Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Water Quality Improvement through Bioretention Media: Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removal

High nutrient inputs and eutrophication continue to be one of the highest priority water quality problems. Bioretention is a low‐impact development technology that has been advocated for use in urban and other developed areas. This work provides an in‐depth analysis on removal of nutrients from a synthetic stormwater runoff by bioretention. Results have indicated good removal of phosphorus (70 to 85%) and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (55 to 65%). Nitrate reduction was poor (<20%) and, in several cases, nitrate production was noted. Variations in flowrate (intensity) and duration had a moderate affect on nutrient removal. Mass balances demonstrate the importance of water attenuation in the facility in reducing mass nutrient loads. Captured nitrogen can be converted to nitrate between storm events and subsequently washed from the system. Analysis on the fate of nutrients in bioretention suggests that accumulation of phosphorus and nitrogen may be controlled by carefully managing growing and harvesting of vegetation.
Acquiring ontological categories through interaction

We present an experimental framework for the study of a computational agents acquisition of ontological categories through interaction with a human agent. This interaction takes the form of joint attention in a shared visual environment. Through a game of guessing words, the computational agent adapts its categorization system - a CALM-based neural architecture with a set of Gabor lters - and develops a shared lexicon with the human agent. This paper report initial experimental results.
Using drama within a STEM context : Developing inquiry skills and appreciating what it is to be a scientist!

This article outlines (and evidences) how process drama can be used in a similar but contrasting way to the well­regarded ‘Mantle of The Expert’ approach to learning about science. In the Action Research project described here, various process drama techniques were used to purposely place 8 and 9 year­old children in specific types of ‘roles’ within a particular science context. The activities were designed to relate directly to the Victorian era, when machines were developed to carry out tasks in factories. The context therefore was a time when manufacturing labour­saving devices was burgeoning. In that respect, the activity is related to technology, but the skills required to design, plan, produce and test an original product relate directly to scientific inquiry competencies such as asking questions, generating new ideas and testing them. There is also a requirement to appreciate and understand how the properties of materials available at that time would be more or less appropriate to produce the final fit­for­purpose product. Children’s reflections on their participation in the dramatised activities indicate that this pedagogic approach can positively address challenges, which have been noted by Ofsted to deter effective inquiry skill development.
Investigation of the Potential Resistance of the Bacteria Isolated from the Hospital Environment to Some Disinfectants and Antiseptcs

1 Kahramanmaraş necip Fazıl Şehir Hastanesi, Acil Biyokimya Laboratuvarı, Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye 2 Kahramanmaraş sütçü İmam Üniversitesi, Fen Edebiyat Fakültesi, Biyoloji Bölümü Yüksek Lisans Öğrencisi, Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye 3 Kahramanmaraş necip Fazıl Şehir Hastanesi, Mikrobiyoloji Laboratuvarı, Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye 4 Kahramanmaraş sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Fen Edebiyat Fakültesi, Biyoloji Bölümü, Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye
A Cross-National Assessment of the Reliability and Validity of the CETSCALE

Though numerous calls have been made for the cross-national validation of measures used in international research, they have gone mostly unanswered. Recent research suggests that one construct and associated measure that may have great potential for international consumer research are consumer ethnocentrism and the CETSCALE, respectively. However, the CETSCALE was developed and validated with samples of U.S. consumers only. The authors assess the psychometric properties and nomological validity of the CETSCALE across four different countries that actively trade with each other. The results suggest that the CETSCALE is a reliable measure across the four countries and afford some evidence of validity as well.
Feature extraction of sar target in clutter based on peak region segmentation and regularized orthogonal matching pursuit

Feature extraction in clutter is a challenging problem in SAR target recognition because of the difficulty in distinguishing the target signature from the background. In this paper, a new feature extracting algorithm based on automated peak region segmentation (PRS) and regularized orthogonal matching pursuit (ROMP) techniques is presented and called PRS-ROMP. It combines the processes in both signal domain and image domain. First, the proposed method uses PRS and parametric model (PM) to obtain the positions and atoms of strong scattering centers of target. Then we acquire the positions and atoms of weak scattering centers by the sparse reconstruction algorithm and PM for residual region. By using all atoms of strong and weak scattering centers we get the final amplitude estimation by LS. Experimental results of electromagnetic calculations data in clutter validate the proposed target feature extraction method.
What people think about the reliability of medical information on the Internet

Is the quality of medical information on the Internet a matter of concern to people? How do they assess the reliability of medical information on the Internet? In this paper, I present the first results of an enquiry (through semi-structured in-depth interviews held in the spring and early summer of 2002) among a group of patients/consumers and physicians in the Netherlands in order to answer these questions. The paper describes the respondents’ views on the reliability of information on the Internet when compared to other media, on the factors that cause the (un-) reliability, on markers of reliability of information, experiences of possibly negative consequences of unreliable information on the Internet, possible remedies, and the possible conflicts between these solutions and commonly accepted principles of freedom of speech, privacy, tolerance, and the informational freedoms.
MAP2 and tau segregate into dendritic and axonal domains after the elaboration of morphologically distinct neurites: an immunocytochemical study of cultured rat cerebrum

We sought to determine whether the strict segregation of MAP2 and tau into somatodendritic and axonal compartments in situ was maintained in dissociated neuronal cultures of the rat cerebrum. Cultures grown under serum-free conditions were immunolabeled with monoclonal antibodies specific for MAP2 and tau. At 14 d after plating, a clear distinction between MAP2- and tau-immunoreactive neurites was apparent. MAP2- immunoreactive neurites were relatively short, thick, tapering, and branched. Tau-immunoreactive neurites formed a crisscrossing meshwork of long, fine-caliber neurites, which, in more densely plated cultures, had a tendency to form thick, ropelike fascicles. Unlike the MAP2 pattern, tau antibodies labeled somata only lightly. Since distinct populations of neurites were labeled with the 2 antibodies, we sought to observe the development of the topographically distinct compartments by double-labeled immunocytochemistry with both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to MAP2 and tau. Cells observed within the first 8 hr after plating demonstrated equally intense MAP2 and tau immunoreactivity in a coextensive distribution throughout the cell body and initial neurites. By 16 hr, some neurites began to assume dendritic and axonal features; however, many such processes contained reaction product for both MAP2 and tau. Beginning at this time, neurites that appeared axonal showed a progressively weaker reaction with MAP2 antibodies, and neurites that appeared dendritic showed a progressively weaker reaction with tau antibodies. In most neurites the diminution appeared to occur uniformly over the entire extent of the neurite. During this transformation period there were occasional axon-like neurites that contained MAP2 immunoreactivity proximally, while tau immunoreactivity extended over the entire length of the neurite. We conclude that neurons in culture are able to compartmentalize MAP2 and tau into their appropriate processes and only attain an apparently homogeneous population of one of these MAPs after the neuron has assumed dendritic and axonal features. The analysis also lends indirect support to the hypothesis that microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) form this association at the distal extent of the growing neurite.
Balancing Energy, Redundancy, and Performance in Datacenter Networks

The current large-scale datacenters typically adopt redundancy of servers and communication devices for increased reliability and availability. A highly redundant infrastructure, however, is one of the challenges of the area due to the high energy consumption. This paper presents BEEP, an energy-efficient strategy for datacenter networks based on the Fat Tree topology. Our strategy uses multipaths and the global view offered by software-defined networks to balance the energy efficiency, the equipment redundancy level, and the performance gain when dealing with the traffic demands. BEEP was implemented in an OpenFlow network and the multipaths were implemented using MPTCP (Multipath TCP). The experimental results in variants of the Fat Tree topology show gains in the energy efficiency with the strategy in the order of 30% to 45%, in addition to a better utilization of the available bandwidth, as more alternative paths are available.
Islamophobia in China: news coverage, stereotypes, and Chinese Muslims’ perceptions of themselves and Islam

ABSTRACT An analysis spanning 10 years of news reports about Muslims and Islam in Chinese state news media (N = 15,427) demonstrates that Chinese news reports project an overall negative view of Muslims. An implicit association test performed in the non-Muslim Chinese population (N = 1479) reveals negative stereotypes of Muslims. In addition, a survey of Chinese Muslims (N = 384) shows that they perceive negative coverage of Muslims and Islam in Chinese media, and that real-life discrimination might be a consequence of such negative stereotyping. This study reveals that (1) there is an overall negative framing of news coverage of Muslims and Islam; (2) non-Muslim Chinese hold a negative stereotype of Muslims and Islam; (3) Chinese Muslims are cognizant of a negative media portrayal of Islam and of themselves; and (4) some Muslim Chinese experience discrimination in their daily lives. The present study contributes to the literature on global Islamophobia, a phenomenon that is understudied in China.
High-Content Assays for Characterizing the Viability and Morphology of 3D Cancer Spheroid Cultures

Abstract There is an increasing interest in using three-dimensional (3D) spheroids for modeling cancer and tissue biology to accelerate translation research. Development of higher throughput assays to quantify phenotypic changes in spheroids is an active area of investigation. The goal of this study was to develop higher throughput high-content imaging and analysis methods to characterize phenotypic changes in human cancer spheroids in response to compound treatment. We optimized spheroid cell culture protocols using low adhesion U-bottom 96- and 384-well plates for three common cancer cell lines and improved the workflow with a one-step staining procedure that reduces assay time and minimizes variability. We streamlined imaging acquisition by using a maximum projection algorithm that combines cellular information from multiple slices through a 3D object into a single image, enabling efficient comparison of different spheroid phenotypes. A custom image analysis method was implemented to provide multiparametric characterization of single-cell and spheroid phenotypes. We report a number of readouts, including quantification of marker-specific cell numbers, measurement of cell viability and apoptosis, and characterization of spheroid size and shape. Assay performance was assessed using established anticancer cytostatic and cytotoxic drugs. We demonstrated concentration–response effects for different readouts and measured IC50 values, comparing 3D spheroid results to two-dimensional cell cultures. Finally, a library of 119 approved anticancer drugs was screened across a wide range of concentrations using HCT116 colon cancer spheroids. The proposed methods can increase performance and throughput of high-content assays for compound screening and evaluation of anticancer drugs with 3D cell models.
Rule set optimization for packet pre-processing using hash based algorithm

With the advancement in communication technology, gigabit networks are becoming common place. The traditional processors do not have sufficient processing capabilities to handle and process packets arriving at such high speed. So in order to fulfill the need of high processing, application specific processors are tailored to perform dedicated network specific processing. Packet pre-processing is one such application where the prime focus is on increasing the throughput. The aspect of memory usage for this application is neglected by most of the application which may degrade the performance when the arrival rate of packet is too high. The work presented here primarily focuses on pre-processing of rule-set used in packet processing using quadratic probing hashing technique for optimizing memory usage while maintaining fair throughput. The implementation result shows a maximum of 11% memory consuming compared to actual rule sets size and it has been tested on various rule sets like ACL, FW and IPC.
Low serum magnesium and obesity--causal role or diet biomarker?

The association between low magnesium (Mg) status, and insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome has been shown repeatedly in adults [1], and higher Mg intakes have been shown to have a protective role [2]. This leads to the tantalizing conclusion of a mechanistic involvement of Mg in weight gain and insulin resistance through its critical role as a cofactor in several enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism [1]. However, the Km of Mg for these enzymes is close to its intracellular concentration, which does not decline easily on Mg deficient diets [3]. The effect is also subtle: the adjusted risk for diabetes with quite low (<1.7 mg/dL) serum Mg levels have been shown to increase modestly by about 1.5 fold [4]. Furthermore, reverse causality is also possible: diabetes is known to increase renal Mg excretion, and insulin resistance decreases Mg uptake. Therefore, the theoretical framework that links low Mg status to obesity and insulin resistance is not simple. The relation between obesity and Mg is also not clear. Several studies have assessed the association between body mass index and Mg intake or status in adults, but the results are still controversial [2,5]. This may be because the associations of low serum Mg with obesity related outcomes are subtle and subject to type 2 errors. In this issue of Indian Pediatrics, Jose, et al. [6] have found that serum Mg was lower in obese Indian children, but this counter-intuitively occurred with apparently higher Mg intakes. The authors are careful not to imply any mechanistic linkage either way, but speculate that the
A Comparison of some famous electromechanical soft actuators

In this paper, we investigate and compare some famous electromechanical soft actuators. Since electric motors are widely applicable in many industrial and non-industrial robots, application of electromechanical actuators are favorable. Even though they are precise, efficient and easy to control, majority of electric motors are not inherently safe enough in human-robot interactions due to lack of compliance. To provide safety and compliance, electromechanical soft actuators are designed and implemented. In this paper, two main categories of electromechanical soft actuators are analyzed and compared. The first group is series elastic actuators (SEAs) and the second category is mechanically adjustable compliance and controllable equilibrium position actuators, which are called (MACCEPAs). These two groups are compared in terms of compliance, mechanical structure and control strategy. The drawbacks and advantages of each design approach are investigated.
The energy of the Mycielskian of a regular graph

Let G be a finite connected simple graph and μ(G) be the Mycielskian of G. We show that for connected graphs G and H, μ(G) is isomorphic to μ(H) if and only if G is isomorphic to H. Furthermore, we determine the energy of the Mycielskian of a connected regular graph G in terms of the energy E(G) of G, where the energy of G is the sum of the absolute values of the eigenvalues of G. The energy of a graph has its origin in chemistry in that the energy of a conjugated hydrocarbon molecule computed using the Huckel theory in quantum chemistry coincides with the graph energy of the corresponding molecular graph. We show that if G is a regular graph of order n with E(G) > 3n, then μ(G) is hyperenergetic. 164 R. BALAKRISHNAN, T. KAVASKAR AND W. SO Figure 1: μ(K1,3 + e)
Horizon-Independent Optimal Pricing in Repeated Auctions with Truthful and Strategic Buyers

We study revenue optimization learning algorithms for repeated posted-price auctions where a seller interacts with a (truthful or strategic) buyer that holds a fixed valuation. We focus on a practical situation in which the seller does not know in advance the number of played rounds (the time horizon) and has thus to use a horizon-independent pricing. First, we consider straightforward modifications of previously best known algorithms and show that these horizon-independent modifications have worser or even linear regret bounds. Second, we provide a thorough theoretical analysis of some broad families of consistent algorithms and show that there does not exist a no-regret horizon-independent algorithm in those families. Finally, we introduce a novel deterministic pricing algorithm that, on the one hand, is independent of the time horizon T and, on the other hand, has an optimal strategic regret upper bound in O(log log T). This result closes the logarithmic gap between the previously best known upper and lower bounds on strategic regret.
Universal MEMS platforms for passive RF components: suspended inductors and variable capacitors

We propose a universal MEMS technology platform for fabricating integrable passive components for radio frequency (RF) integrated circuits. This platform is based on a novel surface-micromachined Micro-Elevator by Self-Assembly (MESA) technique. Both high-Q inductors and variable capacitors can be realized by the MESA technology. A surface-micromachined spiral inductor that is raised by 250 /spl mu/m above the Si substrate has been experimentally demonstrated. The suspended inductor has less parasitic capacitance and substrate loss, and higher quality (Q) value and resonant frequency. The inductance of a 12.5-turn inductor is measured to be 24 nH. The results show that the self-assembled passive RF elements are suitable for monolithic integration.
A Cycle of Giving: Transforming Individuals, Transforming Community in a Louisiana Children's Choir

Kids’ Choir, a community children’s choir in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, formed in 2014 as part of the Kids’ Orchestra organization. The organization, founded in 2011, is El Sistemainspired—a model developed in 1975 by Venezuelan orchestra conductor, José Abreu. The model’s mission is “to effect social change through music for children with the fewest resources and the greatest need” (Mission Statement, 2017). El Sistema's focus on social change through musical excellence may hold great promise in the United States where neighborhoods are becoming increasingly diverse. Moreover, the El Sistema philosophy responds directly to issues of segregation still present in the Baton Rouge community, but more research is needed to determine the impact of programs like these on children’s development and the communities they serve. In addition, researchers have not fully investigated the musical lives of children—lives that arguably encompass a multitude of possible musical interactions. The purpose of this intrinsic case study was to examine Kids’ Orchestra’s philosophy of social development through musical experiences and document the teaching and learning paradigms associated with this philosophy. I explored the impact of Kids’ Choir participation on the choristers from the perspective of teachers, staff, parents, and the children themselves. In addition, I investigated more deeply the relationship between three choristers’ Kids’ Choir experience and their musical lives outside of the organization. I provided an historical account of the evolution of the Kids’ Orchestra mission and vision statements since the organization’s inception and detailed how the El Sistema philosophy manifests in the organization and the Kids’ Choir ensemble. I presented the Kids’ Choir
Reflections on the use of community based participatory research to affect social and political change: examples from research with refugees and older people in Ireland

ABSTRACT Academic research can be criticised for its lack of social impact in the ‘real world’. Study findings are often not well understood nor used effectively to shape policy making and practice. These issues are pertinent for practising social workers who often find it difficult to utilise research knowledge to influence the public realm and engage service users in social change. This paper presents two community based participatory research (CBPR) case studies reflecting on learning achieved from carrying out the research: Study 1 relates to refugees and Study 2 relates to older people. It reflects on how CBPR partnership approaches were used to influence social policy and affect social change in organisational and practice environments in the Irish context and also reflects on the challenges and benefits of working with peer researchers and civil society organisations. The case studies suggest there are considerable advantages to adopting a collective advocacy approach using CBPR, including: creating meaningful impact that has relevance for policy and practice; facilitating the engagement of universities with civic society; and providing a mechanism whereby social workers can engage in the pursuit of social justice for vulnerable communities with whom they work.