Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What Happens When Social Pressures Collide? The Role of Environmental Pressures Throughout Life

How do competing social influences shape individual partisanship over the course of the life cycle? People enter and exit a host of environments over the course of the lifespan, and these environments provide social pressures that can conflict or reinforce early socialized attitudes. Socialization could be an agent for either opinion change, or opinion stability. Using the Youth-Parent Socialization Study and constructing partisan environmental measures at the county-level, I explore this question. The findings demonstrate that environments exert significant socializing influence over the lifespan, moderating the persistence of early forces. This helps to reconcile two competing perspectives on the enduring nature of familial socialization. When environments throughout life provide reinforcing social pressures, parental influence persists over time. However, when early socialized influence is challenged over time by the political environment that citizens reside in, the influence of early parental socialization is offset and nullified.
Computer-based cognitive flexibility training after stroke

Stroke survivors often suffer from cognitive impairments and other complaints that reduce their quality of life even long after their stroke occurred. Brain training is currently widely used in an attempt to improve cognitive functioning. However, the conclusion of our systematic review is that the evidence for the effectiveness of computer-based training in improving executive functioning after acquired brain injury is inconclusive. Several studies have reported transfer effects, but most studies suffered from methodological limitations, such as lack of appropriate control conditions. We, therefore, evaluated whether a high potential computer-based cognitive training could contribute to cognitive recovery after stroke compared to mock training and waiting list control conditions. Adults who had suffered a stroke were assigned to either an intervention group, active control group (i.e., mock training), or waiting list control group. Objective cognitive functioning, subjective cognitive functioning, and quality of life were assessed before the training, immediately after training, and 4 weeks after training completion. All groups improved on several transfer tasks and two subjective measures. These improvements remained stable 4 weeks after training completion. However, the intervention group did not improve more than the two control groups. This suggests that improvement was due to training-unspecific effects. We conclude that the high potential computer-based cognitive flexibility training did not result in larger recovery of executive functioning after stroke than when no training or a mock training was given. Moreover, we suggest that previous positive findings of studies without proper control conditions should be interpreted with caution.
Broader autism phenotype: evidence from a family history study of multiple-incidence autism families.

OBJECTIVE Studies of families ascertained through a single autistic proband suggest that the genetic liability for autism may be expressed in nonautistic relatives in a phenotype that is milder but qualitatively similar to the defining features of autism. The objective of this study was to examine behaviors that may define this broader phenotype in relatives ascertained through two autistic siblings. METHOD The authors used a semistructured family history interview to compare the rates of social and communication deficits and stereotyped behaviors in relatives ascertained through two autistic siblings (families with multiple-incidence autism; 25 families) with the rates in relatives of Down syndrome probands (30 families). RESULTS Higher rates of social and communication deficits and stereotyped behaviors were found in the relatives in the families with multiple-incidence autism. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that further studies should be undertaken to delineate the boundaries of the broader autism phenotype and that this broader phenotype should be included in some future genetic analyses of this disorder.
Brazilin Ameliorates High Glucose-Induced Vascular Inflammation via Inhibiting ROS and CAMs Production in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Vascular inflammatory process has been suggested to play a key role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, a major complication of diabetes mellitus. Recent studies have shown that brazilin exhibits antihepatotoxic, antiplatelet, cancer preventive, or anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, we investigated whether brazilin suppresses vascular inflammatory process induced by high glucose (HG) in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). HG induced nitrite production, lipid peroxidation, and intracellular reactive oxygen species formation in HUVEC cells, which was reversed by brazilin. Western blot analysis revealed that brazilin markedly inhibited HG-induced phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Besides, we investigated the effects of brazilin on the MAPK signal transduction pathway because MAPK families are associated with vascular inflammation under stress. Brazilin blocked HG-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and transcription factor NF-κB. Furthermore, brazilin concentration-dependently attenuated cell adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) expression induced by various concentrations of HG in HUVEC. Taken together, the present data suggested that brazilin could suppress high glucose-induced vascular inflammatory process, which may be closely related with the inhibition of oxidative stress, CAMs expression, and NF-κB activation in HUVEC. Our findings may highlight a new therapeutic intervention for the prevention of vascular diseases.
Consideration of persuasive technology on users acceptance of e-commerce: exploring perceived persuasiveness

Persuasive technologies, used within in the domain of interactive technology, are used broadly in social contexts to encourage customers towards positive behavior change. In the context of e-commerce, persuasive technologies have already been extensively applied in the area of marketing to enhancing system credibility, however the issue of ‘persuasiveness’, and its role on positive user acceptance of technology, has not been investigated in the technology acceptance literature. This paper reviews theories and models of users’ acceptance and use in relation with persuasive technology, and identifies their limitation when considering the impact of persuasive technology on users’ acceptance of technology; thus justifying a need to add consideration of ‘perceived persuasiveness’. We conclude by identifying variables associated with perceived persuasiveness, and suggest key research directions for future research.
Secure Authentication Using Certificate Revocation List ( Crl ) and Message Signature in Vanet

A vehicular ad hoc network (VANETs) provides the security through the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Certificate Revocation Lists (CRLs). In any PKI system, the signature of sender and certificate should be verified in CRL list. Also verifying the certificate of the sender then authentication is provided to received message. In this paper, secure hash authentication protocol (SHAP) verifies digital signature and encryption functions. It not only provides message confidentiality, authentication, integrity, and nonrepudiation, but also forward secrecy for message confidentiality and public verification. In addition, SHAP uses a novel probabilistic key distribution, which enables non-revoked OBUs to securely share and update a secret key. SHAP can significantly decrease the message loss ratio due to the message verification delay compared with the conventional authentication methods employing CRL. By conducting security analysis and performance evaluation, SHAP is demonstrated to be secure and efficient.
Automated Model Design Using Genetic Algorithms and Model Checking

In recent years there has been a growing interest in applying metaheuristic search algorithms in model-checking. On the other hand, model checking has been used far less in other software engineering activities, such as model design and software testing. In this paper we propose an automated model design strategy, by integrating genetic algorithms (used for model generation) with model checking (used to evaluate the fitness, which takes into account the satisfied/unsatisfied specifications). Genetic programming is the process of evolving computer programs, by using a fitness value determined by the program's ability to perform a given computational task. This evaluation is based on the output produced by the program for a set of training input samples. The consequence is that the evolved program can function well for the sample set used for training, but there is no guarantee that the program will behave properly for every possible input. Instead of training samples, in this paper we use a model checker, which verifies if the generated model satisfies the specifications. This approach is empirically evaluated for the generation of finite state-based models. Furthermore, the previous fitness function proposed in the literature, that takes into account only the number of unsatisfied specifications, presents plateaux and so does not offer a good guidance for the search. This paper proposes and evaluates the performance of a number of new fitness functions, which, by taking also into account the counterexamples provided by the model checker, improve the success rate of the genetic algorithm.
A Feature Extraction Algorithm Using Data Fusion in Human Face Recognition System

This paper investigates the feature extraction algorithm in human face recognition systems, especially the principle component analysis and linear discriminate analysis. Based on the data fusion theory, a new method of feature extraction is presented; it utilizes the advantages of both methods. Then the experimental system is constructed that the human face in data space can be projected to human face in feather space using the new feature extraction. The constitution and characteristics of the system is analyzed and the experimental results are given based on the back propagation neural network for face recognition based on the new feature.
Periluminal Distribution of HIV-Binding Target Cells and Gp340 in the Oral, Cervical and Sigmoid/Rectal Mucosae: A Mapping Study

Studies have shown that the transmission of HIV is most likely to occur via rectal or vaginal routes, and rarely through oral exposure. However, the mechanisms of virus entry at mucosal surfaces remain incompletely understood. Prophylactic strategies against HIV infection may be attainable once gaps in current knowledge are filled. To address these gaps, we evaluated essentially normal epithelial surfaces and mapped the periluminal distribution of CD4+ HIV target cells, including T cells and antigen-presenting cells, and an HIV-binding molecule gp340 that can be expressed by epithelial cells in secreted and cell-associated forms. Immunohistochemistry for CD4, CD16, CD3, CD1a and gp340 in human oral, rectal/sigmoid and cervical mucosal samples from HIV-negative subjects demonstrated that periluminal HIV target cells were more prevalent at rectal/sigmoid and endocervical surfaces lined by simple columnar epithelium, than at oral and ectocervical surfaces covered by multilayered stratified squamous epithelium (p<0.001). gp340 expression patterns at these sites were also distinct and strong in oral minor salivary gland acini and ducts, including ductal saliva, in individual rectum/sigmoid and endocervix periluminar columnar cells, and in ectocervix squamous cells. Only weak expression was noted in the oral non-ductal squamous epithelium. We conclude that periluminal HIV target cells, together with periluminal epithelial cell-associated gp340 appear to be most accessible for HIV transmission at rectal/sigmoid and endocervical surfaces. Our data help define vulnerable structural features of mucosal sites exposed to HIV.
Observational Gamma-ray Cosmology

We discuss how measurements of the absorption of gamma‐rays from GeV to TeV energies via pair production on the extragalactic background light (EBL) can probe important issues in galaxy formation. Semi‐analytic models (SAMs) of galaxy formation, based on the flat LCDM hierarchical structure formation scenario, are used to make predictions of the EBL from 0.1 to 1000 microns. SAMs incorporate simplified physical treatments of the key processes of galaxy formation — including gravitational collapse and merging of dark matter halos, gas cooling and dissipation, star formation, supernova feedback and metal production. We will summarize SAM successes and failures in accounting for observations at low and high redshift. New ground‐ and space‐based gamma ray telescopes will help to determine the EBL, and also help to explain its origin by constraining some of the most uncertain features of galaxy formation theory, including the stellar initial mass function, the history of star formation, and the reprocessing of.
Issues and Challenges in Spectrum management in Cognitive Radio Networks

Cognitive radio is a revolutionary technology that allows efficient, adaptable and intelligent use of spectrum without causing interference to the current licensed users. For cognitive radio adaptability, optimal usability and the power to evolve are the major factors that set apart an evolutionary machine. This paper introduces the concept of spectrum and network heterogeneity in case of cognitive radio technology, spectrum management and spectrum sharing techniques. The challenges faced in networking in an cognitive environment is also discussed with some proposed
Impact of Family YMCA Membership on Childhood Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Effectiveness Trial

Background: Treatment studies about childhood obesity in primary care are lacking. We hypothesized that providing a paid family membership to the YMCA would be effective in reducing weight. Methods: Patients 5 to17 years old in at least the 85th body mass index (BMI) percentile were eligible. All participants were scheduled to attend 4 nutrition classes and to return for evaluation at 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months. Participants were randomized to nutrition classes only (n = 39) or nutrition classes and family YMCA membership (n = 44). The primary outcome measure was year change in BMI-for-age percentile. Results: Median BMI percentile at baseline was 99. Only 27 of 36 evaluable participants in the treatment group visited the YMCA. Four participants in the control group and one in the treatment group achieved the target reduction of 2 BMI percentile points (Fisher's exact, P = .17). Within the treatment group, YMCA attendees had a mean increase of 0.30 BMI points compared with an increase of 0.60 BMI points in nonattendees (P = .28). Conclusion: In very obese children, eliminating financial barriers to YMCA membership is insufficient to induce more weight loss during 1 year compared with nutrition classes alone. Improvements in nutrition intake were reported by both groups.
Low default credit scoring using two-class non-parametric kernel density estimation

This paper investigates the performance of two-class classification credit scoring data sets with low default ratios. The standard two-class parametric Gaussian and non-parametric Parzen classifiers are extended, using Bayes' rule, to include either a class imbalance or a Bernoulli prior. This is done with the aim of addressing the low default probability problem. Furthermore, the performance of Parzen classification with Silverman and Minimum Leave-one-out Entropy (MLE) Gaussian kernel bandwidth estimation is also investigated.
Complementary mechanisms create direction selectivity in the fly

How neurons become sensitive to the direction of visual motion represents a classic example of neural computation. Two alternative mechanisms have been discussed in the literature so far: preferred direction enhancement, by which responses are amplified when stimuli move along the preferred direction of the cell, and null direction suppression, where one signal inhibits the response to the subsequent one when stimuli move along the opposite, i.e. null direction. Along the processing chain in the Drosophila optic lobe, directional responses first appear in T4 and T5 cells. Visually stimulating sequences of individual columns in the optic lobe with a telescope while recording from single T4 neurons, we find both mechanisms at work implemented in different sub-regions of the receptive field. This finding explains the high degree of directional selectivity found already in the fly’s primary motion-sensing neurons and marks an important step in our understanding of elementary motion detection. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.17421. 001
Analysis and simulation of the ultrasonic/sonic driller/corer (USDC)

An ultrasonic/sonic driller/corer (USDC) was developed to address the challenges to the NASA objective of planetary in-situ rock sampling and analysis. The USDC uses a novel drive mechanism, transferring ultrasonic vibration into impacts on a drill stem at sonic frequency using a free- flying mass block (free-mass). The main parts of the device and the interactions between them were analyzed and numerically modeled to understand the drive mechanism and allow design of effective drilling mechanism. A computer program was developed to simulate the operation of the USDC and successfully predicted the characteristic behavior of the new device. This paper covers the theory, the analytical models and the algorithms that were developed and the predicted results.
Stereoscopic Techniques in Computer Graphics

This paper describes the most important techniques to create stereoscopy. At the beginning a brief summary of the history of stereoscopic viewing is outlined. The classical stereoscopy methods such as anaglyph or polarized images and the more modern techniques such as head mounted displays or three-dimensional LCD’s are described and compared. Advantages and disadvantages of each method are stated. At the end volumetric and holographic displays are described, although they don’t belong to the stereoscopy techniques.
The linkage between entrepreneurial intensity and firm performance: The evidence from China's SMEs

Entrepreneurial intensity is the extent to which any one event is innovative, risky, and proactive, and frequency of entrepreneurship, which refer to number of times organizations act entrepreneurially. Entrepreneurial strategy plays a important role on performance of China's small and medium size enterprises (SMEs). This study tried to test the relationship between entrepreneurial intensity and firm performance. We collect data from 123 firms in Jilin province. The result of our test implied that entrepreneurial intensity is positive related with firm's financial and non-financial performance. The discussion and conclusion will be given at the end of this paper.
Dynamics of glacier calving at the ungrounded margin of Helheim Glacier, southeast Greenland

During summer 2013 we installed a network of 19 GPS nodes at the ungrounded margin of Helheim Glacier in southeast Greenland together with three cameras to study iceberg calving mechanisms. The network collected data at rates up to every 7 s and was designed to be robust to loss of nodes as the glacier calved. Data collection covered 55 days, and many nodes survived in locations right at the glacier front to the time of iceberg calving. The observations included a number of significant calving events, and as a consequence the glacier retreated ~1.5 km. The data provide real‐time, high‐frequency observations in unprecedented proximity to the calving front. The glacier calved by a process of buoyancy‐force‐induced crevassing in which the ice downglacier of flexion zones rotates upward because it is out of buoyant equilibrium. Calving then occurs back to the flexion zone. This calving process provides a compelling and complete explanation for the data. Tracking of oblique camera images allows identification and characterisation of the flexion zones and their propagation downglacier. Interpretation of the GPS data and camera data in combination allows us to place constraints on the height of the basal cavity that forms beneath the rotating ice downglacier of the flexion zone before calving. The flexion zones are probably formed by the exploitation of basal crevasses, and theoretical considerations suggest that their propagation is strongly enhanced when the glacier base is deeper than buoyant equilibrium. Thus, this calving mechanism is likely to dominate whenever such geometry occurs and is of increasing importance in Greenland.
Tipping Points and Climate Change: Metaphor Between Science and the Media

ABSTRACT Over the past decade, scientists and journalists have prominently utilized the metaphor of a tipping point for drastic, irreversible and dangerous climate change. This paper shows how the tipping point metaphor became a multi-purpose bridge between science and the news media, describing how its meaning and use developed and diversified in interaction between these two domains. Within the scientific domain, the metaphor developed from a rhetorical device conveying a warning of drastic, irreversible and dangerous climate change to a theoretical concept driving empirical research. The news media soon picked up the tipping point metaphor for abrupt and dangerous climate change, turning it into a common part of the journalistic lexicon. Moreover, both science and the news media developed another, societal use of the tipping point metaphor, calling for radical societal change to avoid climate change catastrophe. The tipping point metaphor is hence not a monolithic notion but a highly versatile concept and expression, allowing it to be used for various communicative purposes by distinct stakeholders in different contexts.
Measuring Topic Homogeneity and its Application to Dictionary-Based Word Sense Disambiguation

The use of topical features is abundant in Natural Language Processing (NLP), a major example being in dictionary-based Word Sense Disambiguation (WSD). Yet previous research does not attempt to measure the level of topic cohesion in documents, despite assertions of its effects. This paper introduces a quantitative measure of Topic Homogeneity using a range of NLP resources and not requiring prior knowledge of correct senses. Evaluation is performed firstly by using the WordNet::Domains package to create word-sets with varying levels of homogeneity and comparing our results with those expected. Additionally, to evaluate each measure's potential value, the homogeneity results are correlated against those of 3 co-occurrence/dictionary-based WSD techniques, tested on 1040 Semcor and SENSEVAL sub-documents. Many low-moderate correlations are found to exist with several in the moderate range (above .40). These correlations surpass polysemy and senseentropy, the 2 most cited factors affecting WSD. Finally, a combined homogeneity measure achieves correlations of up to . 52.
Comparison Of Resource Allocation Algorithms For OFDMA

The report focuses on resource allocation algorithms (RAA) in Multi-user Orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) Wireless System. The Resource Allocation algorithms are employed to solve the problems of margin and rate optimization in OFDMA. The algorithms are simulated and the parameters used for comparison are Jain’s Fairness Index (FI), sum capacity and capacity distribution among a given number of users.