Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Graphene Functionalized Scaffolds Reduce the Inflammatory Response and Supports Endogenous Neuroblast Migration when Implanted in the Adult Brain

Electroactive materials have been investigated as next-generation neuronal tissue engineering scaffolds to enhance neuronal regeneration and functional recovery after brain injury. Graphene, an emerging neuronal scaffold material with charge transfer properties, has shown promising results for neuronal cell survival and differentiation in vitro. In this in vivo work, electrospun microfiber scaffolds coated with self-assembled colloidal graphene, were implanted into the striatum or into the subventricular zone of adult rats. Microglia and astrocyte activation levels were suppressed with graphene functionalization. In addition, self-assembled graphene implants prevented glial scarring in the brain 7 weeks following implantation. Astrocyte guidance within the scaffold and redirection of neuroblasts from the subventricular zone along the implants was also demonstrated. These findings provide new functional evidence for the potential use of graphene scaffolds as a therapeutic platform to support central nervous system regeneration.
A (fascinating) litmus test for human retino- vs. non-retinotopic processing.

In human vision, the optics of the eye map neighboring points of the environment onto neighboring photoreceptors in the retina. This retinotopic encoding principle is preserved in the early visual areas. Under normal viewing conditions, due to the motion of objects and to eye movements, the retinotopic representation of the environment undergoes fast and drastic shifts. Yet, perceptually our environment appears stable suggesting the existence of non-retinotopic representations in addition to the well-known retinotopic ones. Here, we present a simple psychophysical test to determine whether a given visual process is accomplished in retino- or non-retinotopic coordinates. As examples, we show that visual search and motion perception can occur within a non-retinotopic frame of reference. These findings suggest that more mechanisms than previously thought operate non-retinotopically. Whether this is true for a given visual process can easily be found out with our "litmus test. "
Regression Test Case Prioritization – A Contribution-Based Approach

Regression test case prioritization techniques have traditionally been studied as a function of objective metrics such as code coverage and fault proneness, which require much data analysis and computation from software release to release. Moreover, such techniques have traditionally been evaluated as a function of fault detection effectiveness. Consequently, not only applying the techniques is an expensive exercise, the results focus on fault detection rates rather than release-readiness, a more practical interpretation of software quality. We therefore propose to approach regression test case prioritization with a completely different tack: We propose a novel approach to prioritize based on subjective but inexpensive, one-off human assessment of test cases’ contribution to predicting release-readiness, thereby eliminating the intensive data analysis and computation required to begin the prioritization process. Further, to align closer to industry software processes, we define the effectiveness of a prioritization as the time required to pronounce a software application release-ready. We believe these novel prioritization and evaluation methods will bring a new perspective to the state-of-theart.
A novel role of kukoamine B: Inhibition of the inflammatory response in the livers of lipopolysaccharide-induced septic mice via its unique property of combining with lipopolysaccharide

Kukoamine B (KB), derived from the traditional Chinese herb cortex Lycii, exerts anti-inflammatory effects due to its potent affinity with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and CpG DNA; however, little is known regarding whether the in vivo administration of KB can effectively inhibit inflammation in septic mice. The present study thus aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of KB on the inflammatory response in the livers of LPS-induced septic mice. KB treatment in the LPS-induced septic mice significantly decreased the plasma level of LPS. In addition, KB protected against liver injury, as confirmed by improved histology and decreased aminotransferase levels in the serum. Further experiments revealed that KB attenuated liver myeloperoxidase activity and reduced the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1. These effects were accompanied by decreases in the levels of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-1β in the liver tissue. In parallel, the activity of nuclear factor-κ-gene binding (NF-κB) in the livers of LPS-induced septic mice was markedly inhibited with KB treatment. In combination, these results demonstrate that KB inhibits inflammation in septic mice by reducing the concentrations of plasma LPS, decreasing leukocyte sequestration and interfering with NF-κB activation, and, therefore, suppressing the pro-adhesive phenotype of endothelial cells.
Making sense of environmental governance : a study of e-waste in Malaysia

The nature of e-waste, which is environmentally disastrous but economically precious, calls for close policy attention at all levels of society, and between state and non-state actors. This thesis investigates the roles of state and non-state actors in e-waste governance in Malaysia. This is undertaken through analysis of e-waste governance, particularly focusing on the locally generated industrial and household e-waste, from the perspective of multiple actors, levels and modes of governance. From the perspective of multiple actors governance, this thesis recognises three main actors of e-waste governance in Malaysia – the state actor, and two types of non-state actors – the Private Sector Actors and the Civil Society Organisations. Although it appears theoretically simple to classify actors of governance into one of these categories, in practice the line separating these two categories is blurry. From the multiple modes perspective, empirical evidence from this research has shown that state and non-state actors are involved in four modes of governance – the hierarchical, persuasion, self-governance and co-governance mode; with the roles of state actors being more prominent in the hierarchical modes, while the roles of non-state actors are more significant in the persuasion, self-governance and co-governance modes. State and non-state actors are jointly involved in one variant of co-governance which is the public-private partnership (PPP). Although the inclusion of non-state actors in governance is usually on ‘acutely constrained terms’ (Murdoch and Abram 1998: 49), they may influence the process of decision making. From the perspective of multi level governance, it is apparent that power and authority in e-waste governance transcend beyond the boundary of sovereign states with the introduction of supra-national legislation such as the Basel Convention, WEEE directive and RoHS directive. This has direct implication on Malaysia as she is a party to Basel Convention, and produces electrical and electronic equipment for global market.
The Schistosome Esophagus Is a ‘Hotspot’ for Microexon and Lysosomal Hydrolase Gene Expression: Implications for Blood Processing

Background The schistosome esophagus is divided into anterior and posterior compartments, each surrounded by a dense cluster of gland cell bodies, the source of distinct secretory vesicles discharged into the lumen to initiate the processing of ingested blood. Erythrocytes are lysed in the lumen, leucocytes are tethered and killed and platelets are eliminated. We know little about the proteins secreted from the two glands that mediate these biological processes. Methodology/Principal Findings We have used subtractive RNA-Seq to characterise the complement of genes that are differentially expressed in a head preparation, compared to matched tissues from worm tails. The expression site of representative highlighted genes was then validated using whole munt in situ hybridisation (WISH). Mapping of transcript reads to the S. mansoni genome assembly using Cufflinks identified ~90 genes that were differentially expressed >fourfold in the head preparation; ~50 novel transcripts were also identified by de novo assembly using Trinity. The largest subset (27) of secreted proteins was encoded by microexon genes (MEGs), the most intense focus identified to date. Expression of three (MEGs 12, 16, 17) was confirmed in the anterior gland and five (MEGs 8.1, 9, 11, 15 and 22) in the posterior gland. The other major subset comprised nine lysosomal hydrolases (aspartyl proteases, phospholipases and palmitoyl thioesterase), again localised to the glands. Conclusions A proportion of the MEG-encoded secretory proteins can be classified by their primary structure. We have suggested testable hypotheses about how they might function, in conjunction with the lysosomal hydrolases, to mediate the biological processes that occur in the esophagus lumen. Antibodies bind to the esophageal secretions in both permissive and self-curing hosts, suggesting that the proteins represent a novel panel of untested vaccine candidates. A second major task is to identify which of them can serve as immune targets.
Combining Multiple Fidelities in a Single UI Prototyping Tool

Multi-fidelity prototyping combines within a single user interface prototype several elements whose representations are reproduced with different levels of fidelity with respect to the final user interface: no fidelity at all, low fidelity, medium fidelity, and high fidelity. In order to effectively and efficiently support multi-fidelity, an original set of techniques is defined and discussed: multiple representation manipulation by sketching and gesture recognition, smooth transition between any representation at any time, prototype reusability, multi-platform support, and multiple user interface prototyping facilities. The full implementation of these techniques in prototyping software provides designers and developers with a unique environment for exploring multiple designs with unprecedented support for quickly designing interfaces from scratch or from previously existing design templates. An experimental study reveals that the multiple representation manipulation together with smooth transition represents a valuable advantage for naturally designing user interfaces. The prototyping software supports several aspects involved in the user interface development life cycle and is convenient for non-WIMP user interfaces.
Normal values of heart rate variability at rest in a young, healthy and active Mexican population

This study analyzed Heart Rate Variability in a large sample of active young subjects within a narrow age range (18 to 25), using time and frequency domain methods and a Poincare plot. Heart rate was recorded (beat to beat) for 30 minutes at rest in 200 healthy subjects divided into 4 groups: 50 sportsmen (20.54 ± 1.52 years); 50 active men (21.22 ± 1.31 years); 50 sportswomen (20.10 ± 1.87 years) and 50 active women (20.92 ± 1.87 years). Significant differences were found for most parameters between athletes and active subjects (male and female) but not between genders. Percentile distributions were provided for all parameters (according to gender and physical activity level) to be used as references in future researches.
A grey-box identification of an LPV vehicle model with side slip angle estimation

Based on a linear parameter varying (LPV) model of yaw-roll dynamics, which contains unknown parameters and time varying variables, an adaptive observer-based method is proposed for the estimation of the side slip angle of road vehicles. To estimate the unknown parameters of the model a grey-box identification method is proposed. Due to the possible changes in the adhesion coefficient during vehicle maneuvers this variable is introduced and estimated as a scheduling variable in the control-oriented LPV model. The estimation procedure is illustrated through a simulation example.
Improvement of the morpho-productive indexes at the Ross-308 broiler breeders, through increased photostimulation.

The researches focused on the eggs yield improvement at the „Ross 308” hens breeders, through the optimisation of the lighting schedule. The groups method, mixed with the periods one, was applied. Two groups have been established (Lc and Lexp), comprising each 5260 hens and the required roosters; the fowl have been observed during 20-60 weeks age period. Both groups received the standard phostostimulation schedule, as specified by the producer. However, the Lexp group received 1 supplemental hour of lightning/week and 10 lux higher lighting intensity. The live weight was found within the standard curve in both groups and the hens in the experimental group were 0.15-3.60g heavier than those in the control group. Although the mortality percentage was close between groups (9.85% in Lc and 9.29% in Lexp), the culling generated by prolapses was 0.59% lower in Lexp. Eggs yield reached 183.65 pieces in Lexp compared to just 178.25 pieces in Lc, leading thus to an improved feed conversion ratio, meaning 3.11% better at the experimental group. The main conclusion of the study states that the usage of an increased photostimulation schedule on the “Ross 308” broiler breeders provides an appropriate correlation between the sexual maturity onset and the reaching moment of the optimal live weight, generating thus higher morpho-productive indexes, compared to those achieved within the classical photostimulation version.
Distributive Politics with Primaries 1

We develop a model of electoral competition in which two parties compete for votes amongst three groups of voters. Each party first internally selects one of two candidates to run in a general election. Candidates within a party share a fixed ideological platform and can promise a distribution of a unit of public spending across groups. Without primary elections, the selection process is random. With primary elections, an ideologically friendly subset of the voters strategically chooses the candidate. In the basic model, primary elections cause politicians to cater to extreme groups rather than a moderate group with many “swing voters. ” The amount promised to extreme groups is decreasing in the ideological polarization of those groups, while each party’s probability of victory is increasing in the size and extremity of its favored group. We also find that an incumbency advantage reduces the amount promised to extremists, and therefore benefit moderates.
A comparative study of sample selection methods for classification

Sampling of large datasets for data mining is important for at least two reasons. The processing of large amounts of data results in increased computational complexity. The cost of this additional complexity may not be justifiable. On the other hand, the use of small samples results in fast and efficient computation for data mining algorithms. Statistical methods for obtaining sufficient samples from datasets for classification problems are discussed in this paper. Results are presented for an empirical study based on the use of sequential random sampling and sample evaluation using univariate hypothesis testing and an information theoretic measure. Comparisons are made between theoretical and empirical estimates.
Resveratrol reduces morphine tolerance by inhibiting microglial activation via AMPK signalling

Evidence has accumulated indicating that microglia within the spinal cord play a critical role in morphine tolerance. The present study investigated the effects and possible mechanisms of 5′ adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator resveratrol and AICAR to inhibit microglial activation and to limit the decrease in antinociceptive effects of morphine.
Towards a new model of management and securing digital identities

The exponential growth of the web and the use of social networks in our area, gave birth to a new concept called digital identity, it's all digital traces that can be left in the internet such as photos and various comments. However, these digital identities are exposed to many dangers such as phishing, fraud, cyber-crime and identity theft. However, with an interconnected world, it is important to know with whom we communicate. Hence, the weightiness of digital identities' security becomes obvious. In this paper we propose a secure identification approach using a model of digital identity recognition. To do so, we will develop an architecture that can identify users based on a certain number of parameters, such as: federated digital identity management and certification of digital identity.
Maternal genotype influences pea seed size by controlling both mitotic activity during early embryogenesis and final endoreduplication level/cotyledon cell size in mature seed.

When reciprocal crosses are made between different pea genotypes, there is a strong maternal influence on mature seed size of the reciprocal hybrids, i.e. their dry weights are similar to that of seeds obtained from their maternal parents. Reciprocal crosses between pea varieties having very different mature seed sizes were used to investigate how the maternal genotype controls seed development and mature seed size. The differences in dry seed weight between genotypes and reciprocal hybrids reflected differences in both cotyledon cell number and mean cell volume, and the maternal control on the establishment of these two traits was investigated. Using flow cytometry, data relative to endoreduplication kinetics in cotyledons during the transition between the cell division phase and maturation were obtained. The appearance of nuclei having an 8C DNA content indicates the initiation of the endoreduplication phenomenon and thus the end of the cell division phase. It was shown that the duration of the cell division phase was the same in the reciprocal hybrids, its value being intermediate between those recorded for their maternal parents. This result indicates that the timing of development of the embryo is not under maternal control, but depends on its own genotype. Consequently, maternal genotype must influence the mitotic rate during the cell division phase to achieve differences in cell number found in the cotyledons of mature F1-reciprocal hybrids. The final level of endoreduplication in cotyledons of mature seeds was also investigated. This study showed that there is a close relationship (r2 = 0.919) between the endoreduplication level in mature cotyledons and seed dry weight or mean volume of cotyledon cells, suggesting that both maternal and non-maternal factors could control the number of endoreduplicating cycles in the cotyledons and, hypothetically, the cotyledon cell size.
Neural Receiver Structuresbased on Self-Organizing Mapsin nonlinear multipath channelsKimmo Raivio

This paper discusses the performance of neural receiver structures in fading (frozen) multipath channels. In addition to noise, non-Gaussian interference is present in system. The modulation under study has been 16QAM. Especially, nonlinear channel models have been investigated. The performance of two receiver structures based on the Self-Organizing Map have been evaluated via simulations. Encouraging results have been achieved in nonlinear channels, albeit interference cancellation leaves room for improvement.
Phymss: performance hybrid model solver and simulator based on UML MARTE diagrams

There are several research directions in Software Performance Engineering (SPE), covering the entire performance prediction process, but most of the tools developed so far implement only part of it or have restrictions. From a methodology perspective, current performance prediction tools rely either on analytical or simulation models, as separate techniques. This paper presents a performance analysis tool, Phymss (Performace Hybrid Model Solver and Simulator), which covers the analysis process from the input system model annotated with performance information to obtaining performance results and inserting them back into the original system model. Two analysis methods are implemented, for flexibility reasons: a multithreaded simulator and a hybrid solver that combines the analytical and simulation approaches in a new analysis technique, in order to investigate the benefits of such an approach.
Motch: an automatic motion type characterization system for sensor-rich videos

Camera motion information facilitates higher-level semantic description inference in many video applications, e.g., video retrieval. However, an efficient and accurate methodology for annotating videos with camera motion information is still an elusive goal. In our recent work we have investigated the fusion of captured video with a continuous stream of sensor meta-data. For these so-called sensor-rich videos we present a system, called Motch, which precisely partitions a video document into subshots, automatically characterizes the camera motions and provides video subshot browsing based on an interactive, map-based interface. Moreover, the system computes and presents motion type statistics for each video in real time and renders different subshots distinctively on the map synchronously with the video playback.
The personal relationship between the kindergarten teacher and the parents as a mediator between cultures

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study is to describe the teacher's personal connection with parents as an intermediary factor between cultures and to examine the implications for the future of the migrant group in the receiving society. The study is a qualitative study based on the phenomenological approach and involved five teachers working with African children. The findings show three categories: (1) social and cultural, (2) language, (3) behaviour and education. The contribution focuses on the importance of developing intercultural competence among the teachers and the importance of having a joint-personal dialogue in order to cope with migration challenges.
Factors Affecting Female Participation in Education in Seven Developing Countries. Second Edition. Education Research Paper.

This report is the result of a study of the social, economic, religious and other factors influencing the degree of female participation in formal education institutions in six developing countries (Bangladesh, Cameroon, India, Jamaica, Sierra Leone and Vanuatu). The research was commissioned by the Overseas Development Administration, now the Department for International Development (DfID). The purpose of the study was to inform government and aid donors seeking to design future educational projects to improve female participation in those countries where it was much lower than male participation. The study examined broad general education at all levels with a focus on school level and the primary sector in particular. Nine influential factors were selected for study: geographical, socio-cultural, health, economic, religious, legal, political/administrative, and educational factors, and initiatives by governments, non-governmental organisations, and other agencies to address the educational disadvantage of females. The general report comprises an executive summary, a matrix chart which shows the summarised outcomes for each factor in each country, an introduction and rationale for the study, a description of the methodology used, and a synthesis of the findings based on the comparative study of the factors as they operate in individual countries. Case studies of each country contain contextual information, a discussion of each of the nine factors and a list of recommendations.