Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Democratization, State-building and War

The success of democratization is highly dependent on the level of state-building: stable nation-states have better chances for consolidating democracy than states which still struggle to establish themselves. A comparison of Croatia and Serbia shows that the sequence of events, including ethnic conflict and war, and combination of actors determined different outcomes: due to different actors constellation and earlier completion of state-building Croatia was able to achieve democratic consolidation before Serbia.
An Semantic Algorithm for Text Categoritation

— Text categorization techniques are widely used to many Information Retrieval (IR) applications. In this paper, we proposed a simple but efficient method that can automatically find the relationship between any pair of terms and documents, also an indexing matrix is established for text categorization. We call this method Indexing Matrix Categorization Machine (IMCM). Several experiments are conducted to show the efficiency and robust of our algorithm.
Fitness of Cry1A-Resistant and -Susceptible Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Transgenic Cotton with Reduced Levels of Cry1Ac

Abstract The performance of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) on 15-wk-old cotton plants was compared for a susceptible strain, a near-isogenic laboratory-selected strain, and F1 progeny of the two strains. Glasshouse experiments were conducted to test the three insect types on conventional plants and transgenic plants that produced the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin Cry1Ac. At the time of testing (15 wk), the Cry1Ac concentration in cotton leaves was 75% lower than at 4 wk. On these plants, <10% of susceptible larvae reached the fifth instar, and none survived to pupation. In contrast, survival to adulthood on Cry1Ac cotton was 62% for resistant larvae and 39% for F1 larvae. These results show that inheritance of resistance to 15-wk-old Cry1Ac cotton is partially dominant, in contrast to results previously obtained on 4-wk-old Cry1Ac cotton. Growth and survival of resistant insects were similar on Cry1Ac cotton and on non-Bt cotton, but F1 insects developed more slowly on Cry1Ac cotton than on non-Bt cotton. Survival was lower and development was slower for resistant larvae than for susceptible and F1 larvae on non-Bt cotton. These results show recessive fitness costs are associated with resistance to Cry1Ac.
Spatial location of place-based subsidized households and uneven geography of opportunities: case of Austin, Texas in the US

Abstract As an alternative to traditional public housing programs, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program has been the dominant federal affordable housing program in the US. However, we have empirically limited understanding as to whether the LIHTC program promotes locational options that offer better socioeconomic opportunities for low-income families. This paper examines the relationships between the spatial location of public housing and LIHTC households and sociodemographic characteristics of neighborhoods in Austin, Texas. We find that both public housing and LIHTC households are located in disadvantaged neighborhoods, especially in terms of higher minority populations, poverty, unemployment, female-headed family, welfare receipt, teenage school dropouts, and lower income. Furthermore, our study shows that the location of public housing and LIHTC households is associated with concentrated crime. However, after accounting for the geographic and sociodemographic characteristics of neighborhoods, only neighborhoods where LIHTC households are located are significantly related to concentrated crime incidents.
Genetic Organization of the Chromosome Region Surrounding mecA in Clinical Staphylococcal Strains: Role of IS431-Mediated mecI Deletion in Expression of Resistance in mecA-Carrying, Low-Level Methicillin- Resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus

ABSTRACT We report on the structural diversity of mecA gene complexes carried by 38 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and 91 methicillin-resistant coagulase-negativeStaphylococcus strains of seven different species with a special reference to its correlation with phenotypic expression of methicillin resistance. The most prevalent and widely disseminatedmec complex had the structuremecI-mecR1-mecA-IS431R (or IS431mec), designated the class A mecA gene complex. In contrast, in S. haemolyticus, mecA was bracketed by two copies of IS431, forming the structure IS431L-mecA-IS431R. Of the 38 S. haemolyticus strains, 5 had low-level methicillin resistance (MIC, 1 to 4 mg/liter) and characteristic heterogeneous methicillin resistance as judged by population analysis. In these five strains, IS431L was located to the left of an intactmecI gene, forming the structure IS431L-class AmecA-gene complex. In other S. haemolyticusstrains, IS431L was associated with the deletion ofmecI and mecR1, forming the structure IS431L-ΔmecR1-mecA-IS431mec, designated the class C mecA gene complex. Mutants with the class C mecA gene complex were obtained in vitro by selecting strain SH621, containing the IS431L-class AmecA gene complex with low concentrations of methicillin (1 and 3 mg/liter). The mutants had intermediate level of methicillin resistance (MIC, 16 to 64 mg/liter). The mecA gene transcription was shown to be derepressed in a representative mutant strain, SH621-37. Our study indicated that the mecI-encoded repressor function is responsible for the low-level methicillin resistance of some S. haemolyticus clinical strains and that the IS431-mediated mecI gene deletion causes the expression of methicillin resistance through the derepression of mecA gene transcription.
Parameter Design for a 6.78-MHz Wireless Power Transfer System Based on Analytical Derivation of Class E Current-Driven Rectifier

Magnetic resonance coupling working at megahertz (MHz) is widely considered as a promising technology for the mid-range transfer of a medium amount of power. It is known that the soft-switching-based Class E rectifiers are suitable for high-frequency rectification, and thus potentially improve the overall efficiency of MHz wireless power transfer (WPT) systems. This paper reports new results on optimized parameter design of a MHz WPT system based on the analytical derivation of a Class E current-driven rectifier. The input impedance of the Class E rectifier is accurately derived, for the first time, considering the on-resistance of the diode and the equivalent series resistance of the filter inductor. This derived input impedance is then used to develop and guide design procedures that determine the optimal parameters of the rectifier, coupling coils, and a Class E PA in an example 6.78-MHz WPT system. Furthermore, the efficiencies of these three components and the overall WPT system are also analytically derived for design and evaluation purposes. In the final experiments, the analytical results are found to well match the experimental results. With loosely coupled coils (mutual inductance coefficient $k$ =0.1327), the experimental 6.78-MHz WPT system can achieve 84% efficiency at a power level of 20 Watts.
3D Terrain Matching Algorithm Based on 3D Zernike Moments

A novel 3D terrain matching method based on 3D Zernike moments is presented in this paper. In the method, 3D Zernike moments which are one-to-one correspondence with the 3D terrain are proposed to represent the reference DEM and recovered DEM (REM) from real-time data to convert 3D terrain matching to 3D Zernike moments feature vectors matching. The matching is divided into coarse and fine matching two steps. In the coarse matching, the matching window glides to 5 pixels as step size, lower order 3D Zernike moments are adopted as the 3D terrain feature. Fine matching is at coarse matching foundation to process, namely we only make fine matching to three superior coarse matching positions and their nearby regions, the matching window glides to 1 pixels as step size, higher order 3D Zernike moments are adopted as the 3D terrain feature. The similar degree of two pieces of terrain is measured by the Camberra distance of the 3D Zernike moments of them, the more small Camberra distance is, the more alike two pieces of terrain is, vice versa. The proposed matching method is based on surface feature, comparing with based on point feature and line feature, it possesses higher successful matching probability and higher location accuracy and stronger robust to noise. The theories and experiments prove above conclusions.
Discrete Laplacian Recordings of the Electroenterogram from Abdominal Surface in Humans

The first aim of this study was to obtain the discrete Laplacian of the myoelectric small intestine signal (electroenterogram, EEnG) from bipolar recordings on the abdominal surface in humans. In addition, the objective was to identify the slow wave (SW) component of the EEnG in the estimated Laplacian, as well as to compare this signal with the bipolar surface recordings. It was carried out 8 recording sessions in 6 healthy volunteers. The discrete Laplacian of the surface potential was performed using Hjorth's Laplacian estimation method. In order to identify the SW component of the EEnG, an adaptive filter, which removes breath interference from abdominal surface recordings, was designed. After that, periodograms and their dominant frequency were obtained. The results show that this frequency, in all surface recording channels and in their corresponding Laplacian, ranges from 0.12 to 0.16 Hz (7.3 to 9.8 cycles per minute) inside of the SW frequency range, whereas the frequencies of the respiration ranges from 0.21 to 0.31 Hz (12.9-18.4 cpm). Furthermore abdominal surface Laplacian potential contains averaged SW, information unless any bipolar surface channel do not record properly this signal. Consequently EEnG surface recordings can become a low cost technique to study bowel motility non-invasively
Visual-Geometric Illusions: Unisex Phenomena

The possibility of sex differences in responses to visual-geometric illusions was investigated with the use of forty-five illusion variants and a sample of 221 observers. No difference in illusion magnitude as a function of sex was found. A second experiment measured illusion decrement and transfer of decrement to other illusion configurations. Again there were no significant differences between male and female observers.
Pharmacokinetics of Chloroquine and Some of Its Metabolites in Healthy Volunteers: A Single Dose Study

Eight healthy volunteers who had not taken chloroquine 2 to 12 months previously participated in a single dose study designed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of chloroquine and some of its metabolites. Each subject received two tablets of chloroquine sulfate (300 mg base) only. Blood and urine samples were collected just before and periodically after chloroquine administration. These samples were assayed for chloroquine and its N‐dealkylated metabolites (monodesethylchloroquine, didesethylchloroquine, 7‐chloro‐4‐aminoquinoline), chloroquine side chain N‐oxide and chloroquine di‐N‐oxide using a high performance liquid chromatographic method. Residual levels of chloroquine and its N‐oxidation metabolites were found in all subjects. 7‐chloro‐4‐aminoquinoline was eliminated more slowly (t½z = 126.48 ± 20.13 h) than the other metabolites and the unchanged drug (t½z = 106.43 ± 10.13 h). Also, 7‐chloro‐4‐aminoquinoline had a significantly faster (Student's t‐test, P < 0.05) formation clearance when compared with the other metabolites. The plasma concentration of 7‐chloro‐4‐aminoquinoline was about twice that of the unchanged drug while the plasma concentration of monodesethylchloroquine was about 46% that of the unchanged drug. In order to investigate whether the metabolites were produced from the same binding sites or closely related sites on the cytochrome P‐450 system, their formation clearances were correlated. The best correlation (r2 = 0.83) was observed for didesethylchloroquine and monodesethylchloroquine, and a fair correlation (r2 = 0.59) was observed for monodesethylchloroquine and 7‐chloro‐4‐aminoquinoline. Formation clearances of the other metabolites were poorly correlated. The N‐dealkylated metabolites of chloroquine are of pharmacological and toxicological importance. It may, therefore, be necessary to monitor their plasma concentrations in addition to that of chloroquine in patients on long‐term chloroquine therapy.
Asymptomatic recurrences of atrial fibrillation after pulmonary vein isolation.

AIMS The purpose of this study was to determine the occurrence of asymptomatic episodes of atrial fibrillation (AF) and wrong AF perception after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). We evaluated the success of ablation by using the following measurements: (i) clinical symptoms and duration of symptoms noticed by patients and (ii) synchronous event recording (ER). METHODS AND RESULTS Eighty patients with paroxysmal AF underwent PVI and were provided repeatedly with a portable ER upon discharge and every 3 months for a year. The ER automatically detects arrhythmias by a detection algorithm and can also be manually triggered by the patient. In 46/80 patients (57.5%), episodes of AF were documented. Asymptomatic AF was detected in 21.3%. In 9/80 patients (11.3%), who reported clinical AF recurrence, no AF could be shown by ER. We compared patients' perception to have suffered AF episodes with the ERs and found a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 92%. CONCLUSION Reliance on perception of AF by patients after PVI results in an underestimation of recurrence of the arrhythmia. We observed a maximal occurrence of silent AF or wrong perception of AF in 26/80 (32.6%) patients.
Faculty Opinion on Emerging Corporatization in Public Universities

In order to independently and sustainably implement their functions in response to reduced financial support from government, public university management is embracing corporate culture, which has been traditionally associated with the private sector. Given the complexity of the university business environment, this paradigm shift may find itself at variance with increasing local democratisation and internationalisation of higher education. This paper discusses opinions on corporate culture in the management of public universities in the context of their quest for world-class status. A survey design was used to collect data based on 16 total quality management indicators between 2009 and 2010. From a design sample size of 100, a 45% response rate was received. Although these opinions are not based on empirical data, findings show that academic faculty lack the sense of belonging and feel generally marginalised when it comes to key decisions that directly affect them. As such they work for survival’s sake and not out of passion. This work culture entrenches the notion of “brains in the drain”, which inevitably undermines quality assurance in service delivery. This critical review paper argues for deliberate investment into symbiotic management systems as a way of reversing this trend.
Network Traffic Classification Using Tri-training Based on Statistical Flow Characteristics

Network traffic classification technique is currently a key part of network security systems. In recent years, some network traffic classification algorithms using machine learning based on packet and flow level features have been proposed, yet the results are frequently disappointing. On the one hand, obtaining a large, representative, training data set that is fully labeled to train a classifier is difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. On the other hand, the classification performance is affected by the new protocols and applications which can produce unknown traffic that existing classification systems cannot identify. To achieve effective and inexpensive classification, we propose a framework based on unsupervised methods and the tri-training method. By two independent clusterings, the proposed method can precisely detect unknown applications and extend labeled flows from a few labeled and many unlabeled flows. Meanwhile, tri-training method can effectively exploit unlabeled flows to enhance the proposed method performance. We implement our approach and evaluate it on two real-world Internet traffic traces. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method has more excellent performance in terms of Precision and Recall in comparison with the state-of-the-art approaches and can better handle different data sets.
Sample size planning for survival prediction with focus on high‐dimensional data

Sample size planning should reflect the primary objective of a trial. If the primary objective is prediction, the sample size determination should focus on prediction accuracy instead of power. We present formulas for the determination of training set sample size for survival prediction. Sample size is chosen to control the difference between optimal and expected prediction error. Prediction is carried out by Cox proportional hazards models. The general approach considers censoring as well as low‐dimensional and high‐dimensional explanatory variables. For dimension reduction in the high‐dimensional setting, a variable selection step is inserted. If not all informative variables are included in the final model, the effect estimates are biased towards zero. The bias affects the prediction error, and its magnitude is influenced by the sample size. For variable selection, we consider two approaches: least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASCO) and univariable selection. For univariable selection, we can calculate input parameters for the sample size formula. For the LASCO, supportive simulations are necessary to appropriately choose the input parameters. We investigate the performance of the proposed formulas with the use of simulations. Simulation results support the validity of the sample size formulas. An application of a real data example illustrates the practical implementation of the method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eruption Dynamics and Petrology of the Most Recent Eruptions of Nevado Del Ruiz Volcano, Colombia, South America

Field measurements and petrographic analyses of pumices from the most recent tephra deposits of Nevado del Ruiz volcano provide a context in which to view the disastrous eruption of 13 November, 1985 (RO). The pumices are all crystal-rich, two-pyroxene andesites to dacites with whole rock SiC>2 contents of 62 66 wt. %, and magma water contents estimated to be between 1 4 wt. %. The 1985 tephra has greater petrologic diversity than earlier deposits which may be related to an input of a hotter, more basic magma into the Ruiz system, as suggested by xenocrystic olivine which is most abundant in the tephras of R1 (1845) and RO. Maximum pumice and lithic isopleth maps were used to define dispersal axes, classify eruptive styles and estimate theoretical column heights. Isopach maps were used to estimate individual deposit volumes. Results indicate that the pre-1985 eruptions were less intense (lower column heights) than RO, but of greater magnitude (total volume), producing up to 15 times the volume of the 1985 deposit. R6 is petrographically and petrologically unique, and may have originated from a currently inactive crater. Calculated volumes for eruptions R8 RO range from 0.02 0.29 km^ with estimated column heights of 18 -26 km. All eruptions, except R1 and R6, can be classified as plinian in nature. A cumulative isopach map of the tephra layers from the active Arenas crater reveals that the deposits have accumulated in a nearly circular pattern around the volcano, which is slightly elongate along an axis directed S-SW from the summit. We propose that a revision of the current Ruiz ashfall hazard map is necessary, and should reflect a more balanced consideration of the distribution and volumes of the pre-1985 deposits.
Relationship between some serum electrolytes and electrocardiographic indices of Trypanosoma brucei infected dogs

The effect of Trypanosoma brucei infection on changes in concentration of some serum electrolytes and the consequence of these changes on electrocardiographic (ECG) indices were investigated in dogs. The nature of association between each of the electrolytes and the various ECG indices were studied at different days during the infection. The serum concentration of sodium, potassium and calcium were assayed before and at 8th, 16th, and 24th days after infection in dogs. The ECG was also recorded concurrently with serum electrolyte assay in each dog. The infection, although it caused a significant change in serum sodium (P≤0.001) and potassium ion concentration (P≤0.01) of the dogs, it did not significantly affect their serum calcium ion concentration. (P≥0.05). There was no difference between the serum sodium and potassium levels of arrhythmic and non-arrhythmic dogs but serum calcium concentration of arrhythmic dogs was higher than that of non-arrhythmic ones. The QT, RR Variability, QT and QTC width correlated strongly and significantly with serum sodium, potassium and calcium at different times during the period of infection. There was a significant correlation between calcium and heart rate on the 16th and 24th day of infection. Potassium correlated with T/R and the R wave voltage at various times during the infection In conclusion, T. brucei infection affected the serum electrolytes concentration and may have caused ECG changes through mechanism that involves the modulatory responses of the autonomic nervous system and the ion channels. Keywords : Calcium, Electrocardiogram, Potassium, Sodium, Trypanosoma brucei
Casuals Campaign at UTS

The NTEU casuals campaign has had a substantial impact on the conditions of casual tutors within the faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) at UTS. The concern raised most actively through the campaign has been the huge disparity between the time we spend marking, and the time we are actually paid for. Low levels of union organisation amongst casuals has, for too long, allowed university administrations to exploit both the lack of awareness amongst full time academic staff about this disparity, and the lack of clarity amongst casual tutors about what is expected from us in each subject.
Improved message passing algorithms for resource allocation in two-tier femtocell networks

Deploying femtocells in macrocell network is an economical and reliable way to increase network coverage and efficiency. However, such deployment poses great challenges for the resource allocation of two tier femtocell networks due to the existence of inter-tier and intra-tier interference. We propose a uplink transmission resource allocation scheme with the goal of maximizing the total power efficiency. Nevertheless, the resource allocation optimization problem is NP-hard and non-convex, thereby, we adopt message passing (MP) method which approaches the optimality by iteratively passing the messages between each user equipments (UEs) and access points (APs). To reduce excessive number of iterations, we present two improved MP algorithms, i.e. best selection message passing (BSMP) algorithm as well as UE priority message passing (UPMP) algorithm. BSMP algorithm is optimal allocation algorithm which could avoid excessive number of iterations. Based on BSMP algorithm, UPMP algorithm take the UEs' priorities into consideration to ensure the fairness of resource allocation. Compared to existing schemes, simulation results show that improved MP algorithms have excellent convergences. Meanwhile, the vast improvements on power efficiency as well as weighted power efficiency have been demonstrated.