Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transforming Primary Science Learning via a Mobilized Curriculum for Sustainability

Over a year of time, we co-designed primary three science curriculum to integrate 1:1 mobile technology with teachers. The form teacher of the experimental class in a Singapore school enacted the curriculum as her regular teaching. This paper proposes a cyclic model of how to "mobilize" the curriculum in align with the national primary science syllabus. Preliminary results of the enactment are also presented. The history of education reform has fundamentally revolved around curriculum development and implementation (1). With the availability of affordable mobile devices and software applications, educators are trying to integrate the affordances of mobile devices to support science learning. By coupling the technical infrastructures for mobile learning with good curriculum and pedagogical design, teachers can transform science teaching into personalized learning journeys for individual students. However, although there have been studies on mobile-assisted inquiry-based science learning (e.g., (2)(3)), most of them were short-term explorations that may not have to be an integral part of schools' existing science curriculum. In this paper, we report our first year's experience on our three-year study to transform the existing science curriculum into a "mobilized" curriculum which is delivered via a smartphone and enact-able in a typical classroom. We envision that the transformation of the curriculum will have the following characteristics: first, the process will result in a gradual but fundamental change of the nature of the mobilized curriculum; second, the change will be sustainable; and third, the process may be challenging and costly in terms of time and effort. Norris and Soloway (4) used the term "mobilized lesson" to describe a lesson that starts with an existing, perhaps paper-based lesson design, but then is transformed to make use of mobile technologies' affordances. The "mobilized curriculum" is a transformation from a more content-centered and teacher-centered to a systematic student-centered and mobile technology-mediated practice to foster personalized and self-directed learning (5). Providing students with 1:1 ownership and 24/7 access to mobile devices and Internet access would also allow students to use their devices to support informal learning. Our work in mobilizing science lessons is thus framed in the broader context of constructing "seamless learning" environments to bridge formal and informal learning (6)(7). We want to go beyond classroom learning and explore the pervasive and longitudinal use of mobile technologies. Therefore, we aim to design a curriculum that facilitates student-centered learning activities that bridge their learning in formal and informal settings by developing student inquiry competence and self-directness. In this paper, we describe the design of curriculum, enactment of the mobilized lesson in a Primary classroom and report changes in
FNO 4 1987 FEATURES The paradox of adrenergic coronary vasoconstriction

RECENT OBSERVATIONS demonstrate adrenergic coronary vasoconstriction during exercise and other circumstances that result in generalized sympathetic activation. Coronary vasoconstriction seems paradoxic during tachycardia when coronary flow must increase to supply an augmented myocardial oxygen demand. However, there is evidence that adrenergic coronary vasoconstriction is beneficial in maintaining an even distribution of transmural blood flow. This essay will develop the theme that adrenergic coronary vasoconstriction is a normal part of generalized sympathetic activation and serves to help maintain a uniform transmural distribution of blood flow in the wall of the left ventricle. The experimental results from animal studies will be reviewed first, and the conclusions will then be used to interpret the findings from clinical studies of patients with angina. The physiologic basis of the concepts presented here has been extensively reviewed, and only a subset of the literature will be cited. '
Geometric Constraints Histogram Descriptor Based on Curvature Mesh Graph for Image Retrieval

A new geometric constraints histogram descriptor (GCHD) based on curvature mesh graph for image retrieval is presented in this paper. Through this method, the edge and angle geometric constraints based on the curvature mesh graph are extracted firstly. Then the histogram algorithm is applied on the geometric constraints to obtain the histogram matrix for each curvature point. Finally, the histograms are statistically normalized to form a histogram descriptor with fixed dimension. Experimental results validate the robustness and invariance of the proposed descriptor.
A Collaborative Filtering Approach Based on User's Reviews

This paper proposes a collaborative filtering approach that uses users' reviews to produce item descriptions that represent a consensus of users regarding items' features. While earlier works focused on using structured metadata to represent items, recent approaches study how to use user-provided text, such as reviews, to produce better insights about the semantics in the content. Some involved problems, such as noise, personal opinions and false information are reduced by an algorithm based on sentiment analysis and natural language processing. We provide an evaluation using the MovieLens dataset, and the results are promising when compared to recommenders based only on structured metadata.
Aqueous Hybrids of Silica Nanoparticles and Hydrophobically Associating Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide Used for EOR in High-Temperature and High-Salinity Reservoirs

Water-soluble polymers are known to be used in chemically enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes, but their applications are limited in high-temperature and high-salinity oil reservoirs because of their inherent poor salt tolerance and weak thermal stability. Hydrophobic association of partially hydrolyzed polyacryamide (HAHPAM) complexed with silica nanoparticles to prepare nano-hybrids is reported in this work. The rheological and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) properties of such hybrids were studied in comparison with HAHPAM under simulated high-temperature and high-salinity oil reservoir conditions (T: 85 °C; total dissolved solids: 32,868 mg∙L−1; [Ca2+] + [Mg2+]: 873 mg∙L−1). It was found that the apparent viscosity and elastic modulus of HAHPAM solutions increased with addition of silica nanoparticles, and HAHPAM/silica hybrids exhibit better shear resistance and long-term thermal stability than HAHPAM in synthetic brine. Moreover, core flooding tests show that HAHPAM/silica hybrid has a higher oil recovery factor than HAHPAM solution.
On the Computational Complexity of Optimal Simple Mechanisms

We consider a monopolist seller facing a single buyer with additive valuations over n heterogeneous, independent items. It is known that in this important setting optimal mechanisms may require randomization [12], use menus of infinite size [9], and may be computationally intractable [8]. This has sparked recent interest in finding simple mechanisms that obtain reasonable approximations to the optimal revenue [10, 15, 3]. In this work we attempt to find the optimal simple mechanism. There are many ways to define simple mechanisms. Here we restrict our search to partition mechanisms, where the seller partitions the items into disjoint bundles and posts a price for each bundle; the buyer is allowed to buy any number of bundles. We give a PTAS for the problem of finding a revenue-maximizing partition mechanism, and prove that the problem is strongly NP-hard. En route, we prove structural properties of near-optimal partition mechanisms which may be of independent interest: for example, there always exists a near-optimal partition mechanism that uses only a constant number of non-trivial bundles (i.e. bundles with more than one item).
Bone remodelling is not affected by consumption of a sodium-rich carbonated mineral water in healthy postmenopausal women

This study was designed to investigate the possible effects of consuming Na-rich carbonated mineral water on bone remodelling and urinary mineral excretion in postmenopausal women. Women (n 18) included were amenorrhoeic (>1 year), healthy and not obese (BMI <30 kg/m2). No woman was taking oestrogen replacement therapy, mineral and vitamin supplements, phyto-oestrogens or medications known to affect bone and lipid metabolism. In two consecutive interventions that lasted 8 weeks each, women drank 1 litre of control mineral water daily and 1 litre of carbonated mineral water, rich in Na, HCO–3 inf super and Cl−, daily. Body weight and height were measured, BMI was calculated and blood pressure was measured. Blood samples were taken from fasting subjects and serum obtained to analyse the biochemical bone markers, procollagen I amino-terminal propeptide (PINP) and β-carboxy-terminal telopeptide of collagen (β-CTX). At the end of each period, 24 h urine samples were collected to determine Ca, Mg, P, Na+, K+, Cl−, urine excretion and urinary pH. No changes in body weight, BMI or blood pressure were observed during the experimental period. Ca excretion was lower after the intake of carbonated water than after intake of the control water (P=0·037) while P excretion was higher (P=0·015). Total urine, Na and Cl− excretion did not differ between the two periods but urinary pH was increased after the intake of carbonated mineral water. PINP and β-CTX did not differ between the two periods. Daily consumption of 1 litre of Na-rich carbonated mineral water for 8 weeks does not affect bone remodelling in healthy postmenopausal women.
Noise Suppressor using Zero Phase Signal and Accumulated Spectrum Technique

This paper proposes a wide-band noise reduction method using temporal accumulated spectrum and zero phase (ZP) signal. In the previous study, we replace the ZP signal around the origin with the ZP signal in the second or latter period to get an estimated speech ZP signal. For very low SNR environment, reliable period estimation is difficult. This paper presents a study of period estimation in noisy speech based on temporal-spectral representation. Since harmonic structure of speech changes much more slowly than noise spectrum, spectral peaks related to period harmonics would stand out over the noise through the accumulation. In this paper, we combine robust period estimation technique and ZP noise suppressor. The major advantages of this method are that it can reduce not only stationary wide-band noises but also non-stationary wide-band noises and does not require a prior estimation of the noise spectral amplitude. Simulation results show that the proposed noise reduction method further improves the SNR especially in a low SNR environment.
Remote surgery case: robot-assisted teleneurosurgery

Telesurgery is an interdisciplinary field of teleoperated robotics and robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery, and has good promising future. In this work, the structure and work flow of the tele-neurosurgery are addressed at first. Then the key technologies involved, including our newly developed surgical robot, untouched methodology in localizing marks for registration, video overlay and surgical simulation, video transmission and network communication, and safeguards, are discussed, which guarantee the safety and feasibility of the clinical telesurgery. In the end, the first remote clinical stereo tactic neurosurgery is presented.
Mid-infrared diagnostics to distinguish AGNs from starbursts

We present new mid-infrared (MIR) diagnostics to distinguish emission of active galactic nuclei (AGN) from that originating in starburst regions. Our method uses empirical spectroscopic criteria based on the fact that MIR emission from star forming or active galaxies arises mostly from HII regions, photo-dissociation regions (PDRs) and AGNs. The analysis of the strength of the 6.2micron Unidentified Infrared Band (UIB) and the MIR continuum shows that UIBs are very faint or absent in regions harboring the intense and hard radiation fields of AGNs and pure HII regions, where the UIB carriers could be destroyed. The MIR signature of AGNs is the presence of an important continuum in the 3-10micron band which originates from very hot dust heated by the intense AGN radiation field. Using these two distinct spectral properties found in our MIR templates, we build diagnostic diagrams which provide quantitative estimates of the AGN, PDR and HII region contribution in a given MIR spectrum. This new MIR classification can be used to reveal the presence of AGNs highly obscured by large columns of dust.
3G MOBILE PHONE ADOPTION AND CONTINUED USE:A PILOT STUDY

The third generation (3G) mobile communication standard, paired with advanced cellular phone handsets permit individuals to access an increasing number of web and location based services. Mobile computing platforms represent a very large potential market segment for technology manufacturers and communication service providers. This paper examines the key factors that influence the adoption process and continued use of 3G mobile phones. Based on several well-known theories like Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) the current research attempts to develop a specific and practical model for the process of adopting 3G mobile phones and subsequent continued use by adopters. Data is collected via surveys from potential 3G customers. Descriptive statistics and multinomial regression are used to analyze data, and examine the relationships between constructs.
Estimating Frequency and Effects of TCP Spurious Retransmission Timeouts by Traffic Monitoring in Operational GPRS Networks

This paper proposes an algorithm to identify TCP spurious retransmission timeouts by post processing of packet traces monitored in an operational GPRS network. The operational principles of the algorithm and the assumptions behind its design are explained in detail, as well as the situations in which the algorithm is prone to inaccuracies. By extensive measurements in a lab testbed using realistic RTT characteristics and FTP-like as well as Web-like traffic generators, it is shown that the algorithm is sufficiently accurate in detection of spurious retransmission timeouts. Subsequently, the algorithm is applied to real traffic traces captured at the Gi interfaces of an operational GPRS network to analyse the frequency of spurious retransmission timeouts as well as the spurious timeout probability dependent on the load situation in the network and the flow size. The main finding of this investigation is that spurious timeouts are infrequent events in the considered GPRS network.
Counting matchings in irregular bipartite graphs and random lifts

We give a sharp lower bound on the number of matchings of a given size in a bipartite graph. When specialized to regular bipartite graphs, our results imply Friedland's Lower Matching Conjecture and Schrijver's theorem proven by Gurvits and Csikvari. Indeed, our work extends the recent work of Csikvari done for regular and bi-regular bipartite graphs. Moreover, our lower bounds are order optimal as they are attained for a sequence of $2$-lifts of the original graph as well as for random $n$-lifts of the original graph when $n$ tends to infinity. We then extend our results to permanents and subpermanents sums. For permanents, we are able to recover the lower bound of Schrijver recently proved by Gurvits using stable polynomials. Our proof is algorithmic and borrows ideas from the theory of local weak convergence of graphs, statistical physics and covers of graphs. We provide new lower bounds for subpermanents sums and obtain new results on the number of matching in random $n$-lifts with some implications for the matching measure and the spectral measure of random $n$-lifts as well as for the spectral measure of infinite trees.
Waves of El Niño-Southern Oscillation and Influenza Pandemics

Influenza pandemics have occurred at irregular intervals for over 500 years, unlike seasonal influenza epidemics which occur annually. Although the risk factors are known, the basis for the timing of influenza pandemic waves are unknown. Coherence of peaks of El Nino and influenza pandemic in 2009–2010, however, suggests that both waves are coupled. This study was done to determine the relation of influenza pandemics to the peaks and waveforms of El Nino southern oscillation (ENSO). ENSO cycles from 1871–2015 which had El Nino phases were windowed from Multivariate El Nino Index. Influenza pandemic peaks were mapped to ENSO monthly time series. ENSO waveforms were compared graphically, and fitted to nonstationary cosinor models. Second order polynomial regression model was fitted to the peak and duration of El Nino. Agglomerative hierarchical cluster of ENSO waveforms was performed. All influenza pandemic peaks mapped to El Nino peaks, with lags of 0–5 months. ENSO waveforms during influenza pandemics share parameters of oscillation. Nonstationary cosinor models showed that ENSO cycles are complex waves. There was second order polynomial relationship between peak and duration of El Ninos, p < 0.0001. ENSO waveforms clustered into four distinct groups. ENSO waveforms during influenza pandemics of 1889–1900, 1957–1958, and 1968–1969 linked closely. ENSO indices were significantly high from 7–16 months after onset of cycles, p < 0.0001. Surveillance for El Nino events to forecast periods of maximal transmission and survival of influenza A viruses is, therefore, crucial for public health control strategies.
FUNCTION OF SLEEP IN MEMORY CONSOLIDATION

Previous studies have demonstrated that a mild increase in skin temperature can induce longer and deeper sleep, particularly during SWS the period of sleep associated with memory consolidation. This study attempted to differentiate the effects of mild skin temperature manipulation on various stages of sleep (SWS and REM) by inducing warm temperature during a single sleep stage and then testing memory consolidation after each condition. Preliminary analysis of individuals who completed at least one condition revealed that memory scores were greatest after the SWS night, as predicted. Compared to control conditions, skin warming during the SWS warming condition showed a slight increase in memory recall in the word-pairing task. Moreover, skin warming during the REM warming condition produced a decline in memory recall compared to both SWS and control conditions. Although, these findings were not corroborated in participants who completed all conditions, the low number of participants may be limiting our ability to detect these effects.
Adenosine Triphosphate Induces Ca2+ Signal in Epithelial Cells of the Mouse Caput Epididymis Through Activation of P2X and P2Y Purinergic Receptors1

Abstract In the present study, we developed a novel method to analyze the calcium (Ca2+) signal in living slices of mouse caput epididymides by applying calcium imaging on Fura-2-loaded vibratome slices. The data revealed that in epithelial cells of mouse caput epididymides, ATP induces a rapid Ca2+ signal that is sustained after 60 sec. Preincubating the sections in Ca2+-free medium in the presence of EGTA did not affect the amplitude of the ATP-induced Ca2+ signal, indicating the presence of P2Y type purinergic receptors and phospholipase C activity. Furthermore, ATP induced a similar Ca2+ signal in the different subregions of caput epididymides. The P2X type ion-gated purinergic receptors could also be responsible for the ATP-induced Ca2+ signal because immunohistochemical and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analyses showed that P2X1, P2X2, P2X4, P2X7, P2Y1, and P2Y2 receptors were expressed in the epididymis. We propose that P2X and P2Y receptor expression is vital for the normal function of epididymal epithelium and sperm maturation. Furthermore, the method we developed allows us to analyze the activity of various G protein-coupled receptors in intact epithelial cells of mouse epididymides, and other reproductive tissues as well.
Plantar Pressure in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Patients with Active Foot Ulceration, Previous Ulceration and No History of Ulceration: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Aims Elevated dynamic plantar pressures are a consistent finding in diabetes patients with peripheral neuropathy with implications for plantar foot ulceration. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the plantar pressures of diabetes patients that had peripheral neuropathy and those with neuropathy with active or previous foot ulcers. Methods Published articles were identified from Medline via OVID, CINAHL, SCOPUS, INFORMIT, Cochrane Central EMBASE via OVID and Web of Science via ISI Web of Knowledge bibliographic databases. Observational studies reporting barefoot dynamic plantar pressure in adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, where at least one group had a history of plantar foot ulcers were included. Interventional studies, shod plantar pressure studies and studies not published in English were excluded. Overall mean peak plantar pressure (MPP) and pressure time integral (PTI) were primary outcomes. The six secondary outcomes were MPP and PTI at the rear foot, mid foot and fore foot. The protocol of the meta-analysis was published with PROPSERO, (registration number CRD42013004310). Results Eight observational studies were included. Overall MPP and PTI were greater in diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients with foot ulceration compared to those without ulceration (standardised mean difference 0.551, 95% CI 0.290–0.811, p<0.001; and 0.762, 95% CI 0.303–1.221, p = 0.001, respectively). Sub-group analyses demonstrated no significant difference in MPP for those with neuropathy with active ulceration compared to those without ulcers. A significant difference in MPP was found for those with neuropathy with a past history of ulceration compared to those without ulcers; (0.467, 95% CI 0.181– 0.753, p = 0.001). Statistical heterogeneity between studies was moderate. Conclusions Plantar pressures appear to be significantly higher in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy with a history of foot ulceration compared to those with diabetic neuropathy without a history of ulceration. More homogenous data is needed to confirm these findings.
Using standard verifier to check secure information flow in Java bytecode

When an applet is sent over the internet, Java Virtual Machine code is transmitted and remotely executed. Because untrusted code can be executed on the local computer running the web browser security problems may arise. We present a method to check illicit flows in Java bytecode, that exploits the type-level abstract interpretation of bytecode verification. We present an algorithm transforming a bytecode into another one that, when abstractly executed by the standard bytecode verifier, reveals illicit information flows. We show an example of application of the method.