Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Embedding GIS Applications into Resource Management and Planning Activities of Local and Indigenous Communities

Geographic Information System’s (GIS’s) capabilities for gathering and disseminating information have been hailed as democratizing, whereas the system is simultaneously criticized as inherently authoritarian. These contradictory characterizations of GIS permeate the current debate on transfer and applications of the technology in indigenous communities. This article reviews the debate in the context of GIS adoption in sub-Saharan Africa. A case study is presented to demonstrate how GIS can be used to assist local community representatives to plan for the protection of local forest resources. The results of the study, which was implemented at Kofiase in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, reinforce the belief that GIS can be used for the benefit of indigenous groups rather than for their disempowerment.
Nuclear Export Factor Family Protein Participates in Cytoplasmic mRNA Trafficking*

In eukaryotes, the nuclear export of mRNA is mediated by nuclear export factor 1 (NXF1) receptors. Metazoans encode additional NXF1-related proteins of unknown function, which share homology and domain organization with NXF1. Some mammalian NXF1-related genes are expressed preferentially in the brain and are thought to participate in neuronal mRNA metabolism. To address the roles of NXF1-related factors, we studied the two mouse NXF1 homologues, mNXF2 and mNXF7. In neuronal cells, mNXF2, but not mNXF7, exhibited mRNA export activity similar to that of Tip-associated protein/NXF1. Surprisingly, mNXF7 incorporated into mobile particles in the neurites that contained poly(A) and ribosomal RNA and colocalized with Staufen1-containing transport granules, indicating a role in neuronal mRNA trafficking. Yeast two-hybrid interaction, coimmunoprecipitation, and in vitro binding studies showed that NXF proteins bound to brain-specific microtubule-associated proteins (MAP) such as MAP1B and the WD repeat protein Unrip. Both in vitro and in vivo, MAP1B also bound to NXF export cofactor U2AF as well as to Staufen1 and Unrip. These findings revealed a network of interactions likely coupling the export and cytoplasmic trafficking of mRNA. We propose a model in which MAP1B tethers the NXF-associated mRNA to microtubules and facilitates their translocation along dendrites while Unrip provides a scaffold for the assembly of these transport intermediates.
A Performance Comparison of UNIX Operating Systems on the Pentium

This paper evaluates the performance of three popular versions of the UNIX operating system on the x86 architecture: Linux, FreeBSD, and Solaris. We evaluate the systems using freely available micro- and application benchmarks to characterize the behavior of their operating system services. We evaluate the currently available major releases of the systems "asis," without any performance tuning. Our results show that the x86 operating systems and system libraries we tested fail to deliver the Pentium's full memory write performance to applications. On small-file workloads, Linux is an order of magnitude faster than the other systems. On networking software, FreeBSD provides two to three times higher bandwidth than Linux. In general, Solaris performance usually lies between that of the other two systems. Although each operating system out-performs the others in some area, we conclude that no one system offers clearly better overall performance. Other factors, such as extra features, ease of installation, or freely available source code, are more convincing reasons for choosing a particular system.
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Subtype 8 in the Amygdala Modulates Thermal Threshold, Neurotransmitter Release, and Rostral Ventromedial Medulla Cell Activity in Inflammatory Pain

The amygdala is a crucial area in controlling the threshold of pain and its emotional component. The present study has evaluated the effect of a metabotropic glutamate 8 receptor (mGluR8) stimulation in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) on the thermoceptive threshold and on CeA serotonin (5-HT), glutamate (Glu), and GABA release in normal and carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain conditions in rats. Furthermore, the activity of rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) putative “pronociceptive” ON and “antinociceptive” OFF cells has been evaluated. (S)-3,4-Dicarboxyphenylglycine [(S)-3,4-DCPG], a selective mGluR8 agonist, administered into the CeA, did not change 5-HT, Glu, and GABA release, or the thermoceptive threshold, nor did it modify the activity of ON and OFF cells of the RVM in normal animals. In rats treated with carrageenan, intra-CeA (S)-3,4-DCPG perfusion produced antinociception, and increased 5-HT and Glu, whereas it decreased GABA release. Intra-CeA (S)-3,4-DCPG inhibited ON and increased OFF cell activities. Furthermore, an increase in mGluR8 gene, protein, and staining, the latter being associated with vesicular GABA transporter-positive profiles, has been found in the CeA after carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain. These results show that stimulation of mGluR8, which was overexpressed within the CeA in inflammatory pain conditions, inhibits nociceptive behavior. Such an effect is associated with an increase in 5-HT and Glu release, a decrease in GABA, and the inhibition of ON- and the stimulation of OFF-cell activities within RVM.
Increasing the Quality and Value of Conferences, Seminars, and Workshops

Abstract The purpose of this best practices article is to provide continuing education administrators with a reliable participant evaluation that measures factors predictive of not only satisfaction, but also perceived value: adequacy of topics, customer service, learning, quality of facilities, image, and quality of presentations, among other variables. The results of the survey are summarized in the article, and it concludes with a discussion of practical ways to increase the quality and value of educational conferences and workshops in continuing education.
Decomposition Dynamics and Changes in Chemical Composition of Wheat Straw Residue under Anaerobic and Aerobic Conditions

Soil aeration is a crucial factor that regulates crop residue decomposition, and the chemical composition of decomposing crop residues may change the forms and availability of soil nutrients, such as N and P. However, to date, differences in the chemical composition of crop straw residues after incorporation into soil and during its decomposition under anaerobic vs. aerobic conditions have not been well documented. The objective of the present study was to assess changes in the C-containing functional groups of wheat straw residue during its decomposition in anaerobic and aerobic environments. A 12-month incubation experiment was carried out to investigate the temporal variations of mass, carbon, and nitrogen loss, as well as changes in the chemical composition of wheat (Triticum aestivum L) straw residues under anaerobic and aerobic conditions by measuring C-containing functional groups using solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The residual mass, carbon content, and nitrogen content of the straw residue sharply declined during the initial 3 months, and then slowly decreased during the last incubation period from 3 to 12 months. The decomposition rate constant (k) for mass loss under aerobic conditions (0.022 d-1) was higher than that under anaerobic conditions (0.014 d-1). The residual mass percentage of cellulose and hemicellulose in the wheat straw gradually declined, whereas that of lignin gradually increased during the entire 12-month incubation period. The NMR spectra of C-containing functional groups in the decomposing straw under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions were similar at the beginning of the incubation as well as at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months. The main alterations in C-containing functional groups during the decomposition of wheat straw were a decrease in the relative abundances of O-alkyl C and an increase in the relative abundances of alkyl C, aromatic C and COO/N-C = O functional groups. The NMR signals of alkyl C and aromatic C in decomposing wheat straw residues under anaerobic condition were higher than those under aerobic conditions. The higher mass percentages of lignin and the higher signals of aromatic C and alkyl C functional groups in decomposing wheat residues under anaerobic conditions than under aerobic conditions were due to the slower decomposition rates of aryl C and alkyl C in wheat straw residues under anaerobic conditions.
The Spatiotemporal Representation of Dance and Music Gestures using Topological Gesture Analysis (TGA)

Spatiotemporal gestures in music and dance have been approached using both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Applying quantitative methods has offered new perspectives but imposed several constraints such as artificial metric systems, weak links with qualitative information, and incomplete accounts of variability. In this study, we tackle these problems using concepts from topology to analyze gestural relationships in space. The Topological Gesture Analysis (TGA) relies on the projection of musical cues onto gesture trajectories, which generates point clouds in a three-dimensional space. Point clouds can be interpreted as topologies equipped with musical qualities, which gives us an idea about the relationships between gesture, space, and music. Using this method, we investigate the relationships between musical meter, dance style, and expertise in two popular dances (samba and Charleston). The results show how musical meter is encoded in the dancer9s space and how relevant information about styles and expertise can be revealed by means of simple topological relationships.
That Sounds Unlikely: Syntactic Probabilities Affect Pronunciation

The probability of encountering a particular syntactic configuration, given a particular verb (i.e. “verb bias” or “subcategorization preference”) affects language comprehension (Trueswell, Tanenhaus, & Kello, 1993). A recent study (Gahl & Garnsey 2004) of sentences with temporary direct object / sentential complement ambiguities shows that such probabilities also affect language production, specifically pronunciation. In this paper, we extend that finding to a new sentence type – sentences with initial subordinate clauses with temporary closure ambiguities, such as If the tenants beg [, the landlord will let them stay | the landlord, he will let them stay]. We show systematic differences in the pronunciation of sentences with high vs. low probability structures, given their verbs. We briefly discuss the implications of this finding for research on sentence comprehension and pronunciation variation.
Shape-dependent control of cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis: switching between attractors in cell regulatory networks.

Development of characteristic tissue patterns requires that individual cells be switched locally between different phenotypes or "fates;" while one cell may proliferate, its neighbors may differentiate or die. Recent studies have revealed that local switching between these different gene programs is controlled through interplay between soluble growth factors, insoluble extracellular matrix molecules, and mechanical forces which produce cell shape distortion. Although the precise molecular basis remains unknown, shape-dependent control of cell growth and function appears to be mediated by tension-dependent changes in the actin cytoskeleton. However, the question remains: how can a generalized physical stimulus, such as cell distortion, activate the same set of genes and signaling proteins that are triggered by molecules which bind to specific cell surface receptors. In this article, we use computer simulations based on dynamic Boolean networks to show that the different cell fates that a particular cell can exhibit may represent a preprogrammed set of common end programs or "attractors" which self-organize within the cell's regulatory networks. In this type of dynamic network model of information processing, generalized stimuli (e.g., mechanical forces) and specific molecular cues elicit signals which follow different trajectories, but eventually converge onto one of a small set of common end programs (growth, quiescence, differentiation, apoptosis, etc.). In other words, if cells use this type of information processing system, then control of cell function would involve selection of preexisting (latent) behavioral modes of the cell, rather than instruction by specific binding molecules. Importantly, the results of the computer simulation closely mimic experimental data obtained with living endothelial cells. The major implication of this finding is that current methods used for analysis of cell function that rely on characterization of linear signaling pathways or clusters of genes with common activity profiles may overlook the most critical features of cellular information processing which normally determine how signal specificity is established and maintained in living cells.
Supporting factors of sellers' reputation in e-marketplace: A case of Indonesia

One of the factors that contributes to e-commerce's success, especially in developing countries, is trust. Trust plays a significant role for e-commerce players. To build trust, we need to develop a good reputation. Hence, this research is conducted to examine (identify and prioritize) factors that can develop sellers' reputation in the online market so that sellers would be able to compete and sustain in a competitive market. This research used qualitative and quantitative approach. Seven experts were interviewed in the qualitative approach which validated and thus produced 17 factors. These factors were later categorized using the Value Chain framework. After categorizing the factors, questionnaires were created based on the Fuzzy-AHP framework and distributed to 11 sellers in the top 3 Indonesian e-marketplaces. The analysis of the questionnaires showed that the 3 highest factors that can improve sellers' reputation in Indonesia e-marketplaces are customer services, after sales services, and quality of products.
RGS5 promotes arterial growth during arteriogenesis

Arteriogenesis—the growth of collateral arterioles—partially compensates for the progressive occlusion of large conductance arteries as it may occur as a consequence of coronary, cerebral or peripheral artery disease. Despite being clinically highly relevant, mechanisms driving this process remain elusive. In this context, our study revealed that abundance of regulator of G‐protein signalling 5 (RGS5) is increased in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of remodelling collateral arterioles. RGS5 terminates G‐protein‐coupled signalling cascades which control contractile responses of SMCs. Consequently, overexpression of RGS5 blunted Gαq/11‐mediated mobilization of intracellular calcium, thereby facilitating Gα12/13‐mediated RhoA signalling which is crucial for arteriogenesis. Knockdown of RGS5 evoked opposite effects and thus strongly impaired collateral growth as evidenced by a blockade of RhoA activation, SMC proliferation and the inability of these cells to acquire an activated phenotype in RGS5‐deficient mice after the onset of arteriogenesis. Collectively, these findings establish RGS5 as a novel determinant of arteriogenesis which shifts G‐protein signalling from Gαq/11‐mediated calcium‐dependent contraction towards Gα12/13‐mediated Rho kinase‐dependent SMC activation.
The cost of messages

Distributed systems can be modeled as processes communicating via messages. This model abstracts the three degrees of distribution: shared memory, local network, and wide area network. Although these three forms of distribution are qualitatively the same, there are huge quantitative differences in their message transport costs and message transport reliability. This paper quantifies these differences for past, current, and future technologies. Table of
Zero Knowledge Protocol to design Security Model for threats in WSN

The challenges in the hierarchy of detecting the relevant quantities, monitoring and collecting the data, assessing and evaluating the information, formulating meaningful user displays, and performing decision-making and alarm functions in distributed areas are enormous. The information needed by smart environments is provided by Distributed Wireless Sensor Networks. Due to the sensitive nature of information they carry, they are susceptible to various kind of attacks like MIM attack, Replay attack and Clone attack. Hence, we propose Zeroknowledge protocol allow identification, key exchange and other basic cryptographic operations to be implemented without revealing any secret information during the conversation and with smaller computational requirements in comparison to public key protocols. Thus ZKP seems to be very attractive for resource constrained devices. ZKP allows one party to prove its knowledge of a secret to another party without ever revealing the secret. ZKP is an interactive proof system which involves a prover, P and verifier, V. The role of the prover is to convince the verifier of some secret through a series of communications.
Ancillary Service to the Grid Using Intelligent Deferrable Loads

Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power have a high degree of unpredictability and time-variation, which makes balancing demand and supply challenging. One possible way to address this challenge is to harness the inherent flexibility in demand of many types of loads. Introduced in this paper is a technique for decentralized control for automated demand response that can be used by grid operators as ancillary service for maintaining demand-supply balance. A randomized control architecture is proposed, motivated by the need for decentralized decision making, and the need to avoid synchronization that can lead to large and detrimental spikes in demand. An aggregate model for a large number of loads is then developed by examining the mean field limit. A key innovation is a linear time-invariant (LTI) system approximation of the aggregate nonlinear model, with a scalar signal as the input and a measure of the aggregate demand as the output. This makes the approximation particularly convenient for control design at the grid level.
Performance improvement of electric vehicle inductive-power transfer system using series-series capacitor compensation

This paper presents the design of a 200-V, 6.7-kW, 20-kHz inductive power transfer circuit for electric vehicles based on the SAE J-1773 level-2 battery charger requirement. The proposed inductive power transfer (IPT) circuit has series-series capacitor compensation. This paper shows the design of the capacitor compensation and analyzes the effects of the different topologies of capacitor compensation circuit on the IPT system. In addition, the comparison between the proposed IPT circuit and the conventional IPT circuit with and without capacitor compensation are presented. The simulation results of the proposed inductive power transfer circuit show that the reactive power transferred from primary to the secondary circuit is eliminated, achieving low energy loss in the pick-up circuit.
Influenza Vaccine Coverage among Pregnant Women in a Public Hospital System during the 2009-2010 Pandemic Influenza Season

The purpose of this study was to compare influenza vaccination rates of pregnant women in a public safety-net health system to national coverage rates during the 2009-2010 pandemic influenza season. A chart review of a random sample of deliveries was undertaken to determine rates of coverage and predictors of vaccine coverage of women who obtained prenatal care and delivered in our health system. Rates were calculated from deliveries from when the vaccine was first available through April 30, 2010. Coverage rates were 54% for the seasonal influenza vaccine and 51% for the H1N1 vaccine. Race/ethnicity, insurance status and language spoken did not predict the receipt of either vaccine. When we included only births which occurred through March 12, 2010, as was done in a large population-based study, the rates were 61% and 59%, respectively. Our rates are about 10% higher than the rates reported in that study. Our comprehensive strategy for promoting vaccine coverage achieved higher vaccination rates in a safety-net health system, which serves groups historically less likely to be vaccinated, than those reported for the pregnant population at large.
Effects of the News Media Environment on Citizen Knowledge of State Politics and Government

This multivariate analysis shows that residents in and near Richmond, Virginia, where the state capital is located, are significantly more knowledgeable about state politics than are residents living elsewhere in the state, especially in the northern Virginia – Washington, D.C. metro area. A newspaper content analysis demonstrates that Richmond-area residents are exposed to far more news of state politics and government than are residents of northern Virginia. The study suggests that the media environment is highly important in providing the opportunity for citizens to learn about politics.
Boosting human-level AI with videogames: Mad University

Purpose – The main intention of this paper is to state the benefits of using online videogames as a research environment, where AI algorithms are improved by means of learning from real‐human‐behaviour examples.Design/methodology/approach – The manner of taking advantage from the flux of real‐human‐behaviour examples inside an online videogame is stated. Then Mad University, a prototype online videogame specifically conceived and developed for this purpose, is explained.Findings – Human‐like AI in artificial algorithms can be boosted by means of a specific kind of online videogame called MMORPGs, used as a research environment.Research limitations/implications – Mad University is a prototype videogame which has been developed to experiment with AI algorithms that aim to learn strategies in a generalized fashion. The next research step will be to improve Mad University and to put it to work with hundreds of players and then research and test the effectiveness of the AI algorithms.Originality/value – This p.
Hierarchical logical consequence

The modern view of logical reasoning as modeled by a consequence operator (instead of simply by a set of theorems) has allowed for huge developments in the study of logic as an abstract discipline. Still, it is unable to explain why it is often the case that the same designation is used, in an ambiguous way, to describe several distinct modes of reasoning over the same logical language. A paradigmatic example of such a situation is ‘modal logic’, a designation which can encompass reasoning over Kripke frames, but also over Kripke models, and in any case either locally (at a fixed world) or globally (at all worlds). Herein, we adopt a novel abstract notion of logic presented as a lattice-structured hierarchy of consequence operators, and explore some common proof-theoretic and model-theoretic ways of presenting such hierarchies through a collection of meaningful examples. In order to illustrate the usefulness of the notion of hierarchical consequence operators we address a few questions in the theory of combined logics, where a suitable abstract presentation of the logics being combined is absolutely essential, and we show how to define and achieve a number of interesting preservation results for fibring, in the context of 2-hierarchies.