Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Probability-based controlled flooding in opportunistic networks

Opportunistic networks (Oppnet) are challenged networks in present wireless communication scenario. These networks are mainly applied to situations where a persistent end-to-end path between the source and the destination does not exist. Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN) is mostly used to solve this end-toend path problem in such networks. Many routing protocols have been proposed in literature that consider various performance metrics such as delivery delay, packet delivery rate, hop count, among others. In this paper, a new routing protocol named as PRoWait has been designed which can overcome the shortcomings of the already existing protocols in Oppnets. The proposed protocol also incorporates the merits of existing protocol so that it can be reliable and efficient for the communication of pedestrians with handheld devices. Simulation results obtained for the proposed scheme show better performance as compared to the Porphet, Spray and Wait and Epidemic routing protocols in terms of packets delivery probability, overhead ratio, and hop count performance metrics.
Frequent walking pattern generation that uses estimated actual posture for robust walking control

This paper presents a novel robust framework for online walking control that uses the estimated actual posture of a robot for frequent pattern generation. The motion status in the absolute coordinate system is estimated by using an attitude sensor, and the estimated status is used as the initial condition of the next online pattern generation, so that the walking pattern generator can effectively maintain the balance of actual walking. Since the initial conditions are decided from the estimated actual posture, the pattern generated in each cycle is discontinuous to the one generated in the previous cycle. Therefore, a local sensor feedback controller is developed that can execute discontinuous segments of the trajectory and control the ground reaction force. Damping control of the foot position by using position-controlled leg joints is adopted to attain the desired ground reaction force. In addition, damping control of the torso inclination is implemented in the local sensor feedback to suppress the divergence of motion from that commanded in the absolute coordinate system. The proposed framework is implemented on the full-size humanoid HRP-2, and validated through walking control experiments.
A simple assessment model to quantifying the dynamic hippocampal neurogenic process in the adult mammalian brain

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is a highly dynamic process in which new cells are born, but only some of which survive. Of late it has become clear that these surviving newborn neurons have functional roles, most notably in certain forms of memory. Conventional methods to look at adult neurogenesis are based on the quantification of the number of newly born neurons using a simple cell counting methodology. However, this type of approach fails to capture the dynamic aspects of the neurogenic process, where neural proliferation, death and differentiation take place continuously and simultaneously. In this paper, we propose a simple mathematical approach to better understand the adult neurogenic process in the hippocampus which in turn will allow for a better analysis of this process in disease states and following drug therapies. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
White-collar worker productivity: challenges in Finland

The paper focuses on knowledge worker productivity assessment (KWPA), a method originally developed to support the productivity measurement of knowledge workers within an organisation. The aim is to ascertain whether white-collar workers' productivity drivers at macro-level can be identified by the KWPA; whether the drivers are robust to make general analysis and, furthermore, also suitable for research purposes. In addition, the objective is to identify problems related to the current state of Finnish white-collar workers' productivity by utilising the set of drivers. The empirical data includes questionnaire responses from a total of 840 Finnish white-collar workers representing different organisations and professional groups. This study provides evidence of that white-collar workers' productivity drivers at macro-level can be identified by the KWPA and also seem to be usable for purposes of scientific research. In addition, new information on the current state of Finnish white-collar workers' productivity is provided suggesting that e.g., rewarding policies and feedback practices are the biggest challenges in productivity improvement.
The Rrelationship Between Perceived Quality Dimensions and Growth in Distance Education: The Case of External Degree Programme of the University of Nairobi, Kenya

Shrinking resources from the exchequer, the demand for a more cost-effective education and competition among Kenyan Public Universities has motivated academic administrators in these universities to launch distance education programmes. However, one major concern has been quality. This study sought to determine the relationship between perceived tangibles dimension of a degree programme and its growth. Further, the study intended to establish the relationship between perceived responsiveness dimension and growth of the programmes. A questionnaire was employed to collect data from students, Distance Education administrators and lecturers. The findings showed that there was no significant relationship between the two quality dimensions and the growth of Distance Education Programme. It was observed that growth occurred in spite of perceived quality dimension deficiencies due to career driven demand for higher education. However, quality variables that were considered as key consisted of adequacy and responsibility of teaching and support staff, clarity of course objectives, and flexibility of programmes. The study recommends that Universities engage sufficient and responsible support staff and lecturers to provide learner support services. Similarly, course objectives should be clear, while programmes should be as flexible as possible for learners.
An evaluation of cyber threats to industrial control systems

The contemporary penetration of information systems into all sectors of human activity is also a cause of the increase in the number of cyber-attacks. This trend also has also hit critical information infrastructures (further only - CII). Their failure could have a great impact on the population - and the state itself. Nowadays, networking between industrial systems is increasing rapidly. That is why there is an ever-growing number, sophistication and complexity of cyber-attacks on CIIs. This trend is thus leading to the formation of a new cyber battlefield, where private and state players - each promote their own interests by means of sophisticated cyber weapons.
Meta-synthesis method for qualitative research: a literature review.

AIM This paper discusses the purpose and stages of meta-synthesis and the epistemological status of knowledge generated from the technique. Particular attention is paid to exploring the contested areas of the method that remain. BACKGROUND There is a growing interest in meta-synthesis as a technique for generating new insights and understanding from qualitative health care research. An increasing number of meta-synthesis papers are appearing in the nursing and midwifery literature. METHODS Literature on the technique of meta-synthesis and examples of meta-synthesis papers were searched and reviewed. A meta-synthesis exercise was undertaken, and this informed reflection and critique of the method. FINDINGS Meta-synthesis attempts to integrate results from a number of different but inter-related qualitative studies. The technique has an interpretive, rather than aggregating, intent, in contrast to meta-analysis of quantitative studies. Examples from the literature indicate that some aspects of the technique are not yet fully established. CONCLUSION Despite the contingent nature of evidence gleaned from meta-synthesis and current lack of consensus about some of its aspects, meta-synthesis is an important technique for qualitative researchers and can deepen understanding of the contextual dimensions of health care.
‘Tweet dreams are made of this, who are we to disagree?’ Adventures in a #Brave New World of #tweets, #Twitter, #student engagement and #excitement with #learning

ABSTRACT The paper contributes to the current debate for the need to develop creative assessment strategies designed to enhance greater collaboration and levels of engagement amongst diverse student groups lending itself to deeper learning in postgraduate marketing courses. Through an innovative use of social media (Twitter), students are encouraged to engage and comment on communication and advertising in their lived world. The paper provides a qualitative analysis of student reflections on a Twitter-based assessment activity. Reflective accounts are analysed on the basis of the Technology Acceptance Model by addressing students’ perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of Twitter as an effective tool in creating learning and engagement opportunities as well as debate and discussion within formal and informal learning environments.
Lipid Biochemical and Biophysical Changes in Rat Spermatozoa During Isolation and Functional Activation In Vitro1

ABSTRACT In spermatozoa isolated from rat epididymis, lipids are differentially modified after in vitro induction of capacitation (Cap) and the acrosomal reaction (AR). This study uses Laurdan fluorescence generalized polarization values (GPv) to evaluate the effect of lipid changes occurring after isolation and functional activation on sperm membrane biophysical properties. In gametes isolated in the presence of a divalent cation chelator, no lipid changes occurred and the GPv were the lowest recorded, indicating maximal membrane lipid mobility. In sperm isolated as rapidly and gently as possible in the absence of chelator, part of the sphingomyelins (SM) were converted into ceramides (Cer), giving rise to higher GPv. In samples incubated as controls for Cap and AR, unchanged cholesterol and reduced glycerophospholipid levels were accompanied by the accumulation of free fatty acids (FFA), leading to even higher GPv. After completion of Cap, the GPv returned to lower levels as a result of the spermatozoa losing part of their cholesterol and FFA. Cap samples became relatively enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids-containing plasmalogens because hydrolysis affected phosphatidyl rather than plasmenyl glycerophospholipid subclasses. The highest Cer:SM ratio and the highest GPv were found after completion of AR induced by A23187. The degree of SM → Cer conversion among the samples, including controls, correlated with the extent of AR. FFA and Cer augmented GPv when added to liposomes prepared from the membrane lipid of intact sperm. Our results underscore the importance of hydrolytic changes that affect sperm lipids, especially the decisive lipid SM and Cer pair, not only after inducing sperm functional changes such as Cap and AR, but also under control conditions.
Evaluation of a new whole‐blood filter that allows preparation of platelet concentrates by platelet‐rich plasma methods

BACKGROUND: A novel WBC‐reduction in‐line whole‐blood (WB) filter that does not retain platelets was evaluated to assess the filtration performance and, after processing WB by the platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) method, to analyze the storage quality of filtered platelet concentrate (PC) units.
Chapter 2 Non-negative Matrix Factorization and Its Variants for Audio Signal Processing

In this chapter, I briefly introduce a multivariate analysis technique called non-negative matrix factorization (NMF), which has attracted a lot of attention in the field of audio signal processing in recent years. I will mention some basic properties of NMF, effects induced by the non-negative constraints, how to derive an iterative algorithm for NMF, and some attempts that have been made to apply NMF to audio processing problems.
DIVESTMENT OF FOREIGN STRATEGIC INVESTMENT IN CHINA'S BANKING SECTOR: CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES

Purpose – Investigate the causes and consequences of foreign financial institutions' divestments in China's banking sector which is an example of cross-border transactions by institutional investors. Methodology – Use a sample of 26 foreign financial institutions' strategic investments in Chinese banks. Ten of those investments are divested after the global financial crisis. We investigate determinants of the divestment, business cooperation after the divestment, and Chinese banks' stock price reactions to the divestment announcement. Findings – The poor performance of foreign financial institutions, which is attributable to the global financial crisis, and the institutions' regulated low equity ownership are important causes of divestment (or whole divestment). In contrast, Chinese banks' poor performance does not cause foreign divestments. Foreign financial institutions that fully divest their equity stakes usually terminate their cooperative business, which was required by the strategic investment agreement. The Bank of China and the China Construction Bank, which experienced large H-share divestments, experienced large economic declines in A-share values. Social implications – Foreign financial institutions' strategic investments created substantial shareholder value before the divestment. Banking sector developments that rely on foreign investments are vulnerable to economic downturns in developed countries. Originality/value of paper – To the best of our knowledge, this is the first trial to analyze the impact of divestments on divested bank performance.
Reappraisal of corpus callosotomy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Corpus callosotomy is a palliative surgical treatment modality that has gone in and out of favor. The purpose of this review is to summarize the studies of callosotomy in the past years as a treatment for severe drug-resistant epilepsy with traumatizing drop attacks, mostly in children and also in some adults. The aim is also to discuss knowledge gaps and suggest how these could be addressed. RECENT FINDINGS Lately, a number of callosotomy series, mostly retrospective and single center, have included 289 operated patients. A few series have included nonoperated controls; one prospective long-term series is national and population based. Seizure outcome is shown to be comparable to that earlier reported, with best effect against drop attacks. There is no consensus on whether anterior or complete callosotomy is to be preferred. In a meta-analysis of callosotomy versus vagal nerve stimulation, callosotomy led to better seizure outcome. Diffusion tensor imaging may be a promising tool to analyze the completeness of the procedure. SUMMARY Callosotomy remains an effective palliative procedure. Many unresolved issues, such as prognostic indicators, nonseizure-related outcomes, whether to choose anterior or complete callosotomy, and outcomes and adverse effects in adults, need to be studied in prospective, preferably multicenter studies.
Autobiographical experience and word meaning.

The role of current personal experience in understanding of word meaning was investigated in a patient, WM, who suffers from semantic dementia. The study was prompted by the observation that WM, despite being severely impaired on formal tests of word comprehension and naming, retained a range of vocabulary pertaining to her daily life. If autobiographical experience has a general facilitatory effect, then this should affect which concepts are retained and which lost, but not influence the quality of that conceptual knowledge. Conversely, if personal autobiography has a direct role in investing concepts with meaning, then WM's understanding of nominal terms that she uses spontaneously in conversation ought not to be normal, but should be constrained by the autobiographical context in which she uses those terms. WM could define nouns and noun phrases drawn from her conversational vocabulary, but her definitions had a markedly autobiographical quality. Moreover, WM was extremely impaired in her ability to define new noun phrases, constructed by combining words from her conversational vocabulary (e.g. "dog licence", constructed from "driving licence" and "dog"; "oil field" constructed from "oil" and "field"). It was concluded that WM does not have normal conceptual understanding of nouns and noun phrases that she uses appropriately in conversation. Her understanding is narrow and autobiographically constrained. The findings, which suggest an interactive relationship between autobiographical and semantic memory, have implications for understanding of the progressive breakdown of semantic knowledge.
Choosing not to choose: making superannuation work by default

Since July 2005, the great majority of Australia’s ten million workers have been able to choose their superannuation fund. When it was introduced, the Coalition Government represented the Choice of Fund policy as a major victory for consumers. In reality, the majority of Australians have derived little benefit from greater choice and competition in the superannuation sector. In fact, the recent changes have benefited some sections of the community - the financial services industry and highly engaged consumers - but have failed to adequately protect those who choose not to choose.
Structure‐based inhibitor screening: A family of sulfonated dye inhibitors for malaria parasite triosephosphate isomerase

The crystal structure of malaria triosephosphate isomerase (TIM) was screened against the National Cancer Institute database of three‐dimensional molecular structures. Ten top‐scoring commercially available compounds were analyzed for inhibition of recombinant TIM. Two anionic dyes showed inhibition of TIM at concentrations of <100 mM. Four related sulfonated dyes were identified from the literature, docked, and screened in vitro. All showed inhibition of malaria TIM. Models indicate that these compounds bind in two suggested conformations to the active site region of the TIM enzyme. These compounds may be used in rational modification procedures for the synthesis of lead anti‐TIM drugs. Proteins 2001;45:136–143. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Concept of fiscal decentralization and worldwide overview

In the last two decades there has been a worldwide interest in decentralization of government in all parts of the world. The pursuit of decentralization is widespread, as both developed and developing countries attempt to challenge central governments' monopoly of decision-making power. In the western world, decentralization is an effective tool for reorganization of the government in order to provide public services cost effectively in the post-welfare state era. Developing countries are turning to decentralization to escape from the traps of ineffective and inefficient governance, macroeconomic instability, and inadequate economic growth. Throughout post-communist Central and Eastern Europe, decentralization of the state is the direct result of the transition from socialist system to market economy and democracy. In Latin America, the origin of decentralization is the political pressure from the people for Democratization. In Africa, decentralization has served as a path to national Unity.
Reliability of a Functional Clinical Test Battery Evaluating Postural Control, Proprioception and Trunk Muscle Activity

Stevens VK, Bouche KG, Mahieu NN, Cambier DC, Vanderstraeten GG, Danneels LA: Reliability of a functional clinical test battery evaluating postural control, proprioception and trunk muscle activity. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2006;85:727–736. Objective:The purpose of this study was to examine the repeatability and reproducibility of the different tests of a clinical test battery evaluating the components of functional spinal stability: postural control (sway velocity data), proprioception (repositioning error), and muscle activation (electromyographic data). Design:A total of 28 healthy volunteers participated in this study: 14 in the repeatability study and 14 in the reproducibility study. Each subject was tested three times, with an interval of 1 wk between the test sessions. The intraclass correlation coefficients and the standard error of the measurements as a percentage of the grand mean were calculated. Results:The intraclass correlation coefficients for both the repeatability and the reproducibility evaluation showed good to excellent reliability for all variables (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.60–0.98). The standard error of the measurements as a percentage of the grand mean ranged from 0.004 to 19.94. Conclusions:The functional clinical test battery investigated in this study proved to be a reliable tool in the assessment of healthy subjects. The evaluation of postural control, proprioception, and muscle activity (coordination, stabilization, maximal voluntary isometric contraction, endurance, and flexion–relaxation) showed good to excellent repeatability and reproducibility. Further analysis of the reliability of these variables in a clinical setting, particularly in patients with low back pain, seems appropriate.
Anti-interference pseudo-differential wideband LNA for DVB-S.2 RF tuners

A novel pseudo-differential wideband Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) for DVB-S.2 Radio Frequency (RF) tuners is proposed. Based on narrow-band source degenerated structure, the proposed wideband LNA, covering the Digital Video Broadcast-Satellite.2 (DVB-S.2) band, demonstrates a higher gain and a lower Noise Figure (NF) than traditional wideband LNAs. Furthermore, a pseudo-differential topology is proposed to separate and cancel the in-band interferences. Designed and simulated in a 0.18 um CMOS, the proposed wideband LNA demonstrates an NF better than 2.5 dB and an input matching better than -10 dB with a gain higher than 18 dB over the operating band from 950 MHz to 2150 MHz. The LNA also achieves a typical 30 dB suppression of the interferences from the GSM signals. The simulated input-referred 3rd-order intercept point (IIP3) is 9.45 dBm and the total current consumption is 12 mA from a 1.8 V power supply.