Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modelling pollination services across agricultural landscapes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Crop pollination by bees and other animals is an essential ecosystem service. Ensuring the maintenance of the service requires a full understanding of the contributions of landscape elements to pollinator populations and crop pollination. Here, the first quantitative model that predicts pollinator abundance on a landscape is described and tested. METHODS Using information on pollinator nesting resources, floral resources and foraging distances, the model predicts the relative abundance of pollinators within nesting habitats. From these nesting areas, it then predicts relative abundances of pollinators on the farms requiring pollination services. Model outputs are compared with data from coffee in Costa Rica, watermelon and sunflower in California and watermelon in New Jersey-Pennsylvania (NJPA). KEY RESULTS Results from Costa Rica and California, comparing field estimates of pollinator abundance, richness or services with model estimates, are encouraging, explaining up to 80 % of variance among farms. However, the model did not predict observed pollinator abundances on NJPA, so continued model improvement and testing are necessary. The inability of the model to predict pollinator abundances in the NJPA landscape may be due to not accounting for fine-scale floral and nesting resources within the landscapes surrounding farms, rather than the logic of our model. CONCLUSIONS The importance of fine-scale resources for pollinator service delivery was supported by sensitivity analyses indicating that the model's predictions depend largely on estimates of nesting and floral resources within crops. Despite the need for more research at the finer-scale, the approach fills an important gap by providing quantitative and mechanistic model from which to evaluate policy decisions and develop land-use plans that promote pollination conservation and service delivery.
The dynamic postural adjustment with the quadratic programming method

The postural balance system is one of the most fundamental functions for humanoid robot control. In this paper, we propose a new feedback balance control system for the human body. This system can manipulate large perturbations. It finds the optimal motion for maintaining balance in the 3D space without receiving any feed-forward input beforehand. Two different strategies are adopted for the optimization: the quadratic programming method and the PD control. Simulation results are compared with real human motion; many common features such as rotating arms are observed.
Streptomycin-lidocaine injections for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia: Report of three cases with literature review

The sudden, stabbing, paroxysmal pain of neuralgia is the fiercest agony that a patient may experience in his life. Many varied medical treatments and surgical procedures have been suggested in the literature for neuralgic pain. Most of the patients fail to respond to medical treatments or succumb to complications of total anesthesia owing to surgical procedures. Herein, we tried a new treatment modality in patients suffering from postherpetic neuralgia with appreciable success in all the three cases that are presented in this paper. Streptomycin sulfate dissolved in 2% lidocaine solution was deposited at the peripheral branches on the involved nerves targeting the trigger zones, given weekly once for a maximum of 6 week period and continued once in 2 weeks if symptoms persisted. All patients were followed-up for 1 year and there was a marked improvement on follow-up.
Attitudes towards disability and inclusion in Bangladesh: from theory to practice

Along with the development of global consciousness, the campaign for an inclusive society is gaining momentum. An inclusive society based on social justice ensures individual rights and social welfare for each and everybody. On the contrary, the conventional disability paradigm categorizes people with many different labels which exclude people from society. For many years, people have been labelled as being ‘normal’, ‘disabled’ and ‘handicapped’ around the world. The theoretical developments around understanding disability have influenced professional knowledge and policy-making. During the twentieth century, social sciences show that disability is a socially created phenomenon rather than the individual's fault. This article represents a discussion based on the learning aims of the module ‘Inclusive Society–Inclusive School’ within the Erasmus Mundus Special Education Needs study programme (EMSEN), and raises a number of perspectives and potential problems and concerns related to new disability paradigms. The article offers the authors’ reflection through the EMSEN programme, a programme that constitutes an opportunity and opens up space to practise and understand ‘inclusion’ through a multicultural environment across diverse geographical contexts.
Dimming Electronic Ballasts Without Striations

Power density modulation control strategy is proposed for eliminating the striations in dimming applications. In a modulation period, the lamp is operated in several states. For any desired lamp power, the fluorescent lamp current requirement must be met in one of the states. A prototype dimmable electronic ballast is built and experimented. As result, a 36WT8 fluorescent lamp is driven within wide power range from 2 W to full without striation.
Fast Nonconvex Nonsmooth Minimization Methods for Image Restoration and Reconstruction

Nonconvex nonsmooth regularization has advantages over convex regularization for restoring images with neat edges. However, its practical interest used to be limited by the difficulty of the computational stage which requires a nonconvex nonsmooth minimization. In this paper, we deal with nonconvex nonsmooth minimization methods for image restoration and reconstruction. Our theoretical results show that the solution of the nonconvex nonsmooth minimization problem is composed of constant regions surrounded by closed contours and neat edges. The main goal of this paper is to develop fast minimization algorithms to solve the nonconvex nonsmooth minimization problem. Our experimental results show that the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithms.
An implantable neuroprosthesis for standing and walking in paraplegia: 5-year patient follow-up

We present the results of a 5-year patient follow-up after implantation of an original neuroprosthesis. The system is able to stimulate both epimysial and neural electrodes in such a way that the complete flexor–extensor chain of the lower limb can be activated without using the withdrawal reflex. We demonstrate that standing and assisted walking are possible, and the results have remained stable for 5 years. Nevertheless, some problems were noted, particularly regarding the muscle response on the epimysial channels. Analysis of the electrical behaviour and thresholds indicated that the surgical phase is crucial because of the sensitivity of the functional responses to electrode placement. Neural stimulation proved to be more efficient and more stable over time. This mode requires less energy and provides more selective stimulation. This FES system can be improved to enable balanced standing and less fatiguing gait, but this will require feedback on event detection to trigger transitions between stimulation sequences, as well as feedback to the patient about the state of his lower limbs.
Johan Brandtler, The Evaluability Hypothesis: The Syntax and Semantics of Polarity Item Licensing in Swedish (Lundastudier i nordisk språkvetenskap A 71). Lund: Centre for Languages and Literature, Lund University, 2010. Pp. xii + 241.

The use of polarity items, especially negative polarity items (NPI), has received a lot of attention, and it has been investigated in many languages. As far as the Scandinavian languages are concerned, polarity items have been studied in Danish (Jensen 1999) and Norwegian (Lindstad 1999; Johannesen 2003), but until now no extensive investigation of Swedish polarity items has been published. Johan Brandtler’s dissertation is thus a welcome contribution to the field. Examples of polarity items are given in the comprehensive Swedish Academy reference grammar (Teleman, Hellberg & Andersson 1999, vol. 4:187ff.), where they are considered to be ‘expressions dependent on negation’ (Swed. negationsberoende uttryck). Brandtler argues that this conception of dependency is too narrow. Instead he aims for a characterization of polarity item licensing that works for both affirmative and negative items, in declarative clauses as well as in non-affirmative contexts. See the following examples with the NPI någonsin ‘ever’ and the positive polarity item (PPI) fortfarande ‘still’ (1f.): (1) Jag har ∗(aldrig) någonsin varit i Paris. I have never ever been in Paris (2) Jag har (∗inte) fortfarande kvar mina gamla skidor. I have not still left my old skis ‘I still have my old skis. ’
A SPLITTING LEAST-SQUARES MIXED FINITE ELEMENT METHOD FOR ELLIPTIC OPTIMAL CONTROL PROBLEMS

In this paper, we propose a splitting least-squares mixed finite element method for the approximation of elliptic optimal control problem with the control constrained by pointwise inequality. By selecting a properly least-squares minimization functional, we derive equivalent two independent, symmetric and positive definite weak formulation for the primal state variable and its flux. Then, using the first order necessary and also sufficient optimality condition, we deduce another two corresponding adjoint state equations, which are both independent, symmetric and positive definite. Also, a variational inequality for the control variable is involved. For the discretization of the state and adjoint state equations, either RT mixed finite element or standard C0 finite element can be used, which is not necessary subject to the Ladyzhenkaya-Babuska-Brezzi condition. Optimal a priori error estimates in corresponding norms are derived for the control, the states and adjoint states, respectively. Finally, we use some numerical examples to validate the theoretical analysis.
Stress and psychological distress among trainee secondary teachers in England

The relationships between stress and psychological distress were investigated among a cohort of trainee secondary school teachers in England. Specifically, the study examined the structure of a Teacher Stress Scale and its relationship to mental health as measured by the 12‐item General Health Questionnaire. Three factors were identified: behaviour management, workload, and lack of support. Differences were identified between men and women in respect of stressors and psychological distress. Stress attributed to pupils’ disruptive behaviour and stress attributed to perceived occupational stress were found to be significant predictors of psychological distress. The findings are discussed in relation to the degree to which trainees are prepared for the challenges they are likely to experience as teachers.
Automated usability evaluation of parallel programming constructs: nier track

Multicore computers are ubiquitous, and proposals to extend existing languages with parallel constructs mushroom. While everyone claims to make parallel programming easier and less error-prone, empirical language usability evaluations are rarely done in-the-field with many users and real programs. Key obstacles are costs and a lack of appropriate environments to gather enough data for representative conclusions. This paper discusses the idea of automating the usability evaluation of parallel language constructs by gathering subjective and objective data directly in every software engineer's IDE. The paper presents an Eclipse prototype suite that can aggregate such data from potentially hundreds of thousands of programmers. Mismatch detection in subjective and objective feedback as well as construct usage mining can improve language design at an early stage, thus reducing the risk of developing and maintaining inappropriate constructs. New research directions arising from this idea are outlined for software repository mining, debugging, and software economics.
Stable expression, pharmacologic properties and regulation of the human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine alpha 4 beta 2 receptor.

(-)-Nicotine, the prototypical agonist for neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) has been shown to bind with high affinity to the rodent and avian alpha 4 beta 2 nAChR subtype. This subtype may represent a primary molecular target for some of the beneficial central nervous system effects i.e., cognitive enhancement, anxiolysis, analgesia, neuroprotection, of (-)-nicotine and related ligands. However, a detailed study of the human alpha 4 beta 2 subunit combination has not yet been reported. In this study, we stably coexpressed the human neuronal alpha 4 and beta 2 nAChR subunits in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells and studied its pharmacological and regulatory properties. [3H]Cytisine bound to stably transfected cells with high affinity (KD value, 0.2 +/- 0.04 nM) and with a Bmax value of 1359 +/- 91 fmol/mg protein. A good correlation (r = 0.98) was observed between binding affinities in transfected cells and in native neuronal preparations for a series of nAChR ligands. 86Rb+ efflux studies showed that stably transfected cells express functional ion channels that are sensitive to blockade by dihydro-beta-erythroidine. (+/-)-Epibatidine, (-)-nicotine, 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium, (S)-3-methyl-5-(1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)isoxazole (ABT-418), acetylcholine and (-)-cytisine stimulated 86Rb+ efflux with EC50 values of 0.02, 3.9, 2.5, 10, 44 and 38 microM, respectively. Treatment of transfected cells with (-)-nicotine for 7 days led to a significant increase in the density of [3H](-)-cytisine binding sites (EC50 = 0.56 microM) and a significant enhancement in the sensitivity of ACh. Specific binding or (-)-nicotine-evoked cation efflux was not detected in untransfected cells. Analysis of total cellular RNA from transfected, but not untransfected cells, showed the expected fragment sizes corresponding to the human alpha 4 and beta 2 subunit mRNA. These results demonstrate that stable expression of the human alpha 4 beta 2 nAChR subunit combination can give rise to functional ion channels that bind [3H](-)-cytisine with high affinity, exhibit homologous regulation and evoke agonist-induced cation flux with pharmacological properties consistent with native neuronal alpha 4 beta 2 nAChR.
Effects of Fatigue Due to Contraction of Evertor Muscles on the Ankle Joint Position Sense in Male Soccer Players

Background The high incidence of ankle sprains that occur later in matches suggests that fatigue may contribute to altered neuromuscular control of the ankle. Moreover, deficits in ankle joint position sense (JPS) were seen in patients with a history of recurrent ankle sprains. It has been hypothesized that ankle sprains may be related to altered ankle JPS as a consequence of fatigue. Purpose To evaluate if fatiguing contractions of evertor muscles alter the ankle JPS. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Thirty-six soccer players (age, 24.7 ± 1.3 years; height, 183.7 ± 8.2 cm; weight, 78.9 ± 7.9 kg) were recruited. Subjects were asked to recognize 2 positions (15° of inversion and maximal active inversion minus 5°) for 2 conditions: normal and fatigue. Muscular fatigue was induced in evertor muscles of the dominant leg by using isometric contractions. The average of the absolute and variable errors of 3 trials were recorded for both fatigue and nonfatigue conditions. A matched control group of 36 soccer players (age, 23.9 ± 0.9 years; height, 181.2 ± 6.9 cm; weight, 77.8 ± 6.5 kg) was asked to recognize the same positions, before a soccer match and after 45 minutes of playing, and their same scores were recorded. Finally, results of the 2 groups were compared. Results There was significant decrease in subjects’ ability to recognize passive and active repositioning of their ankle after a fatigue protocol (P < .001). Passive and active JPS were reduced after playing (P < .001). There was no significant difference between 2 groups in the results of JPS before and after the intervention (P > .1). Conclusion The acuity of the ankle JPS is reduced subsequent to a fatigue protocol and after a soccer match. Clinical Relevance Evaluation of athletes’ ankle JPS before returning to physical activity may prevent further injuries.
Multinucleate cells and micronucleus formation in cultured human cells exposed to 12 MeV protons and gamma-rays.

Cultured human cells of the EUE line were exposed to different doses of 12 MeV protons, plated and allowed to grow for 8 days; colonies were then scored for the presences of multinucleate cells and micronuclei. The frequency of both effects is an increasing function of the dose; the evaluated exponents of the dose-response equation (e = bDn) are n = 1.0 %/- 0.1 for multinucleate cells and n = 1.6 +/- 0.1 for micronuclei. By comparison with the results obtained with gamma irradiations, r.b. e. values were obtained for both effects. The correlation between the logarithm of the surviving fraction and the yield of the studied effects has been proved to be statiscally significant.
Robust and adaptive architecture for multilingual spoken dialogue systems

We present how robustness and adaptivity can be supported by the spoken dialogue system architecture. AthosMail is a multilingual spoken dialogue system for e-mail domain. It is being developed in the EU-funded DUMAS project. It has flexible system architecture supporting multiple components for input interpretation, dialogue management and output generation. In addition to language differences, these components have great variation in their approaches for spoken interaction. For example, the dialogue management components implement different dialogue control models. The system architecture makes the interaction robust and adaptive by utilizing different approaches for spoken interaction in a single application by selecting suitable components at runtime.
Urban Connections: A Course Linking College Students To The Community

Many institutions of higher education want to strengthen the town-gown relationship, as well as increase students' access to community resources. Colleges and universities traditionally have connected with their surrounding communities in various ways, including through school placements, internships, field trips, volunteerism, service-learning, employment, and funding sources. Although these are valid efforts, college students' contact with the community at large often is minimal and typically is limited to their own academic disciplines. This new interdisciplinary course takes advantage of local resources in an innovative way by exposing students with diverse majors to a broad yet penetrating picture of the community surrounding their college.
Locus and Praxis in the Denver Teacher Residency

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the concepts of praxis and locus as they pertain to teacher education practices and novice learning in the Denver Teacher Residency Program. The term locus was meant to suggest a nuanced and comprehensive way to consider the K-12 school and classroom as the essential location for learning to teach. The term praxis referred to adaptive expertise, or practical reasoning, problem solving, and wisdom informed by theory in practice. An analytical case study investigated two research questions: 1) In what ways is teacher learning deliberately located in the clinical setting of a K-12 classroom? 2) In what ways do clinical practices, learning experiences, and curricula develop the capacity for praxis in residents? An emergent research design for this case study included extended fieldwork and interim data analysis. Data collection included interviews with, and observations of program participants (residents, instructors, field coordinators, mentor teachers, program administrators), as well as document review (e.g., curricular documents, assignment descriptions, assigned texts).
Management of work-related low back pain: a population-based survey of physical therapists.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Physical therapy often is used in the management of work-related low back pain (LBP). Little information, however, is known about the types of interventions used by physical therapists in the management of this condition. The objective of this study was to describe the interventions used by physical therapists in the treatment of workers with acute or subacute LBP, with or without radiating pain below the knee. SUBJECTS Clinical management questionnaires for workers without and with radiating pain were returned by 190 and 139 physical therapists, respectively. METHODS For each treatment session, therapists recorded treatment objectives, interventions, and education provided to 2 workers with LBP, 1 with radiating pain and 1 without radiating pain. RESULTS The majority of physical therapists used stretching and strengthening exercises, spinal mobilization, soft tissue mobilization and massage, manual traction, posture correction, interferential current, ultrasound, heat, and functional activities education. With radiating pain, the majority of the therapists also used cold and the McKenzie approach. Treatment objectives pursued by the majority of the therapists were decrease of pain, increase of range of motion, increase of muscle strength (force-generating capacity of muscle), decrease of muscle tension, and worker education. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Physical therapists use an array of interventions with workers with LBP. The effectiveness of most interventions reported has not been well studied.
Toward the Prediction of FBPase Inhibitory Activity Using Chemoinformatic Methods

Currently, Chemoinformatic methods are used to perform the prediction for FBPase inhibitory activity. A genetic algorithm-random forest coupled method (GA-RF) was proposed to predict fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) inhibitors to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus using the Mold2 molecular descriptors. A data set of 126 oxazole and thiazole analogs was used to derive the GA-RF model, yielding the significant non-cross-validated correlation coefficient r2ncv and cross-validated r2cv values of 0.96 and 0.67 for the training set, respectively. The statistically significant model was validated by a test set of 64 compounds, producing the prediction correlation coefficient r2pred of 0.90. More importantly, the building GA-RF model also passed through various criteria suggested by Tropsha and Roy with r2o and r2m values of 0.90 and 0.83, respectively. In order to compare with the GA-RF model, a pure RF model developed based on the full descriptors was performed as well for the same data set. The resulting GA-RF model with significantly internal and external prediction capacities is beneficial to the prediction of potential oxazole and thiazole series of FBPase inhibitors prior to chemical synthesis in drug discovery programs.