Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mathematical Model of the Biosensors Acting in a Trigger Mode

A mathematical model of biosensors acting in a trigger mode has been developed. One type of the biosensors utilized a trigger enzymatic reaction followed by the cyclic enzymatic and electrochemical conversion of the product (CCE scheme). Other biosensors used the enzymatic trigger reaction followed by the electrochemical and enzymatic product cyclic conversion (CEC scheme). The models were based on diffusion equations containing a non-linear term related to Michaelis-Menten kinetics of the enzymatic reactions. The digital simulation was carried out using the finite difference technique. The influence of the substrate concentration, the maximal enzymatic rate as well as the membrane thickness on the biosensor response was investigated. The numerical experiments demonstrated a significant gain (up to dozens of times) in biosensor sensitivity when the biosensor response was under diffusion control. In the case of significant signal amplification, the response time with triggering was up to several times longer than that of the biosensor without triggering.
Compensation for a labial perturbation : An acoustic and articulatory study of child and adult French speakers

This paper deals with production-perception relationships in articulatory compensation. The high French vowel [u] was used to study compensation strategies for a lip-tube perturbation in 6-year-old children and adults. Tubes were placed between the speakers’ lips to perturb vocal tract geometry. Ultrasound images and speech signals were recorded for this isolated vowel in three conditions: (1) before liptube insertion, (2) with the tube in place, and (3) after removal of the lip-tube. Speakers pronounced ten repetitions of the isolated vowel in each condition. To account for the quality of the compensation, perceptual experiments were carried out and revealed that 6 speakers (4 adults and 2 children) were able to completely compensate for the perturbation. The selectivity of compensatory articulation may be related to biomechanical constraints relative to each speaker, which could prevent them from achieving complete compensation. The results of this study further extend our understanding of the use of feedback in the development of speech production processes and help to specify the representation of the speech task.
Doubly Triggered Rounding Harmony in Laal as Subphonemic Agreement by Correspondence *

In this paper, I present the doubly triggered rounding harmony of Laal, an isolate language spoken by ca. 750 people in two villages in southern Chad. This alternation is a rare and intriguing case of “phonological teamwork,” i.e. a process involving more than one trigger (Lionnet in prep.), involving subphonemic cumulative effects. This process is similar to the better known case of Cantonese intercoronal fronting (Flemming 1997, 2001), a morpheme structure constraint preventing a back rounded vowel from surfacing between two coronal consonants, illustrated in (1) below:
Stability and Instability of Subjective Well-Being in the Transition from Adolescence to Young Adulthood: Longitudinal Evidence from 20991 Young Australians

Purpose This study assessed the long-term stability and instability of subjective well-being during post-school transition (i.e., transition from adolescence to young adulthood) and evaluated the determinants of transition stability. Methods Using two cohorts from a national representative longitudinal study, the Longitudinal Study of Australian Youth (N = 20991), latent profile analysis and latent transition analysis were conducted to examine transition patterns among subjective well-being profiles for youth from age 17 to 25. Multinomial logistic regressions were conducted to evaluate whether key socio-demographic variables were associated with transition stability. Results We identified: (1) three subjective well-being profiles: Low (30%), Moderate (50%), and High (20%); and (2) three major transition patterns among these subjective well-being profiles: stable, partially-stable, and unstable. The majority of youth had stable transition patterns during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. A large percentage of youth (52%) started low in subjective well-being profile and remained in the low subjective-wellbeing profile. Our examination also revealed gender was the most pronounced indicator for transition stability during this time period, with males more likely to have unstable transition patterns than females. Conclusions Results suggest that different subjective well-being status and transition patterns can be identified in the post-high school transition to adulthood, including unstable transitions. By targeting those groups more vulnerable to transition, mental health promotion and interventions may be delivered more effectively.
An Exploration of Australian Petrol Demand: Lagged Adjustment, Unobservable Habits, Irreversibility, and Some Updated Estimates

We estimate a demand equation for petrol in Australia. We explore two methodological improvements to the standard dynamic demand model-an improved lagged adjustment process and the inclusion of unobservable habits. Both of these improvements imply that standard estimation techniques produce inconsistent estimates. We implement our methodological improvements and find a short-run price elasticity of -0.13 and a long-run price elasticity of -0.20. Importantly, we find that standard techniques are misleading about the precision of elasticity estimates and that the confidence interval around the long-run price elasticity is quite wide. Results are very sensitive to the inclusion of time trends, which appear to be appropriate. Results are also sensitive to correct modeling of lag structure. We find almost no evidence that petrol responds differently to price increases and decreases.
A Report of At-Scale Distribution of Chlorhexidine Digluconate 7.1% Gel for Newborn Cord Care to 36,404 Newborns in Sokoto State, Nigeria: Initial Lessons Learned

Background With an annual estimated 276,000 neonatal deaths, Nigeria has the second highest of any country in the world. Global progress in accelerating neonatal deaths is hinged to scaled-up interventions in Nigeria. We used routine data of chlorhexidine digluconate 7.1% gel utilized by 36,404 newborns delivered by 36,370 mothers, to study lessons associated with at-scale distribution in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria. Methods and Findings Under state government leadership, a community-based distribution system overseen by 244 ward development committees and over 3,440 community-based health volunteers and community drug keepers, was activated to deliver two locally stored medicines to women when labor commenced. Newborns and their mothers were tracked through 28 days and 42 days respectively, including verbal autopsy results. 36,404 or 26.3% of expected newborns received the gel from April 2013 to December 2013 throughout all 244 wards in the State. 99.97% of newborns survived past 28 days. There were 124 pre-verified neonatal deaths reported. Upon verification using verbal autopsy procedures, 76 deaths were stillborn and 48 were previously live births. Among the previous 48 live births, the main causes of death were sepsis (40%), asphyxia (29%) and prematurity (8%). Underuse of logistics management information by government in procurement decisions and not accounting for differences in LGA population sizes during commodity distribution, severely limited program scalability. Conclusions Enhancements in the predictable availability and supply of chlorhexidine digluconate 7.1% gel to communities through better, evidence-based logistics management by the state public sector will most likely dramatically increase program scalability. Infections as a cause of mortality in babies delivered in home settings may be much higher than previously conceived. In tandem with high prevalence of stillborn deaths, delivery, interventions designed to increase mothers’ timely and regular use of quality antenatal care, and increased facility-based based delivery, need urgent attention. We call for accelerated investments in community health volunteer programs and the requisite community measurement systems to better track coverage. We also advocate for the development, refinement and use of routine community-based verbal autopsies to track newborn and maternal survival.
Does tendon lengthening surgery affect muscle tone in children with cerebral palsy?

The objective of this study was to determine if surgical lengthening of the hamstrings and gastrocnemius/Achilles complex affects muscle tone in patients with cerebral palsy. The question was if the dynamic component of muscle length changes after orthopedic surgery. A retrospective study was performed on ambulatory children with cerebral palsy who underwent either hamstring lengthening or gastrocnemius/Achilles tendon lengthening. A total of 135 consecutive patients with an average age of 13 years were included in the study. A single random side was selected for children with bilateral surgery and the affected limb was analyzed for those undergoing unilateral surgery. The popliteal angle measurement was performed with a quick and slow stretch, as well as the ankle dorsiflexion, and measurements were made using a goniometer. The difference (delta ml) between initial grab with fast stretch and end of range (EOR) with slow stretch was used as a measure of spasticity. The Bohannon modification of the Ashworth score was also assessed. Postoperatively, 18 degrees popliteal angle improvement in end-of-range and 32 degrees improvement in quick stretch in the hamstrings group were noted, with change in slow stretch, quick stretch and delta ml (comparison between quick and slow stretch) being significant at p < . 0001. In the triceps surae group, 14 degrees ankle dorsiflexion improvement in end-of-range, and 18 degrees improvement in quick stretch were noted postoperatively, with change in slow stretch, quick stretch and delta ml at p < . 0001, p < . 0001, and p < . 0180 respectively. Ashworth scale was reduced by at least one grade in 89% of subjects in the hamstring group and 78% of subjects in the triceps surae group of the children with preoperative Ashworth 3 and above.
Geometric ad-hoc routing for unit disk graphs and general cost models

What is the influence of the chosen cost metric on the performance of a mobile ad-hoc routing algorithm? In this paper we define the notion of a general cost metric and observe that all cost metrics fall into two classes, linearly bounded and superlinear. Distinguished by a natural argument, the two classes yet show a dramatic difference: On a network with linearly bounded cost metric a geometric routing algorithm will find a route whose cost at most quadratic in the cost of the optimal route, which at the same time is asymptotically optimal. On the other hand there is no such bound on a graph with super-linear cost functions for any geometric routing algorithm. We introduce, however, the class of bounded degree unit disk graphs, on which all cost metrics are equivalent. We finally propose an asymptotically optimal distributed geometric routing algorithm based on node clustering and network backbone construction.
Neural correlates of anchoring-and-adjustment during mentalizing

Recent studies have suggested that the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) contributes both to understanding the mental states of others and to introspecting about one's own mind. This finding has suggested that perceivers might use their own thoughts and feelings as a starting point for making inferences about others, consistent with “simulation” or “self-projection” views of social cognition. However, perceivers cannot simply assume that others think and feel exactly as they do; social cognition also must include processes that adjust for perceived differences between self and other. Recent cognitive work has suggested that such correction occurs through a process of “anchoring-and-adjustment” by which perceivers serially tune their inferences from an initial starting point based on their own introspections. Here, we used functional MRI to test two predictions derived from this anchoring-and-adjustment view. Participants (n = 64) used a Likert scale to judge the preferences of another person and to indicate their own preferences on the same items, allowing us to calculate the discrepancy between the participant's answers for self and other. Whole-brain parametric analyses identified a region in the MPFC in which activity was related linearly to this self–other discrepancy when inferring the mental states of others. These findings suggest both that the self serves as an important starting point from which to understand others and that perceivers customize such inferences by serially adjusting away from this anchor.
A Wireless Accelerometer-Based Body Posture Stability Detection System and Its Application for Meditation Practitioners

The practice of meditation has become an interesting research issue in recent decades. Meditation is known to be beneficial for health improvement and illness reduction and many studies on meditation have been made, from both the physiological and psychological points of view. It is a fundamental requirement of meditation practice to be able to sit without body motion. In this study, a novel body motion monitoring and estimation system has been developed. A wireless tri-axis accelerometer is used to measure body motion. Both a mean and maximum motion index is derived from the square summation of three axes. Two experiments were conducted in this study. The first experiment was to investigate the motion index baseline among three leg-crossing postures. The second experiment was to observe posture dynamics for thirty minute’s meditation. Twenty-six subjects participated in the experiments. In one experiment, thirteen subjects were recruited from an experienced meditation group (meditation experience > 3 years); and the other thirteen subjects were beginners (meditation experience < 1 years). There was a significant posture stability difference between both groups in terms of either mean or maximum parameters (p < 0.05), according to the results of the experiment. Results from another experiment showed that the motion index is different for various postures, such as full-lotus < half-lotus < non-lotus.
The increasing incidence of anticoagulant-associated intracerebral hemorrhage

Objective: To define temporal trends in the incidence of anticoagulant-associated intracerebral hemorrhage (AAICH) during the 1990s and relate them to rates of cardioembolic ischemic stroke. Methods: We identified all patients hospitalized with first-ever intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in greater Cincinnati during 1988, from July 1993 through June 1994, and during 1999. AAICH was defined as ICH in patients receiving warfarin or heparin. Patients from the same region hospitalized with first-ever ischemic stroke of cardioembolic mechanism were identified during 1993/1994 and 1999. Incidence rates were calculated and adjusted to the 2000 US population. Estimates of warfarin distribution in the United States were obtained for the years 1988 through 2004. Results: AAICH occurred in 9 of 184 ICH cases (5%) in 1988, 23 of 267 cases (9%) in 1993/1994, and 54 of 311 cases (17%) in 1999 (p < 0.001). The annual incidence of AAICH per 100,000 persons was 0.8 (95% CI 0.3 to 1.3) in 1988, 1.9 (1.1 to 2.7) in 1993/1994, and 4.4 (3.2 to 5.5) in 1999 (p < 0.001 for trend). Among persons aged ≥80, the AAICH rate increased from 2.5 (0 to 7.4) in 1988 to 45.9 (25.6 to 66.2) in 1999 (p < 0.001 for trend). Incidence rates of cardioembolic ischemic stroke were similar in 1993/1994 and 1999 (31.1 vs 30.4, p = 0.65). Warfarin distribution in the United States quadrupled on a per-capita basis between 1988 and 1999. Conclusions: The incidence of anticoagulant-associated intracerebral hemorrhage quintupled in our population during the 1990s. The majority of this change can be explained by increasing warfarin use. Anticoagulant-associated intracerebral hemorrhage now occurs at a frequency comparable to subarachnoid hemorrhage.
The mental map and memorability in dynamic graphs

In dynamic graph drawing, preserving the mental map, or ensuring that the location of nodes do not change significantly as the information evolves over time is considered an important property by algorithm designers. Many prior experiments have attempted to verify this principle, with surprisingly little success. These experiments have used several different algorithmic methods, a variety of graph interpretation questions on both real and fabricated data, and different presentation methods. However, none of the results have conclusively demonstrated the importance of mental map preservation on task performance. Our experiment measures the efficacy of the dynamic graph drawing in a different manner: we look at how memorable the evolving graph is, rather than how easy it is to interpret. As observed in the previous studies, we found no significant difference in terms of response time or error rate when preserving the mental map. While preserving the mental map is a good idea in principle, we find that it may not always support performance. However, our qualitative data suggests that, in terms of the user's perception, preserving the mental map makes memorability tasks easier. Our qualitative data also suggests that there may be two features of the dynamic graph drawing that may assist in their memorability: interesting subgraphs that remain visible over time and interesting patterns in node movement. The former is supported by preserving the mental map while the latter is not.
THE PORPHYROPSIN VISUAL SYSTEM

1. In the rods of fresh-water and some anadromous fishes, rhodopsin is replaced by the purple photolabile pigment porphyropsin. This participates in a retinal cycle identical in form with that of rhodopsin, but in which new carotenoids replace retinene and vitamin A. 2. Porphyropsin possesses a broad absorption maximum at 522 ± 2 mµ, and perhaps a minimum at about 430 mµ. The vitamin A-analogue, vitamin A2, possesses a maximum in chloroform at 355 mµ and yields with antimony trichloride a deep blue color due to a band at 696 mµ. The retinene-analogue, retinene2, absorbs maximally in chloroform at 405 mµ and possesses an antimony chloride maximum at 706 mµ. 3. Its non-diffusibility through a semi-permeable membrane, salting-out properties, and sensitivity to chemical denaturants and to heat, characterize porphyropsin as a conjugated carotenoid-protein. 4. The porphyropsin cycle may be formulated: porphyropsin See PDF for Structure. retinene2-protein (2) → vitamin A2-protein (3) → porphyropsin. Isolation of the retina cuts this cycle at (3); denaturation procedures or extraction of porphyropsin into aqueous solution eliminate in addition (1) and (2). 5. The primary difference between the rhodopsin and porphyropsin systems appears to be the possession by the latter of an added ethylenic group in the polyene chain.
When nurturing is conditional: how NEET practitioners position the support they give to young people who are not in education, employment or training

ABSTRACT This paper explores the perceptions of professionals working with young people who are NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) about their role in young people’s trajectories. The issue of professionally and educationally inactive young people is a growing concern in Western economies and has been at the forefront of government agendas for the last 30 years. However, policies designed to re-engage young people position them as lacking in qualities sought by employers. Meanwhile, the educational provision dedicated to NEETs is often described as providing low-value qualifications, and practitioners who work with NEETs are considered to have a lower status than other teaching professionals. A mixed-methods study was conducted including six semi-structured interviews and an online survey completed by 25 professionals working with NEETs. The findings highlight that professionals working with NEETs are positioned in a contradictory role. On the one hand, they are tasked with delivering courses based on educational policies that place the responsibility for employment within the individual. On the other hand, they perceive NEET young people’s circumstances as the result of structural inequalities. Practitioners seem to reconcile these contradictions by construing their own role as the provision of a safe space in which young people can develop.
The financial circumstances of disabled adults living in private households

The OPCS surveys of disability provide information about the number of disabled people in Great Britain with different levels of severity and their circumstances for the purposes of planning benefits and services. Four separate surveys were carried out between 1985 and 1988, covering adults in private households, children in private households, adults in communal establishments and children in communal establishments. This reports examines the financial circumstances of disabled adults living in private households.
The relationship of student’s motivation, program evaluation, career attitudes and career aspirations in university–industry cooperation program

Abstract The number of university–industry cooperation programs has increased rapidly over the last few years. Research in this field is spare. This study therefore explores this gap with particular focus on the relationship of student motivation, evaluation of program, students’ attitudes and career aspirations in tourism and hospitality university–industry cooperation program. Using students from a university–industry cooperation program in Macau as a sample, this study collected 151 usable questionnaires from undergraduate students. The finding of this study enriched the knowledge of the education system relative to students’ behaviors. The implications and recommendations for both hospitality educators and practitioners were also discussed.
Probabilistic Model Checking for Biology

Probabilistic model checking is an automated method for verifying the correctness and performance of probabilistic models. Property specifications are expressed in probabilistic temporal logic, denoting, for example, the probability of a given event, the probability of its occurrence within a given time interval, or expected number of times it has occurred in a time period. This chapter focuses on the application of probabilistic model checking to biological systems modelled as continuous-time Markov chains, illustrating the usefulness of these techniques through relevant case studies performed with the probabilistic model checker PRISM. We begin with an introduction to discrete-time Markov chains and the corresponding model checking algorithms. Then continuous-time Markov chain models are defined, together with the logic CSL (Continuous Stochastic Logic), and an overview of model checking for CSL is given, which proceeds mainly by reduction to discrete-time Markov chains. The techniques are illustrated with examples of biochemical reaction networks, which are verified against quantitative temporal properties. Next a biological case study analysing the Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) molecular signalling pathway is summarised, highlighting how probabilistic model checking can assist in scientific discovery. Finally, we consider DNA computation, and specifically the DSD formalism (DNA Strand Displacement), and show how errors can be detected in DNA gate designs, analogous to model checking for digital circuits.