Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Drivers of eParticipation: Case of Saudi Arabia

This study provides insights regarding the intentions of users participating in eGovernment activities in Saudi Arabia. A user-centric model of eParticipation is advanced, based on a review of the literature and empirical tests. We conducted an online survey of 200 citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia. The results of this study indicate that four variables positively influence eParticipation intentions: trust of the government, attitude towards eParticipation, use of social media, and social influence and identity. Interestingly, perceived benefits of eGovernment were statistically significant, but they were negatively related to eParticipation intention. Only two demographic variables, age and gender, are significantly related to the level of eParticipation; age is positively related, and gender is negatively related. This suggests that as people become more mature, they are more willing to participate in the country’s governance via online channels; it also appears that women are less likely than men to participate through online media. It seems that eParticipation rates could increase if people could be assured of anonymity, if information would not be used against participants, and if the impact or result of their eParticipation on policy and decision-making processes could be observed and verified. Participants do exhibit favorable attitudes towards government’s attempts to encourage eParticipation in Saudi Arabia. Finally, while participants recognize the benefits of interacting with the government through social media—and recognize the likelihood of social media playing a more prominent role in future—currently, they are uncomfortable with the concept and practice of eParticipation.
Statistical Parametric Mapping of Hypoxic Tissue Identified by [18F]Fluoromisonidazole and Positron Emission Tomography Following Acute Ischemic Stroke

Positron emission tomography (PET) and the ligand [(18)F]fluoromisonidazole ((18)F-FMISO) have been used to image hypoxic tissue in the brain following acute stroke. Existing region of interest (ROI)-based methods of analysis are time consuming and operator-dependent. We describe and validate a method of statistical parametric mapping to identify regions of increased (18)F-FMISO uptake. The (18)F-FMISO PET images were transformed into a standardized coordinate space and intensity normalized. Then t statistic maps were created using a pooled estimate of variance. Statistical inference was based on the theory of Gaussian Random Fields. We examined the homogeneity of variance in normal subjects and the influence of normalization by mean whole brain activity versus mean activity in the contralateral hemisphere. Validity of the distributional assumptions inherent in parametric analysis was tested by comparison with a non-parametric method. The results of parametric analysis were also compared with those obtained with the existing ROI-based method. Variance in uptake at each voxel in normal subjects was homogeneous and not affected by mean voxel activity or distance from the centre of the image. The method of normalization influenced results significantly. Normalization by whole brain mean activity resulted in a smaller volume of tissue being classified as hypoxic compared to normalisation by mean activity in the contralateral hemisphere. The ROI-based method was subject to interobserver variability with a coefficient of variability of 16%. The volumes of hypoxic tissue identified by parametric and nonparametric methods were highly correlated (r = 0.99). These findings suggest that using a pooled variance and contralateral hemisphere normalisation, statistical parametric mapping can be used to objectively identify regions of increased (18)F-FMISO uptake following acute stroke in individual subjects.
A Novel Depletion-Mode a-IGZO TFT Shift Register With a Node-Shared Structure

We proposed and fabricated a new depletion-mode amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide thin-film-transistor (TFT) shift register with a node-shared structure. The proposed shift register requires 14 TFTs, 3 clock lines, and 3 power source lines for two output pulses, whereas the previous shift registers consisted of more than 22 TFTs, 4 clock lines, and 6 power source lines. The experimental results showed that the proposed shift register successfully generated two output pulses at one stage without any distortion. The circuit area of the proposed shift register is reduced by about 30%, as compared with that of the previous one.
Machine learning for text indexing: concept extraction, keyword extraction and tag recommendation

Due to some drawbacks, mainly because of semantic issues such as synonymy and polysemy, people consider some approaches to improve the performance of full-text indexing. The alternative approaches include latent semantic indexing, keyword indexing, social indexing (web 2.0) and linked data-based indexing (semantic web). The aim of this dissertation is to investigate the applications of machine learning methods for the alternative approaches. The application areas are concept extraction, keyword extraction and tag recommendation. Firstly, we propose a new learning method called two-level learning hierarchy (TLLH) to extract concepts from tagged textual contents. This learning method executes separately the existing textual sources, i.e. the user-created tags and the textual contents. At the lower level, concepts and conceptdocument relationships are discovered by non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) algorithm based on the user-created tags. Having these relationships, the concepts are populated by terms existing in the textual contents at higher level. We expect this method to be successful because the hidden document structures are discovered based on tags collectively created by users who understand the semantic content of documents. Another advantage is that the NMF algorithm executes more compact and cleaner data representations. On the other hand, concept extraction from the textual contents is handled by non-negative least squares (NNLS) algorithm which is much more efficient than the NMF algorithm. Moreover, the TLLH approach may have richer vocabularies because it can combine vocabularies from the user-created tags and the textual contents. Therefore, this approach is not only more reliable but also more efficient than the standard one-level learning hierarchy (OLLH) which extracts concepts only from the textual contents. Next, we apply the extracted concepts for a keyword extraction method. In other words, we propose a new keyword extraction method called concept-based keyword extraction (CBKE). Its basic idea is that a term of a document is important if the term is associated to important concepts of the document and important itself in the document. The flexibility regarding the characteristics of learning data is one of the advantages of the method. This method can operate on learning data either with or without manually assigned keywords. Finally, we apply our proposed CBKE methods to content-based tag recommendations in folksonomy. The results show that the tag recommendations have competitive performances in ICML PKDD Discovery Challenge 2009.
Effects of Everyday Romantic Goal Pursuit on Women’s Attitudes Toward Math and Science

The present research examined the impact of everyday romantic goal strivings on women’s attitudes toward science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). It was hypothesized that women may distance themselves from STEM when the goal to be romantically desirable is activated because pursuing intelligence goals in masculine domains (i.e., STEM) conflicts with pursuing romantic goals associated with traditional romantic scripts and gender norms. Consistent with hypotheses, women, but not men, who viewed images (Study 1) or overheard conversations (Studies 2a-2b) related to romantic goals reported less positive attitudes toward STEM and less preference for majoring in math/science compared to other disciplines. On days when women pursued romantic goals, the more romantic activities they engaged in and the more desirable they felt, but the fewer math activities they engaged in. Furthermore, women’s previous day romantic goal strivings predicted feeling more desirable but being less invested in math on the following day (Study 3).
How far android is secure?

In the last few years, Android becomes one of the most popular mobile operating system in the whole world, as a side effect of this popularity, Android becomes the most preferred destination of hackers with different aims, some of them look for making money and others are just having fun by storming the privacy of the others without their permission. Nowadays, Android security has become a big problem because of the free application provided and functionality that make it very easy for anyone to develop it. However, various systems have been proposed by a large number of researchers to address this problem, including the system developed by Google called "Bouncer". In this article, we focus on several security issues related to the Android smart phone. In addition, we have a simple scheme of defense that can effectively detect and address some of these issues in the form of android application we called PermisSecure.
INTERAÇÃO CULTIVARES DE MILHO X ÉPOCAS DE SEMEADURA EM DIFERENTES AMBIENTES DO ESTADO DE MINAS GERAIS

Nas principais regiões produtoras de milho do Estado de Minas Gerais, a época de semeadura se estende de outubro até meados de janeiro e fevereiro. Essa amplitude, na época de semeadura, é devido a alguns fatores, como pequena disponibilidade de máquinas e implementos, acúmulo de atividades nas propriedades e a semeadura escalonada, especialmente se a cultura se destina à silagem, para possibilitar que a colheita possa ser realizada por um periodo mais prolongado. Nessas regiões onde o milho é cultivado, durante esses meses, há uma expressiva variação nas temperaturas noturnas e diurnas e também nas condições de precipitação. A temperatura intervém em praticamente todas as fases de crescimento e desenvolvimento da cultura. Para cada atividade fisiológica existe uma temperatura em que, durante certo tempo, o processo atinge sua maior intensidade e limites de temperatura máximas ou minimas, acima ou abaixo das quais o processo é reduzido ou inibido (5,9,13).
Introduction to Probabilistic Models in Natural Language Generation

Generative probabilistic models are a diverse category of different ways of modeling a process that produces output from input. Common to all of them is that they are probabilistic; in a sense, they model the processes as consisting of decision steps, where at each step the next action is chosen randomly from a set of possible choice, where each alternative has a distinct probability of being chosen. In this text, we will focus on two specific probabilistic models that attempt to mimic the way a human generates natural language reports of numerical or categorical data. The focus will be largely on the intuitions of these models, and less on the rigorous mathematics of them. This decision to disregard the mathematics is caused by two things. First, as this text is intended for an audience with a varied mathematical background, including the necessary basics of probability theory would make this text unnecessarily long. Second, the models themselves are actually fairly simple, insofar as probabilistic models are considered; there is very little value in describing them to the mathematically inclined.
Eye factors and lens-forming transformations of outer cornea in Xenopus laevis larvae.

Outer cornea of lensectomized Xenopus laevis tadpoles at state 50 (according to Nieuwkoop, P.D. and Faber, J., ('56) Normal Table of Xenopus laevis, Daudin, North-Holland, Amsterdam, pp. 1-243) was removed 3, 7 and 10 days after lensectomy and implanted between the outer and the inner cornea of larvae of the same species at stage 51-52. In these conditions, the implanted outer cornea remained isolated from the retinal factor of the vitreous chamber, although it received the nutritional factors normally reaching the outer cornea. Results show that lens-forming transformation process of the outer cornea is arrested, and lens-forming structures undergo regression at speed which increases with increasing precocity of the stage of lens-forming transformation undergone by the implanted cornea. These data suggest that the process of lens-forming transformation is not a single-step process, but a sequence of interactions extending over a long period of time requiring the continuous presence of the retinal factor in the vitreous chamber until complete differentiation of the lens is achieved.
MORPHOLOGICAL EVOLUTION IN RESPONSE TO FLUCTUATING SELECTION

A central issue in the study of evolution in natural populations is how morphology evolves in response to environmental complexity, especially when environmental variation results in contrasting selective pressures (Levins 1968; Boyce 1979; Gomulkiewicz and Kirkpatrick 1992). In birds, contrasting selective pressures associated with seasonal fluctuations are common (e.g., Fretwell 1972; Newton 1972; Baker and Baker 1973; Price and Grant 1984; Schluter and Smith 1986). Here, we explore the consequences of seasonal fluctuations on the evolution of morphological traits related to foraging in the red crossbill (Loxia curvirostra). Crossbills are highly specialized for foraging on seeds in conifer cones (Benkman 1988, 1993; Benkman and Lindholm 1991) and rely on conifer seeds year-round (Newton 1972; Benkman 1987a, 1990, 1992). In seed-eating birds, bill size is the likely target of selection and so provides a logical focal trait for a study of the evolution of morphology related to foraging (e.g., Grant 1986). Here, we consider the evolution of bill size of one sibling species of red crossbill (L. curvirostra complex) that Groth (1993) designates as type 5. ("Call types" are recognized by their vocalizations, but also differ in bill and body size; Groth 1993.) Morphological traits associated with avian foraging ecology are, with few exceptions (e.g., Smith 1993), polygenically inherited (Boag and van Noordwijk 1987; Grant and Grant 1989). To make predictions concerning the evolution of quantitative traits, estimates of both the amount of genetic variation for the trait and the pattern of selection acting on the trait are needed. In this study, we assume that evolution of bill size is not genetically constrained and is determined mostly by selection. Based on the results of other studies of seed-eating birds (Boag and van Noordwijk 1987; Grant and Grant 1989) this simplifying assumption is unlikely to interfere with our predictions. The form of selection depends on the relationship between the trait and fitness. Field estimates of fitness are difficult to obtain for nomadic species such as red crossbills. Therefore, we make use of the partitioning suggested by Arnold (1983) where first the relationship between the trait and some measure of performance is estimated and then performance is related to fitness. We use the time to extract seeds from cones as a measure of performance, which can be measured in aviaries (Benkman 1993). Furthermore, we adjust foraging ef-
Surveillance for Antiviral-Agent-Resistant Herpes Simplex Virus in the General Population with Recurrent Herpes Labialis

ABSTRACT In a general population survey in the United States, the prevalence of antiviral-agent-resistant herpes simplex virus was very low among more than 1,000 isolates from individuals with an episode of recurrent herpes labialis not treated with topical antiviral agents. Two isolates had borderline resistance to acyclovir (0.2%), and all were susceptible to penciclovir.
Design and Operation of RSFQ Cell Library Fabricated by Using a 10-${\rm kA/cm}^{2}$ Nb Technology

A 10-kA/cm2 Nb/AlOchi/Nb junction technology for rapid single flux quantum (RSFQ) integrated circuits has been developed. Modifying our standard 1.6-kA/cm2 cell library, we have implemented elementary cells used to build RSFQ digital-to-analog converters for ac voltage standard applications. The 10-kA/cm2 library cells have been fabricated by utilizing existing process tools. Correct operations of the circuits have been confirmed at low speed. The maximum operating frequencies evaluated by an average-voltage measurement technique were consistent with the scaling rules of RSFQ circuits.
Abruptio placentae with coagulopathy: a rational basis for management.

Abruptio placentae rarely produces severe maternal complications while the fetus is alive in utero. The advent of fetal death (grade III) indicates a severe form of abruptio placentae and a real risk that an overt coagulopathy might develop (grade IIIB). Overt coagulopathy associated with a live fetus is, however, uncommon. The advent of an overt coagulopathy should be viewed as ominous. Treatment of abruptio placentae with overt coagulopathy should be directed toward obtaining a rapid and atraumatic vaginal delivery. Once delivery has occurred, spontaneous reversal of the coagulopathy can be anticipated. In the opinion of one of the authors (G.S.), the advent of severe consumption coagulopathy and/or uterine inertia is an indication for intravenous therapy with aprotinin. It has been shown that such therapy will limit DIC, reverse fibrinolysis, reawaken uterine activity, and lead to rapid vaginal delivery within 6-8 hours. Aprotinin is not commercially available for clinical use in the United States. Prolongation of the abruption-delivery interval will worsen maternal prognosis. Accordingly, the advent of uterine inertia prior to complete cervical dilatation is an indication for immediate cesarean section in circumstances where aprotinin is not available. Following delivery, the physician should be on the lookout for postpartum hemorrhage, which may necessitate immediate transfusion, the administration of oxytocics, and/or uterine manipulation. Surgical intervention is rarely indicated in such cases. The patient should also be carefully observed over the ensuing days and weeks for the evolution and resolution of complications, such as renal failure, pulmonary insufficiency, and panhypopituitarism.
Use of arsenic trioxide in haematological malignancies: insight into the clinical development of a novel agent

ABSTRACT Background: Arsenic trioxide delivers high rates of complete clinical remission in patients with relapsed/refractory acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL), and is associated with high rates of molecular remission as indicated by PCR negativity for the PML-RAR α gene. Objective: Mitochondria are considered to be the primary intracellular target of arsenic trioxide, and preclinical and mechanistic studies suggest that this agent may have broad applicability in haematological and other malignancies. Investigations of this agent are ongoing in a range of haematological malignancies, and studies in newly diagnosed APL, acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), multiple myeloma (MM) and chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) are reviewed here using published articles and presentations at international congresses to June 2004. Medline was used to source published preclinical and clinical data, and abstract databases and publications from relevant major international haematology/oncology congresses were searched to source updates of preclinical and clinical trial data. Findings: Accumulating data indicate that arsenic trioxide may be a useful addition to the therapeutic regimens that have been so successful in treating newly diagnosed APL, and investigations are ongoing to incorporate this agent into the first-line APL treatment paradigm. Preliminary data from clinical studies indicate that arsenic trioxide has clinical activity as a single agent in MDS and MM, and combination therapies are being investigated. In MM, the combination regimens under study incorporate ascorbic acid, which can enhance the efficacy of arsenic trioxide by reducing intracellular glutathione concentrations. In CML, arsenic trioxide is being investigated in combination with imatinib mesylate in patients who have failed initial imatinib treatment. In AML, although results with single-agent arsenic trioxide were not encouraging, treatment using arsenic trioxide in combination with ascorbic acid is a proposed strategy in elderly patients not able to withstand intensive chemotherapy. Conclusion: This versatile agent has a predictable and manageable safety profile and avoids many of the severe toxicities associated with conventional chemotherapies. Ongoing clinical studies will help to define the role of arsenic trioxide in the treatment of haematological malignancies.
A novel application for Cocoacrisp protein as a biomarker for experimental pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a debilitating disease affecting up to 2 million people worldwide, with a median survival rate of only 3 years after diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate a potential protein biomarker (Cocoacrisp, CC) to identify the onset of pulmonary fibrosis. A model of fibrosis was induced via intratracheal instillation of bleomycin, and samples were collected during the early phase of the disease. Immunohistochemical identification of CC was carried out in lung tissue from the bleomycin model. Quantification by image analysis showed CC levels were doubled (p <0.0003), after a single bleomycin dose, but not after double instillation. Microscopic analysis revealed that CC signal was primarily detected on the alveolar surface. The secretion of the novel protein CC during the early stages of bleomycin-induced injury may have the potential to be utilized as a clinical biomarker for the early stages of fibrosis, particularly as it may be detectable in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.
Tickling the CD200 receptor: A remedy for those irritating macrophages.

Macrophages have long been known as key contributors of inflammation following infection, and they play a central role as effector cells during the engulfment of pathogens and cellular debris.1 Moreover, inappropriate macrophage or microglia activation may be responsible for harmful inflammatory processes that occur in a number of diverse autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis,2 multiple sclerosis,3 and type I diabetes.4 In this issue of the American Journal of Pathology, Copland et al5 used their model of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) to demonstrate that the administration of a CD200 receptor (CD200R) agonist antibody can suppress macrophage activation and greatly diminish disease. EAU is considered to be a murine model for human endogenous uveitis, a common sight-threatening intraocular disease that involves the cell-mediated destruction of retinal tissues.6,7 Autoreactive lymphocytes are routinely induced in this autoimmune model by immunization with retinal proteins emulsified in complete Freund’s adjuvant plus injection of pertussis toxin.8 The agonist antibody used in the current study, a monoclonal rat anti-mouse CD200R antibody called DX109, exerts its effects on EAU by delivering a negative signal to macrophages normally provided by CD200, which in turn may lead to the suppression of interferon-γ-mediated interleukin-6 and nitric oxide production during the inflammatory response (Figure 1). Figure 1 Systemic administration of DX109 inhibited macrophage activation and suppressed EAU. B10.RIII mice were used by Copland et al5 to test the efficacy of DX109 in their EAU model of autoimmune disease due to their increased susceptibility to autoimmune disease.
Severe CMV complication following maintenance therapy with rituximab

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) encephalitis is a rare infection that immunodeficient patients, mainly where HIV-positive, may suffer from. Several cases were described when complications with the treatment with monoclonal antibodies, like rituximab, for malignant lymphomas. We will describe here the case of a patient, who has developed CMV gastritis, then CMV encephalitis after the treatment of a CLL with a chemotherapy and maintenance therapy with rituximab.