Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
B-splines Method with Redefined Basis Functions for Solving Barrier Options Pricing Model

In this paper, we construct a numerical method to the solution of Black-Scholes partial differential equation modelling Barrier option pricing problem on a single asset. We use finite difference approximations for temporal derivative and then the option price is approximated with the redefined B-spline functions. Stability of this method has been discussed and shown that it is unconditionally stable. The developed method is tested on down-and-out Barrier problem and the numerical results are reported in tabular form where approximation solutions are compared with exact ones. They show the numerical results are in good agreement with exact solutions.
Practical and Accurate Throughput Analysis with the Cyclo Static Dataflow Model

Embedded media applications have real-time constraints such as throughput and latency. In this paper we show that a tight bound on the minimum throughput can be computed with a cyclo static dataflow model that represents the application executed on the multiprocessor system-on-chip. We identify the sources that affect the tightness of the computed bound. One source of inaccuracy is that we do not implement, for efficiency reasons, the firing rule of an actor. We will show that this is allowed for a static order task schedule and that the computed bound is a conservative estimate of the actual minimum throughput. For our case study the computed throughput bound is 10.1% lower than the throughput measured with cycle accurate simulation.
Can Disputed Topic Suggestion Enhance User Consideration of Information Credibility in Web Search?

During web search and browsing, people often accept misinformation due to their inattention to information credibility and biases. To obtain correct web information and support effective decision making, it is important to enhance searcher credibility assessment and develop algorithms to detect suspicious information. In this paper, we investigate how credibility alarms for web search results affect searcher behavior and decision making in information access systems. This study focuses on disputed topic suggestion as a credibility alarm approach. We conducted an online user study in which 92 participants performed a search task for health information. Through log analysis and user surveys, we confirmed the following. (1) Disputed topic suggestion in a search results list makes participants spend more time browsing pages than ordinary search conditions, thereby promoting careful information seeking. (2) Disputed topic suggestion during web browsing does not change participant behaviors but works as complementary information. This study contributes to system designs to enhance user engagement in critical and careful information seeking.
Multi-Person 3D Tracking with Particle Filters on Voxels

This paper presents a new approach to the problem of simultaneous tracking of several people in low resolution sequences from multiple calibrated cameras. Spatial redundancy is exploited to generate a discrete 3D binary representation of the scene. A particle filtering scheme adapted to the incoming 3D discrete data is proposed. A volume likelihood function and a discrete 3D re-sampling procedure are introduced to evaluate and drive particles. Multiple targets are tracked by means of multiple particle filters and interaction among them is modeled through a 3D blocking scheme. Test over annotated databases yield quantitative results showing the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in the indoor scenarios.
Longevity and heavy metal resistance in daf‐2 and age‐1 long‐lived mutants of Caenorhabditis elegans

In the nematode CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS, dauer formation, stress resistance, and longevity are determined in part by DAF‐2 (insulin receptor‐like protein), AGE‐1 (phosphatidylinositol‐3‐OH kinase cat¬alytic subunit), and DAF‐16 (forkhead transcription factor). Mutations in DAF‐2 and AGE‐1 result in increased resistance to heat, oxidants, and UV. We have discov¬ered that DAF‐2 and AGE‐1 mutations result in increased Cd and Cu ion resistance in a 24 h toxicity assay. Lethal concentration (LC50) values for Cd and Cu ions in DAF‐2 and AGE‐1 mutants were significantly (P<0.001) higher than in wild‐type nematodes. However, LC50 values in DAF‐16;AGE‐1 mutants were not significantly different, implying that metal resistance is influenced by a DAF‐16‐related function. As metallothionein (MT) proteins play a major role in metal detoxification, we examined the expression of MT genes both under noninducing conditions and after exposure to sublethal and acute heavy metal stress. MT1 mRNA levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher in DAF‐2 mutants compared to AGE‐1 mutants and wild‐type C. ELEGANS under basal conditions. After 10 mM Cd treatment, induction of MT1 and MT2 mRNA was three‐ and twofold higher, respectively, in DAF‐2 mutant worms than in wild‐type. However, a sublethal concentration of Cd (0.1 mM) resulted in even higher (three‐ to sevenfold) levels of both MT mRNAs in all strains. Cu did not induce MT1 or MT2 mRNAs. These results are consistent with a model in which the insulin‐signaling pathway determines life span through regulation of stress protein genes. — Barsyte, D. , Lovejoy, D. A. , Lithgow, G. J. Longevity and heavy metal resistance in DAF‐2 and AGE‐1 long‐lived mutants of Caenorhabditis elegans. FASEB J. 15, 627‐634 (2001)
Fusion of high spatial and spectral resolution images : The ARSIS concept and its implementation

In various applications of remote sensing, when high spatial resolution is required in addition with classification results, sensorfusion is a solution. From a set of images with different spatial and spectral resolutions, the aim is to synthesize images with the highest spatial resolution available in the set and with an appropriate spectral content. Several sensor fusion methods exist; most of them improve the spatial resolution but provide poor quality of the spectral content of the resulting image. Based on a multiresolution modeling of the information, the ARsIs concept [from its French name "Am6lioration de la R6solution Spatiale par Injection de Structures") was designed with the aim of improving the spatial resolution together with a high quality in the spectral content ofthe synthesized images. The general case for the application of this concept is described. A quantitative comparison of all presented methods is achieved for a SPOT image. Another example of the fusion of SPOTXS (20-m) and KVR-1000 (2-m) images is given. Practical information for the implementation of the wavelet transform, the multiresolution analysis, and the ARSIS concept by practitioners is given with particular relevance to SPOT and Landsat imagew. lntroductlon
Two measurement methods of leaf dry matter content produce similar results in a broad range of species.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Leaf dry matter content (LDMC) is widely used as an indicator of plant resource use in plant functional trait databases. Two main methods have been proposed to measure LDMC, which basically differ in the rehydration procedure to which leaves are subjected after harvesting. These are the 'complete rehydration' protocol of Garnier et al. (2001, Functional Ecology 15: 688-695) and the 'partial rehydration' protocol of Vendramini et al. (2002, New Phytologist 154: 147-157). METHODS To test differences in LDMC due to the use of different methods, LDMC was measured on 51 native and cultivated species representing a wide range of plant families and growth forms from central-western Argentina, following the complete rehydration and partial rehydration protocols. KEY RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The LDMC values obtained by both methods were strongly and positively correlated, clearly showing that LDMC is highly conserved between the two procedures. These trends were not altered by the exclusion of plants with non-laminar leaves. Although the complete rehydration method is the safest to measure LDMC, the partial rehydration procedure produces similar results and is faster. It therefore appears as an acceptable option for those situations in which the complete rehydration method cannot be applied. Two notes of caution are given for cases in which different datasets are compared or combined: (1) the discrepancy between the two rehydration protocols is greatest in the case of high-LDMC (succulent or tender) leaves; (2) the results suggest that, when comparing many studies across unrelated datasets, differences in the measurement protocol may be less important than differences among seasons, years and the quality of local habitats.
Working above standard in literacy and numeracy in primary school

Despite an historical recognition that research is lacking on the occurrence of school students’ academic regression after a period of over-achievement, there continues to be little research conducted into the phenomenon. In particular, there is little research that examines the phenomenon from the perspective of students. The Working Above Standard Project (WASP) explored what was happening for students at a rural Victorian primary school who were, at the time of the study or at some stage in their primary schooling, identified as “working above standard” (WAS) in literacy and/or numeracy. This mixed method study was initiated by the school, and two staff members formed a research team with three university researchers for 12 months in 2017. Phase 1 involved the identification of students who had at some stage been identified as WAS in literacy or numeracy using analyses of data that the school had collected for student monitoring purposes. Analysis of student data led to the identification of twenty students in year 6 as meeting the WAS definition, and these students were invited to participate in a qualitative online survey. Three factors were found to be important to the students in the WASP: social interaction and friendships; teachers; and having a sense of belonging to the school through art, drama and sport.
Caloric Restriction Alters the Metabolic Response to a Mixed-Meal: Results from a Randomized, Controlled Trial

Objectives To determine if caloric restriction (CR) would cause changes in plasma metabolic intermediates in response to a mixed meal, suggestive of changes in the capacity to adapt fuel oxidation to fuel availability or metabolic flexibility, and to determine how any such changes relate to insulin sensitivity (SI). Methods Forty-six volunteers were randomized to a weight maintenance diet (Control), 25% CR, or 12.5% CR plus 12.5% energy deficit from structured aerobic exercise (CR+EX), or a liquid calorie diet (890 kcal/d until 15% reduction in body weight)for six months. Fasting and postprandial plasma samples were obtained at baseline, three, and six months. A targeted mass spectrometry-based platform was used to measure concentrations of individual free fatty acids (FFA), amino acids (AA), and acylcarnitines (AC). SI was measured with an intravenous glucose tolerance test. Results Over three and six months, there were significantly larger differences in fasting-to-postprandial (FPP) concentrations of medium and long chain AC (byproducts of FA oxidation) in the CR relative to Control and a tendency for the same in CR+EX (CR-3 month P = 0.02; CR-6 month P = 0.002; CR+EX-3 month P = 0.09; CR+EX-6 month P = 0.08). After three months of CR, there was a trend towards a larger difference in FPP FFA concentrations (P = 0.07; CR-3 month P = 0.08). Time-varying differences in FPP concentrations of AC and AA were independently related to time-varying SI (P<0.05 for both). Conclusions Based on changes in intermediates of FA oxidation following a food challenge, CR imparted improvements in metabolic flexibility that correlated with improvements in SI. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00099151
Host country nationals characteristics and willingness to help self-initiated expatriates in the UAE

Abstract This study investigates the role of host country nationals’ (HCNs) motivation to offer role information and social support in adjustment experience of self-initiated expatriates (SIEs). We draw on social identity theory and its variant, social categorization theory, to examine the determinants of support provided by HNCs to SEIs through survey data collected from 543 HCNs. The results of our study show that HCNs have a tendency to categorize SIEs based on certain salient characteristics, namely ethnocentrism and collectivism, whilst providing necessary role information and social support to the SIEs.
An Efficiency Enhancement Technique for a Wireless Power Transmission System Based on a Multiple Coil Switching Technique

For magnetic-coupled resonator wireless power transmission (WPT) systems, higher power transfer efficiency can be achieved over a greater range in comparison to inductive-coupled WPT systems. However, as the distance between the two near-field resonators varies, the coupling between them changes. The change in coupling would in turn vary the power transfer efficiency. Generally, to maintain high efficiency for varying distances, either frequency tuning or impedance matching are employed. Frequency tuning may not limit the tunable frequency within the Industrial Scientific Medical (ISM) band, and the impedance matching network involves bulky systems. Therefore, to maintain higher transfer efficiency over a wide range of distances, we propose a multiple coil switching wireless power transmission system. The proposed system includes several loop coils with different sizes. Based on the variation of the distance between the transmitter and receiver side, the power is switched to one of the loop coils for transmission and reception. The system enables adjustment of the coupling coefficient with selective switching of the coil loops at the source and load end and, thus, aids achieving high power transfer efficiency over a wide range of distances. The proposed technique is analyzed with an equivalent circuit model, and simulations are performed to evaluate the performance. The system is validated through experimental results that indicate for a fixed frequency (13.56 MHz) that the switched loop technique achieves high efficiency over a wider range of distances.
A multi-objective genetic algorithm for the QoS based routing and wavelength allocation problem

To tackle the QoS based routing and wavelength allocation problem (QRWA), a multi-objective genetic algorithm which is based on the ideas of SPEA-II is applied to solve it. The chromosome coding scheme, crossover and mutation operators are redefined, and a repair method is proposed to guarantee the generated offspring are valid. The proposed algorithm is evaluated on a set of different scale test problems and compared with the recently proposed related GA based multi-objective optimization algorithms. The experimental results reveal very encouraging results in terms of the solution quality and diversity.
Long-Term Response to Calcium Channel Blockers in Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Background—Characteristics of patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) who benefit from long-term calcium channel blockers (CCB) are unknown. Methods and Results—Acute pulmonary vasodilator testing with epoprostenol or nitric oxide was performed in 557 IPAH patients. Acute responders, defined by a fall in both mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) >20%, received long-term oral CCB. Patients who benefit from long-term CCB were defined as those being in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I or II after at least 1 year on CCB monotherapy. Among the 70 patients who displayed acute pulmonary vasoreactivity (12.6%; 95% CI, 9.8% to 15.3%) and received CCB therapy, only 38 showed long-term improvement (6.8%; 95% CI, 4.7% to 8.9%). Long-term CCB responders had less severe disease at baseline than patients who failed. During acute vasodilator testing, long-term CCB responders displayed a more pronounced fall in mean PAP (−39±11% versus −26±7%; P<0.0001), reaching an absolute value of mean PAP lower than that measured in patients who failed (33±8 versus 46±10 mm Hg; P<0.0001). After 7.0±4.1 years, all but 1 long-term CCB responders were alive in NYHA class I or II, with a sustained hemodynamic improvement. In the group of patients who failed on CCB, the 5-year survival rate was 48%. Conclusions—Long-term CCB responders represent <10% of IPAH patients evaluated in a pulmonary vascular referral center. During acute vasodilator testing, these patients showed significantly lower levels of both mean PAP and PVR, which reached near-normal values.
Canonical and Noncanonical Sites Determine NPT2A Binding Selectivity to NHERF1 PDZ1

Na+/H+ Exchanger Regulatory Factor-1 (NHERF1) is a scaffolding protein containing 2 PDZ domains that coordinates the assembly and trafficking of transmembrane receptors and ion channels. Most target proteins harboring a C-terminus recognition motif bind more-or-less equivalently to the either PDZ domain, which contain identical core-binding motifs. However some substrates such as the type II sodium-dependent phosphate co-transporter (NPT2A), uniquely bind only one PDZ domain. We sought to define the structural determinants responsible for the specificity of interaction between NHERF1 PDZ domains and NPT2A. By performing all-atom/explicit-solvent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in combination with biological mutagenesis, fluorescent polarization (FP) binding assays, and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), we found that in addition to canonical interactions of residues at 0 and -2 positions, Arg at the -1 position of NPT2A plays a critical role in association with Glu43 and His27 of PDZ1 that are absent in PDZ2. Experimentally introduced mutation in PDZ1 (Glu43Asp and His27Asn) decreased binding to NPT2A. Conversely, introduction of Asp183Glu and Asn167His mutations in PDZ2 promoted the formation of favorable interactions yielding micromolar K Ds. The results describe novel determinants within both the PDZ domain and outside the canonical PDZ-recognition motif that are responsible for discrimination of NPT2A between two PDZ domains. The results challenge general paradigms for PDZ recognition and suggest new targets for drug development.
Social Work and Education

On mental retardation, as special breach of the general development of the individual in our state became known recently. In the early eighties of the last century began to introduce special training for this category of students. In our country, mental retardation believe disease: all citizens of Ukraine who have received official status disabled due to mental retardation, are mandatory for accounting in a mental hospital. Recent years have seen a significant increase in the prevalence of mental disorders in childhood - 8% 6-7 years. Considerable part of the mental disorders of childhood takes mental pathology, boundary violations of intellectual development of children who are not regressive and amenable to correction.
DESIGN OF OPTIMIZED PI CONTROLLER WITH IDEAL DECOUPLER FOR A NON LINEAR MULTIVARIABLE SYSTEM USING PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION TECHNIQUE

Most of the industrial processes are multivariable in nature. The Multi Input Multi Output (MIMO) process has the difficulty in controller design because of changes in process dynamics and interactions between process variables. The quadruple tank process is a novel laboratory equipment which has been used in control literature to illustrate many concepts in MIMO systems. The objective of the current study presented in this paper is to design an optimized PI controller for quadruple tank process with decoupler using particle swarm optimization and to compare it with Model Reference Adaptive Control (MRAC) technique. The validity and robustness of the proposed system is tested using simulation results. A good performance of set point tracking and disturbance attenuation is obtained for the decoupled process.
Dual effect of ethanol on cell death in primary culture of human and rat hepatocytes.

AIMS In-vivo and in-vitro studies have shown that ethanol induces hepatocyte damage. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a broad range of ethanol concentrations on apoptosis and necrosis in primary culture of human and rat hepatocytes. METHODS Human and rat hepatocytes were isolated from human hepatectomies and male Wistar rats (200-250 g) using the classical collagenase perfusion method. After stabilization of cell culture, ethanol (0-10 mmol/l) was administered and the parameters were measured 24 h after ethanol addition. Apoptosis was studied by DNA fragmentation, iodide propidium-DNA staining, caspase-3 activity and annexin V binding in hepatocytes. Necrosis was evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and GSH/GSSG were used as parameters of oxidative stress. RESULTS Ethanol enhanced dose-dependently all the parameters associated with apoptosis in human and rat hepatocytes. Low or high ethanol concentrations induced an opposite action against cell necrosis in cultured hepatocytes. Low concentrations of ethanol (1-2 mmol/l) reduced LDH release from human and rat hepatocytes. However, the highest ethanol concentration (10 mmol/l) induced a sharp increase in cell necrosis. The effect of ethanol on cell necrosis was related to lipid peroxidation in hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS Ethanol differentially regulates apoptosis or necrosis in cultured hepatocytes. Although ethanol exerted a dose-dependent induction of apoptosis, low ethanol concentrations were able to reduce basal lipid peroxidation and necrosis in hepatocytes. The highest ethanol concentration (10 mmol/l) induced apoptosis and necrosis in human and rat cultured hepatocytes.
Genetically Engineered Mouse Models of Brain Cancer and the Promise of Preclinical Testing

Recent improvements in the understanding of brain tumor biology have opened the door to a number of rational therapeutic strategies targeting distinct oncogenic pathways. The successful translation of such “designer drugs” to clinical application depends heavily on effective and expeditious screening methods in relevant disease models. By recapitulating both the underlying genetics and the characteristic tumor‐stroma microenvironment of brain cancer, genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) may offer distinct advantages over cell culture and xenograft systems in the preclinical testing of promising therapies. This review focuses on recently developed GEMMs for both glioma and medulloblastoma, and discusses their potential use in preclinical trials. Examples showcasing the use of GEMMs in the testing of molecularly targeted therapeutics are given, and relevant topics, such as stem cell biology, in vivo imaging technology and radiotherapy, are also addressed.