Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Research on MOOCs : Trends and Methodologies

The MOOC phenomenon has generated huge interest in the field of education from the outset, giving rise to a significant number of research studies. In this paper we will take a look at previous research into MOOCs and we believe the relevant research trends from the education perspective will focus on new developments in hybrid MOOCs, both in their technological and pedagogical aspects, and in placing students’ learning and academic results at the forefront of research. The use of more sophisticated research designs is also recommended, paying greater attention to causal factors that promote student learning.
omparison of chemical composition and antioxidant potential of volatile oil rom fresh , dried and cured turmeric ( Curcuma longa ) rhizomes hanalakshmi

The present work was conducted to assess and compare the chemical composition of volatile oils from fresh, dried and cured turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizomes from a selected single source. In addition, their antioxidant and radical scavenging potentials were correlated with chemical composition. Major components were ar-turmerone (21.0–30.3%), ̨-turmerone (26.5–33.5%) and ˇ-turmerone (18.9–21.1%). Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) values were 38.9, 68.0 and 66.9 M at 1 mg of oil/ml for
Color cues for traffic scene analysis

In this paper a system for the analysis of color images of traffic scenes is presented. This system, which is based on a suitable processing of the chromatic information contents of the images, aims at recovering in a robust way important parts of a road scene like the road-bed, obstacles which are present on the road-bed, horizontal and vertical road signs, and traffic lights. A wide experimentation on images of urban and country roads has shown the power of using color information compared to the performance we obtained by algorithms for object detection and recognition that rely solely on geometric features extracted from monochromatic images. The results suggest that color cue can be very helpful to construct drivers' assistant systems based on computer vision technologies even in the presence of quite complex road environments.
Downregulation of miR-34 a attenuates myocardial ischemia / reperfusion injury by inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis

MicroRNAs have been shown to play critical regulatory roles in various ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, its role in myocardial I/R injury remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of microRNA-34a (miR-34a) in the development of myocardial I/R injury. Rat myocardial I/R model was established, followed by PCR array analyses to investigate the expressional alterations of miRNAs in the hearts of rats. H9c2 cardiomyocytes were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, cell viability and rat cardiomyocyte apoptosis were measured as well as miR-34a expression. Knockdown experiments were performed to determine the effects of manipulating miR-34a on apoptotic responses. Our results revealed that miR-34a was significantly up-regulated in I/R group compared with sham group. Inhibition of miR-34a promoted cell proliferation, reduced LDH release and apoptosis which were accompanied by a significant decrease in caspase-3 activity. Furthermore, Bcl-2, a well know anti-apoptotic gene was identified to be a functional target of miR-34a. Taken together, knockdown of miR-34a mediates H/R-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes by targeting Bcl-2 and represents a potential target for prevention of myocardial I/R injury.
Toward an Explanation of Transmutation Products on Palladium Cathodes

A lattice model of nuclear structure that is isomorphic with the conventional independent-particle model (IPM) has previously been shown to predict the asymmetrical fragments produced by the thermal fission of the actinides. The same model can be used to predict the transmutation products found on palladium cathodes following electrolysis, as reported by Mizuno [1]. It is concluded that the substructure provided by the lattice may be a crucial addition to conventional nuclear structure theory in order to explain the nuclear transmutations in both thermal fission and “cold fusion”.
Benefits of docetaxel and lobaplatin combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced breast cancer

Objective: Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) is best managed with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, followed by surgery and radiotherapy. However, most patients still have inoperable LABC after 4 cycles of adriamycin and cyclophosphamide neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Very few studies have addressed the next step for inoperable cases. This retrospective study analyzed the curative effects and side effects of docetaxel and lobaplatin, combined with concurrent chemoradiation, in patients with LABC by determining objective response rates (ORRs), survival, toxicity profiles, and feasibility of use with neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiation. Methods: A total of 185 LABC patients, treated at the Department of Breast Surgery, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, between January 2008 and December 2012, were selected. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. On the first day, the research group was given docetaxel and lobaplatin and patients completed 21 days of synchronous radiotherapy. The control group was given only docetaxel and lobaplatin. The two groups completed four cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was patient 5-year progression-free survival (PFS). Patient ORR, 5-year overall survival (OS), and toxic side effects were also assessed. Patient characteristics and toxicity during treatment were recorded to evaluate curative effects and adverse reactions in both groups. Results: Both groups achieved good clinical efficacy after neoadjuvant treatment. However, ORRs, surgical resection rates, tumor cell apoptosis indices, PFS, and OS were significantly higher for the research group than the control group. Additionally, incidence of bone marrow suppression, gastrointestinal tract reaction, cardiac toxicity, and liver damage in the research group was compared with that of the control group. No significant differences were observed. There was more skin dermatitis toxicity in the research group. Conclusion: Present results suggest that the addition of radiation to neoadjuvant chemotherapy is promising because it improves PFS and OS, resulting in overall good outcomes. Docetaxel and lobaplatin, combined with neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiation, for treatment of LABC can achieve good curative effects with tolerable toxicity. Thus, widespread application should be considered.
Median lethal dose ( LD 50 ) and cytotoxicity of Adriamycin in female albino mice Rehab

Article history: Received on: 09/03/2016 Accepted on: 07/05/2016 Available online: 30/03/2017 The median lethal dose of Adriamycin and its cytotoxicity in three vital organs (heart, liver and kidney) was studied. The median lethal dose (LD50) was 56.875mg/kg body. Weight (b.wt). High doses of Adriamycin induced significant increases in heart tissues enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Creatine Kinase-MB isoenzyme (CKMB)). Hepatotoxicity appeared in significant increment in liver function enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities) and lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides) and significant reduction in total protein and albumin. Moreover, urea and creatinine have recorded significant increases in kidney tissues after interpretoneal administration of high doses of Adriamycin (100, 90 and 80 mg/kg b.wt.).
Design and Implementation of Hiding Techniques to Obfuscate Against Side-Channel Attacks on AES

Received 26 Dec. 2013, Revised 22 Feb. 2014, Accepted 25 Feb. 2014, Published 1 May 2014 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Abstract: While AES is computationally secure, it is not without weakness. Side-channel attacks on AES hardware implementations can reveal its secret key. Because of this vulnerability, countermeasures to side-channel attacks are crucial to data security. This paper assesses a current design and proposes a new design for securing AES, along with evaluating their implementation onto field programmable gate arrays. Both countermeasures were successfully implemented, and the data remained secure against common side channel attacks. Results indicate successful obfuscation of the secret key over the original AES algorithm.
MEMS-Based Frequency-Tunable Reflect-Line Phase Shifter

This paper presents a reflect-line phase shifter with a frequency reconfigurable behaviour. The proposed design approach uses Metal-Insulator-Metal (MIM) capacitors as loads of a branch-line coupler. The reconfigurability is obtained by means of RF-MEMS switches. Results referring to a 90° differential phase shifter able to work at two different frequencies (7.7 GHz and 9.76 GHz) are reported and discussed. It will be shown that the use of RF-MEMS switches combined with MIM capacitors results in compact dimensions and good performance in terms of bandwidth, thus demonstrating that the proposed approach is an optimum candidate for designing frequency reconfigurable phase shifters.
IMPACT OF MACROECONOMIC VARIABLES AND ECONOMIC FREEDOM ON MALAYSIA GLC ’ S STOCK RETURNS : AN ANALYSIS OF AUGMENTED FAMA-FRENCH THREE FACTOR MODEL

This paper investigates the determinants of the firm-level equity return of government linked companies (GLC’s) in which listed in Bursa Malaysia by augmenting the Fama-French (1992, 1996) three factor model. The focal point is to examine the role of macroeconomic policy variables such as inflation, economic freedom and firm-specific variables in influencing the GLC’s equity return. Using a sample of 16 GLC’s companies, and the period of 18 years spanning from the year 1995 until 2012, and estimation method of static panel data, the empirical results revealed that the fiscal policy variable namely budget deficit, and economic freedom have a significance impact on the GLC’s equity returns. However, monetary policy variable namely interest rates policy has no significant effect on the GLC’s equity return. In addition, the domestic market return, small minus big (SMB) and the high minus low (HML) are statistically significance in influencing the GLC’s equity return. This findings implied that the investor and the management of GLC’s need to observe the macroeconomic policy, in particular fiscal policy, the economic freedom, the domestic market return and the GLC’s specific variables in managing the risk and return of the portfolio. Key Terms: GLC’s, Static panel data, Augmented Fama-French three factor model,
Nonlinearity in the organizational environment-performance relationship : an empirical exploration

The external circumstances that organizations confront are an important influence upon their prospects of success. The resources available within the environment, the multiplicity of stakeholder demands to be addressed and the rates of change in these, each have serious implications for organizational functioning. Although numerous empirical studies furnish evidence on the impact of organizational environments on performance, few consider the presence of complicated nonlinear patterns in this relationship. In this paper, we examine the potentially nonlinear effects of different dimensions of the organizational environment on the performance of over 500 organizations using both objective and subjective measures of the environment. The results suggest that the pattern of the environment-performance relationship varies across environmental dimensions and according to whether the environmental measure is objective or subjective. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Towards using a physio-cognitive model in tutoring for psychomotor tasks.

We report our exploratory research of psychomotor task training in intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) that are generally limited to tutoring in the desktop learning environment where the learner acquires cognitively oriented knowledge and skills. It is necessary to support computer-guided training in a psychomotor task domain that is beyond the desktop environment. In this study, we seek to extend the current capability of GIFT (Generalized Intelligent Framework for Tutoring) to address these psychomotor task training needs. Our approach is to utilize heterogeneous sensor data to identify physical motions through acceleration data from a smartphone and to monitor respiratory activity through a BioHarness, while interacting with GIFT simultaneously. We also utilize a computational model to better understand the learner and domain. We focus on a precision-required psychomotor task (i.e., golf putting) and create a series of courses in GIFT that instruct how to do putting with tactical breathing. We report our implementation of a physio-cognitive model that can account for the process of psychomotor skill development, the GIFT extension, and a pilot study that uses the extension. The physio-cognitive model is based on the ACT-R/Φ architecture to model and predict the process of learning, and how it can be used for improving the fundamental understanding of the domain and learner model. Our study contributes to the use of cognitive modeling with physiological constraints to support adaptive training of psychomotor tasks in ITSs.
Genetic Markers of Thrombophilia in Children with Structural Focal Epilepsy in Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

Structural focal epilepsy in children with cerebral palsy (4366%), often occur in spastic hemiparesis (30-35%), affecting motor, intellectual and cognitive impairments [1,2]. The perinatal risk factor for epileptic seizures is more than 85% in children with structural focal epilepsy in hemiplegic cerebral palsy [3]. The main risk factors for epilepsy and hemiplegic cerebral palsy in children include: asphyxia in labor, chronic intrauterine hypoxia, prenatal infection, preeclampsia, obesity of mother, assisted delivery [3-5]. Perinatal strokes are the main factor in the development of epileptic seizures in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy [6,7]. Perinatal arterial ABSTRACT
DEVELOPING A QUALITY HEIFER : MANAGEMENT , ECONOMIC AND BIOLOGICAL FACTORS TO CONSIDER

It has been well recognized that the phenotypic expression of an individual is affected by both genetic ability as well as environment. The environment contains multiple external signals that affect the development and expression of the genetic composition of an animal. While in the uterus, the mother controls the environment in which the fetus is developing, influencing in this way the expression of the genetic material and there is good evidence that the environment can play a role in long-term productivity in beef cattle (Summers and Funston, 2012). The effect and extent of maternal influence in the offspring’s development does not end at parturition, but continues throughout the first weeks of life through the effect of milk-born factors, including colostrum, which have an impact in the physiological development of tissues and functions in the offspring. This concept has been recently described as the “lactocrine hypothesis” (Bartol et al., 2008). Conceptually, this topic is not new but the terminology is useful and the ability of several groups to make a direct connection from a factor in milk to a developmental function at the tissue or behavior level is significant (Nusser and Frawley, 1997; Hinde and Capitanio, 2010). Data relating to this topic has been described and discussed by others in neonatal pigs (Donovan and Odle, 1994; Burrin et al., 1997) and calves (Baumrucker and Blum, 1993; Blum and Hammon, 2000; Rauprich et al. 2000). The implication of this hypothesis and these observations are that the neonate can be programmed maternally and post-natally to alter development of a particular process.
Effect of a relaxed glycemic control goal on elderly type 2 diabetic nephropathy

Objective: The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of a relaxed glycemic control goal, namely HbA1c < 8.0%, on type 2 diabetic nephropathy in elderly patients. Methods: A total of 196 elderly patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy were included. Body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, postprandial 2-hour blood glucose, blood lipids, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, HbA1c, urinary microalbumin/urine creatinine (ACR), and estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were measured. Results: Two patients were excluded from the study due to increased blood pressure and left lower lobe pneumonia. According to the level of HbA1c, patients were divided into group I (HbA1c < 8%) and II (HbA1c ≥ 8%). There were no significant differences in basic characteristics such as age, gender, or BMI between two groups (P > 0.05). However, insulin therapy was significantly increased in group II compared with that in group I (P < 0.01). Fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and HbA1c were significantly lower in group I than that in group II (P < 0.01). Although blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and eGFR exhibited no statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.05), urinary microalbumin and ACR in group I patients were significantly lower than those in group II [Albumin: (P < 0.05), ACR: (P<0.05)]. Furthermore, the incidence of diabetic nephropathy was also reduced. Conclusion: Relaxed glycemic control goal (HbA1c < 8.0%) reduces urinary albumin excretion, the incidence of diabetic nephropathy, and long-term end-stage renal disease without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia in elderly diabetic patients.
Interactive comment on “ Joint state-parameter estimation of a nonlinear stochastic energy balance model from sparse noisy data ” by F

GENERAL RESPONSE: I want firstly thank the editor for selecting me to review this work, and for providing a short extension to the review period – my apologies for being slightly late with completing this review. I found that this is of very high quality analysis and exposition, and it was quite a pleasure to read. In this regard, I don’t have many suggestions for improvement of the text, only a few minor points that I think can be elaborated on. I think the work should
Efficacy and safety of LHM for people with achalasia : a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

l: Background: It is still not clear whether the laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM), botulinum toxin (BTX) or the pneumatic dilation (PD) is the most appropriate treatment approach to achalasia. Therefore, this meta-analysis study was conducted to assess the safety and effectiveness of these methods in the management of achalasia. Methods: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed through searching a comprehensive list of electronic databases to compare the safety and effectiveness between these approaches in the treatment of achalasia. Calculations were made of effect sizes of efficacy and safety outcomes: response rate, recurrence rate, and complication rate, the effect sizes were then pooled through randomizedor fixed-effects model. Results: Sixteen RCTs involving 1,196 participants were included. There was no significant difference between BTX and PD treatment in short-term response rate [risk ratio (RR)=0.90, 95% credible interval (CI): 0.82-1.00, P=0.05], while the shortterm response rate was higher in the LHM group than that in the PD group (RR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.05-1.38, P=0.008). The long-term response rate was significantly higher in the LHM group than that in the PD group (RR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.06-1.52, P=0.009), the long-term response rate of the PD group was superior to BTX in treating achalasia (RR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.29-0.90, P=0.02). The complication rate of achalasia in the BTX group was significantly lower than that in the PD group (RR=0.20, 95% CI: 0.07-0.58, P=0.003), but the recurrence rate was significantly higher in the BTX group than that in the PD group (RR=2.15, 95% CI: 1.19-3.88, P=0.01). Conclusion: The current metaanalysis demonstrates that LHM is the more effectiveness method for the treatment of achalasia.
Simulation of cable coupling Final Report

This is the final report conducted during my study period in Thales, Nederland form September 2008 to January 2009. The work was focussed on the study of cable coupling. This has involved developing models of the cable coupling phenomenon and developing some statistical analysis. Results show that the estimate cable coupling compares reasonably well with measurements and the statistical analysis provides some useful bounds for the expected values and insight into the important parameters. From a comparison of the braid transfer impedance models it is concluded that the Kley model seems reasonably accurate. From the measurement results provided by previous Thales reports it is apparent that stray reactances play an important role in defining the resonant points in the cable coupling. Comparable simulation results can be obtained through the application of reasonable stray reactive values. At resonance the cable coupling will only be limited by losses in the circuit and this can provide a simple estimate of the maximum cable coupling. Using an estimate of the losses and the statistical distribution of the important parameters provides an engineer with the probability distribution of the cable coupling. A full description of the approach and the advantages it provides for efficient and cost effective EMC compliance is given in this report.
THE STRENGTH OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION AND THE TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGIES

In the wake of the 21st Century achievements of the intellect are gaining in importance in production. Who has the knowledge, also has the advantage in competition. Countries are striving to produce knowledge, or else acquire knowledge elsewhere produced to remain competitive. Intellectual property rights (IPR) facilitate technology transfer by assuring foreign innovators that transferring knowledge produced by them into the country they will still be able to collect returns. In this paper I am going to present one possible way of measuring the effect of relative IPR protection strengths of trading partners on the magnitude of technology transfer between their countries.
The effectiveness of the destination websites in promoting linkages between visitors and the community in Tonga

Whilst tourism has brought Tonga potentially significant prospects for job creation and local business ownership, many tourists lack knowledge about the cultural experiences on offer at their holiday destination. This signifies a lost opportunity to form linkages between foreign tourists and the Tongan community. This study analysed the content of 40 Tongan websites to see how effectively they promoted linkages to community based tourism industries. It found the majority of websites had very weak content on local handicrafts, food and cultural events and were ineffective at promoting linkages between tourists and the community, thereby reducing the potential for local community participation in the tourism industry.