Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Interplay of Selected Demotivation Determinants and Achievement in EFL Critical Reading and Writing

This study investigates the interrelatedness the English as a foreign language demotivation factors of learning difficulties, threats to self-worth, monotonous teaching, poor student-teacher relationships, and learners’ proficiency in critical reading and writing. Eighty (n =80) EFL learners participated in the study. The rationale for the study assumes that demotivation to learn (EFL) is an issue in many international contexts and that there is at present a dearth of research into the interplay of the external, internal, and contextual determinants of demotivation and learners’ EFL proficiency. Data were collected through administering a five-level strongly disagree – strongly agree Likert-type scale and the critical reading and writing scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Results revealed positive correlations between perceptions of threats to self-worth and learning difficulties and proficiency in critical reading and writing. Likewise, while monotonous teaching was negatively correlated with proficiency in critical reading, it correlated positively with learning difficulties and threats to self-worth. It was also found that poor student-teacher relationships were positively related to perceptions of learning difficulties, threats to self-worth, and to perceptions of learning difficulties. Implication for teaching and research are discussed.
This is a repository copy of Early recovery following lower limb arthroplasty: Qualitative interviews with patients undergoing elective hip and knee replacement surgery. Initial phase in the development of a patient-reported outcome

(c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Strickland, L. H. , Kelly, L. , Hamilton, T. W. , Murray, D. W. , Pandit, H. G. and Jenkinson, C. (), Early recovery following lower limb arthroplasty: qualitative interviews with patients undergoing elective hip and knee replacement surgery. Initial phase in the development of a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM). J Clin Nurs, which has been published at https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.14086. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with the Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.
Rhinorrhea : A Common Nondopaminergic Feature of Parkinson ’ s Disease

We compared the frequency of rhinorrhea between 34 Parkinson’s disease (PD) subjects and 15 normal controls (NC) and explored relationships between rhinorrhea and clinical functions, and degree of nigrostriatal dopaminergic denervation using [C]dihydrotetrabenazine (DTBZ) brain positron emission tomography imaging. Sixty-eight percent (23 of 34) of PD subjects reported rhinorrhea of any cause compared with 27% (4 of 15) of NC (v 5 7.07, P 5 0.008). Rhinorrhea frequency remained higher in the PD group after excluding possible rhinitic etiologies: 35% (12 of 34) of PD versus 7% (1 of 15) of NC (v 5 4.38, P 5 0.04). There were no differences in demographics, nigrostriatal dopaminergic denervation, and clinical motor or nonmotor variables between PD subjects with and without rhinorrhea, except that more PD subjects with rhinorrhea complained of lightheadedness (52% vs. 9%, v 5 5.85, P 5 0.02). Rhinorrhea is a common nondopaminergic feature of PD, unrelated to olfactory or motor deficits. Further investigations are needed to determine if rhinorrhea correlates with sympathetic denervation or other autonomic symptoms in PD.VC 2010 Movement Disorder Society
The Complexity of Maximum kOrder Bounded Component Set Problem

Given a graph G = (V, E) and a positive integer k, in MAXIMUM k-ORDER BOUNDED COMPONENT SET (MAX-k-OBCS), it is required to find a vertex set S ⊆ V of maximum size such that each component in the induced graph G[S] has at most k vertices. We prove that for constant k, MAX-k-OBCS is hard to approximate within a factor of n1−e, for any e > 0, unless P = NP. This is an improvement on the previous lower bound of √ n for MAX-2-OBCS due to Orlovich et. el. [1]. We provide lower bounds on the approximability when k is not a constant as well. MAX-k-OBCS can be seen as a generalization of MAXIMUM INDEPENDENT SET (MAX-IS). We generalize Turán’s greedy algorithm for MAX-IS and prove that it approximates MAX-k-OBCS within a factor of (2k− 1)d + k, where d is the average degree of the input graph G. This approximation factor is a generalization of Turán’s approximation factor for MAX-IS.
OPTIMIZED LATENT DEPENDENCY STRUCTURE

We propose a method for learning the dependency structure between latent variables in deep latent variable models. Our general modeling and inference framework combines the complementary strengths of deep generative models and probabilistic graphical models. In particular, we express the latent variable space of a variational autoencoder (VAE) in terms of a Bayesian network with a learned, flexible dependency structure. The network parameters, variational parameters as well as the latent topology are optimized simultaneously with a single objective. Inference is formulated via a sampling procedure that produces expectations over latent variable structures and incorporates top-down and bottom-up reasoning over latent variable values. We validate our framework in extensive experiments on MNIST, Omniglot, and CIFAR-10. Comparisons to state-of-the-art structured variational autoencoder baselines show improvements in terms of the expressiveness of the learned model.
Genetic relatedness in A . pigra and A . palliata

The degree of genetic relatedness among group membe rs is influenced by dispersal, group formation and composition, mating systems, and othe r socioecological factors. Making inferences about differences between species in the r socio-genetic structure is difficult because studies rarely compare multiple species. In this study, we use multilocus microsatellite genotype data to analyze intragroup genetic relatedness in two howler monkey species ( Alouatta palliata and A. pigra). We test the prediction that their patterns of intragroup genetic relatedness will be distinct based on expectations derived from their Au th or M an us cr ipt distinct social systems. Alouatta palliata is expected to have low levels of intragroup relatedness, given that both males and females are reported to disperse from their natal groups, and to join groups with no close kin. Level s of relatedness among A. pigra group members are expected to be variable according to th e history of group formation, with new groups formed by unrelated individuals and well-est ablished groups having close kin due to female nepotism and sometimes by takeovers by coali tions of related males. Our results indicate that in both species, most groups contain closely related same-sex and/or inter-sex dyads. This suggests that philopatry in A. palliata may be more common than reported or that individuals are using alternative strategies t o reside with close kin. We found greater variation among groups in female-female relatedness in A. palliata than in A. pigra, implying that these species have distinct socio-gen etic structures. Further studies including both long-term observational and genetic data are n ec ssary to understand the mechanisms that determine the degree of variation in intragrou p genetic relatedness within and among populations for both species. Ecological and demogr aphic data are also necessary to determine the importance of other factors, especial ly h bitat loss and fragmentation, in determining the degree of relatedness in howler mon key groups.
International Conference on Computational Science , ICCS 2011 PACC : A Path Associativity Congestion Control and Throughput Model For Multipath TCP

Multipath TCP protocol (MPTCP) is a complicated transport layer protocol that transfers data by multiple paths simultaneously. It can improve end to end transmission throughput and increase network utilization. However, we find there are still deficiencies in the congestion control algorithm and throughput model of MPTCP, so we investigate these deficiencies in this study. Firstly, we design a novel congestion control algorithm, Path Associativity Congestion Control (PACC), which further enhances the throughput of MPTCP. PACC is based on fairness, the definition of which is more reasonable. Secondly, we find the adaptation problem of MPTCP that affects its performance, and propose a MPTCP throughput model, which can predict the throughput in real network environment. Finally, by analyzing the main factors causing the adaptation problem based on the throughput model, we design a dynamic reservation algorithm to improve the traffic distribution and eliminate that issue. Extensive ns-2 simulation study has been performed to validate our design and algorithms.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Radiotherapy for lung cancer

Purpose: Kilovoltage cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been developed to provide accurate soft-tissue and bony setup information. We evaluated clinical CBCT setup data and compared CBCT measurements with electronic portal imaging device (EPID) images. Material and Methods: The setup error for CBCT scans at the treatment unit relative to the planning CT was measured for 62 patients (524 scans). For 19 of these patients (172 scans) also portal images were made. The mean, CBCT and the EPID. Also the differences between CBCT and EPID and the rotational setup error derived from the CBCT were evaluated.
Acceptability " in the Translation into Malay of Rihlat Ibn

This article reports on a descriptive study of the translation of the Arabic travel literature of Rihlat Ibn Battutah into the Malay language. The study investigated the concept of acceptability in the translation of cultural elements such as food/drink, clothing and religious items found in the 14th century text in its modern Malay translation Pengembaraan Ibn Battutah. The data in the source text (ST) were selected and mapped to the corresponding elements in the target text (TT) using the descriptive translation studies (DTS) methodology. A manual analysis of the ST and TT pairs based on a methodological modification of the taxonomy of Vinay and Darbelnet was then carried out. The findings of the study provides initial guidelines for Arabic-Malay translations of cultural words.
Expression of cell cycle inhibitors in canine prostate with proliferative inflammatory atrophy and carcinoma

Gene expression of CDKN1A, CDKN1B, and TP53, and immunostaining of p21, p27 and p53 were evaluated to verify the role of these cell cycle inhibitors in canine prostates with proliferative inflammatory atrophy-PIA and prostatic carcinoma-PC. Seventy samples, 15 normal, 30PIA and 25PC. Regarding number of p27 and p53 labeled cells, difference between normal and PIA and PC was observed, as well as between PIA and PC for p53. Immunostaining intensities of p21, p27 and p53 were different when comparing normal tissues to PIA and PC. Sixteen cDNA of canine prostatic FFPE tissue were subjected to RT-PCR and RT-qPCR, four normal, three PIA, and nine PC. CDKN1A mRNA was detected in four PC by RT-PCR, and it was overexpressed when compared to normal by RT-qPCR, in one PIA and six PC. CDKN1B mRNA was detected in three PC by RT-PCR and it was overexpressed in three PC and decreased in one PC. TP53 mRNA was overexpressed in one PIA and three PC. In conclusion, when overexpressed in canine prostate with premalignant and malignant, p21 and p27 play a role controlling cell proliferation, working as a protective factor in the evolution of PIA to PC, and in the PC development, even in the presence of altered p53.
Syddansk Universitet Intra-and inter-observer agreement and reliability of bone mineral density measurements around acetabular cup a porcine ex-vivo study using single-and dual-energy computed tomography

Background: Periprosthetic bone loss is considered to be a potentially contributing factor in aseptic loosening of acetabular hip components, but no studies have shown this association. The lack of association might be caused by insufficient image quality because of metal artifacts and challenges in measuring bone density (BMD) in complex anatomic structures which might be overcome using dual-energy computed tomography (DECT). Purpose: To test interand intra-observer agreement and reliability of in-house segmentation software measuring BMD adjacent to acetabular cup and to compare measurements performed with single-energy CT (SECT) and DECT in cemented and cementless cups. Material and Methods: Twenty-four acetabular cups inserted in porcine hip specimens were scanned with SECT and DECT. Bone density was measured in a three-dimensional volume adjacent to the cup. Double measurements were performed. Results: BMD derived from SECT was approximately four times higher than that of DECT. In both scan modes, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was >0.90 with no differences between repeated measurements, except for uncemented cups where a statistically significant difference of 11 mg/cm was found with DECT. DECT showed narrower limits of agreement than SECT. Inter-observer analysis showed small differences. Conclusion: BMD can be estimated with high intraand inter-observer reliability with SECT and DECT around acetabular cups using custom software. The intraand inter-observer agreement of DECT is superior to that of SECT and better in the cementless concept. Good intraand inter-observer reliability can be obtained in both cemented and cementless cups using the segmentation software. SECT and DECT cannot be used interchangeably.
Santo Consensus clustering in complex networks

Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org) This material is protected by copyright and other intellectual property rights, and duplication or sale of all or part of any of the repository collections is not permitted, except that material may be duplicated by you for your research use or educational purposes in electronic or print form. You must obtain permission for any other use. Electronic or print copies may not be offered, whether for sale or otherwise to anyone who is not an authorised user. Lancichinetti, Andrea; Fortunato, Santo
SPECifIC — A New Design Flow for Cyber-Physical Systems

In this position paper, we propose a new design flow for cyber-physical systems which builds on our previous experiences in both the hardware and software domain. Its defining features are the integration of natural language processing, the formal specification level which allows an abstract description of the system’s behaviour, and a comprehensive functional change management throughout. We introduce the design flow and its three levels of abstraction by example, and argue why it is particularly suited for the development of cyber-physical systems.
Newsletter No 8 Endversion

In English we have a number of eloquent sayings that summarise this special issue of Carnivore Damage Prevention News. The most relevant are "use a thief to catch a thief" or the "poacher turned into a gamekeeper". Together they describe the use of one carnivore (the domestic dog) to protect livestock against other carnivores (wolves, bears, lynx, cheetahs etc). In the face of costly losses to wild carnivores European livestock herders have bred a wide range of dog breeds to help protect their flocks. On one hand these dogs reflect part of our European cultural heritage. On the other hand they provide an effective tool to help reduce conflicts, and hopefully increase public acceptance for large carnivores. However, it was a close call. In the early to mid 20th century the use of these dog breeds declined, many breeds were on the edge of extinction, and the knowledge about of how to use them was rapidly becoming lost. Thankfully, they passed through this bottleneck and are now becoming used with increasing frequency, both in their European homelands and in new lands that never developed their own breeds such as Africa, North America and Scandinavia. The articles in this issue bring experience from a range of habitats. If there is one weakness it is that few of the articles can present statistical measurement of the effect of the guarding dogs. So far, most of these projects are in the pilot stage, and sample sizes are not always sufficient for formal testing. However, when viewed as a whole we have the utmost confidence in stating that guarding dogs are an effective tool to reduce carnivore depredation on livestock. That being said, we must add the caveat that they are not a "magic bullet" that can be applied in all situations. For examples, where sheep are widely dispersed it is difficult for a dog to guard them. In virtually all cases, introducing livestock guarding dogs requires education and economic support as the herders adapt their husbandry system. Most countries now pay compensation for carnivore killed livestock. However, it is important that they begin to recognise the benefit of preventing conflicts before they occur and transfer some compensation funding to mitigation measures. This is especially important as we are now at the stage where some small studies pioneered by highly motivated Editorial researchers and conservationists need to be scaled up to reach many more herders across Europe.
Investigate the Performance of Hierarchy Controller in Microgrid Application

Parallel operation of number of Voltage Source Inverters (VSIs) composed of Microgrids (MGs). The steps towards the standardization of these MGs have been fulfilled in this paper. In this sagacity, a hierarchical control scheme for the parallel operated VSI system is urbanized self-possessed of two control levels. The primary control encloses the droop method pursued by the virtual impedance loops. The secondary control renovates the frequency and amplitude deviations twisted by the above method. In order to connect the MG to the main grid, a synchronization algorithm is obtainable. Simulation results are provided to accomplish the good frequency and voltage amplitude and also augment the consistency of the MG control system.
1 2 M ay 2 01 6 Path integral Monte Carlo determination of the fourth-order virial coefficient for unitary two-component Fermi gas with zero-range interactions

The unitary equal-mass Fermi gas with zero-range interactions constitutes a paradigmatic model system that is relevant to atomic, condensed matter, nuclear, particle, and astro physics. This work determines the fourth-order virial coefficient b4 of such a strongly-interacting Fermi gas using a customized ab initio path integral Monte Carlo (PIMC) algorithm. In contrast to earlier theoretical results, which disagreed on the sign and magnitude of b4, our b4 agrees within error bars with the experimentally determined value, thereby resolving an ongoing literature debate. Utilizing a trap regulator, our PIMC approach determines the fourth-order virial coefficient by directly sampling the partition function. An on-the-fly anti-symmetrization avoids the Thomas collapse and, combined with the use of the exact two-body zero-range propagator, establishes an efficient general means to treat small Fermi systems with zero-range interactions.
Title Texture analysis of cartilage T 2 maps : Individuals with risk factors for OA have higher and more heterogeneous knee cartilage MR T 2 compared to normal controls-data from the osteoarthritis initiative Permalink

Introduction: The goals of this study were (i) to compare the prevalence of focal knee abnormalities, the mean cartilage T2 relaxation time, and the spatial distribution of cartilage magnetic resonance (MR) T2 relaxation times between subjects with and without risk factors for Osteoarthritis (OA), (ii) to determine the relationship between MR cartilage T2 parameters, age and cartilage morphology as determined with whole-organ magnetic resonance imaging scores (WORMS) and (iii) to assess the reproducibility of WORMS scoring and T2 relaxation time measurements including the mean and grey level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) texture parameters. Methods: Subjects with risk factors for OA (n = 92) and healthy controls (n = 53) were randomly selected from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) incidence and control cohorts, respectively. The specific inclusion criteria for this study were (1) age range 45-55 years, (2) body mass index (BMI) of 19-27 kg/m, (3) Western Ontario and McMaster University (WOMAC) pain score of zero and (4) Kellgren Lawrence (KL) score of zero at baseline. 3.0 Tesla MR images of the right knee were analyzed using morphological gradings of cartilage, bone marrow and menisci (WORMS) as well as compartment specific cartilage T2 mean and heterogeneity. Regression models adjusted for age, gender, and BMI were used to determine the difference in cartilage parameters between groups. Results: While there was no significant difference in the prevalence of knee abnormalities (cartilage lesions, bone marrow lesions, meniscus lesions) between controls and subjects at risk for OA, T2 parameters (mean T2, GLCM contrast, and GLCM variance) were significantly elevated in those at risk for OA. Additionally, a positive significant association between cartilage WORMS score and cartilage T2 parameters was evident. Conclusions: Overall, this study demonstrated that subjects at risk for OA have both higher and more heterogeneous cartilage T2 values than controls, and that T2 parameters are associated with morphologic degeneration.
Americas Conference on Information Systems ( AMCIS ) 2005 Electronic Alliances : Outsourcing for Competitive Advantage

While several studies have examined the role of strategic alliances in outsourcing, as a way to manage the client-vendor relationship, no systematic attempt has been made to integrate the knowledge from the strategic management literature. The study contributes to this line of research, by developing a framework that weaves the Relational-Theory View with the outsourcing literature. This synthesis leads to the proposition that the more an outsourcing alliance meets the conditions of Relational-Theory, the higher the rent generating potential for the partners. Specific scenarios are generated based on the strategic value of the considered process, as well as the existence and the visibility of the appropriate capability.
Kobe University Repository : Kernel タイトル Tit le ヘリカル型海流 MHD 発電の基礎研究 ( Fundamental studies on helical-type seawater MHD generat ion system )

A new MHD generator based on electromotive force using seawater, the helical勾peseawater MHD generator, isdesigned, constructed and tested. 百lecons仕uctedgenerator contains a helical insulation wall made ofpolyvinyl chloride 140 mm long and 100 mm in diameter, anode rod made ofSUS316 1350 mm long and 10 mm in diameter, cathode pipe made of SUS316 260 mm long and 100 mm in diameter, and a 7 T solenoid-type superconducting magnet 300 mm long and 150 mm cold bore. In the experiment, electromotive force and generator output的 measuredin terms of average velocity (0 -5.6 rnJs) and magnetic field (0 -7 T) using artificial seawater (3.4 % NaCl aqueous solution). As results of the experiment,社 isfound that the elec仕omotiveforce increases proportionally to average velocity and magnetic field, and that the generator output increases quadratically to average velocity and magnetic field over certain points. These results are discussed in comparison with the results of the theory. (Received April 9, 2004)