Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Romania, as a Tourist Destination, Seen from the Perspective of the Online Media

In the age of information, the internet is one of the most often consulted sources when it comes to gathering materials about specific tourist destinations. According to the World Tourism Organization, 80% of young travellers use it to search for information before their trip. Therefore the data available in the online media has a significant impact on the decision-making process of young tourists, and the internet can be used as an essential marketing tool for the tourism industry. This paper presents the in-depth analysis of the information about Romania, as a tourist destination, available on the major non-Romanian websites, which operate in the field of tourism worldwide, including both owner and user generated content. Well acknowledged, online newspapers are also included in the study, together with two significant social media networks, namely Facebook and Twitter. The results show the image, which is presented to the international traveller about Romania as a tourist destination, trough the online environment. This research may serve as a starting point for companies or researchers, who plan to develop and implement strategies to promote Romanian tourism by means of the internet to the potential foreign visitors. The novelty of this paper consists in the fact that, very few scientific studies have been conducted for Romania, concerning this or closely related topics.
Introductory Routes of Rice to Japan: An Examination of the Southern Route Hypothesis

The beginning of rice agriculture in Japan impacted every aspect of life in most parts of the archipelago. It was the Japanese version of the ''Neolithic Revolution. ÕÕ Because rice is so important today for Japanese and thought to have been so since the Yayoi period, when and how rice agriculture began in Japan has been intensively studied. Accordingly, three hypotheses, (1) Northern, (2) Chanjian (central coastal China), and (3) Southern routes have been proposed. The third hypothesis was originally proposed by the well-known ethnologist Kunio Yanagita in 1952. Since then, many scholars have attempted to examine this hypothesis. The possibility of this hypothesis based on archaeological, botanical, and ethnological data that have been accumulated in the last fifty years is summarized. Direct data, plant remains that I was able to collect and analyze to test this hypothesis are evaluated. The archaeobotanical data suggest that food production began on the island of Okinawa from the eighth to tenth centuries a.d. and foragers were living on the island during the Yayoi period. The data thus agree with archaeological data and the Southern route hypothesis is rejected.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) A family with complement factor D deficiency

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Heterochromatin delays CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis but does not influence the outcome of mutagenic DNA repair

Genome editing occurs in the context of chromatin, which is heterogeneous in structure and function across the genome. Chromatin heterogeneity is thought to affect genome editing efficiency, but this has been challenging to quantify due to the presence of confounding variables. Here, we develop a method that exploits the allele-specific chromatin status of imprinted genes in order to address this problem in cycling mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Because maternal and paternal alleles of imprinted genes have identical DNA sequence and are situated in the same nucleus, allele-specific differences in the frequency and spectrum of mutations induced by CRISPR-Cas9 can be unequivocally attributed to epigenetic mechanisms. We found that heterochromatin can impede mutagenesis, but to a degree that depends on other key experimental parameters. Mutagenesis was impeded by up to 7-fold when Cas9 exposure was brief and when intracellular Cas9 expression was low. In contrast, the outcome of mutagenic DNA repair was unaffected by chromatin state, with similar efficiencies of homology-directed repair (HDR) and deletion spectra on maternal and paternal chromosomes. Combined, our data show that heterochromatin imposes a permeable barrier that influences the kinetics, but not the endpoint, of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing and suggest that therapeutic applications involving low-level Cas9 exposure will be particularly affected by chromatin status.
Wave Hindcast Experiments Using Wam Cycle 4.5.3 - Validation with In situ Measurements in the North Indian Ocean

In this investigation, the execution of the wave model WAM Cycle 4.5. 3 was evaluated; based on the forcings by two distinct wind fields namely ERA-40 and QuikSCAT-NCEP Blended winds in the North Indian Ocean. Using the past analysed winds (hindcasting) and with boundary conditions generated from 1° x 1° global runs the wave model have been implemented for the North Indian Ocean from 50°E to 100°E and 0°N to 30°N. The model simulated parameters namely significant wave height (Hs), mean wave periods (Tc), mean wave direction, swell wave height (Hsw), swell wave period (Tsw) and swell wave directions are presented. Further, the predicted waves are compared against in-situ wave measurements. The simulated wave parameters obtained as outputs from numerical simulations such as Hs and Tc; collocated in space and time have been compared with buoy measurements in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal with the aid of statistical error indicators. Comparison between the predicted and observed wave parameters are very encouraging, excepting the higher model estimates of significant wave height and the disagreement in lower wave heights at few buoy locations. Further, the sensitivity of the model to two different wind fields was analyzed and it is noted that the blended winds could accurately reproduce Hs and Tc at the buoy locations. The present study suggests that, WAM Cycle 4.5. 3 model predictions are quite reliable for the Indian seas using the analysed wind fields such as ERA-40 and QuikSCAT/NCEP Blended wind fields. However, the performance of wave model was best when blended winds were used. Despite several limitations, the results reveal that the performance of third generation wave model is promising and the correlation and deviation of simulated and measured waves are critically inspected.
Load-frequency regulation under a bilateral LFC scheme using flexible neural networks

A new approach based on artificial Flexible Neural Networks (FNNs) is proposed to design of load frequency controller for a large scale power system in a deregulated environment. In this approach, the power system is considered as a collection of separate control areas under the bilateral Load Frequency Control (LFC) scheme. Each control area which is introduced by one or more distribution companies, can buy electric power from some generation companies to supply the area-load. The control area is responsible to perform its own LFC by buying enough power from pre-specified generation companies, which equipped with a FNNs based load frequency controller. The proposed control strategy is applied to a 3-control area power system. The resulting controllers are shown to minimize the effect of disturbances and achieve acceptable frequency regulation in the presence of load variations and line disturbances.
Gamification applied for health promotion: does it really foster long-term engagement? A scoping review

Gamification is a popular design approach with the purpose to increase engagement and continuous use of Health Behaviour Change Support Systems (HBCSS) with the purpose to establish health and wellbeing. It is widely employed for promoting healthier life choices or for supporting people with chronic diseases in their daily activities. Yet, there is a lack of evidence concerning gamification and its ability to sustain favourable effects on health behaviour change. This paper presents a scoping review about the long-term perspective in gamified HBCSS, focusing primarily on IT-reliant systems that treat individual lifestyle habits like healthy nutrition, exercise or smoking cessation. We systematically selected studies that consider gamified HBCSS for health promotion and discuss to what extent long- term engagement is explicitly included in their design. Our results underline a deficit of consideration of the long-term perspective as well as a lack of measurement related to the lasting effects of gamification. We therefore propose to intensify the use of longitudinal and prospective observational studies in the context of HBCSS, in order to increase the level of evidence of gamification interventions.
Hard-core configurations on a triangular lattice and Eisenstein primes

We study the Gibbs statistics of high-density hard-core random configurations on a triangular lattice. Depending on certain arithmetic properties of the repulsion diameter $D$ (related to Eisenstein integers), we identify, for a large fugacity, the extreme periodic Gibbs measures and analyze their properties. (a) For the values of $D$ belonging to certain arithmetic classes a complete phase diagram is established. (b) For the remaining values of $D$ we prove non-uniqueness of a pure phase and provide some additional information. We argue that in general the list of extreme periodic Gibbs measures can vary according to the arithmetic structure of $D$. This argument is supported by the analysis of several specific values of $D$ (outside the classes from (a)) for which the complete phase diagram is established, using in part a computer assistance. The proofs are achieved by applying Zahradnik's extension of the Pirogov--Sinai theory.
S RG Load Voltage Control Strategy Based on Turn- Off Angle Modifying

This paper presents a control strategy for the Switched Reluctance Generator (SRG) output voltage. The developed technique uses a PI controller to vary the magnetization angle of the machine phases, acting on the value of the turn off angle in one of the switches of the half-bridge converter, allowing the inclusion of a freewheeling step between the magnetization and demagnetization of the phases. This strategy was implemented both in simulation (Matlab/ Simulink) and experimentally (through DSP). Results with and without the freewheeling step were compared, showing that its addition for the SRG magnetization control substantially increases the energy conversion capability. Besides, the obtained results demonstrated that the proposed strategy is also able to perform an accurate control of the generator output voltage, even in transient situations.
Analysis of Brain Activity for Given Auditory Stimulus Using Functional MRI

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) is one of the most recent (and most advanced) techniques to record brain activity. fMRI Technique can be used to produce activation maps showing which parts of the brain are involved in a particular physical / mental process. It measures brain function indirectly, i.e., not through the direct computation or calculation of neuronal activity, but through a mapping of blood perfusion levels in the brain. This method uses perfusion as a substitute or proxy for brain activity. This is because of the demonstrated fact that neuronal activation in any region of the brain increases the flow of blood to that region. A trial to understand and study the brain activity patterns for a given auditory stimulus. The auditory cortex of the brain is expected to show activity on either hemisphere in a healthy subject. A study done over different age groups or patients with abnormalities is useful to identify reasons of reduced or abnormal (diseased) activities of human body.
Inner rings in disc galaxies: dead or alive

In this Letter, I distinguish "passive" inner rings as those with no current star formation, as distinct from "active" inner rings that have undergone recent star formation. I built a sample of nearby galaxies with inner rings observed in the near- and mid-infrared from the NIRS0S and the S4G surveys. I used archival far-ultraviolet (FUV) and H\alpha\ imaging of 319 galaxies to diagnose whether their inner rings are passive or active. I found that passive rings are found only in early-type disc galaxies (-3<=T<=2). In this range of stages, 21+-3% and 28+-5% of the rings are passive according to the FUV and H\alpha\ indicators, respectively. A ring that is passive according to the FUV is always passive according to H\alpha, but the reverse is not always true. Ring-lenses form 30-40% of passive rings, which is four times more than the fraction of ring-lenses found in active rings in the stage range -3<=T<=2. This is consistent with both a resonance and a manifold origin for the rings because both models predict purely stellar rings to be wider than their star-forming counterparts. In the case of resonance rings, the widening may be at least partly due to the dissolution of rings. If most inner rings have a resonance origin, I estimate 200Myr to be a lower bound for their dissolution time-scale. This time-scale is of the order of one orbital period at the radius of inner rings.
DIVERSITY AND ABUNDANCE OF MITES IN A MANDARIN CITRUS ORCHARD IN WEST SUMATRA

Some of the most destructive pests in citrus orchards are spider mites. Monitoring prior applied pest control is a standard procedure for integrated pest management (IPM). The study aimed to survey and determine the distribution, abundance, and diversity of phytophagous, predatory, and detritivorous mites at different stages of development of arboreal plant parts, weeds and litter in the citrus orchard. A periodical sampling survey method was conducted on six growth stages of mandarin citrus, weeds and litter of the Indonesian Fruits Research Institute experimental field in Solok, West Sumatra in December 2003 to June 2004. All mites attached on each growth stage of citrus, weeds and litter were trapped and mounted on slide for identification purposes. Identification of the mites was conducted in the Acarology Laboratory, Department of Entomology, University of the Philippines at Los Banos in July-October 2004. The results showed that a very rich mite fauna of 130 species was found in the arboreal parts of citrus crops, weeds and litter below the canopy of the citrus orchard. Among the trophic groups, detritivorous mites were the most abundant, followed by the predators, phytophages, and those unknown feeding habit. Among the habitats, weeds harbored the most mite species followed by litter and arboreal parts of the citrus trees. The flush growth stage had the least diverse mite fauna with index diversity (H’) of 1.27, while the most diverse (H’ = 2.01) was found at fruit development phase II. Result of this research was useful in determining proper time for controlling phytophagous mites. Besides, the result also provides important information on potential predatory mites that can be used as biological control agents. Furthermore, the study implies the importance of maintaining cover crops of weeds and litter beneath the citrus trees as refuge and source of alternate prey for predators which suppressed populations of phytophagous mites.
Greece’s Accession to the EU: Savings-Investment dynamics

In this paper we investigate the degree of integration of the Greek economy into international capital markets, using the analytical framework proposed by Felstein-Horioka. We examine the savinginvestment relationship using and error correction model and taking into account the time profile of the institutional framework that governs current and capital account transactions. The results indicate a significant increase in the degree of integration of the Greek economy into the international capital market after 1992. Furthermore, the empirical results add another piece of evidence –albeit smallto the literature on the Feldstein-Horioka puzzle, indicating that the FeldsteinHorioka puzzle does not hold for the Greek economy. JEL classification: F32, F41
Quasi-Experimental Evaluation of LifeCourse on Utilization and Patient and Caregiver Quality of Life and Experience

Whole-person care is a new paradigm for serious illness, but few programs have been robustly studied. We sought to test the effect of LifeCourse (LC), a person-centered program for patients living with serious illness, on health-care utilization, care experience, and quality of life, employing a quasi-experimental design with a Usual Care (UC) comparison group. The study was conducted 2012 to 2017 at an upper-Midwest not-for-profit health-care system with outcomes measured every 3 months until the end of life. Enrolled patients (N = 903) were estimated to be within 3 years of end of life and diagnosed with 1+ serious illness. Exclusion criteria included hospice enrollment at time of screening or active dying. Community health workers (CHWs) delivered standardized monthly 1-hour home visits based on palliative care guidelines and motivational interviewing to promote patients’ physical, psychosocial, and financial well-being. Primary outcomes included health-care utilization and patient- and caregiver-experience and quality of life. Patients were elderly (LC 74, UC 78 years) and primarily non-Hispanic, white, living at home with cardiovascular disease as the primary diagnosis (LC 69%, UC 57%). A higher proportion of LC patients completed advance directives (N = 173, 38%) than UC patients (N = 66, 15%; P < .001). LifeCourse patients who died spent more days in hospice (88 ± 191 days) compared to UC patients (44 ± 71 days; P = .018). LifeCourse patients reported greater improvements than UC in communication as part of the care experience (P = .016). Implementation of person-centered programs delivered by CHWs is feasible; inexpensive upstream expansion of palliative care models can yield benefits for patients and caregivers. Trial Registration: Trial NCT01746446 was registered on November 27, 2012 at ClinicalTrials.gov.
WPP, No.111: Focus, prosody, and individual differences in “autistic” traits: Evidence from cross-modal semantic priming

The present study explored listeners’ expectations about how prosodic prominence can be used to disambiguate information structure in English. In particular, the contribution of prenuclear accents to the prosodic disambiguation of the size of the focus constituent (broad VP vs. narrow object focus) in SVO constructions was tested using the cross-modal priming paradigm. In two experiments, listeners were presented with visual targets (e.g., “brunette”) following contrastively related primes (e.g., “blonde”), which were heard as objects in SVO sentences (e.g., “He kissed a blonde.”). In Experiment 1, listeners heard the sentences produced with a single pitch accent on the object, and the focus structure varied from broad VP focus to narrow object focus. No significant differences in priming patterns across conditions were found, supporting theories of Focus Projection (e.g., Selkirk 1995, Gussenhoven 1984), which predict prenuclear accents to be optional. In Experiment 2, the information structure of the sentences was held constant as narrow object focus, and their prosody varied with respect to the presence of a prenuclear pitch accent on the verb. For these narrow focus sentences, it was found that priming occurred only when the sentence lacked a prenuclear accent, suggesting that prenuclear pitch accents contribute meaningfully to the information structural contrast. Sensitivity to the prosodic manipulation, however, was found to be modulated by individual differences in listeners’ “autistic” traits. The implications for on-line lexical processing and theories of themapping between prosody and information structureare discussed.
Egg and faecal pellet production of Calanus finmarchicus females from controlled mesocosms and in situ populations: influence of age and feeding history

Egg and faecal pellet production of Calanus finmarchicus females were investigated individually under superabundant food conditions at 5 and 10°C. The females came from (1) in situ populations in the Raunefjord (southern Norway) in March and May 1997 and (2) cohorts reared in 2 mesocosms, one with high (H) and one with low (L) food concentrations. The egg production rates of newly moulted females coming from mesocosms increase from zero to maximal rates over 10 to 15 d at 10 and 5°C, respectively. The delay in reaching maximal fecundity rates depends on time required for gonad maturation, which is related to the use of storage lipid and also to food supply for ending the maturation. The faecal pellet production rates also increase with time, suggesting that fecundity is governed by ingestion. Finally, we suggest a conceptual model of different events between moulting and optimal spawning activity in newly moulted females in superabundant food conditions. The fecundity, egestion and lipid metabolism of wild females (caught in March and May) were studied in the same way. The results are compared to observations of young females from mesocosms and the influence of seasonal origin of females on the studied processes is assessed. Data from experiments run with females from Mesocosms L and H permit us to discuss the effect of feeding history on fecundity and egestion. Although females from Mesocosm L show shorter prosome lengths than those from Mesocosm H, fecundity is not significantly different. However, females from Mesocosm L have a much higher production of faecal pellets than females from Mesocosm H, suggesting that the previous food limitation during copepodite development in Mesocosm L induces higher maximal ingestion rates of these females than the previous well-fed females (Mesocosm H). A few assumptions to explain these different patterns are proposed.
A cross-sectional study for the impact of coping strategies on mental health disorders among psychiatric nurses

Several studies report that psychiatric nursing is a highly stressful occupation. The ways that nurses use in order to deal with stressful situations have a serious effect on their psychological mood and their health status. The purpose of this study was to investigate the coping strategies in predicting of depression and anxiety among mental health nurses working in public psychiatric hospitals. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Athens, Greece from April to May 2017. A questionnaire consisting of the socio-demographic and work-related characteristics, the Patient Health Questionnaire-2, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2, and the 38-items Ways of Coping Questionnaire - Greek version, was completed by a total of 110 mental health nurses. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the logistic regression model. Coping strategies focused on the problem (positive re-evaluation, positive approach, problem solving, and seeking social support) were the most commonly used by the mental health nurses. Strategies focused on emotion (prayer/daydream, prayer, avoidance/escape, resignation, and denial) were positively associated with depression and anxiety outcomes. Also, the coping skills of problem solving (Adjusted Odds Ratio, AOR=0.402), and seeking social support (AOR=3.719) were significant predictors only for elevated anxiety symptoms. The results from the study demonstrated the importance of coping behaviours in mental health problems of psychiatric nurses.
Detecting semantic overlap

This paper describes an ongoing effort to build a large-scale monolingual treebank of parallel/comparable Dutch text, where nodes of syntax trees are aligned and labeled according to a small set of semantic similarity relations. Such a corpus has many potential uses and applications in e.g., multi-document summarization, question-answering and paraphrase extraction. We describe the text material, preprocessing, annotation