Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The need for a paradigm shift in teaching religion in multi-cultural schools in South Africa

Teaching religion in a multi-cultural or multi-religious school is an essential aspect of discussions on education. Problematic situations have already surfaced in instances where children from different cultures with the same religious background attend the same school communal values and religion are regarded as non-negotiable elements of the school tradition in order to maintain specific values and belief systems within a closed school community. In a multi-cultural community it is obvious that these components will become increasingly contentious. It may be expected that a multi-cultural school community will exert pressure on emotive' subjects, such as teaching religion in the school curriculum. This article will argue that only preparing new curricula for religious education as such offers no solution. A preceding paradigm shift by educators, teachers and school communities is needed to counter wrong perceptions, arguments and decision-making in teaching religion in multi-cultural schools.
Neighborhood aware power saving mechanisms for ad hoc networks

Due to their mobility, stations in ad hoc networks are equipped with autonomous batteries providing limited resources of energy. Thus power conservation proves to be a paramount factor to increase the network lifespan. A closer look at the mechanism of IEEE 802.11 PSM and all its numerous derivative proposals enables us to see some room for further improvements especially for large and dense cluster based networks. This paper presents an optimization of the functional properties of PSM to improve its energy conservation without changing or requiring additional control or management frames, yet it contributes to the betterment of all PSM derivatives especially for those based on a dynamic announcement window such as the Dynamic Carrier Sense DCS-PSM. PSM specifies that a station must announce its traffic before. The announcement traffic puts a heavy constraint on the size of both the ATIM period and the beacon interval and consequently on throughput, end to end delay and power saving. The proposed Neighborhood Aware Power Saving Mechanisms (NA-PSM and NTA-PSM) aim at reducing the number of exchanged announcement frames in order to increase the throughput and decrease both power consumption and delay. Simulation results testified to the superiority of NTA-PSM over PSM and the Dynamic Carrier Sense PSM (DCS-PSM) in ensuring greater power saving, higher throughput and lower delay.
Internet service via broadband satellite networks

The demand for Internet bandwidth has grown rapidly in the past few years. A new generation of broadband satellite constellations promise to provide high speed Internet connectivity to areas not served by optical fiber, cable or other high speed terrestrial connections. However, using satellite links to supply high bandwidth has been difficult due to problems with inefficient performance of the Internet's TCP/IP protocols over heterogeneous network environments, especially networks containing satellite links. The end-to-end connection is split into segments, and the protocol on the satellite segment is optimized for the satellite link characteristics. TCP congestion control mechanisms are maintained on each segment, with some coupling between the segments to produce the effect of end- to-end TCP flow control. We have implemented this design and present results showing that using such gateways can improve throughput for individual connections by a large factor over paths containing a satellite link.
Mercury(II) Removal with Modified Magnetic Chitosan Adsorbents

Two modified chitosan derivatives were prepared in order to compare their adsorption properties for Hg(II) removal from aqueous solutions. The one chitosan adsorbent (CS) is only cross–linked with glutaraldehyde, while the other (CSm), which is magnetic, is cross-linked with glutaraldehyde and functionalized with magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4). Many possible interactions between materials and Hg(II) were observed after adsorption and explained via characterization with various techniques (SEM/EDAX, FTIR, XRD, DTG, DTA, VSM, swelling tests). The adsorption evaluation was done studying various parameters as the effect of pH (optimum value 5 for adsorption and 2 for desorption), contact time (fitting to pseudo–first, –second order and Elovich equations), temperature (isotherms at 25, 45, 65 °C), in line with a brief thermodynamic analysis (ΔG0 < 0, ΔH0 > 0, ΔS0 > 0). The maximum adsorption capacity (fitting with Langmuir and Freundlich model) of CS and CSm at 25 °C was 145 and 152 mg/g, respectively. The reuse ability of the adsorbents prepared was confirmed with sequential cycles of adsorption-desorption.
Structural similarity analysis of business process model using selective reduce based on Petri Net

It is exceedingly possible for an organization to have similarities, differences, and varieties among its business processes. To coordinate and make those processes effective and efficient, similarity and difference analysis among existing processes becomes necessary. Business Process Similarity (BPS) is an activity to identify the similarity of two different business processes. In this research, we analysed the similarity of structure of business processes using selective reduce method as a part of graph reduction method, which reduces graph variant over query. The modeling of business process in this research implements Petri Net notation to identify similar activities among different business processes. The result of this study asserts that the degree of similarity depends on nodes of query and variant, and the flow of business processes. A variant with more complete nodes than a query will be reduced and simplified. The degree of similarity of a variant with less complete nodes than a query is below 100%. A variant with the same or more complete nodes than a query does not guarantee the degree of similarity 100%, depending on its flow direction. By means of selective reduce method, the degree of structural similarity will depend on a query (subject of comparison) and a variant (object of comparison) relative to intended purposes for simplification, adjustment, or inspection of sections between two business processes.
Values and indirect noncompliance in a Milgram-like paradigm

Abstract In his obedience studies, Milgram noticed that some participants, while remaining fully obedient, attempted to help the victim of painful electric shocks by vocally signaling the correct answer. However, there is still no systematic description of these more subtle forms of noncompliance. We analyzed this phenomenon by the systematic coding of the indirect noncompliant behaviors recorded in the videos of a previous Milgram-like study and explored the correlations between values and indirect noncompliance. Results revealed that indirect noncompliance was observed when the ostensible shocks were unambiguously damaging (labeled "strong shocks" and associated with a vocal expression of great pain). It was also shown that the more participants valued hard work, the less they tried to help subtly the victim.
Differential Code Bias Estimation using Multi‐GNSS Observations and Global Ionosphere Maps

Measurements of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers are affected by systematic offsets re- lated to group and phase delays of the signal generation and processing chain. The resulting code and phase biases depend on the transmission frequency and the employed signal modulation. Within this study differential code biases (DCBs) of legacy an d modernized GNSS signals are derived from pseudodrange observations of a global multi-GNSS receiver network. Global ionosphere maps (GIMs) are employed for th e correction of ionospheric path delays. Satellite and receiver-specific contributions are separated based on the a ssumption of additive biases and a zero-mean condition for the satellite biases within a constellation. Based on 6 months of data collected within the Multi-GNSS Experiment (M GEX) of the International GNSS Service (IGS), DCBs for the publicly available signals of GPS, Galileo and BeiDou have been deter- mined. The quality of the resulting DCB estimates is as- sessed and compared against group delay parameters transmitted by the GNSS providers as part of the broad- cast ephemeris data.
Gamma Radiation-Induced Damage in the Zinc Finger of the Transcription Factor IIIA

A zinc finger motif is an element of proteins that can specifically recognize and bind to DNA. Because they contain multiple cysteine residues, zinc finger motifs possess redox properties. Ionizing radiation generates a variety of free radicals in organisms. Zinc finger motifs, therefore, may be a target of ionizing radiation. The effect of gamma radiation on the zinc finger motifs in transcription factor IIIA (TFIIIA), a zinc finger protein, was investigated. TFIIIA was exposed to different gamma doses from 60Co sources. The dose rates were 0.20 Gy/min and 800 Gy/h, respectively. The binding capacity of zinc finger motifs in TFIIIA was determined using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. We found that 1000 Gy of gamma radiation impaired the function of the zinc finger motifs in TFIIIA. The sites of radiation-induced damage in the zinc finger were the thiol groups of cysteine residues and zinc (II) ions. The thiol groups were oxidized to form disulfide bonds and the zinc (II) ions were indicated to be reduced to zinc atoms. These results indicate that the zinc finger motif is a target domain for gamma radiation, which may decrease 5S rRNA expression via impairment of the zinc finger motifs in TFIIIA.
Cell Cycle-Dependent Role of MRN at Dysfunctional Telomeres: ATM Signaling-Dependent Induction of Nonhomologous End Joining (NHEJ) in G 1 and Resection-Mediated Inhibition of NHEJ in G 2 †

Here, we address the role of the MRN (Mre11/Rad50/Nbs1) complex in the response to telomeres rendered dysfunctional by deletion of the shelterin component TRF2. Using conditional NBS1/TRF2 double-knockout MEFs, we show that MRN is required for ATM signaling in response to telomere dysfunction. This establishes that MRN is the only sensor for the ATM kinase and suggests that TRF2 might block ATM signaling by interfering with MRN binding to the telomere terminus, possibly by sequestering the telomere end in the t-loop structure. We also examined the role of the MRN/ATM pathway in nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) of damaged telomeres. NBS1 deficiency abrogated the telomere fusions that occur in G1, consistent with the requirement for ATM and its target 53BP1 in this setting. Interestingly, NBS1 and ATM, but not H2AX, repressed NHEJ at dysfunctional telomeres in G2, specifically at telomeres generated by leading-strand DNA synthesis. Leading-strand telomere ends were not prone to fuse in the absence of either TRF2 or MRN/ATM, indicating redundancy in their protection. We propose that MRN represses NHEJ by promoting the generation of a 3 overhang after completion of leading-strand DNA synthesis. TRF2 may ensure overhang formation by recruiting MRN (and other nucleases) to newly generated telomere ends. The activation of the MRN/ATM pathway by the dysfunctional telomeres is proposed to induce resection that protects the leading-strand ends from NHEJ when TRF2 is absent. Thus, the role of MRN at dysfunctional telomeres is multifaceted, involving both repression of NHEJ in G2 through end resection and induction of NHEJ in G1 through ATM-dependent signaling.
Regression Testing with Software Designs

UML designs encompass a variety of different notations. They can be quite large. Interactions between various notations and the models they define can be difficult to assess. During the design phase, and between successive releases of systems, designs change. The impact of such changes and the resulting effect on behavior can be non-obvious and difficult to assess. This survey article explores techniques for such re-evaluation that can be classified as regression testing and suggests regression testing criteria for designs. These might vary depending on testing objectives and include both selective and regenerative regression testing approaches.
Comparison of intensity-based B-splines and point-to-pixel tracking techniques for motion reduction in optical mapping experiments

Suppression of motion artifacts (MA) in cardiac optical mapping usually requires uncoupling of cardiac contraction by restriction techniques, which are known to have important effects on cardiac physiology deteriorating the quality of acquisitions and their interpretation. In this study, we propose to assess the performance of two independent intensity-based post-processing strategies to minimize MAs during registration. A point-to-pixel block-matching classical similarity-based tracking with displacement interpolation is compared to a well-known non-rigid registration algorithm where the deformation field is obtained using cubic splines. Both strategies were tested on synthetic and real optical mapping sequences, and further compared based on their tracking accuracy and ability to maintain activation and repolarization information of the reconstructed action potentials in wide areas of the epicardial surface. The algorithms proved to be accurate tracking frame-to-frame axial geometrical displacements. Yet, special care must be taken to preserve upstroke information intact.
The interaction between prion protein and laminin modulates memory consolidation

Cellular prion protein (PrPc) has a pivotal role in prion diseases. PrPc is a specific receptor for laminin (LN) γ1 peptide and several lines of evidence indicate that it is also involved in neural plasticity. Here we investigated whether the interaction between PrPc and LN plays a role in rat memory formation. We found that post‐training intrahippocampal infusion of PrPc‐derived peptides that contain the LN binding site ( and ) or of anti‐PrPc or anti‐LN antibodies that inhibit PrPc–LN interaction impaired inhibitory avoidance memory retention. The amnesic effect of anti‐PrPc antibodies and peptide was reversed by co‐infusion of a LN γ1 chain‐derived peptide containing the PrPc‐binding site, suggesting that PrPc–LN interaction is indeed crucial for memory consolidation. In addition, peptide and anti‐PrPc or anti‐LN antibodies also inhibited the activation of hippocampal cAMP‐dependent protein kinase A (PKA) and extracellular regulated kinase (ERK1/2), two kinases that mediate the up‐regulation of signaling pathways needed for consolidation of inhibitory avoidance memory. Our findings show that, through its interaction with LN, hippocampal PrPc plays a critical role in memory processing and suggest that this role is mediated by activation of both PKA and ERK1/2 signaling pathways.
Copper/N,N-Dimethylglycine Catalyzed Goldberg Reactions Between Aryl Bromides and Amides, Aryl Iodides and Secondary Acyclic Amides

An efficient and general copper-catalyzed Goldberg reaction at 90–110 °C between aryl bromides and amides providing the desired products in good to excellent yields has been developed using N,N-dimethylglycine as the ligand. The reaction is tolerant toward a wide range of amides and a variety of functional group substituted aryl bromides. In addition, hindered, unreactive aromatic and aliphatic secondary acyclic amides, known to be poor nucleophiles, are efficiently coupled with aryl iodides through this simple and cheap copper/N,N-dimethylglycine catalytic system.
Physiological stress links parasites to carotenoid‐based colour signals

Vertebrates commonly use carotenoid‐based traits as social signals. These can reliably advertise current nutritional status and health because carotenoids must be acquired through the diet and their allocation to ornaments is traded‐off against other self‐maintenance needs. We propose that the coloration more generally reveals an individual’s ability to cope with stressful conditions. We tested this idea by manipulating the nematode parasite infection in free‐living red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus) and examining the effects on body mass, carotenoid‐based coloration of a main social signal and the amount of corticosterone deposited in feathers grown during the experiment. We show that parasites increase stress and reduce carotenoid‐based coloration, and that the impact of parasites on coloration was associated with changes in corticosterone, more than changes in body mass. Carotenoid‐based coloration appears linked to physiological stress and could therefore reveal an individual’s ability to cope with stressors.
Cooperative MAC Protocol with Automatic Relay Selection in Distributed Wireless Networks

Cooperative transmission can obtain spatial diversity without using multiple antennas, thus achieving more reliable transmission or consuming less power. To realize cooperative communication in a distributed wireless network, two key questions need to be answered, namely when to cooperate and whom to cooperate with. In this paper, we propose a distributed MAC protocol with automatic relay selection to address these questions. We show by theoretical analysis and simulation results that the proposed solution outperforms conventional noncooperation transmission by 8 to 10 dB, for various target outage probabilities
Quantitative Aspects of Single-Molecule Microscopy: Information-theoretic analysis of single-molecule data

Single molecule microscopy is a relatively new optical microscopy technique that allows the detection of individual molecules such as proteins in a cellular context. This technique has generated significant interest among biologists, biophysicists and biochemists, as it holds the promise to provide novel insights into subcellular processes and structures that otherwise cannot be gained through traditional experimental approaches. Single molecule experiments place stringent demands on experimental and algorithmic tools due to the low signal levels and the presence of significant extraneous noise sources. Consequently, this has necessitated the use of advanced statistical signal and image processing techniques for the design and analysis of single molecule experiments. In this tutorial paper, we provide an overview of single molecule microscopy from early works to current applications and challenges. Specific emphasis will be on the quantitative aspects of this imaging modality, in particular single molecule localization and resolvability, which will be discussed from an information theoretic perspective. We review the stochastic framework for image formation, different types of estimation techniques and expressions for the Fisher information matrix. We also discuss several open problems in the field that demand highly non-trivial signal processing algorithms.
Small Molecule-BIO Accelerates and Enhances Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell in Vitro Chondrogenesis

Background: Hyaline cartilage defects exhibit a major challenge in the field of orthopedic surgery owing to its limited repair capacity. On the other hand, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are regarded as potent cells with a property of cartilage regeneration. We aimed to optimize marrow-derived MSC chondrogenic culture using a small bioactive molecule referred to as BIO. Methods: MSCs from the marrow of NMRI mice were extracted, culture-expanded, and characterized. Micro-mass culture was then established for chondrogenic differentiation (control group). The cultures of MSC in chondrogenic medium supplemented with 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, and 1 µM BIO were taken as the experimental groups. Cartilage differentiation was examined by both histological sections and real-time PCR for Sox9, aggrecan, and collagen II at different time points. Moreover, the involvement of the Wnt pathway was investigated. Results: Based on histological sections, there was seemingly more intense metachromatic matrix produced in the cultures with 0.01 µM BIO. In this experimental group, cartilage-specific genes tended to be upregulated at day 14 compared to day 21 of the control group, indicating the accelerating effect of BIO on cartilage differentiation. Overall, there was statistically a significant increase (P=0.01) in the expression level of cartilage-specific genes in cultures with 0.01 µM BIO (enhancing effects). These upregulations appeared to be mediated through the Wnt pathway evident from the significant upregulation of T-cell factor and beta-catenin molecules (P=0.01). Conclusion: Taken together, BIO at 0.01 µM could accelerate and enhance in vitro chondrogenesis of mouse marrow-derived MSCs.
Central and peripheral molecular profiling of sex differences in schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and controls

Schizophrenia and major depressive disorder (MDD) are disabling, poorly understood conditions with inadequate diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. They are characterized by clinical and epidemiological heterogeneity between male and female patients. Females have a higher prevalence of MDD, and in schizophrenia males have a higher incidence, earlier onset, more negative symptoms, and a worse prognosis and response to antipsychotic medication in schizophrenia. A better understanding of sex differences in these patients is needed to provide insight into biological mechanisms in these conditions and develop better diagnostic tools and therapies for males and females. This thesis sought to examine molecular sex differences in control subjects and in schizophrenia and MDD patients by profiling serum and prefrontal cortex (PFC) brain tissue. Multiplex immunoassay and microarray technologies were used to measure concentrations of proteins and small molecules in serum and gene expression in brain, respectively. Extensive differences in serum molecular concentrations were found between males and females experiencing a menstrual cycle, using oral contraceptives, and after menopause. These were involved in immune, metabolic, and endocrine processes and may play a role in driving sex differences in susceptibility and other characteristics of mental disorders. Furthermore, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis was altered in MDD and first onset, antipsychotic naive schizophrenia patients. Biological processes involving response to steroid hormone stimulus and estradiol were enriched among differentially expressed genes in the PFC in schizophrenia. However, investigation of sex-dependent differences in PFC gene expression in schizophrenia was limited by the small number of female samples available. Finally, higher serum concentrations of a number of immune and inflammatory molecules were associated with MDD and schizophrenia in males only and this may have consequences for immune hypotheses of these disorders. The research undertaken in this thesis has advanced the understanding of the mechanisms potentially involved in schizophrenia and MDD in males and females. Furthermore, sex and female hormonal status should routinely be taken into account during design and analysis of psychiatric molecular data to increase the reproducibility of such studies. This research shows that failing to consider these in biomarker studies can result in a high proportion of false positive findings and obscure important sex-dependent markers of mental disorders.
Cyclic block FMT modulation for broadband power line communications

A novel multi-carrier modulation scheme for broadband power line communication (PLC) is presented. The novel architecture is based on the Filtered Multitone (FMT) modulation concept. However, the novel modulation scheme uses the circular convolution instead of the linear convolution in the filtering operations. We refer to this new architecture as Cyclic Block Filtered Multitone Modulation (CB-FMT). CB-FMT can benefit from the high sub-channel frequency confinement and the design of an orthogonal prototype pulse is simplified w.r. t. conventional FMT. A simple frequency domain equalizer can be deployed in frequency selective channels. Furthermore, CB-FMT can offer high frequency notching capability which is an important requirement in PLC to fulfill EMC norms. Numerical results show that CB-FMT has higher achievable rate than OFDM for the same number of data sub-channels.