Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Decision making behaviour in team sports : informational constraints and the dynamics of interpersonal coordination in rugby union

in English Decision making behaviour in team sports ix ABSTRACT This thesis aimed to investigate informational variables that constrain the dynamics of interpersonal coordination underlying players’ decision-making behaviour in team sports. We begin with a position paper highlighting the need for understanding how performers interact and generate goal-directed adaptive behaviours coupled to the information sources unfolding in the performance contexts. Thereafter, in all empirical studies performer-environment interactions are analysed with process-tracing methods to examine behaviours’ dynamics. Relevant variables expressing players’ behavioural interactions were identified and analysed in matches and rugby subphases (i.e., 1vs1, 1vs2, 3vs3). Analysis of the distance gained dynamics in attacking phases of actual matches revealed that ball displacement provides information on team successful performance. Besides, this variable dynamics described the functional coordination between players and teams. Using also actual match data, the functional role of gap closing information during 1vs1 sub-phases was analysed. Time-to-contact between attacker and defender was suggested as yielding information about future pass possibilities. In an in situ simulation of 1vs2 sub-phase, the manipulation of the initial distance between defenders demonstrated that decision-making behaviours are differently expressed as a function of changes made in participants’ spatial location. This gave evidence for the flexible and adaptive nature of players’ goal-directed behaviour to current task constraints. Finally, observations of participants performing a virtual reality simulation of 3vs3 sub-phase revealed how opening of gaps in the defensive line shapes decision-making behaviour of the ball-carrier. An expertise effect was demonstrated for perceiving and acting upon affordances. In conclusion, this body of research found that decision-making behaviour emerges sustained by specific spatial-temporal information from goal-directed interactions between players.
Particle filtering for online motion planning with task specifications

A probabilistic framework for online motion planning of vehicles in dynamic environments is proposed. We develop a sampling-based motion planner that incorporates prediction of obstacle motion. A key feature is the introduction of task specifications as artificial measurements. This allows us to cast the exploration phase in the planner as a nonlinear, possibly multimodal, estimation problem, which is effectively solved using particle filtering. For certain parameter choices, the approach is equivalent to solving a nonlinear estimation problem using particle filtering. The proposed approach is illustrated on a simulated autonomous-driving example. The results indicate that our method is computationally efficient, consistent with the task specifications, and computes dynamically feasible trajectories.
A process for pattern identification, authoring, and application

The process to identify, author, and apply patterns is mostly performed manually by pattern experts. When performing pattern research in large domains involving many persons, the current state of the art of pattern research techniques, such as shepherding and writers' workshops, should be extended to a larger organizational process coordinating the work of all involved participants. This paper presents the process we followed to identify, author, and apply patterns in various domains involving multiple industry partners. Due to the diversity of these domains, we claim that the process is general enough to be applicable in other domains as well. This paper documents this process for use, discussion, further refinement, and evaluation in a larger pattern research community.
Consumer "personality" in railway e-ticketing: conceptualization and empirical testing in Indian context

This paper attempts at conceptualizing 'personality' in the context of online buying as an academic construct, and then testing it empirically through the samples taken from Indian sampling frame. Critical consumer personality traits that influence the online buying decision of people are explored. The study establishes their causal impact, if any, through developing an integrated model. In the first phase, a pilot survey was conducted on a sample of 100 users of the online railway ticket reservation system that helped determine the validity and reliability of the survey instrument. The second phase of the study was conducted on a sample of 327 users of online railway reservation facilities, and multiple regressions analyses were applied to determine the causal impacts of critical consumer personality traits on online reservation of railway ticket by users the in Indian context. The analysis of demographics based on gender and age groups were also made to capture the cross - comparisons of critical consumer personality attributes related to online reservation of long distance railway tickets in Indian context. The factor analysis had grouped the items into 4 constructs with a total of 14 items. For analytical purposes, descriptive statistics were used through measures of central tendency and dispersion. The item total correlations to each construct were found significant. All the critical online buyers' personality traits were found to have a significant impact on the intention of buyers of booking / purchasing railway tickets online in India. The analyses of demographics established that all the critical consumer personality based attributes to online buying intention have no significant differences for gender, whereas for age groups some of the attributes were found significant and others were not. A major limitation of this research has been the sample size of 327 respondents. The generalization of the findings could be more strengthened by encapsulating more responses from the relevant user groups across demographics. The identification and empirical examination of the critical consumer personality parameters in online reservation of railway tickets in Indian context across demographics help to understand consumers' expectation of convenience and satisfaction from the online reservation facilities of Indian railways.
The Origin, Location, and Projections of the Embryonic Abdominal Motorneurons of Drosophila

We have used a retrograde labeling technique to identify motorneurons for each of the 30 body wall muscles of an abdominal hemisegment in the late stage 16 Drosophila embryo. Each motorneuron has a characteristic cell body position, dendritic arborization, and axonal projection. In addition, we have determined the neuroblasts of origin for most of the motorneurons we describe. Some organizational principles for the neuromuscular system have become apparent: (1) There is no obvious topographic relationship between the cell body positions of motorneurons and the position or orientation of the muscles they innervate; (2) motorneurons that innervate muscles of similar position and orientation are often clustered and have overlapping dendritic trees; (3) morphologically similar motorneurons are generally derived from a common neuroblast and innervate operationally related muscles; and (4) neuroblasts can give rise to more than one morphological type of motorneuron.
Fate of the fusarium mycotoxins, deoxynivalenol, nivalenol and zearalenone, during extrusion of wholemeal wheat grain

In the European Union, deoxynivalenol in cereals and cereal products is controlled by recent legislation with the objective of minimizing consumer exposure to this mycotoxin. Relatively few studies have examined the loss of Fusarium mycotoxins during processing and whether this is accurately reflected by the processing factors. The behaviour of deoxynivalenol, nivalenol and zearalenone during extrusion of naturally contaminated wholemeal wheat flour has been examined using pilot-scale equipment. Factors examined were temperature and moisture content. Concentrations of the three mycotoxins were little changed by extrusion although the amount of deoxynivalenol decreased at the lowest moisture content. However, this effect did not appear to be temperature-dependent, suggesting that the apparent loss is either due to binding or inability to extract the residue. Under some conditions, concentrations of the mycotoxins, particularly nivalenol, were higher after extrusion.
Speed Limit Policies: The Output Gap and Optimal Monetary Policy

In a standard New Keynesian model, a myopic central bank concerned with stabilizing inflation and changes in the output gap will implement a policy under discretion that replicates the optimal, timeless perspective, precommitment policy. By stabilizing output gap changes, the central bank imparts inertia into output and inflation that is absent under pure discretion. Even a fully optimizing (i.e., non-myopic) central bank operating in a discretionary policy environment achieves better social outcomes if it focuses on inflation and changes in the output gap than are achieved under inflation targeting.
Study on Temperature Rise of Dry-Type Transformer in Different Cooling Conditions with FEM

To study the temperature rise of dry-type transformer in different cooling conditions, finite element method is used in this paper to calculate temperature distribution in the transformer. Firstly, thermal-fluid coupled model of a transfomer is built up，and the equivalent heat generation of this model is figured out according to the results of delivery test. Then, thermal-fluid coupled model is simulated in both natural cooling condition and forced cooling condition, and temperature distributions in the iron and windings under these two conditions are obtained. Finally, temperature rises in these two conditions are compared to figure out the influence of cooling condition on transformer temperature rise.
Focus on Extracellular Vesicles: Exosomes and Their Role in Protein Trafficking and Biomarker Potential in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease

Growing evidence indicates that small extracellular vesicles, called exosomes, are prominent mediators of neurodegenerative diseases such as prion, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Exosomes contain neurodegenerative disease associated proteins such as the prion protein, β-amyloid and α-synuclein. Only demonstrated so far in vivo with prion disease, exosomes are hypothesised to also facilitate the spread of β-amyloid and α-synuclein from their cells of origin to the extracellular environment. In the current review, we will discuss the role of exosomes in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease including their possible contribution to disease propagation and pathology and highlight their utility as a diagnostic in neurodegenerative disease.
Involvement of Retinoblastoma Protein and HBP1 in Histone H10 Gene Expression

ABSTRACT The histone H10-encoding gene is expressed in vertebrates in differentiating cells during the arrest of proliferation. In the H10 promoter, a specific regulatory element, which we named the H4 box, exhibits features which implicate a role in mediating H10 gene expression in response to both differentiation and cell cycle control signals. For instance, within the linker histone gene family, the H4 box is found only in the promoters of differentiation-associated subtypes, suggesting that it is specifically involved in differentiation-dependent expression of these genes. In addition, an element nearly identical to the H4 box is conserved in the promoters of histone H4-encoding genes and is known to be involved in their cell cycle-dependent expression. The transcription factors interacting with the H10 H4 box were therefore expected to link differentiation-dependent expression of H10 to the cell cycle control machinery. The aim of this work was to identify such transcription factors and to obtain information concerning the regulatory pathway involved. Interestingly, our cloning strategy led to the isolation of a retinoblastoma protein (RB) partner known as HBP1. HBP1, a high-mobility group box transcription factor, interacted specifically with the H10H4 box and moreover was expressed in a differentiation-dependent manner. We also showed that the HBP1-encoding gene is able to produce different forms of HBP1. Finally, we demonstrated that both HBP1 and RB were involved in the activation of H10 gene expression. We therefore propose that HBP1 mediates a link between the cell cycle control machinery and cell differentiation signals. Through modulating the expression of specific chromatin-associated proteins such as histone H10, HBP1 plays a vital role in chromatin remodeling events during the arrest of cell proliferation in differentiating cells.
Molecular and phenotypic determinants of the response to desmopressin in adult patients with mild hemophilia A

Summary. Background: The relationship of the biologic response to desmopressin with the F8 mutation and physiological characteristics has been poorly investigated in patients with mild hemophilia A. Objectives: We prospectively assessed the molecular and phenotypic determinants of the biologic response to desmopressin in a cohort of 50 patients with mild hemophilia A. Methods: Up to 24 h after desmopressin, blood samples were serially obtained and factor (F)VIII and von Willebrand factor (VWF) measured. The promoter region, all exons and exon–intron boundaries of the F8 gene were screened using denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC). Direct sequencing was done when DHPLC screening was normal. Genomic DNA was also sequenced for exons 18–21, 24 and 27 of VWF. Results: Mean basal FVIII:C was 19 ± 9 IU dL−1 (range 6–37) and the median postdesmopressin peak increase was 2.5‐fold (range 1.1–7.1). Eleven patients with a cross‐reacting material positive (CRM+) phenotype had similar basal levels and relative increases of FVIII:C to the remaining patients with low FVIII:Ag. Using multivariate regression, FVIII:C half‐life was positively related to basal and peak VWF:Ag levels (P = 0.008) and patient age (P = 0.004). Eleven patients had evidence of reduced FVIII survival. While 27 different gene mutations were identified in 41 patients, nine patients had no detectable mutation. These patients had significantly smaller peaks and smaller relative increase of postdesmopressin FVIII:C (median FVIII:C 26 IU dL−1 vs. 54 IU dL−1; P < 0.001; fold 1.8 ± 0.6 vs. 2.9 ± 0.8; P = 0.002). Conclusions: In this cohort of patients with mild hemophilia A, a poor biologic response to desmopressin was frequently associated with the absence of detectable F8 mutations.
Plasma Kallikrein Mediates Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor–Induced Retinal Dysfunction and Thickening

Purpose Plasma kallikrein is a serine protease and circulating component of inflammation, which exerts clinically significant effects on vasogenic edema. This study examines the role of plasma kallikrein in VEGF-induced retinal edema. Methods Intravitreal injections of VEGF and saline vehicle were performed in plasma prekallikrein–deficient (KLKB1−/−) and wild-type (WT) mice, and in both rats and mice receiving a selective plasma kallikrein inhibitor, VA999272. Retinal vascular permeability (RVP) and retinal thickness were measured by Evans blue permeation and optical coherence tomography, respectively. The retinal kallikrein kinin system was examined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Retinal neovascularization was investigated in KLKB1−/− and WT mice subjected to oxygen-induced retinopathy. Results Vascular endothelial growth factor–induced RVP and retinal thickening were reduced in KLKB1−/− mice by 68% and 47%, respectively, compared to VEGF responses in WT mice. Plasma kallikrein also contributes to TNFα-induced retinal thickening, which was reduced by 52% in KLKB1−/− mice. Systemic administration of VA999272 reduced VEGF-induced retinal thickening by 57% (P < 0.001) in mice and 53% (P < 0.001) in rats, compared to vehicle-treated controls. Intravitreal injection of VEGF in WT mice increased plasma prekallikrein in the retina, which was diffusely distributed throughout the inner and outer retinal layers. Avascular and neovascular areas induced by oxygen-induced retinopathy were similar in WT and KLKB1−/− mice. Conclusions Vascular endothelial growth factor increases extravasation of plasma kallikrein into the retina, and plasma kallikrein is required for the full effects of VEGF on RVP and retinal thickening in rodents. Systemic plasma kallikrein inhibition may provide a therapeutic opportunity to treat VEGF-induced retina edema.
Measured Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Exposures of Outdoor Workers in Queensland in the Building and Construction Industry ¶

The risk to outdoor workers of exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has been known for some time, particularly in the building and construction industry, where workers often use little in the way of protection against solar UVR. In recent years there have been attempts by authorities in Australia and in Queensland in particular, where UVR levels in spring and summer are very high to extreme, to instigate and to encourage the use of personal UVR protection by outdoor workers. To quantify UVR exposure of building and construction industry workers involved in typical outdoor work, a study was conducted using UVR‐sensitive polysulphone film badges. The results indicated that the doses were significant, often well in excess of recommended exposure limits. The measured exposures varied between trades. Data on the use of personal UVR‐protective equipment and the skin type of workers were also collected. Many of the workers had skin types that were sensitive to UVR and showed signs of sunburn. In summary, the study found that at‐risk individuals were exposed to extreme levels of UVR, in most cases without adequate and appropriate sun protection.
Pathways through secondary school in a comprehensive system: does parental education and school attended affect students’ choice?

As the Australian labour market restructured during the 1980s and 1990s, Year 12 retention rates more than doubled between 1983 and 1993 secondary schools diversified to include vocational education and training programs as alternative pathways through school. From a human capital perspective, the completion of vocational qualifications in school may represent strategic investments that enhance labour market outcomes. Using data provided by the Education and Training Directorate of the Australian Capital Territory, this paper examines the links between parents’ education and pathway through school. The results indicate that stratification within the comprehensive school system sorts students into different pathways according to parental education. After controlling for academic achievement in Year 9, students with lower-educated parents were more likely than those with university-educated parents to undertake a vocational education pathway. Furthermore, level of disadvantage of the school attended in Year 9 exacerbated rather than alleviated the effect of parental education.
Analysing Online Social Network Data with Biclustering and Triclustering

In this paper we propose two novel methods for analysing data collected from online social networks. In particular we will do analyses on Vkontake data (Russian online social network). Using biclustering we extract groups of users with similar interests and find communities of users which belong to similar groups. With triclustering we reveal users’ interests as tags and use them to describe Vkontakte groups. After this social tagging process we can recommend to a particular user relevant groups to join or new friends from interesting groups which have a similar taste. We present some preliminary results and explain how we are going to apply these methods on massive data repositories.
OPTWALL: A Hierarchical Traffic-Aware Firewall

The overall efficiency, reliability, and availability of a firewall is crucial in enforcing and administrating security, especially when the network is under attack. The continuous growth of the Internet, coupled with the increasing sophistication of the attacks, is placing stringent demands on firewall performance. These challenges require new designs, architecture and algorithms to optimize firewalls. In this paper, we propose OPTWALL, an adaptive hierarchical firewall optimization framework aimed at reducing operational cost of firewalls. The main features of the proposed approach are the hierarchical design, splitting techniques, an online traffic adaptation mechanism, and a strong reactive scheme to counter malicious attacks (e.g. Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks). To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first of its kind to use traffic characteristics in the design of an adaptive hierarchical firewall optimization framework. To study the performance of OPTWALL, a set of experiments are conducted on Linux ipchains. The performance evaluation study uses a large set of firewall policies and traffic traces managed by a Tier1 ISP and provides security access for the ISP network from/to its business partners. Results show the high potential of OPTWALL to reduce the operational cost of firewalls. In particular, the results show that a performance improvement of nearly 35% can been achieved in a heavily loaded network environment.
Origins of Specificity and Promiscuity in Metabolic Networks

Background: How enzymes evolved to their present form is linked to how extant metabolic pathways emerged. Results: Chemical diversity of reactions parallels enzyme phylogenetic diversity across the tree of life. Conclusion: Enzyme promiscuity plays a prominent role in the evolution of metabolic networks. Significance: Learning about the mechanisms of enzyme evolution might assist us with the identification of primeval catalytic functions and minimal metabolism. How enzymes have evolved to their present form is linked to the question of how pathways emerged and evolved into extant metabolic networks. To investigate this mechanism, we have explored the chemical diversity present in a largely unbiased data set of catalytic reactions processed by modern enzymes across the tree of life. In order to get a quantitative estimate of enzyme chemical diversity, we measure enzyme multispecificity or promiscuity using the reaction molecular signatures. Our main finding is that reactions that are catalyzed by a highly specific enzyme are shared by poorly divergent species, suggesting a later emergence of this function during evolution. In contrast, reactions that are catalyzed by highly promiscuous enzymes are more likely to appear uniformly distributed across species in the tree of life. From a functional point of view, promiscuous enzymes are mainly involved in amino acid and lipid metabolisms, which might be associated with the earliest form of biochemical reactions. In this way, results presented in this paper might assist us with the identification of primeval promiscuous catalytic functions contributing to life's minimal metabolism.
Aplasia Cutis Congenita and Other Anomalies Associated with Methimazole Exposure During Pregnancy

Abstract: Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a congenital defect consisting of a circumscribed absence of skin that usually involves the scalp. The etiology is uncertain, and several teratogenic agents such as methimazole have been involved. We report two cases of ACC and other anomalies in newborns exposed to methimazole during pregnancy.