Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Generic Workload Management System Using Condor-Based Pilot Factory in PanDA Framework

— In the current Grid environment, efficient workload management presents a significant challenge, for which there are exorbitant de facto standards encompassing resource discovery, brokerage, and data transfer, among others. In addition, the real-time resource status, essential for an optimal resource allocation strategy, is often not readily accessible. To address these issues and provide a cleaner abstraction of the Grid with the potential of generalizing into arbitrary resource-sharing environment, this paper proposes a new Condor-based pilot mechanism applied in the PanDA architecture, PanDA-PF WMS, with the goal of providing a more generic yet efficient resource allocating strategy. In this architecture, the PanDA server primarily acts as a repository of user jobs, responding to pilot requests from distributed, remote resources. Scheduling decisions are subsequently made according to the real-time resource information reported by pilots. Pilot Factory is a Condor-inspired solution for a scalable pilot dissemination and effectively functions as a resource provisioning mechanism through which the user-job server, PanDA, reaches out to the candidate resources only on demand.
Multilingual education policy and practice: Ten certainties (grounded in Indigenous experience)

Although multilingualism and multilingual education have existed for centuries, our 21st-century entrance into the new millennium has brought renewed interest and contestation around this educational alternative. Ethnolinguistic diversity and inequality, intercultural communication and contact, and global political and economic interdependence are more than ever acknowledged realities of today's world, and all of them put pressures on our educational systems. Now, as throughout history, multilingual education offers the best possibilities for preparing coming generations to participate in constructing more just and democratic societies in our globalized and intercultural world; however, it is not unproblematically achieved. There are many unanswered questions and doubts as to policy and implementation, program and curricular design, classroom instruction practices, pedagogy, and teacher professional development, but there is also much that we understand and know very well, based on empirical research in many corners of the world. Here I highlight Bolivian and other Indigenous educational experiences with which I am most familiar, and which capture certainties that hold beyond the particular instances I describe. My emphasis is on what we know and are sure of, and my goal is to convey my deep conviction that multilingual education constitutes a wide and welcoming educational doorway toward peaceful coexistence of peoples and especially restoration and empowerment of those who have been historically oppressed.
Wind energy converters with FACTS Capabilities for optimized integration of wind power into transmission and distribution systems

In a lot of power systems renewable energies and especially wind power are main drivers for the actual restructuring of transmission and distribution systems. Enhanced power exchange capabilities over long distances will be one of the necessary transmission system characteristics in order to achieve a higher penetration level of wind power. Distribution systems change from pure load distribution to distributed “virtual” renewable power plants. Therefore wind power must also participate in maintaining the quality of supply, power system security and stability. Robust fault-ride-through performances, voltage control and the management of active and reactive power flows are typical tasks to be resolved. Today, wind energy converters not only offer power plant capabilities similar to conventional generators but may exceed their performance in various aspects. FACTS-like performances can be provided to power systems by ENERCON wind energy converters (WECs) due to their full scale inverter system. Field tested and validated performances of the latest ENERCON wind energy converters, associated data and models address most advanced grid codes. For normal and stressed system conditions ENERCON WECs with FACTS Capabilities can provide STATCOMlike performances without the need for an external costly device. Flexible setting options allow the optimisation for the specific needs of transmission and distribution systems. Measurements in the field for the validation of wind energy converters and of models for dynamic studies have been carried out by ENERCON. These test results show a very good accuracy between simulations based on these models and field measurements carried out with a full scale wind energy converter. These FACTS Capabilities can lead to a win-win-situation for the wind farm operator and the system operator to minimize the integration costs for wind power. Furthermore these FACTS Capabilities strongly support the further increase of wind power connected to the power systems and help to resolve questions and tasks for the optimized restructuring of power systems.
Using the Balanced Scorecard to Achieve Sustained IT-Business Alignment: A Case Study

High levels of investments in IT and related products and services by firms over the last several decades produced only mixed results. Research shows that one of the most significant determinants of successful IT investments is the alignment between IT and the competitive strategies of a firm. Yet it is largely unclear to both researchers and practitioners how to achieve such alignment in the complex business environment. In this paper, we present and analyze the findings from a case study on how one company uses a well-established strategic management tool, the balanced scorecard, as the framework for aligning its IT initiatives with business strategies. The result is a forward-looking, strategy-oriented corporate culture and financial success for the company. Based on our findings, we expand the Reich and Benbasat alignment model by adding relationship management as an antecedent of alignment and balanced scorecard as a tool for achieving, managing, and sustaining such alignment. Managerial and research implications are discussed, as are directions for future research.
Latent MMP-9 is bound to TIMP-1 before secretion

Abstract Expression patterns of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and its specific inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), are closely correlated with physiological and pathological processes characterized by the degradation and accumulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Both, activated MMP-9 and pro-MMP-9 can bind to TIMP-1, and most cell types secrete MMP-9 in complex with TIMP-1. Utilizing immunofluorescence, we observed intracellular co-localization of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in stimulated human fibrosarcoma cells. In the present study we searched for the origin of the complex formation between the latent enzyme and its specific inhibitor on a subcellular level. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the fluorescently labeled enzyme and its inhibitor in co-transfected cells were measured. MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were fused to cyan (CFP) and yellow (YFP) variants of the green fluorescent protein and transiently expressed in human hepatoma cells. The intracellular distribution of fluorescently labeled TIMP-1 and MMP-9 was analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Intracellular complex formation in the Golgi apparatus was verified, demonstrating FRET between MMP-9-CFP and TIMP-1-YFP. Our data provide evidence that the proMMP-9-TIMP-1 complex is already present in the Golgi apparatus. This may be of significance for a number of intracellular and extracellular biochemical processes involving proMMP-9. However, the magnitude and functional relevance of this finding remain unknown.
Adding a Network Coding Extension to CoAP for Large Resource Transfer

This paper presents a smooth way to include Network Coding in the Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP) for large resource transmissions. Devices in the Internet of Things usually communicate using short messages with little data. In some cases, for example, requesting firmware updates, bigger resources need to be transferred. CoAP's recently finalized blockwise transfer scheme can handle large resources, but is not efficient in lossy environments. Network Coding has proven to be more error resistant. This paper demonstrates the limitations of CoAP's existing blockwise transfer scheme and presents a new approach, based on Network Coding. The evaluation compares CoAP's regular blockwise transfer to the new Network Coding extension. Measurements on an implemented client-server application with simulated losses and delay, confirm the benefits of the extension, resulting in reduced transfer durations.
El consumo de drogas en migrantes desde una perspectiva de género. Un estudio exploratorio

Con el objetivo de identificar diferencias entre hombres y mujeres usuarios de drogas con experiencia migratoria, se entrevisto a seis mujeres y a tres hombres en edad productiva, todos consumidores de drogas y con antecedentes de migracion a Estados Unidos por periodos de al menos seis meses, durante los ultimos cinco anos. Mediante el analisis de entrevistas focalizadas, se pudo constatar que la evolucion del consumo de drogas y su repercusion en la vida familiar y personal de los usuarios esta marcada por importantes diferencias de genero. La experiencia migratoria, ademas de ser significada tambien de un modo distinto por hombres y mujeres, tuvo efectos claramente diferenciales en su patron de consumo. Mientras que los hombres usaron drogas en el lugar de destino con fines de evasion, y para rendir mas en el trabajo, en las mujeres no se aprecia un patron comun sobre la forma en que la experiencia migratoria influyo en el de consumo. Asimismo, se observo que el uso de heroina, cocaina y crack (piedra), tiene efectos mas destructivos en las mujeres, quienes en etapas adictivas tienden a robar, prostituirse o vender droga para sostener la adiccion.
Constituents of Confidence and Mistrust in Australian Institutions

Survey research on public confidence in political and other organisations can be used to evaluate popular endorsement of their performance. Without examining proximate factors in detail, this paper considers the value of predictions about the constituents of confidence and mistrust in Australian institutions. These predictions derive from theories about political, social and cultural causes of dissatisfaction with government, and are linked to notions of a crisis of democracy, 'new politics', the impact of economic change on different social groups, traditional political divisions, and accumulation of 'social capital'. This paper explores the arguments and analyses their validity.
The design of a tethered aerial robot

This paper describes the design and modeling of a robot that swings on the end of a tether. Its height above the ground is controlled by the length of the tether. Its location on a spherical shell at the end of the tether is controlled by a pair of ducted fans. The vertical orientation of its body is determined by the point at which the horizontal thrust force acts relative to the centre of gravity (cog). The system acts like a double pendulum with two modes of natural movement. It is modeled with coordinate frames at the ends of the tether and at the cog. Due to the second mode of motion it may oscillate around its centre of gravity while it swings or flies in a circle. From the dynamic model we develop a model for simulating the motion of the tethered robot.
Chronic social defeat up‐regulates expression of the serotonin transporter in rat dorsal raphe nucleus and projection regions in a glucocorticoid‐dependent manner

Chronic stress and dysfunction of the serotonergic system in the brain have been considered two of the major risks for development of depression. In this study, adult Fischer 344 rats were subjected to a regimen of chronic social defeat (CSD). To mimic stressful conditions, some rats were not exposed to CSD, but instead treated with corticosterone (CORT) in oral solution while maintained in their home cage. Protein levels of the serotonin transporter (SERT) in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), hippocampus, frontal cortex, and amygdala were examined by Western blotting or immunofluorescence staining. The results showed that CSD up‐regulated SERT protein levels in the DRN, hippocampus, frontal cortex, and amygdala regions. This up‐regulation was abolished or prevented by adrenalectomy, or treatment with antagonists of corticosteroid receptors mifepristone and spironolactone, alone or in combination. Similarly, up‐regulated SERT protein levels in these brain regions were also observed in rats treated with oral CORT ingestion, which was analogously prevented by treatment with mifepristone and spironolactone. Furthermore, both CSD‐ and CORT‐induced up‐regulation of SERT protein levels in the DRN and three brain regions were attenuated by simultaneous treatment with fluoxetine, an antidepressant that specifically inhibits serotonin reuptake. The results indicate that up‐regulation in SERT protein levels in the DRN and forebrain limbic structures caused by CSD regimen was mainly motivated by CORT through corticosteroid receptors. The present findings demonstrate that chronic stress is closely correlated with the serotonergic system by acting on the regulation of the SERT expression in the DRN and its projection regions, which may contribute to the development of depression.
ontrolling stomatal aperture in semi-arid regions — The dilemma of aving water or being cool ?

Stomatal regulation of leaf gas exchange with the atmosphere is a key process in plant adaptation to the environment, particularly in semi-arid regions with high atmospheric evaporative demand. Development of stomata, integrating internal signaling and environmental cues sets the limit for maximum diffusive capacity of stomata, through size and density and is under a complex genetic control, thus providing multiple levels of regulation. Operational stomatal conductance to water vapor and CO2 results from feed-back and/or feed-forward mechanisms and is the end-result of a plethora of signals originated in leaves and/or in roots at each moment. CO2 assimilation versus water vapor loss, proposed to be the subject of optimal regulation, is species dependent and defines the water use efficiency (WUE). WUE has been a topic of intense research involving areas from genetics to physiology. In crop plants, especially in semi-arid regions, the question that arises is how the compromise of reducing transpiration to save water
Inequality of opportunity in comparative perspective : Recent research on educational attainment and social mobility

Studies of how characteristics of the family of origin are associated with educational and labor market outcomes indicate the degree of openness of societies and have a long tradition in sociology. We review research published since 1990 into educational stratification and social (occupational or class) mobility, focusing on the importance of parental socioeconomic circumstances, and with particular emphasis on comparative studies. Large-scale data now available from many countries and several time points have led to more and better descriptions of inequality of opportunity across countries and over time. However, partly owing to problems of comparability of measurement, unambiguous conclusions about trends and ranking of countries have proven elusive. In addition, no strong evidence exists that explains intercountry differences. We conclude that the 1990s witnessed a resurgence of microlevel models, mostly of a rational choice type, that signals an increased interest in moving beyond description in strat.
Staphylococcus aureus Colonization: Modulation of Host Immune Response and Impact on Human Vaccine Design

In apparent contrast to its invasive potential Staphylococcus aureus colonizes the anterior nares of 20–80% of the human population. The relationship between host and microbe appears particularly individualized and colonization status seems somehow predetermined. After decolonization, persistent carriers often become re-colonized with their prior S. aureus strain, whereas non-carriers resist experimental colonization. Efforts to identify factors facilitating colonization have thus far largely focused on the microorganism rather than on the human host. The host responds to S. aureus nasal colonization via local expression of anti-microbial peptides, lipids, and cytokines. Interplay with the co-existing microbiota also influences colonization and immune regulation. Transient or persistent S. aureus colonization induces specific systemic immune responses. Humoral responses are the most studied of these and little is known of cellular responses induced by colonization. Intriguingly, colonized patients who develop bacteremia may have a lower S. aureus-attributable mortality than their non-colonized counterparts. This could imply a staphylococcal-specific immune “priming” or immunomodulation occurring as a consequence of colonization and impacting on the outcome of infection. This has yet to be fully explored. An effective vaccine remains elusive. Anti-S. aureus vaccine strategies may need to drive both humoral and cellular immune responses to confer efficient protection. Understanding the influence of colonization on adaptive response is essential to intelligent vaccine design, and may determine the efficacy of vaccine-mediated immunity. Clinical trials should consider colonization status and the resulting impact of this on individual patient responses. We urgently need an increased appreciation of colonization and its modulation of host immunity.
Vagal Atrial Fibrillation

The autonomic nerve system plays an important role in atrial fibrillation (AF). Vagal AF refers AF (generally paroxysmal) arising in contexts of enhanced parasympathetic tone. Heterogeneity of refractoriness and action potential abbreviation resulting from spatially variable parasympathetic enhancement of the acetylcholine-dependent K(superscript +)-current (I(subscript KACh)) underlie vagal AF. Adrenergic influences may also contribute to the occurrence of vagal AF. Cholinergic stimulation may enhance ectopic firing from pulmonary vein cardiomyocytes, which potentially contribute to the occurrence of vagal AF. On the other hand, underlying heart disease modulates cholinergic regulation of atrial myocytes. Careful history taking in AF patients is important for vagal AF management. Vagal denervation may play a role in the efficacy of ablation procedures, but the results are conflicting. Specific I(subscript KACh) channel blockers may become the treatment of choice in the future.
Comunicação e sobrecarga cognitiva em duas situações de atendimento médico

This paper discourses on an aspect little studied on medical attendance, i.e., the role of non-medical personnel in warranting necessary activities to perform professional services. The confluence of the organizational social interaction with the constraints of the processing of cognitive information causes "noise" in institutionalized environments. The limits of both attention and memory have always influenced the capacity of participants in understanding mutual communication. It is approached, then, the way by which elements of the organizational discourse and local artifacts, constrained by cognitive mechanisms, will help in shaping the creation and usage of both individual and collective representations.
Productivity Ratings of Institutions Based on Publication in Reading Journals: 1972–19782

Several researchers have examined the appeal of quality and quantity of research produced as indicators of institutional prestige. To enable prospective graduate students to make "more intelligent and informed choices of programs and institutions" (p. xi), Roose and Andersen (1970) analyzed questionnaire responses of department chairpersons and faculty members who had been asked to rate graduate programs in psychology in terms of the quality of the faculty. In an attempt to overcome Roose and Andersen's limitations of rating graduate programs according to opinion and reputation, Cox and Catt (1977) devised an alternative method for rating graduate programs in psychology based on more objective measures of research and scholastic productivity by examining the institutional affiliations of manuscript contributors. Their method consisted of ranking programs based on the frequency of publications in the 13 journals of the American Psychological Association between the years 1970 and 1975 and included indices of quality as well as separate ratings for major areas of psychology. A replication of the Cox and Catt (1977) study was conducted by West (1978) who examined the American Educational Research Association publications Review of Educational Research and American Educational Research Journal for the years 1970 to 1976 to determine institutional affiliations of contributors of unsolicited manuscripts. As part of a National Institute of Education study of research, development, dissemination and utilization activities in schools, colleges, and departments of education, Guba and Clark (1978) examined articles, essays and reviews in national education journals to identify the institutions or agencies at which the authors were employed at the time of publication. The present study is a partial replication of the Cox and Catt (1977), West (1978) and Guba and Clark (1978) studies. Its purpose is to determine productivity ratings of institutions based on publication in reading journals.
The role of different toothpastes on preventing dentin erosion: an SEM and AFM study®.

The aim of the present in vitro study was the evaluation of new formulation toothpastes on preventing dentin erosion produced by a soft drink (Coca Cola®), using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fifty dentin specimens were divided in treatment and control halves and were than assigned to 5 groups of 10 specimens each: group 1a: intact dentin, group 1b: dentin + soft drink, group 2a: intact dentin + Biorepair Plus-Sensitive Teeth®, group 2b: dentin + soft drink + Biorepair Plus-Sensitive Teeth®, group 3a: intact dentin + Biorepair Plus-Total Protection®, group 3b: dentin + soft drink + Biorepair Plus-Total Protection®, group 4a: intact dentin + Sensodyne Repair & Protect®, group 4b: dentin + soft drink + Sensodyne Repair & Protect®, group 5a: intact dentin + Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief®, group 5b: dentin + soft drink + Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief®. The surface of each specimen was imaged by AFM and SEM. Comparing specimens of group a and b (no demineralization and demineralization), a statistically significant difference (p < 0.01) in Rrms values was registered. Comparing b groups, all the analyzed toothpastes tended to remineralize the dentine surface in different extent. Biorepair Plus-Total Protection® and Sensodyne Repair & Protect® provided higher protective effect against dentin demineralization.
Effects of marking method and rater experience on ESL essay scores and rater performance

This study examined the effects of marking method and rater experience on ESL (English as a Second Language) essay test scores and rater performance. Each of 31 novice and 29 experienced raters rated a sample of ESL essays both holistically and analytically. Essay scores were analysed using a multi-faceted Rasch model to compare test-takers’ writing ability estimates, inter-rater agreement, and rater severity and self-consistency across marking methods (holistic vs. analytic) and rater groups (novice vs. experienced). Raters tended to be less severe with analytic marking. Holistic marking led to a higher level of inter-rater agreement, while analytic marking led to higher self-consistency. The two rater groups differed in terms of severity, inter-rater agreement and self-consistency. Furthermore, the two marking methods performed differently across the two rater groups. Overall, the findings suggest that the two marking methods might be useful for different assessment purposes, contexts and raters. Implications for ESL writing assessment practice and research are discussed.