Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The decline of a dominant political monolith: understanding Fianna Fáil’s vote 1987–2016

ABSTRACT Our study explores the declining vote of Fianna Fáil, Ireland’s dominant party using a unique fusion of data from the 1989–1999 European Election Studies and the 2002–2016 Irish National Election Studies. We show the weakening of Fianna Fáil’s dominant position is due to electoral change: shifting voter identities and the growing importance of economic evaluations in deciding the vote, which became prominent in the 2000s. Today, there are fewer partisans in general and this has impacted the party, especially since the Global Financial Crisis, when the proportion of Fianna Fáil identifiers dropped substantially. Meanwhile, the party relies on the votes of the oldest generation, a declining slice of the electorate. Further, more highly educated voters have become less likely to vote for the party in the 2000s, meaning Fianna Fáil is drawing significantly less support from a growing segment of the electorate. Finally, the Fianna Fáil vote in the 2000s has been shaped by voters’ economic perceptions, whereas these mattered little before this. Although this benefitted it in 2002 and 2007, it cost the party significant support in 2011. Our findings have implications for why dominant parties are declining and for our understanding of the Irish party system.
Comparative Phenotypic Analysis of the Major Fungal Pathogens Candida parapsilosis and Candida albicans

Candida parapsilosis and Candida albicans are human fungal pathogens that belong to the CTG clade in the Saccharomycotina. In contrast to C. albicans, relatively little is known about the virulence properties of C. parapsilosis, a pathogen particularly associated with infections of premature neonates. We describe here the construction of C. parapsilosis strains carrying double allele deletions of 100 transcription factors, protein kinases and species-specific genes. Two independent deletions were constructed for each target gene. Growth in >40 conditions was tested, including carbon source, temperature, and the presence of antifungal drugs. The phenotypes were compared to C. albicans strains with deletions of orthologous transcription factors. We found that many phenotypes are shared between the two species, such as the role of Upc2 as a regulator of azole resistance, and of CAP1 in the oxidative stress response. Others are unique to one species. For example, Cph2 plays a role in the hypoxic response in C. parapsilosis but not in C. albicans. We found extensive divergence between the biofilm regulators of the two species. We identified seven transcription factors and one protein kinase that are required for biofilm development in C. parapsilosis. Only three (Efg1, Bcr1 and Ace2) have similar effects on C. albicans biofilms, whereas Cph2, Czf1, Gzf3 and Ume6 have major roles in C. parapsilosis only. Two transcription factors (Brg1 and Tec1) with well-characterized roles in biofilm formation in C. albicans do not have the same function in C. parapsilosis. We also compared the transcription profile of C. parapsilosis and C. albicans biofilms. Our analysis suggests the processes shared between the two species are predominantly metabolic, and that Cph2 and Bcr1 are major biofilm regulators in C. parapsilosis.
Synaptic Depression Mediates Bistability in Neuronal Networks with Recurrent Inhibitory Connectivity

When depressing synapses are embedded in a circuit composed of a pacemaker neuron and a neuron with no autorhythmic properties, the network can show two modes of oscillation. In one mode the synapses are mostly depressed, and the oscillations are dominated by the properties of the oscillating neuron. In the other mode, the synapses recover from depression, and the oscillations are primarily controlled by the synapses. We demonstrate the two modes of oscillation in a hybrid circuit consisting of a biological pacemaker and a model neuron, reciprocally coupled via model depressing synapses. We show that across a wide range of parameter values this network shows robust bistability of the oscillation mode and that it is possible to switch the network from one mode to the other by injection of a brief current pulse in either neuron. The underlying mechanism for bistability may be present in many types of circuits with reciprocal connections and synaptic depression.
Frontal face generation from profile face image

This paper presents an efficient method to generate the frontal face image from the given profile face image. It uses principal component analysis (PCA) in conjunction with linear object class (LOC) method. The proposed method is tested on CMU PIE face database and it is found to be significant improvement over the well known linear object class method.
Multi modal satellite image registration using SIFT

Multi modal images need to be registered in order to use the unique information contained in these different modality images. In this paper, modifications on Scale Invariant Feature Transformation (SIFT), which is a popular method used for image matching, to improve its success on multi modal images are described. SIFT algorithm is immune to linear and partially immune to non-linear illumination changes. However, due to non linear illumination changes on multi-modal images, SIFT is not as powerful as it is on unimodal images. A method that modifies the feature orientations considering the differences of multi modal images is described, and then, the proposed method which works by narrowing the feature descriptor vector orientations is explained.
Quantifying the contributions of natural emissions to ozone and total fine PM concentrations in the Northern Hemisphere

Abstract. Accurate estimates of emissions from natural sources are needed for reliable predictions of ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) using air quality models. In this study, the large-scale atmospheric chemistry transport model, DEHM (the Danish Eulerian Hemispheric Model) is further developed, evaluated and applied to study and quantify the contributions of natural emissions of VOCs, NOx, NH3, SO2, CH4, PM, CO and sea salt to the concentration of ozone and formation of PM2.5 for the year 2006. Natural source categories adopted in the recent model are vegetation, lightning, soils, wild animals and oceans. In this study, the model has been further developed to include more Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds (BVOCs) and to implement a scheme for secondary organic aerosols as well as an updated description of sea-salt emissions. Our simulations indicate that in the Northern Hemisphere the contribution from natural emissions to the average annual ozone mixing ratios over land is between 4–30 ppbV. Among the natural emissions, BVOCs are found to be the most significant contributors to ozone formation in 2006, enhancing the average ozone mixing ratio by about 11% over the land areas of the Northern Hemisphere. The relative contribution of all the natural emissions to ozone is found to be highest in the northern part of South America by about 42%. Similarly, the highest contribution of all the natural sources to total fine particles over land is found to be in South America by about 74% and sea-salt aerosols demonstrated to play the most important role. However, over the rest of the regions in the model domain the largest contribution from the natural sources to PM2.5 in the specific year 2006 is due to wildfires. The contribution from natural emissions to the mean PM2.5 concentration over the land areas in the model domain is about 34%.
Key issues in product-based harmm minimisation: examining theory, evidence and policy issues relevant inGreat Britain

Consistent with the public health approach to gambling, this report considers the evidence and theory around the ‘agent’ component of the epidemiological triangle i.e., the gambling product and its structural characteristics. By understanding product-based factors stakeholders will be better equipped to evaluate the most effective and most efficient options to minimise gambling-related harm. Structural characteristics are essentially the basis for their differential appeal of gambling products depending on how they satisfy different needs for different consumers. They combine with environmental and individual factors to determine both positive and negative outcomes of gambling participation. Structural characteristics vary considerably from game to game and evolve quickly in response to changes in technology; this renders associated policy-making more challenging. The report is structured according to category of structural characteristic. Within each section we consider the theory and evidence concerning potential links between characteristics and gambling problems, together with potential implications for specific public health interventions that may be relevant for regulators and commercial gambling providers.
IgM colocalises with complement and C reactive protein in infarcted human myocardium

Aims: Reperfusion of ischaemic myocardium after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) can induce ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, as a result of local activation of the complement system. C reactive protein (CRP) is involved in this activation. This study analysed the potential role of IgM in complement activation in the infarcted human myocardium. Methods: Immunochemical analysis was carried out on heart specimens from 59 patients who died from AMI. Serial slides of frozen tissue from the infarction site were stained for IgM, complement factors C3d and C5b–9 (membrane attack complex), and CRP. Results: IgM deposits were found on the plasma membrane, cross striations, and in the cytoplasm of jeopardised cardiomyocytes in infarcts of one to five days duration. IgM depositions were remarkably similar to those of CRP and both complement factors. The relative staining intensities of IgM and CRP varied greatly among patients. Conclusions: Similar to CRP, IgM targets complement locally to jeopardised cardiomyocytes in the human heart after AMI. Localisation patterns and relative staining intensities suggest that IgM and CRP recognise similar epitopes in the ischaemic heart, but that the relative contribution of each protein to complement activation in the ischaemic myocardium differs among patients.
Execution flow control: Simplified design of parallel applications

Google's MapReduce enables program automatic parallelization by partitioning input data and replicating functions, but it does not directly support complex parallel modes like pipeline. However, many parallel modes are helpful to optimize solution of parallel computing problem. In this paper, we propose EFC (Execution Flow Control), a novel programming model and related implementation. It supports an execution-flow control interface which makes the model more compatible with different parallel modes. It allows user to modify execution flow as needed. The new model enables simple compact design of most parallel modes.
A Triadic Approach to the Construct Validity of the Assessment Center: The Effect of Categorizing Di

This study examined the influence on construct validity of implementing the triad Feeling, Thinking, and Power as a taxonomy for behavioral dimensions in assessment center (AC) exercises. A sample of 1567 job applicants participated in an AC specifically developed according to this taxonomy. Each exercise tapped three dimensions, one dimension from each cluster of the taxonomy. Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the multitrait- multimethod matrix showed evidence for construct validity. Thus, the ratings matched the a priori triadic grouping to a good extent. Practical implications are discussed.
Onboarding self-initiated expatriates

Purpose The purpose of this paper was to explore how Icelandic employees experienced the onboarding process when they started working for the Nordic co-operation. Design/methodology/approach A case study methodology was performed, where semi-structured interviews with Icelandic expatriates working for the Nordic co-operation were conducted, along with an open-ended questionnaire to the human resource manager. Relevant internet sites were analyzed along with job postings. Findings The results indicate that the Nordic co-operation could do better in relation to onboarding their new employees, particularly, in relation to the practical aspect of relocation. The expatriates reported to be satisfied with the work related onboarding and found a value in having a mentor or assigned individual who would take responsibility of introducing the new employee to work-related aspects. Research limitations/implications The number of interviews may be considered small when compared to other expatriate studies. Further, the results can only be considered as a first step in a longer process of mapping the ideal onboarding process for international assignees. Practical implications Based on the results, it was recommended that the Nordic co-operation should re-examine their onboarding, particularly, in relation to sharing practical information, and incorporating the spouse into the program, as suggested by a number of studies. Social implications By understanding the challenges self-initiated expatriates (SIE) face when taking up a new job in a new country, human resource departments will be in a better position to assist the assignee and family for a smoother transition. Originality/value In recent years, research on global carriers has been dominated by expatriate managers who are sent abroad on behalf of their company. However, far less is known about SIE and their onboarding process from the perspective of employee.
Exploring the Design Space of Robot Appearance and Behavior in an Attention-Seeking `Living Room' Scenario for a Robot Companion

This paper presents the results of video based human robot interaction (HRI) trials which investigated people's perceptions of different robot appearances and associated attention seeking features and behaviors displayed by the robot. The methodological approach highlights the "holistic" and embodied nature of robot appearance and behavior. Results show that people tend to rate a particular behavior less favorably when the behavior is not consistent with the robot's appearance. It is shown how participants' ratings of robot dynamic appearance are influenced by the robot's behavior. Relating participants' dynamic appearance ratings of individual robots to independently rated static appearance provides support for the left hand side of Mori's proposed "uncanny valley" diagram. We exemplify how to rate individual elements of a particular robot's behavior and then assess the contribution of those elements to the overall perception of the robot by people. Suggestions for future work are outlined.
Semiclassical approach to black hole evaporation.

Black hole evaporation may lead to massive or massless remnants, or naked singularities. This paper investigates this process in the context of two quite different two-dimensional black hole models. The first is the original Callan-Giddings-Harvey-Strominger (CGHS) model, the second is another two-dimensional dilaton-gravity model, but with properties much closer to physics in the real, four-dimensional, world. Numerical simulations are performed of the formation and subsequent evaporation of black holes and the results are found to agree qualitatively with the exactly solved modified CGHS models, namely, that the semiclassical approximation breaks down just before a naked singularity appears
Embodied minds and their aural imaginings

Christine Ehrick is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at the University of Louisville. Her second book, Radio and the Gendered Soundscape: Women and Broadcasting in Argentina and Uruguay, 1930–1950, was published in 2015 by Cambridge University Press. She is also currently the Communications Director for the Radio Preservation Task Force, a federal project dedicated to encouraging preservation and accessibility of archival audio in the United States and beyond.
HEPATOPROTECTIVE AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF ETHANOL EXTRACTS OF NARINGI CRENULATA (ROXB) NICOLSON AGAINST CCl4 INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN RATS

The present study was designed to screen and evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of ethanol extracts of leaf and bark of Naringi crenulata (Roxb) Nicolson (NCL, NCB) against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Liver functions were assessed by the activities of liver marker enzymes, SGOT, SGPT, ALP, total protein, albumin, globulin, total, conjugated and unconjugated bilirubins. It also exhibited antioxidant activity by showing the increased activity of SOD, CAT, GPx and GRD and decreased in TBARS compared to CCl4 treated groups. Silymarin, a known hepatoprotective drug is used for comparison. The plant extracts were effective in protecting liver against injury induced by CCl4 in rats.
A Hybrid Learning System for Object Recognition

We propose a hybrid learning system which combines two different theories of learning, namely implicit and explicit learning. They are realized by the machine learning methods of reinforcement learning and belief revision, respectively. The resulting system can be regarded as an autonomous agent which is able to learn from past experiences as well as to acquire new knowledge from its environment. We apply this agent in an object recognition task, where it learns how to recognize a 3D object despite the fact that a very similar, alternative object exists. The agent scans the viewing sphere of an object and learns how to access such a view that allows for the discrimination. We present first experiments which indicate the general applicability of the proposed hybrid learning scheme to this object recognition tasks.
A low-latency asynchronous interconnection network with early arbitration resolution

A new asynchronous arbitration node is introduced for use as a building block in an asynchronous interconnection network. The target network topology is a variant Mesh-of-Trees (MoT), combining a binary fan-out (i.e. routing) network and a binary fan-in (i.e. arbitration) network, which is becoming widely used for multi-core shared-memory interfaces. The two key features are: (i) each fan-in node can resolve its arbitration and pre-allocate the corresponding input channel, before the actual data arrives; and (ii) a lightweight shadow monitoring network fast forwards information as soon as data enters the network without synchronization to a fixed-rate clock, notifying each fan-in node on its path to enable the early arbitration. Simulations of the new arbitration node, using IBM 90nm technology and an ARM standard cell library, indicate latency reductions up to 54.4% over prior designs, while maintaining roughly comparable throughput. Network-level simulations were then performed on eight diverse synthetic benchmarks, comparing the new approach ("early arbitration") with two earlier alternative asynchronous MoT networks ("baseline" and "predictive"), using a mix of random and deterministic traffic. Considerable improvements in system latency were obtained on all benchmarks, ranging from 13.0% to 38.7%, with especially strong benefits for the two most adversarial benchmarks.
Intelligent User Interface Design Based on Agent Technology

User Interface is an important of the application software. Applying the intelligent Agent to the user interface design becomes a heated research of current user interface field. This paper introduces a user interface construction method based on Model-View-Controller model Agent, and illustrates the design pattern and development method of the user interface based on Agent in the information retrieval system.
Patient's perceptions of chronic kidney disease and their association with psychosocial and clinical outcomes: a narrative review

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) form organized beliefs regarding their illness and treatment. These perceptions influence the coping strategies employed by an individual to manage his/her illness and may act as a predictor for his/her willingness to engage in self-management behaviours. While illness perceptions have been identified as predictors of non-adherence, depression and mortality in dialysis patients, there is a paucity of research in CKD patients not requiring renal replacement therapy. This narrative review synthesizes the existing literature regarding the role of illness perceptions and associated clinical and psychosocial outcomes in non-dialysis CKD patients. Studies were identified following database searches of AMED, BNI, CINAHL, EMBASE, Health Business Elite, HMIC, Medline, PsycINFO and Google Scholar in January 2016. Despite the small evidence base, existing studies indicate that negative illness perceptions are associated with disease progression and a number of psychosocial outcomes in non-dialysis CKD patients. Evidence from other clinical populations suggests that illness perceptions are modifiable through psychological intervention, which may be most effective if delivered early before beliefs have the chance to become more established. Therefore, targeting illness perceptions in the earlier stages of CKD may be optimal. Further studies are now required to ascertain the mechanisms through which illness perceptions predict psychosocial and clinical outcomes in CKD patients and to ultimately test the efficacy of illness perception–based interventions.
Egocentric navigation for video surveillance in 3D Virtual Environments

Current surveillance systems can display many individual video streams within spatial context in a 2D map or 3D Virtual Environment (VE). The aim of this is to overcome some problems in traditional systems, e.g. to avoid intensive mental effort to maintain orientation and to ease tracking of motions between different screens. However, such integrated environments introduce new challenges in navigation and comprehensive viewing, caused by imperfect video alignment and complex 3D interaction. In this paper, we propose a novel, first-person viewing and navigation interface for integrated surveillance monitoring in a VE. It is currently designed for egocentric tasks, such a tracking persons or vehicles along several cameras. For these tasks, it aims to minimize the operator's 3D navigation effort while maximizing coherence between video streams and spatial context. The user can easily navigate between adjacent camera views and is guided along 3D guidance paths. To achieve visual coherence, we use dynamic video embedding: according to the viewer's position, translucent 3D video canvases are smoothly transformed and blended in the simplified 3D environment. The animated first-person view provides fluent visual flow which facilitates easier maintenance of orientation and can aid in spatial awareness. We discuss design considerations, the implementation of our proposed interface in our prototype surveillance system and demonstrate its use and limitations in various surveillance environments.
Influence of physical parameters, such as pH and temperature on biodegradation of dimethoate by Actinomycetes sp isolated from pesticide contaminated grape field soil from Nashik, Maharashtra, India

Present work is based on biodegradation of organophosphorus pesticide dimethoate in liquid MSM medium with micro organisms. The Actinomycete sp was found to be capable of utilizing dimethoate as sole carbon and energy source and could rapidly utilized dimethoate beyond 100 ppm and showed maximum growth in a MSM. The concentration of the dimethoate in the solution decreased exponentially with the increased exposure time. Actinomycetes sp. could tolerate dimethoate upto 900ppm. In current study, several factors influencing dimethoate degradation were investigated. Complete disappearance of dimethoate was detected after 3 days of incubation. UV-Visible spectroscopic analyses revealed the complete mineralization of dimethoate. Changes in pH of MSM medium to basic range supported the biological transformation. The optimal pH and temperature growth conditions were 8.5 and 30°C, respectively. The microbial consortia could prove to play a valuable role for the bioremediation of dimethoate contaminated soil.