Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Model checking based analysis of end-to-end latency in embedded, real-time systems with clock drifts

End-to-end latency of messages is an important design parameter that needs to be within specified bounds for the correct functioning of distributed real-time control systems. In this paper we give a formal definition of end-to-end latency, and use this as the basis for checking whether a stipulated deadline is violated within a bounded time. For unbounded verification, we model the system as a set of communicating timed automata, and perform reachability analysis. The proposed method takes into account the drift of clocks which is shown to affect the latency appreciably. The method has been tested on a medium sized automotive example.
Opening up Closings

Abstract : The paper presents some of the ways that have been developed for dealing with closings in conversation. Earlier work on conversation formulations of several problems that have been employed to cut into aspects of the data. One may derive an initial problem from a consideration of the most basic features of conversation that are now known of. A partial solution is developed. Problematic aspects of that solution lead to the derivation of another problem which permits the further illumination of the data about closings. After relating the two problems, the paper closes with an attempt to specify the domain for which the closing problems, as they have been posed seem apposite. (Author)
Faith in four Ps: An alternative

McCarthy's mnemonic of the four Ps, by offering a seductive sense of simplicity to students, teachers and practitioners of marketing, has become an article of faith. Among the consequences of this have been a lack of empirical study into what are the key marketing variables and how they are perceived and used by marketing managers, a neglect of process in favour of structure and a neglect of product range considerations. What is needed is a form of analysis developed by sociologists that would focus on the process by which managers construct their own interpretations of marketing realities and develop individual styles of management and decision‐taking.
Robust and rapid algorithms facilitate large-scale whole genome sequencing downstream analysis in an integrative framework

Abstract Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is a promising strategy to unravel variants or genes responsible for human diseases and traits. However, there is a lack of robust platforms for a comprehensive downstream analysis. In the present study, we first proposed three novel algorithms, sequence gap-filled gene feature annotation, bit-block encoded genotypes and sectional fast access to text lines to address three fundamental problems. The three algorithms then formed the infrastructure of a robust parallel computing framework, KGGSeq, for integrating downstream analysis functions for whole genome sequencing data. KGGSeq has been equipped with a comprehensive set of analysis functions for quality control, filtration, annotation, pathogenic prediction and statistical tests. In the tests with whole genome sequencing data from 1000 Genomes Project, KGGSeq annotated several thousand more reliable non-synonymous variants than other widely used tools (e.g. ANNOVAR and SNPEff). It took only around half an hour on a small server with 10 CPUs to access genotypes of ∼60 million variants of 2504 subjects, while a popular alternative tool required around one day. KGGSeq's bit-block genotype format used 1.5% or less space to flexibly represent phased or unphased genotypes with multiple alleles and achieved a speed of over 1000 times faster to calculate genotypic correlation.
Surviving the System - a critical appraisal of some conventional wisdoms in primary education in South Africa

The motivation for this research arose from the startling statistic that only 51-62% of African enrolments in the first year of schooling will reach Std 6, many of whom take up to 12 years to reach this standard. The aim of the research was to investigate why survival and retention rates are so low, where the concentration of dropout and repeaters are in the first four years of primary school, and how 'quality' and 'efficiency' can be improved to create greater retention and survival in the lower primary phase, and to identify pertinent policy issues relevant to education in transition. The research questions conventional definitions of dropout and repetition, and argues for greater attention to be paid to repetition. It also argues for both quantitative expansion and qualitative improvement of the primary education sector, and suggests that for changes in education to be effective they must be coupled with strategies for socio-economic development.
How Do Executives Get Better Jobs

The occupational personality profiles of 101 redundant senior executives were related to their job‐hunting success using psychometric tests (16PF and a management interest inventory). Job‐hunting success was defined in terms of time taken to get a new job, new salary package, and increase over last benefit package. Average age of the sample was 42.4 years and executives had spent an average of 11.8 years with their last organization. Time to get a new job ranged between 1 and 12 months and averaged 3.9 months. Findings suggest that executives who were more intelligent, assertive, sensitive to others, resilient, well‐motivated, and who were relatively more experienced were significantly more effective at getting better jobs.
Feature extraction method for digital images based on intuitionistic fuzzy local binary pattern

Feature extraction is an important step in the field of digital image processing, which also helps in reducing the dimensions from large data. Researchers are investigating an efficient methods as there are lot of challenges in extracting significant features from an image that can reveal essential information. However, a very small work has been reported to this research domain in the last decades. In this paper, we propose intuitionistic fuzzy local binary (IFLBP) for extracting texture feature from the input image. The proposed technique extends fuzzy local binary pattern method by including intuitionistic fuzzy set theory in the demonstration of local patterns of texture in images. The proposed algorithm has been applied on various images and obtained result shows the effectiveness of our proposed technique.
Impact of a Purina fractal array geometry on beamforming performance and complexity

This paper investigates the possible benefits of using a Purina fractal array for beamforming, since this particular fractal has recently been suggested as the flight formation for a fractionated space craft. We analyse the beam pattern created by this, and define power concentration as measure of focussing the main beam of a multi-dimensional array. Using this performance metric and the computation cost of the array, a comparison to full lattice arrays is made. We quantify the significant benefits of the Purina array offered over a full lattice array of same complexity particularly at lower frequencies, and the complexity advantages over full lattice arrays of same aperture, particularly if energy is to be concentrated within a small angular spread.
Beam steering using graphene-based magnetic resonator

We propose an active metasurface based on graphene magnetic resonator in reflection mode. The reflection angle is controlled by the phase gradient, which can be tuned by engineering the Fermi level distribution in the super-cell along the metasurface. By changing the period of the super-cell from n = 4 to n = 8 (thus the phase gradient of the metasurface), the beam direction is steered approximately from θ = 51° to θ = 23°. The simulation results agree well with the calculated results given by the generalized Snell's law, demonstrating the possibility of dynamic beam steering base on the proposed metasurface.
Parallel factor analysis in sensor array processing

This paper links multiple invariance sensor array processing (MI-SAP) to parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis, which is a tool rooted in psychometrics and chemometrics. PARAFAC is a common name for low-rank decomposition of three- and higher way arrays. This link facilitates the derivation of powerful identifiability results for MI-SAP, shows that the uniqueness of single- and multiple-invariance ESPRIT stems from uniqueness of low-rank decomposition of three-way arrays, and allows tapping on the available expertise for fitting the PARAFAC model. The results are applicable to both data-domain and subspace MI-SAP formulations. The paper also includes a constructive uniqueness proof for a special PARAFAC model.
Prevalence of biofilm formation in clinical isolates of Candida species causing bloodstream infection

Candida species are the fourth most common cause of nosocomial invasive infections. Biofilm formation is recognised as one virulence factor of Candida species. A total of 243 Candida albicans, 81 C. glabrata, 33 C. parapsilosis, 14 C. dubliniensis, 8 C. tropicalis, 8 C. lusitaniae, 5 C. krusei and 1 C. pelliculosa isolates causing bloodstream infections were evaluated for biofilm formation. The biofilm formed on silicone elastomer preincubated with human serum was quantified by estimation of the metabolic activity through XTT assay and visualised by light and scanning electron microscopy. Forty per cent of the C. albicans isolates formed biofilm compared to 88.7% of the non‐albicans Candida isolates (P < 0.0001). Among non‐albicans Candida spp. , biofilm formation was most commonly observed in C. tropicalis and C. lusitaniae (100%), followed by C. glabrata (95%), C. dubliniensis (85.7%) and C. parapsilosis (66.7%). A quantitative correlation was observed between the amount of biofilm observed microscopically, and that determined by metabolic activity measurements. The biofilms of all Candida species were composed of basal yeast cells with the exception of C. parapsilosis which produced biofilms consisting of pseudohyphae and aggregated yeast cells. These results suggest that biofilm formation as a virulence factor might have a higher significance for non‐albicans Candida species than for C. albicans.
Cancer statistics, 2015

Each year the American Cancer Society estimates the numbers of new cancer cases and deaths that will occur in the United States in the current year and compiles the most recent data on cancer incidence, mortality, and survival. Incidence data were collected by the National Cancer Institute (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results [SEER] Program), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (National Program of Cancer Registries), and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries. Mortality data were collected by the National Center for Health Statistics. A total of 1,658,370 new cancer cases and 589,430 cancer deaths are projected to occur in the United States in 2015. During the most recent 5 years for which there are data (2007‐2011), delay‐adjusted cancer incidence rates (13 oldest SEER registries) declined by 1.8% per year in men and were stable in women, while cancer death rates nationwide decreased by 1.8% per year in men and by 1.4% per year in women. The overall cancer death rate decreased from 215.1 (per 100,000 population) in 1991 to 168.7 in 2011, a total relative decline of 22%. However, the magnitude of the decline varied by state, and was generally lowest in the South (∼15%) and highest in the Northeast (≥20%). For example, there were declines of 25% to 30% in Maryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, and Delaware, which collectively averted 29,000 cancer deaths in 2011 as a result of this progress. Further gains can be accelerated by applying existing cancer control knowledge across all segments of the population. CA Cancer J Clin 2015;65:5–29. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Outcomes-based education and educational reform in South Africa

The outcomes-based education or OBE paradigm (the underlying philosophy behind South Africa's ‘Curriculum’ 2005), which focuses on the outcomes of the educational process, was introduced in South Africa during the last decade as one of the measures to improve the quality of education in post-apartheid South Africa and to address the demands for an increasingly skilled working force. The OBE system (model) was introduced in South Africa on the assumption that it would lead to an increase in the quality of education that South African learners attain in schools. However, questions remain regarding whether OBE will necessarily improve the quality of education and transform South African schools. These questions are addressed, and the introduction of outcomes-based education in South Africa is discussed.
Traumatic Experiences and Mental Health of North Korean Refugees in South Korea

Objective This study was conducted at Hanawon-a government sponsored educational facility for the settlement of North Korean refugees during their initial phase in South Korea-in 2004 to explore their mental health status and traumatic experiences in North Korea and during their escape period. Methods A survey was conducted in November 2004 with 62 North Korean refugees at Hanawon, and the Trauma Checklist was used to measure their traumatic experiences. To measure their psychological-mental health status, the Personality Assessment Inventory was administered. Results In comparison with the traumatic experiences of the North Korean refugees found in the study conducted in 2001 at Hanawon using the same methods, the current study showed a relatively lower frequency of traumatic experiences among the participants. The Personality Assessment Inventory results revealed that the study participants scored higher than average South Koreans in all clinical scales. Particularly, their mania (62.51) and schizophrenia (61.75) scores were above 60, a clinically meaningful score. In the gender comparison, the males exhibited meaningfully higher levels of alcohol problem, non-support, and warmth scale scores. Conclusion Compared to the 2001 study, the overall traumatic experiences among North Korean refugees participated in this study. But continous support is necessary for their successful adaptation to South Korean Society have declined. The North Korean refugees at Hanawon experienced difficulties maintaining their mental health and the men in particular requested more intensive care and support for this purpose.
An exploratory investigation of the characteristics of consumer fanaticism

Purpose – The purpose is to examine the behaviors of consumers engaged in fan activity and determine if there are attitudinal and behavioral characteristics common across the differing fan subcultures.Design/methodology/approach – The characteristics affecting fan behavior are examined through the literature and a series of structured interviews with fans which are then evaluated for the presence or lack of the sought for characteristics of fanaticism.Findings – The research indicates that there are certain common characteristics to be found in fans interested in different topics and that these characteristics influence the behaviors of those involved in fan behavior.Research limitations/implications – Given the prevalence of fan influences in popular and consumptive culture, opportunity exists for research beyond the exploratory work done here including larger interview populations from a greater number of fan subcultures.Practical implications – Marketing professionals may use the identified characteris.
Frequency‐dependent acceleration of relaxation in mammalian heart: a property not relying on phospholamban and SERCA2a phosphorylation

An increase in stimulation frequency causes an acceleration of myocardial relaxation (FDAR). Several mechanisms have been postulated to explain this effect, among which is the Ca2+–calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase (CaMKII)‐dependent phosphorylation of the Thr17 site of phospholamban (PLN). To gain further insights into the mechanisms of FDAR, we studied the FDAR and the phosphorylation of PLN residues in perfused rat hearts, cat papillary muscles and isolated cat myocytes. This allowed us to sweep over a wide range of frequencies, in species with either positive or negative force–frequency relationships, as well as to explore the FDAR under isometric (or isovolumic) and isotonic conditions. Results were compared with those produced by isoprenaline, an intervention known to accelerate relaxation (IDAR) via PLN phosphorylation. While IDAR occurs tightly associated with a significant increase in the phosphorylation of Ser16 and Thr17 of PLN, FDAR occurs without significant changes in the phosphorylation of PLN residues in the intact heart and cat papillary muscles. Moreover, in intact hearts, FDAR was not associated with any significant change in the CaMKII‐dependent phosphorylation of sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2a), and was not affected by the presence of the CaMKII inhibitor, KN‐93. In isolated myocytes, FDAR occurred associated with an increase in Thr17 phosphorylation. However, for a similar relaxant effect produced by isoprenaline, the phosphorylation of PLN (Ser16 and Thr17) was significantly higher in the presence of the β‐agonist. Moreover, the time course of Thr17 phosphorylation was significantly delayed with respect to the onset of FDAR. In contrast, the time course of Ser16 phosphorylation, the first residue that becomes phosphorylated with isoprenaline, was temporally associated with IDAR. Furthermore, KN‐93 significantly decreased the phosphorylation of Thr17 that was evoked by increasing the stimulation frequency, but failed to affect FDAR. Taken together, the results provide direct evidence indicating that CaMKII phosphorylation pathways are not involved in FDAR and that FDAR and IDAR do not share a common underlying mechanism. More likely, a CaMKII‐independent mechanism could be involved, whereby increasing stimulation frequency would disrupt the SERCA2a–PLN interaction, leading to an increase in SR Ca2+ uptake and myocardial relaxation.
Differential diagnosis of recurrent or bilateral peripheral facial palsy

Abstract Objective: To describe the differential diagnosis of recurrent or bilateral peripheral facial palsy. Method: Case report and literature review. Results: Two patients with recurrent, alternating, peripheral facial palsy are described. In both patients, additional investigation was performed to search for a specific diagnosis. In the first patient, only a positive family history was found, indicating a possible familial susceptibility. In the other patient, diabetes mellitus and hypertension were identified as risk factors. Conclusion: There is an important and extensive differential diagnosis of recurrent or bilateral facial palsy. However, in a large proportion of patients the cause remains unknown.
The yeast peroxiredoxin Tsa1 protects against protein-aggregate-induced oxidative stress

ABSTRACT Peroxiredoxins are ubiquitous thiol-specific proteins that have multiple functions in stress protection, including protection against oxidative stress. Tsa1 is the major yeast peroxiredoxin and we show that it functions as a specific antioxidant to protect the cell against the oxidative stress caused by nascent-protein misfolding and aggregation. Yeast mutants lacking TSA1 are sensitive to misfolding caused by exposure to the proline analogue azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (AZC). AZC promotes protein aggregation, and its toxicity to a tsa1 mutant is caused by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The generation of [rho0] cells, which lack mitochondrial DNA, rescues the tsa1 mutant AZC sensitivity, indicating that mitochondria are the source of ROS. Inhibition of nascent-protein synthesis with cycloheximide prevents AZC-induced protein aggregation and abrogates ROS generation, confirming that the formation of aggregates causes ROS production. Protein aggregation is accompanied by mitochondrial fragmentation, and we show that Tsa1 localises to the sites of protein aggregation. Protein aggregates are formed adjacent to mitochondria, and our data indicate that active mitochondria generate ROS. These data indicate a new role for peroxiredoxins in protecting against ROS that are generated as a result of protein misfolding and aggregate formation.
Hydroxyl radical generation by rheumatoid blood and knee joint synovial fluid.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate directly that highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (OH.) can be generated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and contribute to joint damage, and to examine the ability of blood to cause OH. generation. METHODS: The sensitive and specific technique of hydroxylation of aromatic compounds (salicylate and phenylalanine) was used to measure OH. Synovial fluid and blood from patients with active rheumatoid arthritis were aspirated and immediately added to tubes containing salicylate and phenylalanine as detectors of OH. , or to tubes containing saline as a control. Levels of specific products of attack of OH. upon salicylate (2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoates) and phenylalanine (ortho- and meta-tyrosines) were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Synovial fluid samples aspirated into saline never contained ortho- or meta-tyrosines or 2,3-dihydroxybenzoate. Of 53 patients examined, synovial fluid and blood from 36 caused formation of ortho- and meta-tyrosines when aspirated into solutions containing phenylalanine. Repeated sampling from three "positive" patients showed consistent evidence of these hydroxylation products. Similarly, of 22 patients examined, synovial fluid and blood from 18 caused formation of 2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoates when aspirated into salicylate solutions. Further evidence for the role of OH. was provided by inhibition of the hydroxylation by the specific OH. scavengers mannitol and sodium formate. CONCLUSIONS: Aspirated knee joint fluids and blood from rheumatoid arthritis patients can generate OH. , consistent with current views on the importance of this radical as a cytotoxic agent in rheumatoid disease. The ability of body fluids to cause OH. formation is not correlated with simple laboratory indices of disease activity, but is reproducible on sequential sampling from the same patients. The mechanism and significance of the phenomenon in rheumatoid arthritis pathology remain to be established.
Effects of Age, Walking Speed, and Body Composition on Pedometer Accuracy in Children

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of age group, walking speed, and body composition on the accuracy of pedometer-determined step counts in children. Eighty-five participants (43 boys, 42 girls), ages 5–7 and 9–11 years, walked on a treadmill for two-minute bouts at speeds of 42, 66, and 90 m·min-1 while wearing a spring-levered (Yamax SW-200) and a piezoelectric (New Lifestyles NL-2000) pedometer. The number of steps taken during each bout was also recorded using a hand counter. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from height and mass, and percentage of body fat (%BF) was determined using hand-to-foot bioelectrical impedance analysis. The tilt angle of the pedometer was assessed using a magnetic protractor. Both pedometers performed well at 66 and 90 m·min-1, but undercounted steps by approximately 20% at 42 m·min-1. Although age group, BMI, waist circumference, and %BF did not affect pedometer accuracy, children with large pedometer tilt angles (≥ 10°) showed significantly greater percent bias than those with small tilt angles (< 10°). We suggest that the style of waistband on the child's clothing is a more important determinant of tilt angle and thus pedometer accuracy than body composition. Our results also indicate that the NL-2000 pedometer provides similar accuracy and better precision than the SW-200 pedometer, especially in children with large tilt angles. We conclude that fastening pedometers to a firm elastic belt may improve stability and reduce undercounting in young people.