Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Addressing metacognitive capacity for self reflection in the psychotherapy for schizophrenia: a conceptual model of the key tasks and processes.

PURPOSE Recognition that recovery from schizophrenia may involve a deepening of the experience of being in the world has led to the possibility that psychotherapy may play a key role in treatment by enhancing metacognition, or the capacity to think about thinking. While the potential of psychotherapy to enhance metacognition in non-psychotic disorders has been discussed in depth, little has been written about how psychotherapy may systematically address metacognition in schizophrenia. Accordingly, the current paper formulates a model of how psychotherapy might address one specific element of metacognition, namely self-reflectivity. METHODS Procedures are outlined for assessing clients' capacity for self-reflectivity within narrative contexts during psychotherapy. RESULTS Targeted interventions are identified which are tailored to clients' capacities in the moment and which assist clients to think about their own thinking at the level of which they are capable. This may lead clients over time to develop a greater ability to engage in acts of increasingly complex self-reflectivity. CONCLUSIONS Individual psychotherapy can be modified and utilized to assist persons with schizophrenia to move towards recovery by assisting them to develop the capacity for self-reflectivity. This may lead to clients having a fuller experience of themselves as a being in the world with a richer and more coherent personal narrative.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococci Isolated from Healthy Horses and Horse Personnel in Italy

Methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) were isolated from nasal swabs of 56 of 159 (35.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 27.9–43.2%) healthy horses. Two nasal swabs were collected from each horse; 43 of 159 (27%; 95% CI: 20.5–34.8%) of the cohort were colonized by MRS strains in 1 nostril, while in the remaining 13 of 159 (8.2%; 95% CI: 4.6–13.9%), different or identical MRS strains were isolated in both nostrils. Of the 29 humans in close contact with the horses tested, 4 (13.8%; 95% CI: 4.5–32.6%) were found to be carriers of MRS. All isolates were coagulase negative with the exception of 2 coagulase-positive MRS strains, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, both isolated from horses. To assay the methicillin resistance, a susceptibility test to oxacillin with standardized disk diffusion method, a PBP-2a latex agglutination test, and a methicillin resistance gene (mecA) polymerase chain reaction assay were performed. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns of isolates from horses and humans in close contact with the horses revealed similarity. The results suggest evidence of transmission between animals, from animals to humans, and vice versa.
Dynamic Cellular Learning Bees Algorithm For Optimization in Dynamic Environments

in this paper, a new algorithm for optimization called dynamic cellular learning bees algorithm (DCLBA) introduced, that is obtained by combining bees algorithm and cellular learning automata. In the proposed model, the task of cellular learning automata is reducing entropy and increasing the speed of convergence. In this model, learning bees are placed in each cell of a colony of cellular learning automata. Moreover there is a learning automata in each cell. To improve the overall search and faster convergence, each cell’s learning automata selects an action and then each bee produces new solution by moving toward one of its neighborhoods according to selected action. In order to show the effectiveness of the proposed model, the algorithm is coded in MATLAB and tested through one of the typical optimization problems named MPB Then, a comparison of its performance is done to the competing dynamic optimization algorithms available in the literature. The experiments indicate that the proposed algorithm improves the efficiency of searching and veracity of results. Keywords-cellular learning automata; optimization; dynamicenvoronment; bees algorithm;
Ceruloplasmin gene‐deficient mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis show attenuated early disease evolution

We conducted a microarray study to identify genes that are differentially regulated in the spinal cords of mice with the inflammatory disease experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) relative to healthy mice. In total 181 genes with at least a two‐fold increase in expression were identified, and most of these genes were associated with immune function. Unexpectedly, ceruloplasmin (Cp), a ferroxidase that converts toxic ferrous iron to its nontoxic ferric form and also promotes the efflux of iron from astrocytes in the CNS, was shown to be highly upregulated (13.2‐fold increase) in EAE spinal cord. Expression of Cp protein is known to be increased in several neurological conditions, but the role of Cp regulation in CNS autoimmune disease is not known. To investigate this, we induced EAE in Cp gene knockout, heterozygous, and wild‐type mice. Cp knockout mice were found to have slower disease evolution than wild‐type mice (EAE days 13–17; P = 0.05). Interestingly, Cp knockout mice also exhibited a significant increase in the number of astrocytes with reactive morphology in early EAE compared with wild‐type mice at the same stage of disease. CNS iron levels were not increased with EAE in these mice. Based on these observations, we propose that an increase in Cp expression could contribute to tissue damage in early EAE. In addition, endogenous CP either directly or indirectly inhibits astrocyte reactivity during early disease, which could also worsen early disease evolution. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Metabolic sources of energy for hummingbird flight.

It has been known for some two decades that hovering flight in hummingbirds is the most energetically expensive muscle work known among vertebrates, but the metabolic support for such work has never been clarified. Measurement of the maximum activities of key enzymes of carbohydrate, fat, and amino acid catabolism in flight muscle and heart of rufous hummingbirds (Selasphorus rufus) reveals that the high ATP requirements of short-term hovering flight can only be supported by the oxidation of carbohydrate. Fat oxidation can support a substantially lower maximum rate of ATP turnover, indicating that this process can power only the lower +. ++energetic requirements of long-term forward or migratory flight. Mitochondria isolated from flight muscle oxidize pyruvate and palmitoyl-CoA equally well. The inhibition of pyruvate oxidation by palmitoyl-CoA oxidation provides a mechanism by which fat oxidation inhibits carbohydrate oxidation in the transition from short- to long-term flight.
A computational geometry workbench

We are constructing a workbench for computational geometry. This is intended to provide a framework for the implementation, testing, demonstration and application of algorithms in computational geometry. The workbench is being written in Smalltalk/V using an Apple Macintosh II. The object-oriented model used in Smalltalk is well-suited to algorithms manipulating geometric objects. In addition, the programming environment can be easily extended, and provides excellent graphics facilities, data abstraction, encapsulation, and incremental modification. We have completed the design and implementation of the workbench platform, insofar as such a system can ever be considered complete. Among the features of the system are:an interactive graphical environment, including operations for creation and editing of geometric figures, and for the operation of algorithm on these figures the system supports:high-level representation-independent geometric objects (points, lines, polygons,…) geometric data structures (segment trees, range trees,…) non-geometric data structures (finger trees, splay trees, heaps, …) “standard” algorithmic tools in as general a form as possible. Algorithms currently available in the system include Tarjan and van Wyk's triangulation of a simple polygon, Fortune's Voronoi diagram, Preparata's chain decomposition, and Melkman's convex hull algorithm. tools for the animation of geometric algorithms high-level graphical and symbolic debugging facilities portability, due to the separation of the machine-independent code and the machine-dependent user-interface. automatic handling of basic operations (device-independent graphics, storage management) allowing the implementor to focus on algorithmic issues Our group is currently working on extensions in two directions:implementing additional algorithms from two-dimensional computational geometry providing the framework for implementations of three-dimensional algorithms We are also conducting comparison studies of different algorithms and data structures, including a comparison of different triangulation and convex hull algorithms for large input sizes and an empirical test of the dynamic optimality conjecture of Sleator and Tarjan using both Splay and Finger trees in the Tarjan and van Wyk triangulation. The workbench is being demonstrated during this symposium.
A Context-Aware Approach for Modeling Bijective Adaptations between Context and Activity in a Mobile and Collaborative learning

Context-awareness is becoming a key aspect of mobile learning systems. In fact, an efficient mobile learning system has to be sensitive to the context that characterizes the interactions between humans, applications and the surrounding environment. Researches in context-aware mobile learning have concentrated on how to adapt application to context. In this paper, we present an innovative approach for modeling bijective adaptations between learning activities and context because they influence each others in learning processes. First, we identify contextual elements and their features relevant for mobile and collaborative learning. Then, we propose a multi-layer middleware that supports tasks for managing and adapting context. The originality of this middleware comes especially from its top-most layer which is an adaptor that defines two classes of functionalities: the adaptation of learning activities to context and the adaptation and updating of context to learning activities. Finally, we present a simulator that implements this adaptor and our bijective adaptation approach. This simulator based on context-aware and mobile learning scenario, makes possible the interactions of mobile learning applications with context (environment) in such a way that they can detect the contextual elements values changes in order to, on the one side, adapt their learning activities to provide services more appropriate to new values of the environment. On the other side, adapt and update contextual elements to the needs of their learning activities and preferences of the mobile user to create more adequate learning environment which helps him/her concentrate better on his/her learning activities.
Comparison of the Iowa State University Effluent Limitation Guidelines Model with the Soil-Plant-Air-Water Model for Evaluating Containment Basin Performance

This article compares results from the Iowa State University Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ISU-ELG) model to results obtained using the Soil-Plant-Air-Water (SPAW) model to simulate feedlot runoff containment basin overflow volume. The objective was to verify that the ISU-ELG model was providing a reasonable prediction of basin overflow. The ISU-ELG model uses a set of guidelines to determine if land application is acceptable, whereas the SPAW model uses a soil moisture criterion. The criterion for determining if a particular day was suitable for land application of basin effluent was investigated to determine the effect on basin overflow volumes. The results show that the ISU-ELG model overpredicted the percentage of feedlot runoff controlled in comparison to the SPAW model at all five locations investigated. For wetter areas in Iowa, the number of drying days had a large effect on basin overflow volumes, whereas for the drier northwest region of Iowa, this effect was limited. Possible methods of improving the ISU-ELG model predictions include adding a soil moisture accounting function to model moisture levels in the land application area or calibrating the number of drying days required before land application can commence. Alternatively, the SPAW model can be used, but this requires additional user inputs and increases complexity in modeling the runoff control system.
PolyI:C Induction of Diabetes Is Controlled by Iddm4 in Rats with a Full Regulatory T Cell Pool

Abstract: The Iddm4 gene controls diabetes in rats depleted of regulatory T cells (Treg) and immune‐activated via treatment with the toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR‐3) ligand, polyI:C. Both diabetes‐resistant (BBDR) and diabetes‐prone (BBDP) BB rats carry dominant permissive alleles of Iddm4, while the recessive Wistar Furth (WF) rat allele is protective. Iddm4 is positioned close to Iddm2 on chromosome 4, but when we introgressed BBDP‐derived parts of this region—either containing both genes or Iddm2 alone—into the WF genome, none of these congenic strains developed spontaneous diabetes. Although both strains harbor two copies of the recessive Iddm2 allele of the BBDP rat, making these animals devoid of Treg cells, immune activation in itself via polyI:C treatment did not induce overt diabetes. Interestingly, TLR‐3 ligation without depletion of Tregs resulted in diabetes and insulitis development in nonlymphopenic F1‐offspring of mating the Iddm4+Iddm2 congenic strain to WF. This demonstrates that the diabetogenic allele of Iddm4 is able to confer diabetes susceptibility even in a nonlymphopenic host with a full Treg pool, and that homozygosity for Iddm2—although responsible for an almost total lack of Tregs—delays the disease process. Finally, we have confirmed the position of Iddm4 in truly congenic strains.
International accounting differences and earnings smoothing in the banking industry

This study provides empirical evidence on the propensity of bank managers to smooth earnings through loan-loss provisions. The analysis on a sample of international banks using both pooled time-series cross-sectional and panel-data regressions leads to three main conclusions. First, bank managers actively use loan-loss provisions either to smooth high earnings or as an income-reducing tool when earnings are abnormally low. This result is consistent with Healey�s (1985) compensation theory. Second, all other things being equal, banks following IFRSs or non-US local GAAPs have a greater discretion to smooth earnings. US GAAP exhibit the highest accounting quality, as remarked in Barth, Landsman, Lang and Williams (2006). Finally, we observe that in 2008, when the financial crisis hit its most critical stage, banks seemed to reduce the extent of earnings smoothing because they could have been below the minimum threshold for carrying out smoothing practices.
Semi-Static Algorithms for Data Replication and Scheduling Over the Grid

Managing large datasets has become one major application of grids. Life science applications usually manage large databases that should be replicated to let applications scale. The growing number of users and the simple access to Internet-based applications has stressed grid middlewares. Such environments are thus asked to manage data and schedule computation tasks at the same time. These two important operations have to be tightly coupled to get the best results. This paper presents several heuristics that combines data management and scheduling using a steady-state approach. Starting from an intial distribution given by the resolution of a linear program, we optimize the results at run-time to improve the quality of the data mapping and the scheduling of computation requests when the request distribution evolves. Our theoretical results are validated using simulation and logs from a large life science application.
Gender Differences in the Cultural Values of Multinational Audit Firms : Australian Evidence

This study was motivated by the fact that there are few female audit partners in the large multinational audit firms operating in Australia. The purpose of this research is to examine whether male and female auditors attach different importance to values instilled by the organisational culture of multinational audit firms in Australia. Gender differences in organisational cultural values may affect women achieving senior managerial levels in audit firms. Little research has investigated the relationship between gender and organisation culture. One hundred and thirty auditors participated in this study. A factor analysis followed by discriminant analysis measured gender differences in the organisation cultural values of multinational accounting firms. The discriminant analysis tested hypotheses that male and female auditors attach differing levels of importance on organisational cultural dimensions of multinational audit firms did. The results indicate that female auditors place more value on feminine characteristics such as ‘respect for people’ dimension and ‘team orientation’ than male auditors did. On the other hand, male auditors valued masculine characteristics such as ‘action orientation’ and ‘outcome orientation’ more than female auditors did.
Dictyostelium as host model for pathogenesis

The haploid social soil amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum has been established as a host model for several pathogens including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Cryptococcus neoformans, Mycobacterium spp. and Legionella pneumophila. The research areas presently pursued include (i) the use of Dictyostelium wild‐type cells as screening system for virulence of extracellular and intracellular pathogens and their corresponding mutants, (ii) the use of Dictyostelium mutant cells to identify genetic host determinants of susceptibility and resistance to infection and (iii) the use of reporter systems in Dictyostelium cells which allow the dissection of the complex host‐pathogen cross‐talk. The body of information presented in this review demonstrates that the availability of host cell markers, the knowledge of cell signalling pathways, the completion of the genome sequencing project and the tractability for genetic studies qualifies Dictyostelium for the study of fundamental cellular processes of pathogenesis.
Understanding and Predicting the Resolution of Financial Distress

In this study, we empirically investigate the determinants of the process utilized to resolve financial distress (resolution process) and also the outcome of the financial distress (resolution outcome). Specifically, we separate firms that utilize a private (work out) versus a public (filing for bankruptcy) resolution process and then we further separate the firms by outcome - liquidation or reorganization. Various qualitative dependent variable models are estimated and compared: ordered logistic regression (OLR), local regression models (LRMs) and feed forward neural network (FNN). We select several accounting and economic variables, measured at the time of default, which are expected to influence the resolution process and the resolution outcome. Estimation results reveal the OLR specification achieves the best balance between in-sample fit, consistency with financial theory, and out-of-sample classification accuracy. We find that larger firms with higher liquidity and more secured debt in their capital structure are more likely to follow a public resolution process. Firms with higher Z-scores and more total leverage are less likely to follow a public resolution process and attempt to resolve the financial distress privately. For resolution outcome, we find that firms with greater liquidity, more secured debt and lower cumulative abnormal returns are more likely to be liquidated rather than reorganized. And firms with more leverage, more intangible assets and filing a prepackaged bankruptcy are more likely to be reorganized. Model performance is assessed on the dimensions of discriminatory power, predictive and classification accuracy. The former two are measured by implementing standard tests (power curve analysis and chi-squared tests), while classification accuracy is assessed according to alternative categorization criteria (expected cost of misclassification, minimization of total misclassification and deviation from historical averages) as compared to naýve random benchmarks. While in- and out-of-sample performance along these dimensions exhibits wide variation across models and criteria, the OLR and LRM models are found to perform comparably, while the FNN model is found to consistently underperform. The statistical significance of these results is rigorously analyzed and confirmed through a resampling procedure, yielding estimated sampling distributions of the performance statistics, confirming these observations.
A multi-technology framework for LBS using fingerprinting

Due to the present challenges of Ubiquitous Computing, automatic location estimation of a mobile device in wireless networks is becoming increasingly important. Given the complexity of indoor environments, due to factors such as multipath interference, reflections and refractions, fingerprinting scene analysis methodology is presented in this paper. A multi-technology and multi-platform model is presented. After this model a framework for Localization Based Services was implemented. It can be used for analysis of performance of the location estimation, being developed at various levels of abstraction. This model is intended for indoor environment, being presented and tested different location estimation algorithms based on scene analysis with fingerprinting methodology. The framework was tested using IEEE802.11 and IEEE802.15. 4 standards and a realtime location estimation with a accuracy of 1m and a precision of 90% was achieved.
A chopper stabilized front-end for neural recording applications with DC-drift suppressed amplifier

A chopper stabilized front-end with an active dc-suppressed topology used to record extracellular neural action potentials and local field potentials is presented in this paper. An active dc-suppressed topology, such as a bandpass filter, containing an amplifier with an integrator on the feedback path, suppresses baseline drift and assures weak inversion operations of input stages of the proposed bandpass filter. Floating tunable resistors are also employed to produce large resistance, providing large time constant to reduce low frequency noise. The proposed front-end circuitry needs no external capacitors and resistors and adjusts highpass cutoff frequency arbitrarily by altering control voltage of floating tunable resistors. The work in this paper, designed in a 0.18-µm CMOS process, provides sufficiently high linearity at least 10-bit SNDR, a midband gain of 63 dB, and signal bandwidth of approximately 13 kHz. Supplied at 1.8 V, the proposed front-end consumes around 231 µW. With the proposed chopping technique, a total of 7.05-µVrms input-referred noise can be achieved at the signal bandwidth.