Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The L3 of Brugia induces a T h 2-polarized response following activation of an IL-4-producing CD4 - CD8 - ab T cell population

Lymphatic filariasis in man is characterized by a profound bias in the immune response. Parasitespecific Th1 responses are dramatically down-regulated while Th2 responses dominate. We have used the infective larval stage of the nematode parasite Brugia pahangi, a potent Th2 inducer in naive mice, to examine cytokine production during the initiation phase of the response. For comparative purposes, the early cytokine transcription pattern elicited by microfilariae (mf), another life cycle stage of the parasite known to induce a primary Th1 response, was analysed in parallel. At 24 h post-infection (p.i.) a burst of IL-4 transcription was detected in the draining popliteal lymph node of L3-infected animals. IL-4 was the only cytokine transcript detectable at this early time point and was not present in mf-infected mice. From day 4 p.i. onwards, the L3 elicited a Th2 response as defined at the level of cytokine mRNA and protein production by CD4 F cells. In contrast, mf stimulate high levels of IFN-g mRNA at day 4 p.i. in the absence of IL-4 or IL-10 induction. Cell selection analysis indicated that IL-4 produced at 24 h derived from a population of CD4 ‐ CD8 ‐ ab T cells. These results suggest that triggering of an unusual double-negative T cell population to secrete IL-4 at the very outset of infection with the L3 of B. pahangi may be the
Computational Analysis of PTEN Gene Mutation

Post-genomic data can be efficiently analyzed using computational tools. It has the advantage over the biochemical and biophysical methods in term of higher coverage. In this research, we adopted a computational analysis on PTEN gene mutation. Mutation in PTEN is responsible for many human diseases. The results of this research provide insights into the protein domains of PTEN and the distribution of mutation.
Séquencement des lignes d'assemblage à modèles mélangés

Cette these est consacree a l'etude du probleme de sequencement des lignes d'assemblage a modeles melanges. Ce type de ligne est utilise pour produire simultanement plusieurs articles relativement differents. La ligne d'assemblage automobile en est un exemple classique. Les contraintes de ce genre d'organisation se resument en deux points : il faut lisser le plus possible la charge des differents postes de travail qui composent la ligne et il faut synchroniser les flux de composants necessaires a l'assemblage avec le flux des vehicules presents sur la ligne. La procedure de sequencement determine l'ordre specifique selon lequel les differents modeles sont lances sur la ligne. Dans le cas d'une ligne de construction automobile, cet ordonnancement previsionnel doit tenir compte des exigences et des contraintes specifiques, parfois antagonistes, des trois ateliers constituant la ligne : les ateliers de ferrage, de peinture et de montage. L'ordonnancement predictif etant impossible a maintenir tout au long du processus de fabrication a cause de nombreux aleas, celui-ci est adapte, de maniere reactive, selon les contraintes et les aleas des ateliers traverses.
Kinetics and influential factors of nanoscale iron-facilitated nitrate nitrogen removal

Song, Y. & Song, S. (March-April, 2017). Kinetics and influential factors of nanoscale iron-facilitated nitrate nitrogen removal. Water Technology and Sciences (in Spanish), 8(2), 93-103. In this paper, a new nanoscale iron adsorbent was prepared using the liquid phase reduction method. The effects of the initial nitrate nitrogen concentration, pH, and reaction temperature on the nitrate nitrogen removal efficiency of the nanoscale iron were investigated. The experimental results indicated that the initial nitrate nitrogen concentration significantly affected the reaction rate, but not the removal efficiency of the nanoscale iron. In addition, the optimal pH for the removal of nitrate nitrogen was 2.0. As the temperature increased, the nitrate nitrogen removal rate increased. A pseudo-second-order kinetic equation, in which the nitrate nitrogen concentration at reaction time t was used as the initial concentration, was developed in order to determine the reaction rate constant k at different temperatures. According to the results, the maximum value of k (0.014 mg/(L/min)) was observed at 50°C. The reaction activation energy Ea was approximately 17.18 kJ/mol. The reaction was primarily influenced by the mass transfer. In a neutral solution, in this case water, the reduction product of the nitrate nitrogen was ammonia nitrogen.
Synthesis and characterization of molecules for electronic devices

La miniaturisation toujours plus poussee des composants electroniques a atteint une limite en arrivant a l’echelle atomique. Afin de fabriquer des circuits a cette echelle, il est necessaire de interesser aux plus petits composants pouvant etre integres : les molecules individuelles et les groupes d’atomes. Dans cette optique, les molecules de 1,4-bis(pyridin-4-ylethynyl) benzene (BPEB), Dibenzo[a,h]thianthrene (DBTH), de Bis{82,92,152,162,222,232- hexa-(2,4,6-trifluorophenoxy)[g,l,q]-5,10,15,20-tetraazaporphyrino)}[b,e]-benzene (H4Pc2) ont ete concues, synthetisees et caracterisees afin d’en etudier le transport de charges et les changements induits proche de la surface. Des techniques de SPM, tels que le STM, le nc-AFM et l’usage conjoint de l’AFM avec le STM ont ete mises en pratique pour analyser les molecules reposant integralement ou partiellement sur un substrat. L’interpretation des resultats experimentaux a ete faite au moyen de calculs de DFT. De plus, l’autoassemblage en solution de nouvelles mono-phthalocyanines metalliques fluorees, MPc (M= Mg2+, 2H+, Co2+) a ete etudie.Tout d’abord, les mesures de conductance mirent en evidence, lors d’experiences de manipulation de fils moleculaires (BEPB), les changements de conformation associes aux transport des electrons a travers les molecules. De plus, le mouvement dit de “retournement papillon” (anglais: butterfly flapping) ayant lieu dans la classe des thianthrenes fut bloque a basse temperature grâce a l’interaction avec le substrat. Ce blocage a permit de conduire la premiere etude stereochimique de derives de thianthrenes chiraux (DBTH). Les analyses STM du DBTH ont montrees que le passage entre deux configurations de DBTH est reproductible et non-destructif. Par ailleurs, le nc-AFM utilise a resolution sub-moleculaire a constitue un outils important pour realiser une caracterisation complete et distinguer entre les differents isomeres de configuration et de constitution deposes sur une surface. D’autre part, la structure moleculaire de la phthalocyanine binucleaire (H4Pc2) a ete confirmee en utilisant un STM en mode “courant constant” et un AFM en mode “frequence constante”. Ces resultats jettent les bases d’une prochaine etude de transport (travail en cours). En outre, l’etude de l’agregation dans les molecules de MPc mit en evidence le role important de la capacite de coordination de l’atome central de la cavite Pc sur la formation d’agregat. Finalement, des mesures electrochimiques ont demontrees que l’agregation moleculaire peut bloquer le nature active de l’atome Co2+. Dans ce travail, il a ete clairement montre que le SPM est une technique adequate pour etudier les changements de conformations et de configurations associes aux courant tunnel d’electrons a travers des molecules, qu’elles soient planaire ou pas. Les etudes d’agregation des interrupteurs magnetiques ont permis de mieux comprendre l’organisation supramoleculaire. Cette organisation est un point crucial pour le developpement de futurs circuits bases sur une fabrication “bottom-up”.
Improving Service Credibility in PasswordAuthentication Peer Services

The two-server model is rather auspicious for password based authentication, healthy suited for the setting of amalgamated enterprises. On the other hand none of the existing two server password based authentication schemes enables a user to use the same password over multiple service servers, which is seemed an important feature of the two-server model. In this paper, we put forward a new scheme, enabling this protuberant functionality. Our offered scheme is password only and slightly more well-organized than the latest two-server password based authentication scheme.
Microsoft Word-230

The use of image processing technique for cardiac motion analysis has been an active research in the past decade. The estimation of myocardial motion eases the cardiologist in diagnosing cardiac abnormalities. In term of movement analysis, optical flow is the most popular technique that has been used by researchers. This paper describes the implementation and evaluation of three optical flow computation techniques to estimate the myocardial motion using echocardiographic images. The three techniques are the global smoothness method (GSM), the local smoothness method (LSM) and warping technique (WT). Optical flow field is computed based on healthy cardiac video on parasternal short axes view. These techniques look promising since the optical flow fields can be utilized to estimate the myocardial movement and comply with its true movement. The performances of each technique in terms of the direction, homogeneity and computing time, are also discussed. Keywords— Myocardial motion, optical flow, echocardiography images, global smoothness, local smoothness, warping.
Optimal positron-beam excited plasma wakefields in Hollow and Ion-Wake channels

A positron-beam interacting with the plasma electrons drives radial suck-in, in contrast to an electron-beam driven blow-out in the over-dense regime, $n_b>n_0$. In a homogeneous plasma, the electrons are radially sucked-in from all the different radii. The electrons collapsing from different radii do not simultaneously compress on-axis driving weak fields. A hollow-channel allows electrons from its channel-radius to collapse simultaneously exciting coherent fields. We analyze the optimal channel radius. Additionally, the low ion density in the hollow allows a larger region with focusing phase which we show is linearly focusing. We have shown the formation of an ion-wake channel behind a blow-out electron bubble-wake. Here we explore positron acceleration in the over-dense regime comparing an optimal hollow-plasma channel to the ion-wake channel. The condition for optimal hollow-channel radius is also compared. We also address the effects of a non-ideal ion-wake channel on positron-beam excited fields.
Dynamical phase transition in nonsymmetric spin glasses

Non-symmetric spin glasses are spin models for which the pair interactions between the spin are random but not symmetric. By studying the time evolution of two configurations in a mean-field model, one finds a transition temperature T0. For T>T0, two different initial conditions end up by becoming identical after an infinite time. This means that the thermal noise is strong enough to eliminate the memory of the initial conditions. For T<T0, two different initial conditions never become identical.
Blogging politics in Cuba: the framing of political discourse in the Cuban blogosphere

While a growing literature is exploring blogs and blogospheres as loci for informal political engagement, the development of political discourse via specific framing dynamics in blogging practice has so far been overlooked. By investigating the content of 62 blogs from four different ideological streams, this study specifically focuses on the Cuban blogosphere to address the question of how political consciousness and potential for collective action may emerge in blogging practice. Findings show that (1) critical evaluations, personal narratives and traditional socialist rhetoric mix as the raw materials of an emerging online political debate; (2) this particular mix varies depending on the political leaning of the bloggers; (3) the potential for collective action is very limited mostly due to the lack of a strong agency component among critical bloggers and the still heavy presence of an outdated socialist rhetoric among state-aligned bloggers.
Searching for absents: The State of things for the Neets (young people Not in Education, Employment or Training) in Greece. An overview

Neets (young people Not in Education, Employment or Training) is a distinctive social group which includes all the major characteristics of a contemporary social pathogeny. In Europe, only a few pieces of research have been carried out in order to determine the population and its characteristics which consist this social group. We tried to investigate the formation of Neets in Greece and to determine the characteristics of the persons who could be categorized as Neet. The percentage of Neets, as demonstrated by the findings of the survey "Barometer of Absents", is particularly high in Greece. The biographical rupture which a NEET has suffered and the vulnerability which he/she undergoes do not prevent him/her from redrawing his/her life orbit and from highlighting broader proposals to address social vulnerability and mitigate social inequalities. The quantitative mapping of NEETs based also on specific demographic characteristics, as well as the recording of the qualitative characteristics of an undoubtedly multi-parametric phenomenon are leading to the conclusion that in Greece is required a combined, multi-layered and targeted intervention that can re-integrate Neets.
Self-Compassion as a Relationship Moderator between Academic Burnout and Mental Health in Students

Background and purpose: College life is a challenging factor which affects the mental health and academic performance of students. Self compassion includes openness to and awareness of our sufferings, kindness to oneself and a non-judgmental view to our failures. The present study was conducted to investigate the moderator effects of self-compassion in the relationship between academic burnout and mental health in the students of Payam-e-Noor University of Delfan in the academic year of 2013-2014 (1392-1393). Materials and methods: the research sample included 200 students from Payam-e-Noor University of Delfan in the academic year of 2013-2014 (1392-1393), who were selected through cluster and simple random sampling. The instruments included the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Self Compassion Scale (SCS), and the academic burnout questionnaire ( MBI-SS). The dada were analyzed using SPSS18 through Pearson correlation, and Hierarchical Moderated Regression. Findings: Findings showed that there is a negative relationship between academic burnout and self-compassion on one hand (P<0.01), and academic burnout and mental health on the other (P<0.05). Findings also showed that there is a positive relationship between self-compassion and mental health (P<0.01). In addition, self-compassion can be a moderator between academic burnout and mental health, and can moderate the effects of academic burnout on mental health (P<0.01). Conclusion: Results emphasize the importance of self-compassion as a variable in self acceptance. In other words, self-compassion is a way to connect to ourselves despite failures, incompetence and flaws.
Can Norwegian Mutual Fund Managers Pick Stocks

This thesis examines the performance and persistence of Norwegian mutual funds using a comprehensive dataset (surviving and non-surviving funds) over the period 1983-2015. We examine the performance of Norwegian mutual funds on aggregate level and individually, using the Carhart (1997) four-factor model as our performance model. We find that Norwegian mutual funds, on aggregate, do not produce significant abnormal risk-adjusted returns. When examining mutual funds individually, we apply a cross-section bootstrap to distinguish between skill and luck. The bootstrap is necessary for proper inference because the cross-section of alphas has non-normalities in the tails of the distribution due to idiosyncratic risk-taking and non-normalities in the individual fund’s alpha distribution. We find no evidence of skills among the top performing funds. We do however find evidence of bad skill among the poorest performers. There is no evidence of persistence among top performers, but the performance of poor funds persists in short-term. ∗Department of Economics and Business Administration, School of Management, Agder University , Serviceboks 422, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway,
Wireless Sensor Network-based system for measuring and monitoring road traffic

Nowadays, the measure and classification of vehicles in road traffic is accomplished by inductive loops placed under the pavement. These inductive loops allow monitoring vehicle passing by means of different configurations which provide us a number of data in order to control several parameters of the traffic (vehicle speed, traffic congestion and traffic accidents, between others). The major objective of this paper is to analysis an alternative to magnetic loops: the Wireless Sensor Networks. Firstly, a state of the art about road traffic control is described. Secondly, an alternative system based on Wireless Sensor Networks is analyzed. Network architecture for this WSN will be specified. It is not a trivial task because of the hard constraints of the small devices which compose the WSNs. In previous papers [1], we have proposed a methodology that facilitates the WSNs design for supporting real time applications such as traffic control applications. This design methodology has been used in order to obtain a WSN that reaches the real time requirements of a monitoring traffic application for intelligent roads. In the short term, the aim is to define a simulation model based on the designed WSN. To conclude, we have introduced a section about possible future directions in the smart roads field.
Impact of Market Orientation and Innovation on Entrepreneurship and Value Creation for Customers in Food Industry’ SMEs

The present research carried out to study the relationship of market orientation and innovation and their effect on entrepreneurship and value creation for customers. To do so, as the sample was unlimited, 241 active companies in agriculture and food industry were selected as the samples by random sampling method. Via standard questionnaire, we gathered data on managers and senior experts' opinions about marketing and sales in each of the enterprises and analyzed data using the construct equations and with the help of SPSS and LISERL software. The results showed that market orientation affected entrepreneurship; value creation for customers, and innovation in entrepreneurship and value creation on customer have significantly affected. Also, the adjustability effect of innovation was confirmed on relationships between market orientation and entrepreneurship, and between market orientation and value creation for customers. According to the findings, it was illustrated that entrepreneurship did not have a significant effect on value creation for customers and also the innovation factor could not adjust the relationship between entrepreneurship and value creation for customers.
Unequal Use of Social Insurance Benefits: The Role of Employers

California's Disability Insurance (DI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) programs have become important sources of social insurance, with benefit payments now exceeding those of the state's Unemployment Insurance program. However, there is considerable inequality in program take-up. While existing research shows that firm-specific factors explain a significant part of the growing earnings inequality in the U.S., little is known about the role of firms in determining the use of public leave-taking benefits. Using administrative data from California, we find strong evidence that DI and PFL program take-up is substantially higher in firms with high earnings premiums. A one standard deviation increase in the firm premium is associated with a 57 percent higher claim rate incidence. Our results suggest that changes in firm behavior have the potential to impact social insurance use and thus reduce an important dimension of inequality in America.
IPO Price, Heterogeneous Priors and Gradual Information Flows

This paper attempts to develop a theoretical framework that builds on heterogeneous beliefs to explain the financial anomalies related to IPO stocks. In particular, we develop a dynamic analysis framework to study the valuation of IPO price and the short-term probability of falling below IPO price based on perspectives of investors' heterogeneous priors and gradual information flow. Our study shows that the valuation of IPO price increases as the degree of heterogeneity due to investors' heterogeneous priors increases. Moreover, the short-term probability of falling below IPO price increases as the degree of investors' cognitive biases caused by gradual information flow increases.
Multimodal cognitive operations in classical music

This work explores the net of conceptual mechanisms structuring musical understanding. Classical music has been mainly approached in Cognitive Linguistics from the perspective of Conceptual Blending Theory (CBT). However, this article claims that CBT offers an insufficient explanation of multimodal phenomena since (a) it does not specify the degree of integration between inputs or (b) the principles regulating the integration. In order to fill these theoretical gaps, this article offers a twofold analysis of two case studies of program classical music, musical compositions intended to evoke images or remind the listener of events. First, I analyze the network of conceptual integration patterns structuring their multimodal expression. For that purpose, I introduce the Multimodal Conceptual Integration Model (MCIM). Second, I address the patterns of conceptual interaction between metaphor and metonymy. The results of the analysis expand previous research on multimodal metaphor, including metaphoric amalgams and different patterns of interaction between metaphor and metonymy.
Reevaluation of hydrogeological and hydrochemical aspects for Nubian aquifer in Sudan

The combinations of geomorphological features, hydrogeological aspects and hydrochemical analysis for Buram area in Sudan can be assumed as an attempt to evaluate adequately the groundwater potentiality for future reclamation developments. Three saturated formations have been recognized in the area of study. These are the Alluvium, Umm Ruwaba and Nubian aquifers. A regional groundwater flow pattern has been deduced, indicating the main distinguished flow directions. It has been confirmed that the groundwater potentiality of the Nubian aquifer is relatively higher than that of Umm Ruwaba one, and that its groundwater quality is fairly fresh, while that of Umm Ruwaba may be relatively saline. The Nubian sandstone aquifer can be considered as the most important one in the area of study and is, therefore, suitable for agricultural projects.
Dysphagic patient compliance with thickened liquid recommendations

of Current Research:  As few as 36% of dysphagic patients comply with recommendations (Leiter & Windsor, 1996)  Thickened liquid recommendations least likely to be complied with (Low et al., 2001)  Factors which influence patients’ decision NOT to comply (Colodny, 2005): Denial of dysphagia/minimizing severity of condition Dissatisfaction with the food preparations Assuming a calculated risk of noncompliance/rationalizing noncompliance Projecting blame on SLP/deflecting noncompliance to external authority
Stopping of Ships Equipped with Azipods

The paper contains a description of different possibilities of stopping a large ship equipped with azipods. The model tests were carried out to compare the effectiveness of stopping the ship using the different methods. The ship model used in stopping tests reproduces a large LNG (liquefied natural gas) carrier of capacity ~150,000 m³.