Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantum events of biophoton emission associated with complementary and alternative medicine therapies: a descriptive pilot study.

INTRODUCTION Biophoton emission (BPE) is a quantum event characterized by a relatively stable but ultralow- rate emission of visible photons from living organisms. It has been associated with high energy processes such as: cell metabolism, growth, phagocytosis, neural activity, and oxidative stress. BPE has also been suggested to reflect the organism's global state of health as well as the response to stimulation including therapeutic interventions. If BPE changes occur as a result of various complementary and alternative medical interventions, this could prove useful to monitor both the patient's response to a specific treatment and global changes in their health status. This descriptive study attempts to identify BPE changes associated with three different chiropractic techniques that use different energetic approaches: mechanical, gravitational, and bioenergetic. MATERIALS AND METHODS The BPE was measured at the neck and/or the lower back of 3 asymptomatic adult male volunteers. The measurements were made before and after different chiropractic interventions. The treatment techniques included a high velocity joint manipulation with the aid of a drop table, Sacro-Occipital Technique, and Bio-Energetic Synchronization Technique. Enough time was allotted for measurements in order to differentiate between natural fluctuation of the BPE and the changes induced by the interventions. RESULTS All techniques induced small (up to 20%) but statistically significant changes (p < 0.05 in one case, p < 0.001 in the other two) in the BPE. Each technique demonstrated a different pattern of BPE change that may be specific to the technique. CONCLUSION The intensity of BPE is a noninvasive indicator of the health of the human body and is significantly altered in different ways by chiropractic interventions. Future research is necessary to explore more features of BPE and its utility as an indicator of health, as well as the theoretical and clinical significance of these findings.
Associations of tibial lead levels with BsmI polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor in former organolead manufacturing workers.

We evaluated associations of tibial lead levels with polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in 504 former organolead manufacturing workers with past exposure to lead. In this cross-sectional study, we measured tibial lead by (109)Cd K-shell X-ray fluorescence. Tibial lead was evaluated in subjects with different VDR genotypes defined using the BsmI restriction enzyme, adjusting for confounding variables. Study participants had a mean age +/- SD of 57.4 +/- 7.6 years. A total of 169 (33.5%) subjects were homozygous for the BsmI restriction site (designated bb), 251 (49.8%) were heterozygous (Bb), and 84 (16.7%) were homozygous for the absence of the restriction site (BB). Among all of the study subjects, tibial lead concentrations were low, with a mean +/- SD of 14.4 +/- 9.3 microg Pb/g bone mineral. There were only small differences in tibial lead concentrations by VDR genotype, with mean +/- SD tibial lead concentrations of 13.9 +/- 7.9, 14.3 +/- 9.5, and 15.5 +/- 11.1 in subjects with bb, Bb, and BB, respectively. In a multiple linear regression model of tibial lead concentrations, the VDR genotype modified the relation between age and tibial lead concentrations; subjects with the B allele had larger increases in tibial lead concentrations with increasing age (0.37, 0.48, and 0.67 microg/g per year of age in subjects with bb, Bb, and BB, respectively; the adjusted p-value for trend in slopes = 0.04). The VDR genotype also modified the relation between years since last exposure to lead and tibial lead concentrations. Subjects with bb evidenced an average decline in tibial lead concentrations of 0.10 microg/g per year since their last exposure to lead, whereas subjects with Bb and BB evidenced average increases of 0.03 and 0.11 microg/g per year, respectively (the adjusted p-value for trend in slopes = 0.01). Polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor modified the relations of age and years since the last exposure to lead with tibial lead concentrations. Although controversy remains on the influence of the VDR genotype on bone mineral density, the data suggest that variant VDR alleles modify lead concentrations in bone, either by influencing lead content or calcium content or both. ImagesFigure 1
Preschool Teachers’ Preparedness for Knowing, Enabling, and Meeting the Active Start Guidelines for Physical Activity

Most early childhood centers charge preschool teachers with delivering gross motor skill content and providing physical activity (PA) opportunities to children. Little is known regarding preschool teachers’ background and confidence and the extent to which centers meet the Active Start Guidelines (ASGs) for PA. Preschool teachers (N = 102) completed an exploratory survey and the Self-Perception Profile for Adults Athletic Competence subscale. Eighty-eight percent possessed no formal background in physical education (PE)/PA, while most teachers (77%) were not aware of the ASGs. Most participants (92%) reported that they do not provide daily, teacher-led PE/PA programming, and less than half (47%) provided at least 60 min of daily free play. Preschool teachers were found to have below average perceived motor competence. Recommendations are provided for preservice teacher training programs, policymakers, as well as professional development of in-service teachers.
Does Fund Size Erode Mutual Fund Performance? The Role of Liquidity and Organization

We investigate the effect of scale on performance in the active money management industry. We first document that fund returns, both before and after fees and expenses, decline with lagged fund size, even after accounting for various performance benchmarks. We then explore a number of potential explanations for this relationship. This association is most pronounced among funds that have to invest in small and illiquid stocks, suggesting that these adverse scale effects are related to liquidity. Controlling for its size, a fund's return does not deteriorate with the size of the family that it belongs to, indicating that scale need not be bad for performance depending on how the fund is organized. Finally, using data on whether funds are solo-managed or team-managed and the composition of fund investments, we explore the idea that scale erodes fund performance because of the interaction of liquidity and organizational diseconomies.
No-reference image quality assessment based on log-derivative statistics of natural scenes

Abstract. We propose an efficient blind/no-reference image quality assessment algorithm using a log-derivative statistical model of natural scenes. Our method, called DErivative Statistics-based QUality Evaluator (DESIQUE), extracts image quality-related statistical features at two image scales in both the spatial and frequency domains. In the spatial domain, normalized pixel values of an image are modeled in two ways: pointwise-based statistics for single pixel values and pairwise-based log-derivative statistics for the relationship of pixel pairs. In the frequency domain, log-Gabor filters are used to extract the fine scales of the image, which are also modeled by the log-derivative statistics. All of these statistics can be fitted by a generalized Gaussian distribution model, and the estimated parameters are fed into combined frameworks to estimate image quality. We train our models on the LIVE database by using optimized support vector machine learning. Experiment results tested on other databases show that the proposed algorithm not only yields a substantial improvement in predictive performance as compared to other state-of-the-art no-reference image quality assessment methods, but also maintains a high computational efficiency.
Diversity and Coding Gain of Linear and Decision-Feedback Equalizers for Frequency-Selective SIMO Channels

Since the introduction of the diversity-rate tradeoff by Zheng and Tse for ML reception in frequency-flat MIMO channels, some results have been obtained also for the diversity behavior of suboptimal receivers such as linear and decision-feedback equalizers for frequency-selective SIMO channels. However, these results are limited to infinite length equalizers. Furthermore, so far attention has focused mostly on just diversity order aspects of diversity. In this paper we analyze the diversity of more practical FIR equalizers. We show in particular that in the case of multiple subchannels, the diversity of infinite length filters can also be attained by FIR equalizers of sufficient length. Increasing the filter lengths improves the coding gain though. Whereas the diversity order determines the slope of the asymptote at high SNR, the coding gain determines its position
Server-assisted cryptography

Cryptographic tools to protect data and joint computations abound. But they tend to carry trust relationships to the extreme, relying on full trust in third parties, on heavyweight, "do-it-yourself" mechanisms, or on masses of equally-trusted peers (as in secret sharing and secret computation). Trusted parties provide simple, elegant and efficient solutions but necessitate concentrated risk; threshold computations are prohibitively expensive but enjoy greater robustness. This work investigates tools to change and accommodate trust relationships in a more flexible and gradual fashion, replacing discrete trade-offs between risk and complexity by a continuum of options. In particular, it proposes a new architecture for cryptographic tools, cMled server-assisted cryptography, in which lightweight clients obtain transferable and composable cryptographic resources from one or more third-party service providers. In contrast to T T P architectures, however, information flows in one direction only from service provider to client greatly reducing the trust placed in third
A Survey of Self-protected Mobile Agents

agents are software which moves autonomously through a computer network with aim to perform some computation or gather information on behalf of its creator or an application. In the last several years, mobile agents have proved their numerous applications including e-commerce, telecommunication systems, information management, on-line auctions or service brokering. In most applications, the security of mobile agents is a burning issue. Indeed, the agent is vulnerable while it is executing on the host's execution platform. Its owner therefore requires some guarantees concerning the protection of the agent against malicious host threats. Thus, the mobile agent has to protect itself from any act aiming at the deterioration, the destruction or the handling of its code, its state or its data. So, mobile agents must be prepared to execute on different hosts with various environmental security conditions. There are plenty of techniques to protect mobile code. This paper presents a survey of existing techniques for achieving a self-protected mobile agent.
B1422+231: The influence of mass substructure on strong lensing

In this work we investigate the gravitationally lensed system B1422+231. High-quality VLBI image positions, fluxes and shapes as well as an optical HST lens galaxy position are used. First, two simple and smooth models for the lens galaxy are applied to t observed image positions and fluxes; no even remotely acceptable model was found. Such models also do not accurately reproduce the image shapes. In order to t the data successfully, mass substructure has to be added to the lens, and its level is estimated. To explore expectations about the level of substructure in galaxies and its influence on strong lensing, N-body simulation results of a model galaxy are employed. By using the mass distribution of this model galaxy as a lens, synthetic data sets of dierent four image system congurations are generated and simple lens models are again applied to t them. The diculties in tting these lens systems turn out to be similar to the case of some real gravitationally lensed systems, thus possibly providing evidence for the presence and strong influence of substructure in the primary lens galaxy.
Tutkimusparvi: the open research swarm in Finland

In this paper, we introduce a new kind of scientific collaboration type (open research swarm) and describe a realization (Tutkimusparvi) of this new type of scientific social network. Swarming is an experiment in self-organizing and a novel way to collaborate in the field of academic research. Open research swarms utilize the possibilities of Internet, especially the social media tools that are now available because of the web 2.0 boom. The main goal is to collectively attain rapid solutions to given challenges and to develop a distributed intellectual milieu for researchers. Transparency of the research and creative collaboration are central ideas behind open research swarms. Like Wikipedia, open research swarm is open for everyone to participate. The questions and research topics can come from open research swarm participants, from a purposed principal or from general discussions on the mass media.
Concurrent Error Detection in Shifted Dual Basis Multiplier over GF(2m) Using Cyclic Code Approach

In this paper, we present a novel bit-parallel systolic multiplier for the shifted dual basis of GF(2m). It is demonstrated that the shifted dual basis multiplication for trinomials can be represented by the sum of two Hankel matrix-vector multiplications. Thus, the proposed bit-parallel systolic multiplier is composed of one Hankel multiplier and one (2m-1)-bit adder. Moreover, we use the algebraic encoding scheme of the cyclic code to implement the multiplications with concurrent error detection. It is analytically shown that the latency overhead is extra two clock cycles as compared to the multiplier without concurrent error detection. In the binary field GF(2233), the space overhead of the proposed architecture using cyclic code is about 7.2%.
Increasing the Efficiency of Parkinson's Disease Treatment Using a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) Based L-DOPA Delivery System

To compare the efficacy of L-DOPA administered intranasally in the form of nanoparticles (nano-DOPA) and in standard drug forms using a rat Parkinson's Disease (PD) model. L-DOPA-containing nanoparticles (250±50 nm) were synthesized using the double emulsion method. The efficacy of nano-DOPA therapy was studied in Wistar rats with 6-OHDA-induced PD. Drugs were administered daily, 0.35 mg/kg (by L-DOPA). Animals' motor coordination and behavior were analyzed using the forelimb placing task and several other tests. Thirty minutes after the first administration, animals treated with L-DOPA, L-DOPA+benserazide, and nano-DOPA showed equally significant (p<0.05) improvements in coordination performance in comparison to the non-treated group. After 4 weeks of treatment, coordination performance in the nano-DOPA group (89±13% of the intact control level) was twice as high as in the L-DOPA and L-DOPA+benserazide groups, which did not differ from non-treated animals. The effect of nano-DOPA was significantly higher and more long-lasting (90±13% at 24 h after administration); moreover, it was still significant one week after the treatment was discontinued. Intranasal nano-DOPA was found to provide a lasting motor function recovery in the 6-OHDA-induced rat PD model with the effect sustained for one week after discontinuation, while the same doses of standard drugs provided significant effect only after the first administration. L-DOPA administered in the form of PLGA-based nanoparticles had a higher effective half-life, bioavailability, and efficacy; it was also efficiently delivered to the brain by intranasal administration.
Make Mine Home: Spatial Modification With Physical and Social Implications in Older Adulthood.

OBJECTIVE The process of moving in older adulthood, intertwined with loss and anticipation, is grounded in material commodities that include one's residence and its contents. This article emphasizes the role of material culture in housing transitions. METHODS Based on an ethnographic study (January 2009-May 2012) of older Americans (n = 81) relocating, this study utilized interviews, participant observation, and review of documents. RESULTS Personalization is both a reflection of a previous self as a homeowner and a projection of a future self as extensions of temporality intertwine with commodification processes. Through creative appropriations of their housing, residences are personalized to promote physical or social functionality or because of preference. DISCUSSION Given the findings, the transitions involved in relocation must be supported by greater understanding and facilitation of key issues of personalization and its importance to older adults' decisions to relocate.
Perspectives around the cognitive model for the information retrieval: a critical analysis / Enfoques en torno al modelo cognitivo para la recuperación de información: análisis crítico

The traditional or algorithmic model of information retrievalhas evolved into the cognitive model. From the latter, differentproposals for practical implementation have arisen being the most remarkable ones those labelled by their own authors asGlobal Model of Polirepresentation, Episodic Model, StratifiedModel and Model of Interactive Feedback. These are criticallydescribed and analysed in this paper.
Variations on a Theory of Problem Solving

In this paper, we review the standard theory of human problem solving developed by Newell, Shaw, and Simon, along with limitations that have emerged since its introduction. We argue that the theory’s emphasis on means-ends analysis is problematic, in that people may use a variety of other strategies to solve novel tasks. However, some aspects of their account remain valid and we present a revised theory that retains and builds on these features. We also describe HPS, a problemsolving architecture that implements the theory by combining search through a space of hierarchical problem decompositions with strategic parameters to produce different behaviors. We demonstrate that the architecture can utilize alternative techniques to solve novel problems and also that it uses domain knowledge, when available, to make search tractable. We conclude by discussing related frameworks for problem solving and our plans for future research in this area.
Secure Routing Based on Social Similarity in Opportunistic Networks

The lack of pre-existing infrastructure or dynamic topology makes it impossible to establish end-to-end connections in opportunistic networks (OppNets). Instead, a store-and-forward strategy can be employed. However, such loosely knit routing paths depend heavily on the cooperation among participating nodes. Selfish or malicious behaviors of nodes impact greatly on the network performance. In this paper, we design and validate a dynamic trust management model for secure routing optimization. We propose the concept of incorporating social trust into the routing decision process and design a trust routing based on social similarity (TRSS) scheme. TRSS is based on the observation that nodes move around and contact each other according to their common interests or social similarities. A node sharing more social features in social history record with the destination is more likely to travel close to the latter in the near future and should be chosen as the next-hop forwarder. Furthermore, social trust can be established based on an observed node's trustworthiness and its encounter history. Based on direct and recommended trust, those untrustworthy nodes will be detected and purged from the trusted list. Since only trusted nodes' packets will be forwarded, the selfish nodes have the incentives to behave well again. Simulation evaluation demonstrates that TRSS is very effective in detecting selfish or even malicious nodes and achieving better performance.
A high-speed circuit design for power reduction & evaluation contention minimization in wide fan-in OR gates

Domino CMOS logic circuits are widely used these days in the design of high-performance modules in modern day integrated chips and microprocessors. The feature of high speed and less area overhead of these logic circuits compared to other logic styles make them a popular choice in the design of high speed circuits. As power consumption is directly proportional to the dynamic node capacitance, a new circuit technique is presented in this paper which employs the partitioning of dynamic node capacitance with the help of a splitter transistor to reduce the power consumption. With the help of a modified keeper circuitry, the contention between keeper and the pull down evaluation network is reduced drastically. Simulation results show a reduction of 78.91 % when compared to the Conditional Keeper (CKP) technique and reduction by 65.51 % when compared with the Adaptive Pseudo Dual Keeper (APDK) scheme. The reduction is about 83.56 % when compared to CKP and 70.27 % when pitted against the APDK when the issue of contention current is taken up. The reduction in power and contention current is found to be true when the design concept was tested for a 32 bit comparator circuitry. Simulations have been performed using the SILVACO EDA tool on a 32-bit wide fan-in OR gate in 32nm process technology at a frequency of 1.5 GHz and supply voltage of 0.9V. Monte Carlo simulations have also been performed to test an idea which makes the circuit tolerant to process variations.
The Effects of Different Reciting Styles of Quran on Emotions among University Students

This study examined the effects of Quran recitation on the Heart Rate Variability (HRV) of 30 undergraduate students who study in University Malaysia Pahang (UMP). One of the important effects of the Quran on student learning and achievement is reflected in emotions. Emotions control the attention of students, influence their motivation to learn, modify their choice of learning strategies and affect their self-regulation of learning. Furthermore, emotions are part of student identity, and they affect personality development, psychological health and physical health. Repeated measures quasi experimental design method was conducted, thirty undergraduate students whom participated in the test were divided into two groups; good Quran reciters group and weak Quran reciters group, every student has been attending four sessions. In the first session, the reciter focused on Tajweed rules, the second session student focused on some stories in a certain Surah, third session focused on certain verses of heaven, hell and punishment in Quran, and last session focused on understanding the meaning of the Quran and at the end of this session the student reads text from a newspaper. The parameters of heart rate variability (HRV) were measured to examine the outcome. The results show a clear difference in HRV data between good and weak readers, good readers have control of their heart actions and reactions. Thus, the good reciter students have high score in HRV and better control of their heart function. The conclusion of this study showed that the Quran recitation significantly effects on the emotions of Quran reciters. Quran effects on psychological comfort for students by increased relaxation and reduced stress.
Scan attack detection based on distributed cooperative model

Researchers have done lots of work in scan attack detection. Various methods have been proposed. Although these methods can defense some scan attacks from hackers in some degree, there are lots of missing detections and false alerts. Especially current intrusion detection systems are difficult to satisfy the demand of large-scale distributed network. After we carefully research on network topological architecture and scan attack method and mechanism, we find that scan attack always happened at network layer and transport layer. Then we propose a scan detection method based on distributed cooperative model. It is composed of feature-based detection, scenario-based detection and statistic-based detection. The experiment results show that this method has obvious advantages. It can efficiently detect more scan attacks.