT‐4, pre‐T cell lines, which were used as controls. Western blot analysis revealed an activation‐dependent increase in CD1d protein expression when PBMC and enriched T cells were activated for different time periods. Activation‐dependent expression of CD1d antigen was also confirmed in allogenic‐activated T cells, suggesting that this event could have biological significance. Finally, immunocytochemical studies showed the presence of this protein at the plasma membrane accompanied by a cytoplasmic and perinuclear distribution. Results presented herein provide the first experimental evidence showing that CD1d antigen is present on circulating, activated T lymphocytes, suggesting that its expression is dependent on the activation state of the cells. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms implicated in the activation‐dependent expression of this nonclassical antigen will provide new insights into the understanding of antigen presentation and immune regulation.
A Temporal Scripting Language for Object-Oriented Animation

Object orientation and concurrency are inherent to computer animation. Since the pieces of an animation can come from various media such as computer-generated imagery, video, and sound, the case for object orientation is all the stronger. However, languages for expressing the temporal co-ordination of animated objects have been slow in coming. We present such a language in this paper. Since the movements that an animated object can perform are also encapsulated as objects in our system, the scripting language can also be used to specify motion co-ordination. Such “motion objects” can be applied to any animated object. The syntax, semantics, and implementation of this language will be described, and we shall show how to specify device-independent computer animation. The financial assistance of an FNRS grant from the Swiss Federal Government is gratefully acknowledged. The first author also wishes to acknowledge the financial support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Address of first author as of 1 September, 1987: Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, 10 King’s College Road, Toronto, M5S 1A4, Canada.
Investigating the effect of arc perturbation on SIW cavity backed slot antenna

In this paper, the effect of using square cavity with two arc corners on a SIW cavity backed slot antenna is presented. The arc perturbation technique is used to separate the resonant frequencies of two degenerated modes in a square SIW cavity. The behavior of an individual SIW cavity with 2 different arc corners is discussed. The bandwidth improvement is achieved using an arc perturbation technique in the SIW square cavity compared to conventional SIW cavity backed slot antenna. The simulated results show the impedance bandwidth for reflection coefficient less than −10 dB, is 3%. Furthermore, the presented antenna exhibits good radiation performance of unidirectional pattern, high Gain and FTBR of 5.2 dBi and −27 dB, respectively. Moreover, the proposed antenna benefits from advantages, including compact size, light weight, easy fabrication with low cost and convenient integration with planar circuits.
Marriage Practices Among The Gidda Oromo, Northern Wollega, Ethiopia

The present paper is a descriptive study of marriage ceremonies and types of marriage among Gidda Oromo, northern Wollega, Ethiopia. The information was obtained by interviewing with elders of the study community. Data were collected from January 1993 through August 1993. Naqataa (betrothal) is the most common type of marriage among the Gidda Oromos followed by Sabat marii, Hawwii, Butii, Aseennaa and Dhalaa.
Phase transitions in the symmetric Kondo-lattice model in two and three dimensions.

We present an application of high-order series expansion in the coupling constants for the ground-state properties of correlated lattice fermion systems. Expansions have been generated up to order ({ital t}/{ital J}){sup 14} for {ital d}=1 and ({ital t}/{ital J}){sup 8} for {ital d}=2,3 for certain properties of the symmetric Kondo-lattice model. Analyzing the susceptibility series, we find evidence for a continuous phase transition from the spin-liquid phase characteristic of a Kondo insulator to an antiferromagnetically ordered phase in dimensions {ital d}{ge}2 as the antiferromagnetic Kondo coupling is decreased. The critical point is estimated to be at ({ital t}/{ital J}){sub {ital c}}{approx}0.7 for a square lattice and ({ital t}/{ital J}){sub {ital c}}{approx}0.5 for a simple-cubic lattice.
Women’s Narratives about Identity, Power and Agency within a Mining Organisation in South Africa

Drawing on social constructionist and post-structuralist theoretical frameworks, this study examined the complexities that constitute women’s narratives within a mining organisation in South Africa. With specific reference to the social constructs of identity, conflict and power, the aims of this study were to investigate how women narrate their experience, the ways in which women live with the tensions of a workplace that is potentially both liberating and limiting and the implications of these tensions for women’s well-being, identities and social roles. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine women in management positions and were analysed using an inductive emergent thematic analytical method. The nature of identity that emerged from the participants’ narratives was viewed as an act of weaving together the multiple strands of the self, where participants recognised the points at which these multiple strands intercept and where they diverge. At each point of interception and divergence there were expressions of ambiguous identity or identity salience. Identity was seen to be mediated by the micro-physics of power and, within this framework, participants were seen to be agents in negotiating an authentic and egalitarian self, and a space for women in mining.