Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alterations in energy balance from an exercise intervention with ad libitum food intake

Abstract Better understanding is needed regarding the effects of exercise alone, without any imposed dietary regimens, as a single tool for body-weight regulation. Thus, we evaluated the effects of an 8-week increase in activity energy expenditure (AEE) on ad libitum energy intake (EI), body mass and composition in healthy participants with baseline physical activity levels (PAL) in line with international recommendations. Forty-six male adults (BMI = 19·7–29·3 kg/m2) participated in an intervention group, and ten (BMI = 21·0–28·4 kg/m2) in a control group. Anthropometric measures, cardiorespiratory fitness, EI, AEE and exercise intensity were recorded at baseline and during the 1st, 5th and 8th intervention weeks, and movement was recorded throughout. Body composition was measured at the beginning and at the end of the study, and resting energy expenditure was measured after the study. The intervention group increased PAL from 1·74 (se 0·03) to 1·93 (se 0·03) (P < 0·0001) and cardiorespiratory fitness from 41·4 (se 0·9) to 45·7 (se 1·1) ml O2/kg per min (P = 0·001) while decreasing body mass (−1·36 (se 0·2) kg; P = 0·001) through adipose tissue mass loss (ATM) (−1·61 (se 0·2) kg; P = 0·0001) compared with baseline. The control group did not show any significant changes in activity, body mass or ATM. EI was unchanged in both groups. The results indicate that in normal-weight and overweight men, increasing PAL from 1·7 to 1·9 while keeping EI ad libitum over an 8-week period produces a prolonged negative energy balance. Replication using a longer period (and/or more intense increase in PAL) is needed to investigate if and at what body composition the increase in AEE is met by an equivalent increase in EI.
Searches after Gravitational Waves Using ARizona Observatories (SAGUARO): System Overview and First Results from Advanced LIGO/Virgo’s Third Observing Run

We present Searches After Gravitational-waves Using ARizona Observatories (SAGUARO), a comprehensive effort dedicated to the discovery and characterization of optical counterparts to gravitational-wave (GW) events. SAGUARO utilizes ground-based facilities ranging from 1.5 to 10 m in diameter, located primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. We provide an overview of SAGUARO’s telescopic resources, its pipeline for transient detection, and its database for candidate visualization. We describe SAGUARO’s discovery component, which utilizes the 5 deg2 field of view optical imager on the Mt. Lemmon 1.5 m telescope, reaching limits of ≈21.3 AB mag while rapidly tiling large areas. We also describe the follow-up component of SAGUARO, used for rapid vetting and monitoring of optical candidates. With the onset of Advanced LIGO/Virgo’s third observing run, we present results from the first three SAGUARO searches following the GW events S190408an, S190425z and S190426c, which serve as a valuable proof-of-concept of SAGUARO. We triggered and searched 15, 60, and 60 deg2 respectively, 17.6, 1.4, and 41.8 hr after the initial GW alerts. We covered 7.8%, 3.0%, and 5.1% of the total probability within the GW event localizations, reaching 3σ limits of 19.8, 21.3, and 20.8 AB mag, respectively. Although no viable counterparts associated with these events were found, we recovered six known transients and ruled out five potential candidates. We also present Large Binocular Telescope spectroscopy of PS19eq/SN2019ebq, a promising kilonova candidate that was later determined to be a supernova. With the ability to tile large areas and conduct detailed follow-up, SAGUARO represents a significant addition to GW counterpart searches.
CheckNet: Secure Inference on Untrusted Devices

We introduce CheckNet, a method for secure inference with deep neural networks on untrusted devices. CheckNet is like a checksum for neural network inference: it verifies the integrity of the inference computation performed by untrusted devices to 1) ensure the inference has actually been performed, and 2) ensure the inference has not been manipulated by an attacker. CheckNet is completely transparent to the third party running the computation, applicable to all types of neural networks, does not require specialized hardware, adds little overhead, and has negligible impact on model performance. CheckNet can be configured to provide different levels of security depending on application needs and compute/communication budgets. We present both empirical and theoretical validation of CheckNet on multiple popular deep neural network models, showing excellent attack detection (0.88-0.99 AUC) and attack success bounds.
Is Housing Diversity Good for Community Stability? Evidence from the Housing Crisis

This article explores the connections between the housing diversity of a community and its home foreclosures for a period before the peak in the national home foreclosure rate and its home sales for a period after the peak. We measure housing diversity as a mix of existing housing units by type and, separately, as a mix of zoned residential densities. We carefully select and analyze fourteen US metropolitan statistical areas. Using multivariate and spatial regression, we find that communities with lower housing diversity had higher rates of foreclosure. Finally, we discuss how our findings can help planners advance housing diversity.
Nose detection in far infrared image for non-contact measurement of breathing

In this paper, we propose a method of detecting nasal cavity location in far infrared images for non-contact determination of human breathing. Current non-contact methods for far infrared imaging assumed that the user's body is stationary. We apply the Viola-Jones' method to exactly detect regions that includes nasal cavities. 5,100 FIR images are collected to train our nasal cavity detector; we evaluate the number of false alarms and detection failures. The results show that proposed method can accurately detect nasal region from the front view of the face.
Ocular disease pattern induced by herpes simplex virus is genetically determined by a specific region of viral DNA

The pattern of ocular disease produced in the rabbit eye by HSV-1 (F) and HSV-1(MP) strains and recombinants F(MP)A, F(MP)B, F(MP)C, F(MP)D, F(MP)E, and F(MP)F was studied. The characteristics of ocular herpetic disease such as morphology of dendritic ulcers, severity of epithelial disease and incidence and duration of stromal disease produced in the rabbit eye are genetically determined by the virus strain. Our studies show that transfer of a defined part of the genome of the stromal disease-producing virus, HSV-1(MP), to the genome of an epithelial disease-producing virus, HSV-1(F), yielded recombinants with one or more of the disease characteristics of the donor strain. Specifically, recombinant F(MP)D produced lesions characteristic of the donor HSV- 1(MP) strain; recombinants F(MP)C and F(MP)E produced stromal disease approaching the severity of the disease produced by the donor HSV-1(MP) strain, and only recombinants F(MP)A and F(MP)B retained the typically elongate lesions of the recipient HSV-1(F), whereas the recombinant strain F(MP)F produced no disease. The viral functions pertaining to the ocular disease pattern map between 0.70 and 0.83 map units in HSV-1 DNA within the BglII F DNA fragment. The pattern of stromal disease is independent of the production of glycoprotein C and fusion of HEp-2- infected cells. The functions relating to these aspects of ocular disease segregate but are closely linked.
Tolerance modelling and application programming interfaces

Tolerances, surface finishes, and other technological attributes of mechanical parts and assemblies must be represented in product models that support the entire life cycles of the products. This paper describes an experimental tolerance modeler and an associated API (Application Programming Interface) that hides the modeler’s internal details. Our tolerance modeler can be attached to any nominal-geometry modeler through a tolerance adaptor. Two tolerance adaptors, for PADL-2 (a Constructive Solid Geometry system) and for Parasolid (a boundary modeler) are presented. Applications that use tolerancing information can be written in a modeler-independent fashion by invoking the API introduced here. Our approach supports incremental construction of the tolerance model as the nominal-geometry model evolves, and provides archival, persistent representations.
A General Interpretation of Deep Learning by Affine Transform and Region Dividing without Mutual Interference

This paper mainly deals with the "black-box" problem of deep learning composed of ReLUs with n-dimensional input space, as well as some discussions of sigmoid-unit deep learning. We prove that a region of input space can be transmitted to succeeding layers one by one in the sense of affine transforms; adding a new layer can help to realize the subregion dividing without influencing an excluded region, which is a key distinctive feature of deep leaning. Then constructive proof is given to demonstrate that multi-category data points can be classified by deep learning. Furthermore, we prove that deep learning can approximate an arbitrary continuous function on a closed set of n-dimensional space with arbitrary precision. Finally, generalize some of the conclusions of ReLU deep learning to the case of sigmoid-unit deep learning.
Achieving Conservation of Energy in Neural Network Emulators for Climate Modeling

Artificial neural-networks have the potential to emulate cloud processes with higher accuracy than the semi-empirical emulators currently used in climate models. However, neural-network models do not intrinsically conserve energy and mass, which is an obstacle to using them for long-term climate predictions. Here, we propose two methods to enforce linear conservation laws in neural-network emulators of physical models: Constraining (1) the loss function or (2) the architecture of the network itself. Applied to the emulation of explicitly-resolved cloud processes in a prototype multi-scale climate model, we show that architecture constraints can enforce conservation laws to satisfactory numerical precision, while all constraints help the neural-network better generalize to conditions outside of its training set, such as global warming.
ON THE WALL : THE IMPLICATIONS OF STATUS FOR OVERESTIMATION OF NETWORK TIES

Network ties are the building block of many organizational theory studies, yet the literature frequently relies on self-reported measures of such ties. Despite a large body of work that examines self and social perception, consensus has yet to emerge in the psychology literature as to whether people are accurate in their self perceptions. The factors that influence that accuracy, or inaccuracy, and their implications for behavior and outcomes in the workplace also remain fertile ground for exploration. While the correspondence or convergence view argues that self perceptions are accurate (Bem 1972; c.f., John & Robins, 1994), the self-enhancing distortion perspective asserts that self perceptions are systematically inaccurate (Taylor & Brown, 1988). More recent studies of meta-accuracy (i.e., the extent people know how others perceive them) suggest that people are much better at assessing accurately how others in general view them, but much less adept at assessing accurately how specific people view them (DePaulo, Hoover, Webb, Kenny, & Oliver, 1987; Kenny & DePaolo, 1993; Kenny, Bond, Mohr, & Horn, 1996). We address variability in perception accuracy and seek to understand better when and why people become inaccurate in their self-perceptions of trust network ties.
Self-monitoring, self-awareness, and self-determination in cardiac rehabilitation

The application of self-monitoring technologies to the problem of promoting health-related behavioural change has been an active area of research for many years. This paper reports on our investigations into health-related behavioural change within the context of a cardiac rehabilitation programme, and considers the role that self-monitoring currently plays and may play in the future. We carried out semi-structured interviews with nineteen cardiac rehabilitation participants. Our main findings relate to distinctions between implicit and conscious change, tensions between cardiac rehabilitation and everyday life, the importance of self-awareness and self-determination, and an overall reluctance towards unnecessary self-monitoring. In view of these findings, we then offer suggestions as to how self-monitoring technologies can be designed to suit this particular context of use.
Validating and Adapting the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) for STEM Courses at an HBCU

This study investigated the validity and reliability of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) for minority students enrolled in STEM courses at a historically black college/university (HBCU). Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the third-order factor structure and to respecify the model. An adequate fit to the study sample data was achieved for the respecified MSLQ (MSLQ-R), and measurement invariance was verified on four groups within the HBCU sample. The highest correlates with EOC grade on the MSLQ-R were self-efficacy, task value, effort regulation, and time and study environment. Metacognitive self-regulation and strategy use variables were found to not correlate with EOC grade. A useful capability to discriminate on the basis of academic performance was exhibited by the MSLQ-R.
Influence of Problem Based Learning on Critical Thinking Skills and Competence Class VIII SMPN 1 Gunuang Omeh, 2016/2017

This research intends to determine the effect of Problem Based Learning models on students' critical thinking skills and competences. This study was a quasi-experimental research. The population of the study was the students of class VIII SMPN 1 Subdistrict Gunuang Omeh. Random sample selection is done by randomizing the class. Sample class that was chosen VIII3 as an experimental class given that treatment study based on problems and class VIII1 as control class that treatment usually given study. Instrument that used to consist of critical thinking test, cognitive tests, observation sheet of affective and psychomotor. Independent t-test and Mann Whitney U test was used for the analysis. Results showed that there was significant difference (sig <0.05) between control and experimental group. The conclusion of this study was Problem Based Learning models affected the students’ critical thinking skills and competences.
Secessionist social services reduce the public costs of civilian killings: Experimental evidence from the United States and the United Kingdom

How do international audiences evaluate the legitimacy of secessionist insurgencies? Although secessionists often propagate their behavioral choices, such as state-building and non-violence, to international audiences in the hopes of generating support, scholars know little about the effects of this information. In this article, we use survey experiments in the United States and the United Kingdom to examine how international audiences respond to two commonly used strategies of secession: civilian killings and social service provision. We find that international audiences view secessionists who avoid civilian killings and provide social services as more legitimate than secessionists who kill civilians and do not provide services, respectively. Further, we show that service provision can allow secessionists to reduce—and, in some cases, eliminate—the public costs of civilian killings. These findings have important implications for ongoing secessionist conflicts across the globe.
Innovation Effects of Science-Related Technological Opportunities / Innovationseffekte von technologischen Möglichkeiten aus dem Wissenschaftsbereich

Summary This paper investigates the innovation effects of science-related technological opportunities. Against the background of theoretical considerations about the interrelation of innovation process and adaptation of external (knowledge) resources, the impacts of technological opportunities stemming from scientific institutions on firms’ innovation input and output are empirically analyzed for the German manufacturing industry. The investigations focus on the question of whether science-related technological opportunities are used as complements or substitutes in the innovation process. The estimations indicate complementary relationships between firms’ innovation input and technological opportunities stemming from scientific institutions. The adaptation of science-related knowledge resources has stimulating effects on the intensity of in-house R&D. The results for the innovation output effects are ambiguous. On the one hand, empirical evidence for complementary impacts on the realization of process innovations could be found. On the other hand, science-related technological opportunities have no enhancing effects on the probability of realizing product innovations. Obviously, knowledge from universities and research institutes stimulates the development of new products more indirectly by increasing in-house capacities and enhancing R&D efficiency. Zusammenfassung In diesem Beitrag werden die von technologischen Möglichkeiten aus dem Wissenschaftsbereich induzierten Innovationseffekte analysiert. Vor dem Hintergrund theoretischer Überlegungen zum Zusammenhang zwischen betriebsinternen FuE-Aktivitäten und der Nutzung externer Wissensquellen wird der Einfluss technologischer Möglichkeiten aus dem Wissenschaftsbereich auf den betrieblichen Innovationsinput und -output im Verarbeitenden Gewerbe der Bundesrepublik Deutschland empirisch untersucht. Die ökonometrischen Schätzungen zeigen, dass sich die Nutzbarmachung von wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnissen stimulierend auf die Intensität betriebsinterner FuE-Anstrengungen auswirkt. Zwischen dem betrieblichen Innovationsinput und der Nutzung technologischer Möglichkeiten aus Hochschulen und Forschungsinstituten besteht insofern ein komplementäres Verhältnis. Die Ergebnisse auf der Seite des Innovationsoutputs fallen ambivalent aus. Die ökonometrischen Schätzungen weisen einen positiven Zusammenhang zwischen der Entwicklung verbesserter Produkte und der Adaption wissenschaftlicher Erkenntnisse aus. Bezogen auf die Entwicklung grundlegend neuer Produkte finden sich dafür aber keine empirischen Belege. Technologische Möglichkeiten aus dem Wissenschaftsbereich fördern demnach die Entwicklung von Produktinnovationen mehr indirekt, indem betriebsintern vorhandene Kapazitäten erweitert und die Forschungseffizienz erhöht werden.
Computing Computational Thinking : Towards the Automatic Recognition of Computational Thinking in Real Time

Since the1990’s there have been multiple efforts to fix the broken pipeline at the K-12 level in computer science (CS) education [1-3], and most of those efforts have focused on the student motivational factor [4, 5]. The results of many studies in computer science education indicate that student motivation in computer science has been successfully increased by those efforts [4, 5], but most of them failed to rigorously assess student learning. I believe that this biased tendency of CS education research was caused by failing to have the right instrument to measure student learning of content at the semantic level. In other words, the right assessment instrument should be able to assess not only assess acquired students’ knowledge but also guide students to the next level of learning. Student learning may be measured with existing tools such as grading rubrics, but it is extremely time consuming and has a limited functionality to provide necessary educational feedback from students’ learning progressions.
Mergers and Acquisitions in British Banking : Forty Years of Evidence from 1885 until 1925 ∗

We study the effects of bank mergers and acquisitions in the U.K. from 1885 to 1925. The lack of a regulatory authority and the confidential nature of merger negotiations allows us to precisely measure the wealth effects of M&As in a laissez-faire environment. We find positive wealth effects for bidders (0.7%-1%) and targets (6.7%-8%) over the announcement month. When takeovers took place in a competitive environment wealth creation appears to be related to effi ciency gains. As competition decreased, gains to shareholders appear to be related to increased oligopoly power. In a less competitive environment, banks tended to reduce the amount of loans and increase their holdings of safe marketable securities. Banks with higher charter value displayed higher capital
Effect of Light on the Photosynthesis, Pigment Content and Stomatal Density of Sun and Shade Leaves of Vernonia Amygdalina

Light affects the growth and development of plants by influencing the physical appearance of one leaf as well as the appearance of the whole plant. Plant photosynthesis, stomata density, and pigment contents are all influenced by light The objective of this research is to determine the effect of light on the photosynthesis, pigment content and stomatal density of Sun and Shade Leaves of Vernonia amygdalina. Gas exchange was measured using Li-6400 and the data obtained was used to create a light response curve where parameters including light saturation point (LSP), light compensation point (LCP) and apparent quantum yield were estimated. Photosynthetic pigment were quantified spectrophotometrically. Moreover, the stomatal density was counted under light microscope, after making a nail polish impression of the leaf. The results discovered shows that as the light intensity increases, the gas exchange and stomatal density increases while the photosynthetic pigment of the studied plant decreases (P<0.05). In addition, LSP and LCP increases with increasing light intensity. Besides, statistically significant negative correlation (P<0.05) was achieved among stomatal density and transpiration rate thereby leading to a conclusion that sun leaves of Vernonia amygdalina contribute the highest assimilation rate to the plant than shade leaves. Yet, the higher stomatal density of sun leaves provides water saving to the plant.
Hemoglobin and albumin adducts of benzene oxide among workers exposed to high levels of benzene.

Benzene oxide (BO) reacts with cysteinyl residues in hemoglobin (Hb) and albumin (Alb) to form protein adducts (BO-Hb and BO-Alb), which are presumed to be specific biomarkers of exposure to benzene. We analyzed BO-Hb in 43 exposed workers and 42 unexposed controls, and BO-Alb in a subsample consisting of 19 workers and 19 controls from Shanghai, China, as part of a larger cross-sectional study of benzene biomarkers. The adducts were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry following reaction of the protein with trifluoroacetic anhydride and methanesulfonic acid. When subjects were divided into controls (n = 42) and workers exposed to < or =31 (n = 21) and >31 p.p.m. (n = 22) benzene, median BO-Hb levels were 32.0, 46.7 and 129 pmol/g globin, respectively (correlation with exposure: Spearman r = 0.67, P < 0.0001). To our knowledge, these results represent the first observation in humans that BO-Hb levels are significantly correlated with benzene exposure. Median BO-Alb levels in these 3 groups were 103 (n = 19), 351 (n = 7) and 2010 (n = 12) pmol/g Alb, respectively, also reflecting a significant correlation with exposure (Spearman r = 0.90, P < 0.0001). The blood dose of BO predicted from both Hb and Alb adducts was very similar. These results clearly affirm the use of both Hb and Alb adducts of BO as biomarkers of exposure to high levels of benzene. As part of our investigation of the background levels of BO-Hb and BO-Alb found in unexposed persons, we analyzed recombinant human Hb and Alb for BO adducts. Significant levels of both BO-Hb (19.7 pmol/g) and BO-Alb (41.9 pmol/g) were detected, suggesting that portions of the observed background adducts reflect an artifact of the assay, while other portions are indicative of either unknown exposures or endogenous production of adducts.