Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of game-based exercise on infant acute lymphocytic leukaemia patients

Objective. To establish the effect of a game-based exercise programme on Physical Deconditioning Syndrome (PDS) in 5 to 12 year-old children suffering Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia (ALL). Materials and methods. This was a quasi-experimental study involving seven children being treated for ALL at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Bogota, Colombia. Fitness determinants (aerobic capacity, muscle strength, flexibility, motor skills and proprioception) were initially assessed to establish their exercise regime category, classifying subjects into three levels. Post-intervention assessment at the end of the programme verified changes in such determinants. Results. Seven children aged 5 to 12 years-old (9±2.13 years) suffering from ALL (4 girls and 3 boys) met the inclusion criteria. Most determinants underwent changes leading to an increase in patients' evaluation scores (except for muscle strength, which remained constant). Whilst determinant variation was important, a greater difference was found when the overall score was analysed (p=0.05), signifying that the intervention had changed these children's health status. Conclusion. Game-based exercise was useful for managing PDS in 5 to12 year-old ALL patients and suggested new ways of providing an intervention concerning physical therapy. However, studies involving a larger target population and longer intervention time are needed to identify new findings in this field.
Which Countries Learn from Which?

Which countries learn from which other countries in the course of cooperation in the Nordic and European open method of coordination (OMC) committees? That is the key question this article addresses.The goal is to contribute to the body of research on Europeanization by exploring its ‘horizontal’ thrust. The object of the study is the direction of learning as perceived by participants in European OMC committees and Nordic committees with similar functions. The approach implies cross-testing of two key hypotheses: (1) the direction of learning in international committees is dependent on which countries can show ‘best practice’, and (2) learning in international committees is dependent on the degree to which countries share a similar economic-political background (the ‘most similar’ hypothesis). The cross test affirms the ‘best practice’ hypothesis, whereas the ‘most similar’ hypothesis is shown to be significant only to the extent that it concurs with the ‘best practice’ hypothesis.
Longitudinal examination of pathways to peer problems in middle childhood: A siblings-reared-apart design

Abstract To advance research from Dishion and others on associations between parenting and peer problems across childhood, we used a sample of 177 sibling pairs reared apart since birth (because of adoption of one of the siblings) to examine associations between parental hostility and children's peer problems when children were ages 7 and 9.5 years (n = 329 children). We extended conventional cross-lagged parent–peer models by incorporating child inhibitory control as an additional predictor and examining genetic contributions via birth mother psychopathology. Path models indicated a cross-lagged association from parental hostility to later peer problems. When child inhibitory control was included, birth mother internalizing symptoms were associated with poorer child inhibitory control, which was associated with more parental hostility and peer problems. The cross-lagged paths from parental hostility to peer problems were no longer significant in the full model. Multigroup analyses revealed that the path from birth mother internalizing symptoms to child inhibitory control was significantly higher for birth parent–reared children, indicating the possible contribution of passive gene–environment correlation to this association. Exploratory analyses suggested that each child's unique rearing context contributed to his or her inhibitory control and peer behavior. Implications for the development of evidence-based interventions are discussed.
Patterns of Fungal and Bacterial Carbon Mineralization Across Northern European Peatlands

The fungal and bacterial activity was determined in 20 northern European peatlands ranging from ombrotrophic bogs to eutrophic fens with key differences in degree of humification, pH, dry bulk density, carbon (C) content and vegetation communities using the selective inhibition (SI) technique. These peatlands were partly disturbed and the respective water tables lowered below the surface layer. Basal respiration ranged from 24 to 128 µg CO2-C g−1 dry peat d−1. Bacterial contributions to CO2 production were high in most peatlands and showed the following pattern: eutrophic >> transitional ≥ mesotrophic >> ombrotrophic peatland types. The fungal-to-bacterial (F:B) ratios varied substantially within peatland type, and this was mainly attributed to differences in peat botanical compositions and chemistry. The computed mean Inhibitor Additivity Ratio (IAR) was quite close to 1 to suggest that the SI techniques can be used to partition eukaryotic and prokaryotic activity in wide range of peatlands. Overall, basal respiration, microbial biomass-C, fungal and bacterial activities varied across the studied peatland types, and such differences could have consequences for C- and nutrient-cycling as well as how bogs and fens will respond to environmental changes.
An Electromagnetic Tracking Method Based on Phase Difference Detection

Electromagnetic tracking has widely been used in many fields, such as virtual reality, motion tracking, and biomedicine. Especially in surgical navigation systems, electromagnetic tracking offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional X-ray fluoroscopy. In this paper, we present a new magnetic tracking method based on phase difference detection. Two 3-axis magnetic sources and one 3-axis sensor are needed in the tracking system. The position and orientation of the sensor can be obtained simply by measuring the phase difference between the square of the synthetic magnetic induction intensity at the position of the sensor and the square of the excitation current of the magnetic source. The experimental results indicate that this method has a good tracking accuracy and speed. The mean position error is less than 0.1 cm, and the theoretical tracking time can be less than 3.5 ms when the frequency of the excitation current is no less than 1 kHz. Furthermore, antinoise simulations show that the tracking performance of this method is more robust against environmental noise than that of existing methods. Therefore, the electromagnetic tracking method proposed in this paper has good application prospects in many respects. It enables real-time tracking with high accuracy and a strong antinoise ability.
Low-Thrust Control Strategies for Earth-to-Mars Trajectories

Recent advances in electric propulsion systems have demonstrated that these engines have the potential to be used for long-duration travels, with applications such as cargo and human transportation for interplanetary voyages. The Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) is an example of this type of engine, possessing the ability to operate at a wide range of specific impulse levels. This chapter presents the results of a study comparing three different thrust control strategies for Earth-Mars trajectories, using the VASIMR engine at a power of 150 kW. These are constant thrust trajectories, trajectories with coasting periods, and trajectories with variable specific impulse, resulting in variable thrust. To achieve this, an optimization tool was created using spherical coordinates to model the dynamics of the spacecraft, optimal control theory to setup the optimization problem, and a differential evolution algorithm to minimize the cost function. A novel approach to model variable specific impulse and coast-arcs in the trajectories for spherical coordinates is presented as well. The optimi- zation tool was utilized to find optimal trajectories from Earth to Mars orbit, and it was concluded that using variable thrust reduces propellant consumption for a variety of trajectories, when compared to the other two methods.
The First Murchison Widefield Array low-frequency radio observations of cluster scale non-thermal emission: the case of Abell 3667

We present the first Murchison Widefield Array observations o f the well-known cluster of galaxies Abell 3667 (A3667) between 105 and 241 MHz. A3667 is one of the best known examples of a galaxy cluster hosting a double radio relic and has been reported to contain a faint radio halo and bridge. The origins of radio halos, rel ics and bridges is still unclear, however galaxy cluster mergers seems to be an important factor. We clearly detect the NorthWest (NW) and South-East (SE) radio relics in A3667 and find an integrated flux density at 149 MHz of 28.1± 1.7 and 2.4± 0.1 Jy, respectively, with an average spectral index, between 120 and 1400 MHz, of−0.9± 0.1 for both relics. We find evidence of a spatial variation in the spectral index across the NW relic steepening towards the centre of the cluster, which indicates an ageing electron population. These properties are consistent with higher frequency observations. We detect emission that could be associated with a radio halo and bridge. However, due to the presence of poorly sampled large-scale Galactic emission and blended point sources we are unable to verify the exact nature of these features.
Influence of diabatic potential vorticity anomalies upon warm conveyor belt flow. Part I: 14-15 February 2003

The impact of convection upon winter storm precipitation distribution has been a question for forecasters. Many Area Forecast Discussions (AFDs) issued by the National Weather Service contain reference to the potential for convection across the southern United States to “rob” or inhibit the flow of moisture northward. This has been used as a reason to lower snowfall amounts to the north because of expected or ongoing convection. However, there are times that snowfall does not appear to be reduced and other times where snowfall may be diminished. Overall, there is a lack of understanding of the role of convection in downstream stratiform precipitation and whether it is an overall negative or positive effect on snowfall.
The natural rate of unemployment and the unemployment gender gap

Recent labour market developments include an increase in labour market mismatches, in that high unemployment rates coexist with significant levels of vacancies. This pattern is particularly evident in the US economy, but is also significant within the European Union; it implies that the natural rate of unemployment may rise significantly, thus suggesting that even if policies aimed at reducing it are implemented, the unemployment rate may remain steady if not increase. An important factor possibly influencing such an increase is related to the gender differential in employment opportunities. This is particularly relevant wherever such a differential represents a structural characteristic of the labour market, as in the case of Italy. The present work focuses on this issue and presents a methodology to decompose the natural rate of unemployment by gender, thus defining it in terms of equilibrium labour market flows between the aggregate states of the labour market (Employment, Unemployment, Non Labour Force). In addition, we propose estimates of the determinants of the unemployment gender gap, in order to pinpoint the relative roles of individual characteristics and structural factors in determining this difference.
Automated Image Quality Assessment for Ground Based Space Surveillance Optical Sensors

Two approaches for automated cloud detection from telescope data are investigated. The first approach exploits variability of source flux as a detection mechanism. The second approach exploits the spatio-temporal variability of clouds to discriminate them from stellar background. Three algorithms in the second category, based on temporal, statistical and spatial variability as discriminating features, are described and preliminary results are presented. For the spatial approach, performance evaluation with hand-truthed telescope data is presented.
Preparation and evaluation of microparticles containing Oxybutynin Chloride for controlled release

In the present research, an attempt has been made to prepare microparticles of Oxybutynin chloride. Particulate technologies have often proven popular among the oral controlled drug delivery technologies because of their simplicity, easy in manufacturing, high level of reproducibility and easy of scale up and process validation. Oxybutynin chloride is antimuscarinic and antispasmodic drug used for the treatment of urine incontinence in women. Different formulations were prepared by solvent evaporation method by using different ratios of drug and polymer (HPMC K45M, Ethyl Cellulose). The prepared microparticles were evaluated for drug polymer compatibility, the results shown that there were no significant interactions. The encapsulation efficacy was ranging from 56-96%. The in-vitro drug release studies indicate the release of drug in a controlled manner over a period of 12 hrs. It was found that the Oxybutynin release rate increased with a decreased amount of polymer. This can be adjusted by maintaining the concentration of the polymers.
Effect of Surface Charge and Hydrophobicity Modulation on the Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Potential of Magnetic Iron Nanoparticles

Unmodified magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) lack antibacterial potential. We investigated MNPs surface modifications that can impart antibacterial activity. Six MNPs species were prepared and characterized. Their antibacterial and antibiofilm potentials, surface affinity, and cytotoxicity were evaluated. Prepared MNPs were functionalized with citric acid, amine group, amino-propyl trimethoxy silane (APTMS), arginine, or oleic acid (OA) to give hydrophilic and hydrophobic MNPs with surface charge ranging from −30 to
Treebase: an R package for discovery, access and manipulation of online phylogenies

The TreeBASE portal is an important and rapidly growing repository of phylogenetic data. The R statistical environment has also become a primary tool for applied phylogenetic analyses across a range of questions, from comparative evolution to community ecology to conservation planning. We have developed treebase, an open‐source software package (freely available from http://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/treebase) for the R programming environment, providing simplified, programmatic and interactive access to phylogenetic data in the TreeBASE repository. We illustrate how this package creates a bridge between the TreeBASE repository and the rapidly growing collection of R packages for phylogenetics that can reduce barriers to discovery and integration across phylogenetic research. We show how the treebase package can be used to facilitate replication of previous studies and testing of methods and hypotheses across a large sample of phylogenies, which may help make such important reproducibility practices more common.
DISTRIBUTED MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS AND THE INTERNET OF THINGS: A CASE STUDY

In order to stay competitive in today's global market, manufacturing companies need to be flexible. To ensure flexible production, shorten processing times and reduce time-to-market, companies are utilizing the distributed manufacturing system paradigm, wherein geographically distributed, local resources are used for product development and production. In this context, the Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a concept which uses existing communication technologies, such as local wireless networks and the Internet to ensure visibility of anything from anywhere and at any time. In this paper, a case study of applying the IoT to the manufacturing domain is discussed. A distributed agent-based system for virtual monitoring and control of 3-axis CNC milling machine tools is designed and developed. The machines' 3D models and process states are shown through a web interface in real-time. The potential and challenges of implementing this system and the basic building blocks for decentralized value creation are discussed.
Marine lifestyle is associated with higher baseline corticosterone levels in birds

Because seawater is hyperosmotic relative to body fluids of most vertebrates, marine lifestyle is expected to strongly influence the physiology of marine tetrapods. Regulating the salt content of body fluids is energetically costly; and osmoregulatory organs may not totally overcome salt load and/or water loss. As a consequence, marine lifestyle should influence physiological systems involved in the maintenance of the physiological balance (homeostasis), in the mobilisation of energetic resources (e.g., to fuel salt excretion), or in the acquisition of resources (e.g., fresh water). Corticosterone (CORT) is one such ‘generalist’ mediator that is linked with energy expenditure, physiological stress and that activates osmoregulation. As a consequence, CORT is expected to be overall higher in marine tetrapods but this hypothesis has never been tested. Using comparative analyses, we tested this hypothesis in birds, a lineage for which available data on baseline CORT allow comparing marine versus terrestrial species, and species with or without salt glands. We found that marine species (and species with salt glands) display significantly higher baseline CORT during the wintering (but not the breeding) stage. Although salt glands’ presence was tightly linked to phylogeny, our results suggest that marine lifestyle may impose a strong, but overlooked, influence on the allostasis-related physiology of marine birds. Such habitat-related variation in physiology is a major phenomenon to explore owing to its general implications for understanding the physiological basis of evolutionary transitions in habitat use. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, 115, 154–161.
Methylphenidate Causes Time Dependant and Transient Alterations in Nucleosome Distribution in T-Cell Lines

Eukaryotic genomes are organized into the nucleoprotein complex, chromatin. The fundamental subunit of chromatin is the nucleosome: 150 base pairs (bps) of DNA wrapped around a spool of histo e p otei s. Ch o ati st u tu e depe ds highl o the positio a d density of nucleosomes in the genome. The distribution of these nucleosomes likely plays a critical role in all processes for which DNA is the template, including: gene expression, DNA replication, recombination and repair. It has been proposed for more than half a century that although all the cells in a human body contain, essentially, the same genetic material, the nucleosome spools give access to different areas of the genome effectively giving access to celltype specific areas of the genome. Cells that make up the human immune system express particular sets of genes that make them unique. Some of the genes that cells express are determined by the stimuli they receive. Methylphenidate (MPH) stimulates a response from immune-type cells. We hypothesized that alterations in nucleosome distribution might play a role in the MPH stimulated immune response. We measured chromatin structural changes in a human T-cell line (Jurkat T-leukemic) at high temporal resolution after MPH treatment. We mapped the nucleosome distribution at 4 different time points (0, 15, 45, 240 minutes). Nucleosomal DNA sequences were harvested via chromatin cross-linkage, MNase digestion and DNA extraction. Results were gathered by measuring differences in nucleosome distribution between the basal and the treated states at the different time points. We identified changes in nucleosome distribution. Interestingly, these changes in nucleosome distribution were transient, returning to their basal positions. Finally, these changes in nucleosome distribution exhibited different kinetics at different genes. We propose that the changes in nucleosomal distribution help potentiate differences in gene activity. The results allow us to understand the direct affects of MPH on chromatin structure and help reveal certain mechanistic processes by which it performs.
Maximum Power Point Tracking Device for a Photovoltaic Panel

SCHWARTZ, BETSY Maximum Power Point Tracking Device for a Photovoltaic Panel. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, June 2013. ADVISOR: Professor Robert Smith The operating characteristics of a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel are dependent upon the lighting and temperature conditions, as well as the characteristics of the energy storage device and/or loads that it feeds. PV panels normally operate at a fixed voltage and current for a given load and sunlight condition. The operating conditions will not necessarily produce the maximum possible power output of a solar panel for the set conditions. The efficiency of power delivery from a PV panel can be greatly increased by a Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT). An algorithm can be designed to shift the operating value to the maximum power point (MPP). A DC-to-DC converter can then be built to provide a battery with the highest possible power from the PV panel. In this project, the current and voltage output of a PV panel are measured and provided to a controller that continuously adjusts the PV operating point to produce the greatest average power output. The controller controls the duty cycle of a switch-mode DC-to-DC converter, which in turn provides a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) output to a battery bank. The converter will thus more closely match the battery’s storage impedance and provide a voltage that is proper to charge the battery. After testing, the system was able to operate at times near its maximum power but due to sampling issues this was not always the case.
On mandatory activation of welfare receivers

This paper investigates whether mandatory activation programs for welfare receivers have effects on welfare participation, employment and disposable income. In contrast to earlier studies we are able to capture both entry and exit effects. The empirical analysis makes use of a Swedish welfare reform in which the city districts in Stockholm gradually implemented mandatory activation programs for individuals on welfare. The reform is well suited for investigating effects of such programs for several reasons. First, the reform was not combined with any other policy instruments, like time limits or tax credits, making sure that we will capture effects of mandatory activation policies and nothing else. Second, the reform was initiated at different points of time in different city districts, which ease identification. Third, using data from city districts within a single local labor market we can control for confounding macro economic shocks. Overall, we find that mandatory activation of welfare receivers reduce overall welfare participation and increases employment. We also find that mandatory activation programs appear to work best for young people and for people born in non-Western countries. For disposable income, we do not find a statistically significant effect.
Potential Casuarina species and suitable techniques for the GGW

Casuarina tree species belong to the Casuarinaceae family, which includes 4 genera and 96 species. Casuarina trees are native fromAustralia, Southeast Asia and Pacific archipelagoes. Casuarinas develop symbiotic associations with Frankia, ectomycorrhizal and endomycorrhizal fungi. They have been introduced into tropical and subtropical zones in the world. Casuarinas are economically and ecologically important. They are multipurpose tree species providing a wide range of goods and services, such as windbreaks, sand stabilization, agroforestry and general rehabilitation for difficult sites. Casuarinas can be planted as pioneer species in hot-dry river valley, dry sandy soil, rock mountain and around desert. The wood is a main source of fuelwood and charcoal, for general construction, fiber-wood, and other wood-based industries.