Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Highly Parallel Architecture for Deblocking Filter in H.264/AVC

This paper presents a highly parallel architecture for deblocking filter in H.264/AVC. We adopt various parallel schemes in memory sub-system and datapath. A 2-dimensional parallel memory scheme is employed to support efficient parallel access in both horizontal and vertical directions in order to speed up the whole filtering process. This parallel memory also eliminates the need for a transpose circuit. In the datapath, an algorithm optimization is performed to implement parallel filtering with hardware reuse. Pipeline techniques are also adopted to improve the throughput of filtering operations. Our design is implemented under TSMC 0.18 μm technology. Results show that the core size is 0.82 × 1.13 mm2 when the maximum frequency is 230 MHz. Compared to other existing architectures, our design has advantages in both speed and area.
Enhancement of Chaos Encryption Potential by Combining All-Optical and Electrooptical Chaos Generators

We propose a new architecture for optical chaos communication combining previously studied all-optical and electrooptical schemes. We investigate a cascaded system in terms of complexity and encryption efficiency in a transmitter-receiver setup. It is shown that the feedback delay time of the transmitter can be successfully hidden and that synchronization is very sensitive to delay mismatches, thus preventing the eavesdropper from reproducing the system.
Simulation numerique de problemes d'ecosystemes. Sentinelles pour la detection d'origine de pollution

Cette these comporte deux parties. La premiere presente la modelisation et l'utilisation d'un outil generateur de simulateurs (neptunix), pour la simulation numerique de problemes de croissance de populations. On reecrit tout d'abord le modele propose par l'industriel sous la forme d'un systeme algebro-differentiel couple non lineaire implicite, par substitutions et discretisation en espace. On developpe ensuite une methode de remaillage pour traiter un domaine a frontiere variable avec des mailles de taille fixe. La seconde partie developpe l'application de la theorie des sentinelles a la recherche de l'origine effective d'une pollution parmi plusieurs sources potentielles. On demontre d'abord dans quels cas l'identification n'est pas possible. Sur un exemple analytique, on construit ensuite des sentinelles insensibles respectivement aux conditions initiales, a des termes sources et aux coefficients des operateurs differentiels. L'information fournie par les deux premieres categories est exacte puisque le developpement de taylor de la sentinelle l'est; au contraire on montre qu'il faut etablir la derniere par un developpement au second ordre. Pour la meme raison les sentinelles pour identifier ces memes coefficients sont obtenues par iterations. Enfin on compare l'interet de l'insensibilite par rapport a une identification totale
Determining anisotropic conductivity using diffusion tensor imaging data in magneto-acoustic tomography with magnetic induction

In this paper we present a mathematical and numerical framework for a procedure of imaging anisotropic electrical conductivity tensor by integrating magneto-acoutic tomography with data acquired from diffusion tensor imaging. Magneto-acoustic tomography with magnetic induction (MAT-MI) is a hybrid, non-invasive medical imaging technique to produce conductivity images with improved spatial resolution and accuracy. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is also a non-invasive technique for characterizing the diffusion properties of water molecules in tissues. We propose a model for anisotropic conductivity in which the conductivity is proportional to the diffusion tensor. Under this assumption, we propose an optimal control approach for reconstructing the anisotropic electrical conductivity tensor. We prove convergence and Lipschitz type stability of the algorithm and present numerical examples to illustrate its accuracy and feasibility.
Vitamin D3-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers as a Potential Approach for Fortifying Food Beverages; in Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation

Purpose: Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) composed of solid lipid and oil are a new generation of lipid nanoparticles which have exhibited some merits over traditional used lipid nanoparticles in fortifying food and beverages and nutraceuticals delivery systems such as liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles. Methods: In this study, Precirol and Compritol as solid lipids, Miglyol and Octyloctanoat as liquid lipids, Tween80, Tween20 and Poloxamer407 as surfactants were used to prepare vitamin D3-loaded NLC dispersion using hot homogenization method. The particle size and size distribution for all formulations were evaluated by immediately after production and during a storage period of 60 days. Results: The Precirol-based NLC showed superiority over Compritol-based NLC in the point of physical stability. Results clearly suggested that an optimum concentration of 3% of Poloxamer407 or 2% of Tween20 was sufficient to cover the surface of nanoparticles effectively and prevent agglomeration during the homogenization process. Octyloctanoat was introduced for the first time as a good substituent for Miglyol in the preparation of NLC formulations. The vitamin D3 Intestinal absorption enhanced by the incorporating in NLCs. Conclusion: It was concluded that NLC showed a promising approach for fortifying beverages by lipophilic nutraceuticals such as vitamin D.
Obesity and overweight trends in Catalonia, Spain (1992–2003): gender and socio-economic determinants

Abstract Objective To evaluate the trends of overweight and obesity prevalences in the population of Catalonia, Spain, aged 18–75 years, and the influence of socio-economic determinants on these prevalence trends. Design Analysis based on data from two representative population-based cross-sectional surveys. Setting Data from the two Evaluations of Nutritional Status in Catalonia (ENCAT 1992–93 and ENCAT 2002–03), Spain. Weights and heights were obtained by direct measurement in standardised conditions by trained interviewers. Overweight and obesity were defined using body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), categorised according to WHO criteria. Subjects In total, 1015 men and 1233 women from ENCAT 1992–93, and 791 men and 924 women from ENCAT 2002–03. Results Mean BMI and mean WC were higher in males in 2002–03 as compared to 1992–93, while for females mean BMI was lower except for the youngest group, and mean WC was higher. In men, overall BMI overweight prevalence remained stable (from 44.1% to 43.7%), while obesity increased (from 9.9% to 16.6%); total WC overweight remained stable (from 21.7 to 23.8%), while WC obesity increased (from 13.1% to 24.4%). In women, overall BMI overweight increased (from 29.1% to 30.1%), whereas BMI obesity remained stable (from 15.0% to 15.2%); total WC overweight decreased (from 21.8% to 17.7%), while WC obesity increased (from 24.5% to 31.1%). The socio-economic and education variables had an influence on BMI and WC overweight and obesity rates mainly on females in both surveys and on the youngest men only in the 1992–93 survey. Conclusions Ten-year trends indicate that Catalan males are getting bigger overall (BMI) and around the waistline (WC), while Catalan females only have bigger waistlines (WC). BMI male obesity prevalence has overtaken that of females. WC obesity continues to be more prevalent among females than males.
The changing landscape of opioid prescribing: long-acting and extended-release opioid class-wide Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy

Prescriptions for opioid analgesics to manage moderate-to-severe chronic noncancer pain have increased markedly over the last decade, as have postmarketing reports of adverse events associated with opioids. As an unintentional consequence of greater prescription opioid utilization, there has been the parallel increase in misuse, abuse, and overdose, which are serious risks associated with all opioid analgesics. In response to these concerns, the Food and Drug Administration announced the requirement for a class-wide Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for long-acting and extended-release (ER) opioid analgesics in April 2011. An understanding of the details of this REMS will be of particular importance to primary care providers. The class-wide REMS is focused on educating health care providers and patients on appropriate prescribing and safe use of ER opioids. Support from primary care will be necessary for the success of this REMS, as these clinicians are the predominant providers of care and the main prescribers of opioid analgesics for patients with chronic pain. Although currently voluntary, future policy will likely dictate that providers undergo mandatory training to continue prescribing medications within this class. This article outlines the elements of the class-wide REMS for ER opioids and clarifies the impact on primary care providers with regard to training, patient education, and clinical practice.
Criminometric analysis: Testing the deterrence hypothesis in Sabah

This paper empirically estimates disaggregated crime categories for Sabah from 1968 to 2006. The criminometric analysis incorporated in a within sample analysis of cointegration and error correction framework and the beyond sample analysis using the decompositions of variance. Our findings suggest that any support for the deterrence hypothesis is sensitive to the inclusion of prison or courts related variables. In the long run we find that only robbery is exogenous in all crime model tested however, the beyond sample estimation proves that in longer time period of approximately 50 years the post-sample dynamic VDC imply that a substantial portion of the variance of the forecast error of these crime are explained by their explanatory variables.
Symmetry-Induced Magnetic Anisotropy in Fe Films Grown on Stepped Ag(001).

Symmetry breaking at atomic steps of ultrathin Fe films grown on stepped Ag(001) substrates creates a uniaxial magnetic anisotropy with the easy axis parallel to the step edges. The relation between this induced anisotropy and the step density is systematically investigated by magneto-optically scanning films grown on a curved substrate with a vicinal angle range between 0{degree} and 10{degree}. We find that (a) the uniaxial anisotropy depends quadratically on the step density, and (b) the spin-reorientation transition occurs at a larger thickness for the stepped than for the flat film. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society. }
Academic Staff Retention in Private Higher Education Institute - Case Study of Private Colleges in Kuala Lumpur

This case study attempts to identify the reasons for high turnover of academic staff in private higher institutions especially in small colleges. Three small colleges that shared almost the same type of background were being selected to participate in this study. The academic coordinator from these three institutions was interviewed. This case study has been adapted into qualitative method in order to discover any new elements that are able to explain the lower retention rate among academic staff in private college. The findings indicate that there are several factors that spearhead to failure in retaining academic staff in private higher institution including task and work load, conflict of role, underpaid, and other intrinsic factors. In addition, this study has drawn some suggestions to small colleges to retain academic staff and to Malaysian Quality Accreditation to monitor and regulate turnover rate of academic staff in small colleges.
Multiparameter Assessments To Determine the Effects of Sugars and Antimicrobials on a Polymicrobial Oral Biofilm

ABSTRACT Clinical studies indicate relationships between dental plaque, a naturally formed biofilm, and oral diseases. The crucial role of nonmicrobial biofilm constituents in maintaining biofilm structure and biofilm-specific attributes, such as resistance to shear and viscoelasticity, is increasingly recognized. Concurrent analyses of the diverse nonmicrobial biofilm components for multiparameter assessments formed the focus of this investigation. Comparable numbers of Actinomyces viscosus, Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus mutans, Neisseria subflava, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans cells were seeded into multiple wells of 96-well polystyrene plates for biofilm formation. Quantitative fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) examined the influences of dietary sugars, incubation conditions, ingredients in oral hygiene formulations, and antibiotics on biofilm components. Biofilm extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were examined with an optimized mixture of fluorescent lectins, with biofilm proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids detected with specific fluorescent stains. Anaerobic incubation of biofilms resulted in significantly more biofilm EPS and extractable carbohydrates than those formed under aerobic conditions (P < 0.05). Sucrose significantly enhanced biofilm EPS in comparison to fructose, galactose, glucose, and lactose (P < 0.05). CLSM demonstrated thicker biofilms under sucrose-replete conditions, along with significant increases in biofilm EPS, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, than under conditions of sucrose deficiency (P < 0.05). Agents in oral hygiene formulations (chlorhexidine, ethanol, and sodium lauryl sulfate), a mucolytic agent (N-acetyl-l-cysteine), and antibiotics with different modes of action (amoxicillin, doxycycline, erythromycin, metronidazole, and vancomycin) inhibited biofilm components (P < 0.05). Multiparameter analysis indicated a dose-dependent inhibition of biofilm EPS and protein by chlorhexidine and sodium lauryl sulfate, along with distinctive inhibitory patterns for subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics. Collectively, these results highlight multiparameter assessments as a broad platform for simultaneous assessment of diverse biofilm components.
Antioxidant Active Principles Isolated from Psidium guajava Grown in Thailand

Antioxidant active compounds were isolated from methanol crude extracts of the leaves of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) grown in Thailand. The isolated compounds were screened for their in vitro antioxidant activity by a DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Results indicate that three isolated compounds contribute importantly to the antioxidant activity of guava leaves, providing a scientific basis for the use of this plant in traditional medicine. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical methods. The most active compound was found to be quercetin along with two flavonoid compounds, quercetin-3-O-glucopyranoside and morin. The isolated quercetin, quercetin-3-O-glucopyranoside and morin showed significant scavenging activity with IC50 of 1.20±0.02, 3.58±0.05 and 5.41±0.20 µg/ml, respectively.
Employer Branding and Its Dimensions: A Pilot Study in Higher Educational Institutions of Pakistan

The purpose of this paper is a pilot assessment to determine the validity and reliability of the instrument of employer branding dimensions namely training and development, employer brand reputation, work life balance and organization culture developed by Tanwar and Prasad (2016). The survey approach was used to collect response through 61 usable questionnaires from the academic staff of higher educational institutions located in Punjab which is largest populated province of Pakistan. The present study used the simple random sampling method in data collection. Then, the validity and reliability of items of employer branding dimensions were assessed through expert’s opinions both from academicians and practitioners and also from the small size sample data. The SPSS v20 was used to test the reliability in this study. Hence, the results of pilot study reveals that, the Cronbach’s alpha values of all constructs are above than 0.80, so it can establish that all the constructs of employer branding are reliable and no need to remove any item.
Kant and the Significance of Self-Consciousness

Human beings who have mastered a natural language are self-conscious creatures: they can think, and indeed speak, about themselves in the first person. This dissertation is about the significance of this capacity: what it is and what difference it makes to our minds. My thesis is that the capacity for self-consciousness is essential to rationality, the thing that sets the minds of rational creatures apart from those of mere brutes. This, I argue, is what Kant was getting at in a famous passage of his Critique of Pure Reason, when he claimed that a representation which could not be "accompanied with the 'I think'" would be "nothing to me" as a thinking being. I call this claim the Kantian thesis. My dissertation seeks to explain and defend the Kantian thesis, to show how it entails that the advent of self-consciousness brings with it a new kind of mind, and to sketch the implications of this point for a philosophy of mind that seeks to understand the minds of rational creatures. This involves, on the one hand, an investigation of the kinds of capacities that characterize a rational creature, and, on the other hand, an argument connecting reason with self-consciousness. I show that a rational creature, in the interesting sense, is one capable of conceptual representation, and I argue that (1) to represent conceptually is to represent in a way that decouples information from any particular context or purpose, (2) this special form of representation is possible only in a creature that can reflect explicitly on grounds for judging a proposition true, and (3) to have this capacity to reflect explicitly on grounds is necessarily to have the crux of self-consciousness. If this is right, then the representations of a rational creature must differ from those of a nonrational creature not merely in complexity but in kind. The dissertation sketches the implications of this point for various forms of naturalism and reductionism in the philosophy of mind, for debates about how to explain "first person authority," and for our understanding of the sort of failure of self-consciousness involved in self-deception.
An Optimization-Based Algorithm for Indoor Localization of JADE Agents

This paper describes and evaluates an optimizationbased localization algorithm which has been recently implemented to enrich the possibilities of the localization add-on module for JADE. The described algorithm targets indoor scenarios and it enables localization of JADE agents running on smart devices in known environments, provided that a conventional WiFi network is present. The algorithm assumes that WiFi access points in fixed and known positions are available, and it estimates the position of the smart device where the agent is running using estimates of the distance between the smart device and each access point. Distance estimates are used to build an optimization problem, whose solution is an estimate of the position of the smart device. The described algorithm uses particle swarm optimization to solve the built optimization problem, but it is open to the adoption of other optimization techniques. The validity of the proposed approach is supported by experimental results shown in the last part of the paper.
Demic and cultural diffusion in prehistoric Europe in the age of ancient genomes

Ancient genomes can help us detect prehistoric migrations, population contractions, and admixture among populations. Knowing the dynamics of demography is invaluable for understanding culture change in prehistory, particularly the roles played by demic and cultural diffusion in transformations of material cultures. Prehistoric Europe is a region where ancient genome analyses can help illuminate the interplay between demography and culture change. In Europe, there is more archeological evidence, in terms of detailed studies, radiometric dates, and explanatory hypotheses that can be evaluated, than in any other region of the world. Here I show some important ways that ancient genomes have given us insights into population movements in European prehistory. I also propose that studies might be increasingly focused on specific questions of culture change, for example in evaluating the makers of “transitional” industries as well as the origins of the Gravettian and spread of the Magdalenian. I also discuss genomic evidence supporting the large role that demic expansion has played in the Neolithization of Europe and the formation of the European population during the Bronze Age.
Structural and functional characterization of a 5,10‐methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase from Mycoplasma pneumoniae (GI: 13508087)

Mycoplasma pneumoniae 5,10‐methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase [MTHFS; also known as 5‐formyltetrahydrofolate cycloligase; Enzyme Commission (EC) 6.3. 3.2] belongs to a large cycloligase protein family with 97 sequence homologues from bacteria to human. To help define the molecular (biochemical and biophysical) function of the M. pneumoniae MTHFS, we have previously determined its crystal structure at 2.2 Å resolution (Chen et al., Proteins 2004;56:839–843). In this current study, activity assays confirmed the functionality of the recombinant protein, with Km = 165 μM for 5‐formyltetrahydrofolate (5‐FTHF) and Km = 166 μM for MgATP. The methenyltetrahydrofolate activity of M. pneumoniae MTHFS has a requirement for divalent metal ions with Mg2+ being most effective, and an absolute requirement for nucleoside 5′‐triphosphates with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) being most effective. Crystallization in the presence of substrates (MgATP, with or without 5‐FTHF) produced the complex structures of the protein with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and phosphate at 2.2 Å resolution; with ADP, phosphate, and 5‐FTHF at 2.5 Å resolution. These structures directly demonstrated that the role of Mg2+ in the reaction is to form the ATPMg2+–enzyme complex. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Steroid hormone regulation of the voltage‐gated, calcium‐activated potassium channel expression in developing muscular and neural systems

A precise organization of gene expression is required for developing neural and muscular systems. Steroid hormones can control the expression of genes that are critical for development. In this study we test the hypothesis that the steroid hormone ecdysone regulates gene expression of the voltage‐gated calcium‐activated potassium ion channel, Slowpoke or KCNMA1. Late in adult development of the tobacco hawkmoth Manduca sexta, slowpoke (msslo) levels increased contributing to the maturation of the dorsal longitudinal flight muscles (DLMs) and CNS. We show that critical components of ecdysteroid gene regulation were present during upreglation of msslo in late adult DLM and CNS development. Ecdysteroid receptor complex heterodimeric partner proteins, the ecdysteroid receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (USP), and the ecdysone‐induced early gene, msE75B, were expressed at key developmental time points, suggesting that ecdysteroids direct aspects of gene expression in the DLMs during these late developmental stages. We provide evidence that ecdysteroids suppress msslo transcription in the DLMs; when titers decline msslo transcript levels increase. These results are consistent with msslo being a downstream gene in an ecdysteroid‐mediated gene cascade during DLM development. We also show that the ecdysteroids regulate msslo transcript levels in the developing CNS. These results will contribute to our understanding of how the spatiotemporal regulation of slowpoke transcription contributes to tailoring cell excitability to the differing physiological and behavioral demands during development. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 70: 884–896, 2010