Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Requirements analysis of presence: Insights from a RPG game

Virtual worlds are computer-based simulations intended to give its users the impression of being in another place. Presence, or the sense of “being there,” is a major design requirement for virtual environments where users inhabit an artificial reality in the form of two or three-dimensional graphical representations. Promoting this subjective experience has always been one of the major concerns of designers, but this complex and difficult task requires the awareness of other design requirements and their effects on presence. This article aims to define various psychological and technological aspects of presence based on virtual environment design requirements defined by Stuart [2001]. Previous research tried to define hypothesized factors of presence by using subjective user responses obtained from questionnaires. This study incorporates a different approach to define potential components of presence, specifying the individual design requirements for virtual worlds based on the conceptual framework designed by Stuart. This framework has not been applied to the analysis of the concept of presence before, and it defines possible factors that contribute to a sense of presence, some of which have not been included in previous work. In order to decompose presence into its components, researchers should also be aware of the design requirements delineated in this framework. Detailed analysis of design requirements will focus on a computer role-playing game (RPG), giving examples from one of the best titles in the genre. Since role-playing games are social and interactive worlds where players assume the role of a virtual character that can be subjectively defined as a second-self, they are highly relevant to presence research. Thus, selected design requirements will be discussed from a computer-gaming perspective by defining how each relevant requirement is addressed on the selected RPG, and how they should be addressed by game designers.
Effect of the Quantum-Well Shape on the Performance of InGaN-Based Light-Emitting Diodes Emitting in the 400–500-nm Range

The electrical and optical properties of InGaN-GaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs) emitting in the 400-500-nm range and having a v-shaped quantum well (VSQW) and a u-shaped quantum well (USQW) are numerically investigated using APSYS simulation program. The simulation results showed that the devices containing VSQW have superior performance in terms of optical power and internal quantum efficiency droop compared to those with USQW. The optical power of the LEDs containing USQW increases gradually and reaches a maximum at 460 nm; however, the optical power of the LEDs with VSQW improves gradually, and the maximum is obtained in a window from 420 to 436 nm as a result of radiative recombination enhancement. The simulation results suggest that the higher performance of the VSQW is due to piezoelectric field reduction and an enhancement of electron and hole wave functions overlap.
Cognitive convergence in collaborative learning

Collaborative learning, as both a pedagogical method and a cognitive mechanism plays a prominent role in the Learning Sciences. In this symposium we will use the term "cognitive convergence" to encompass various concepts that have been used to explain the important processes underlying successful collaboration, such as intersubjectivity, coconstruction, knowledge convergence, common ground, joint problem space, and transactive reasoning. The goal of the symposium is to contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of cognitive convergence and to relate cognitive convergence to individual learning outcomes. We include studies that emphasize detailed analyses of the mechanisms, provide ideas about how to conceptualize and measure convergence, and include qualitative and quantitative measures of shared and converging learning outcomes. A special emphasis will be on methodological questions about how to analyze the processes of achieving convergence and how to assess how convergence affects outcomes of collaborative learning.
Salient Object Detection via Low-Rank and Structured Sparse Matrix Decomposition

Salient object detection provides an alternative solution to various image semantic understanding tasks such as object recognition, adaptive compression and image retrieval. Recently, low-rank matrix recovery (LR) theory has been introduced into saliency detection, and achieves impressed results. However, the existing LR-based models neglect the underlying structure of images, and inevitably degrade the associated performance. In this paper, we propose a Low-rank and Structured sparse Matrix Decomposition (LSMD) model for salient object detection. In the model, a tree-structured sparsity-inducing norm regularization is firstly introduced to provide a hierarchical description of the image structure to ensure the completeness of the extracted salient object. The similarity of saliency values within the salient object is then guaranteed by the $\ell _\infty$-norm. Finally, high-level priors are integrated to guide the matrix decomposition and enhance the saliency detection. Experimental results on the largest public benchmark database show that our model outperforms existing LR-based approaches and other state-of-the-art methods, which verifies the effectiveness and robustness of the structure cues in our model.
Comparison of 7 staging systems for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transarterial chemoembolization

I n a recent article in Cancer, Cho and colleagues suggested that the Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) system was the best prognostic system for predicting the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who were undergoing transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, and further validation studies will be performed. We agree with the authors. Predicting mortality is an important component of the decision-making process, and scoring systems (Child-Pugh, CLIP, Model for Endstage Liver Disease, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer, etc) long have been accepted for establishing patient outcomes in HCC. Although these models perform well in predicting the mortality or morbidity in the original cohorts on which the models were developed, they may underestimate or overestimate mortality or morbidity in different populations. However, in the midst of such uncertainty, fuzzy logic may play an important role in the decision-making process. Fuzzy logic is the science of reasoning, thinking, and inference that recognizes and uses the real-world phenomenon that everything is a matter of degree. In the simplest terms, fuzzy-logic theory is an extension of binary theory that does not use crisp definitions and distinctions. Instead of assuming that everything must be defined in to black and white (binary view), fuzzy logic is a method that captures and uses the concept of fuzziness in a computationally effective manner. Neural networks and fuzzy logic are 2 complementary technologies. Neural networks can learn (ie, adapt) from data and feedback, but understanding the pattern learned by neural networks is difficult. Conversely, fuzzy rule-based models are easy to comprehend, because they use linguistic terms and the structure of if/then rules. Unlike neural networks, fuzzy logic does not come with a learning algorithm (ie, the system cannot learn from feedback). The combination of neural networks and fuzzy logic has created a new term, a neurofuzzy system. Neural networks, fuzzy systems, and the combination of both already have been applied successfully to computeraided diagnosis—eg, detection of microcalcification, automatic detection of distorted plethysmogram pulses in neonates and pediatric patients, detection of erythematosquamous diseases, and lung-nodule detection—and have been useful for predicting the presence of prostate cancer. In conclusion, slight variations in population characteristics can change predictive values of the scoring systems. However, neurofuzzy systems can incorporate data from many clinical, biologic, and genetic variables and can provide better risk estimations for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Dynamics of Spectral Hole Burning in EDFAs: Dependency on Pump Wavelength and Pump Power

Pump wavelength and pump power dependency of the dynamical response of spectral hole burning (SHB) in erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) is investigated. The experimental results show a clear dependency on pump wavelength also in the 1480-nm range. Similar to other effects in EDFAs affecting transient performance, dynamics of SHB speeds up with increasing pump power. We conclude that the pump has a significant contribution to SHB and has to be taken into account in numerical models for SHB.
Effect of Strain Range on the Low Cycle Fatigue in Alloy 617 at High Temperature

The aim of this study is to investigate the fully‐reversed low cycle fatigue properties of Alloy 617 in the air at 950 °C; these tests were conducted at total strain ranges from 0.9% to 1.5% with a constant strain rate of 10−3/s. The result of the fatigue tests showed a decrease in fatigue resistance with an increasing total strain range. The reduction of fatigue resistance was due to the effect of the total strain range and microstructure evolution during high temperature, such as brittle oxides cracking. At all testing conditions, the cyclic softening mechanism was observed as a function of the total strain range in the current high temperature condition. An analysis of low cycle fatigue resistance was performed using the Coffin–Manson relationship and the total strain energy density; it was found that Alloy 617 followed these relationships well. In addition, this study compared well with previous work reported in the literature for a similar testing condition. Post‐fracture analysis on the fracture surfaces of failed specimens revealed a more severe damage cracking at the periphery of specimens due to the increase in the total strain range. The surface connected grain boundary cracks induced by oxidation were obvious at low strain range. Thus, the primary crack propagation occurred in transgranular mode from persistent slip bands.
Evaluation of the degree of dispersion of nanofillers by mechanical, rheological, and permeability analysis

The aim of this paper is a comparison of the effectiveness of different macrocharacterization techniques for the prediction of the degree of dispersion and intercalation of bidimensional nanofillers in an amorphous thermoplastic matrix. Organically modified montmorillonites (omMMT) were used as bidimensional nanofillers, whereas amorphous polyethylene-terephthalate copolymer (PETg) was used as matrix. Wide angle x-ray diffraction analysis showed no relevant difference between the samples processed at different temperatures, all characterized by a predominantly intercalated structure. On the other hand, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed the presence of some degree of exfoliation, as well as the presence of lamellar stacks of different thickness. The aspect ratio of lamellar stacks was estimated by means of rheological, mechanical, and gas permeability analysis. All techniques provided values which are in quite good agreement with TEM analysis. Furthermore, all techniques were able to capture the increase in the lamellar stack aspect ratio with decreasing processing temperature. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
African Americans and High Blood Pressure: The Role of Stereotype Threat

We examined the effect of stereotype threat on blood pressure reactivity. Compared with European Americans, and African Americans under little or no stereotype threat, African Americans under stereotype threat exhibited larger increases in mean arterial blood pressure during an academic test, and performed more poorly on difficult test items. We discuss the significance of these findings for understanding the incidence of hypertension among African Americans.
Understanding Girls with AD / HD-Part I Improving the Identification of Girls with AD / HD

Much of what we know, at present about girls with AD/HD, is based on clinical experience rather than research. Although AD/HD is the most highly researched childhood psychiatric disorder, fewer than 50 published research articles focus on girls. Over the years, girls with AD/HD have been overlooked because experts were focusing on the classic symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. With the advent of DSM-IV and the preceding field trials, it became apparent that AD/HD, without these classic symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, does exist and that more girls are found in that subgroup. In these trials, girls made up 20% of the hyperactive/impulsive group, 27% of the inattentive group, and 12% of the combined type group (Lahey & Carlson, 1991). However, even this study probably under represents the numbers of girls with AD/HD.
Comparative effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroids for paediatric asthma: protocol for a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis

Introduction Use of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) is the mainstream maintenance therapy for paediatric asthma. Several forms of ICS are available, but the relative effectiveness among ICS has not been well investigated in published, randomised, controlled trials. The paucity of direct comparisons between ICS may have resulted in insufficient estimation in former systematic reviews/meta-analyses. To supplement the information on the comparative effectiveness of ICS for paediatric asthma, we plan to conduct a network meta-analysis that will enable summary of direct and indirect evidence. Methods and analysis We will retrieve randomised, controlled trials that examined the effectiveness of ICS for paediatric asthma from the PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. After one author scans the title and abstract for eligible studies, two authors will independently review study data and assess the quality of the study. Studies of children (≤18 years old) with chronic asthma or recurrent wheezing episodes will be included if they used ICS for ≥4 weeks. We will define a priori core outcomes and supplemental outcomes of paediatric asthma, including exacerbation, healthcare use and pulmonary function. Studies reporting a minimum of one core outcome will be entered into the systematic review. After the systematic review is performed, extracted data of relevant studies will be synthesised in the Bayesian framework using a random-effects model. Ethics and dissemination The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Protocol registration number UMIN (000016724) and PROSPERO (CRD42015025889).
Population pharmacokinetics and clinical response of artemether-lumefantrine in pregnant 1 and non-pregnant women with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Tanzania 2 3

6 Ifakara Health Institute, Rufiji HDSS, Rufiji, Tanzania 7 Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Switzerland 8 School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, 9 Switzerland 10 Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Laboratories, Centre 11 Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland 12 Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine & Division of Infectious Diseases, 13 University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland 14
Hepatic retransplantation in cholestatic liver disease: Impact of the interval to retransplantation on survival and resource utilization

The aim of our study was to quantitatively assess the impact of hepatic retransplantation on patient and graft survival and resource utilization. We studied patients undergoing hepatic retransplantation among 447 transplant recipients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) at 3 transplantation centers. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used for survival analysis. Measures of resource utilization included the duration of hospitalization, length of stay in the intensive care unit, and the duration of transplantation surgery. Forty‐six (10.3%) patients received 2 or more grafts during the follow‐up period (median, 2.8 years). Patients who underwent retransplantation had a 3.8‐fold increase in the risk of death compared with those without retransplantation (P < .01). Retransplantation after an interval of greater than 30 days from the primary graft was associated with a 6.7‐fold increase in the risk of death (P < .01). The survival following retransplantations performed 30 days or earlier was similar to primary transplantations. Resource utilization was higher in patients who underwent multiple consecutive transplantations, even after adjustment for the number of grafts during the hospitalization. Among cholestatic liver disease patients, poor survival following hepatic retransplantation is attributed to late retransplantations, namely those performed more than 30 days after the initial transplantation. While efforts must be made to improve the outcome following retransplantation, a more critical evaluation may be warranted for late retransplantation candidates.
Digital Imaging Based Measurement of Combustion Flame Characteristics

This paper presents the system software development and the experimental calibration of a flame imaging system. The new system software is developed based on a unique architecture through a careful combination of Visual Basic and Visual C programming strategies for better system stability and response time. The imaging system is calibrated using high standard blackbody sources as temperature/light references over the temperature range from 800degC to 1650degC for an improved measurement accuracy of flame temperature. The new system software and calibration curves are evaluated through off-line analysis where flame images captured in previous tests on industry-scale coal combustion test facilities are used. Test results and their comparisons with online data are presented and discussed.
High-Performance a-IGZO Thin-Film Transistor Using $ \hbox{Ta}_{2}\hbox{O}_{5}$ Gate Dielectric

In this letter, we report the fabrication of an amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin-film transistor with a high-k dielectric layer on a glass substrate. The room-temperature-deposited a-IGZO channel with Ta2O5 exhibits the following operating characteristics: a threshold voltage of 0.25 V, a drain-source current on/off ratio of 105, a subthreshold gate voltage swing of 0.61 V/decade, and a high field-effect mobility of 61.5 cm2/V·s; these characteristics make it suitable for use as a switching transistor and in low-power applications.
The retromer component sorting nexin-1 is required for efficient retrograde transport of Shiga toxin from early endosome to the trans Golgi network

The mammalian retromer complex is a multi-protein complex that regulates retrograde transport of the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor (CI-MPR) from early endosomes to the trans Golgi network (TGN). It consists of two subcomplexes: a membrane-bound coat comprising sorting nexin-1 (SNX1) and possibly sorting nexin-2 (SNX2), and a cargo-selective subcomplex, composed of VPS26, VPS29 and VPS35. In addition to the retromer, a variety of other protein complexes has been suggested to regulate endosome-to-TGN transport of not only the CI-MPR but a wide range of other cargo proteins. Here, we have examined the role of SNX1 and SNX2 in endosomal sorting of Shiga and cholera toxins, two toxins that undergo endosome-to-TGN transport en route to their cellular targets located within the cytosol. By using small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing combined with single-cell fluorescent-toxin-uptake assays and well-established biochemical assays to analyze toxin delivery to the TGN, we have established that suppression of SNX1 leads to a significant reduction in the efficiency of endosome-to-TGN transport of the Shiga toxin B-subunit. Furthermore, we show that for the B subunit of cholera toxin, retrograde endosome-to-TGN transport is less reliant upon SNX1. Overall, our data establish a role for SNX1 in the endosome-to-TGN transport of Shiga toxin and are indicative for a fundamental difference between endosomal sorting of Shiga and cholera toxins into endosome-to-TGN retrograde transport pathways.
Individualized current-shaping reduces DBS-induced dysarthria in patients with essential tremor

Objective: To investigate in patients with essential tremor (ET) treated with thalamic/subthalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) whether stimulation-induced dysarthria (SID) can be diminished by individualized current-shaping with interleaving stimulation (cs-ILS) while maintaining tremor suppression (TS). Methods: Of 26 patients screened, 10 reported SID and were invited for testing. TS was assessed by the Tremor Rating Scale and kinematic analysis of postural and action tremor. SID was assessed by phonetic and logopedic means. Additionally, patients rated their dysarthria on a visual analog scale. Results: In 6 of the 10 patients with ET, DBS-ON (relative to DBS-OFF) led to SID while tremor was successfully reduced. When comparing individualized cs-ILS with a non–current-shaped interleaving stimulation (ILS) in these patients, there was no difference in TS while 4 of the 6 patients showed subjective improvement of speech during cs-ILS. Phonetic analysis (ILS vs cs-ILS) revealed that during cs-ILS there was a reduction of voicing during the production of voiceless stop consonants and also a trend toward an improvement in oral diadochokinetic rate, reflecting less dysarthria. Logopedic rating showed a trend toward deterioration in the diadochokinesis task when comparing ON with OFF but no difference between ILS and cs-ILS. Conclusion: This is a proof-of-principle evaluation of current-shaping in patients with ET treated with thalamic/subthalamic DBS and experiencing SID. Data suggest a benefit on SID from individual shaping of current spread while TS is preserved. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class IV evidence that in patients with ET treated with DBS with SID, individualized cs-ILS reduces dysarthria while maintaining tremor control.
The risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma after antireflux surgery.

BACKGROUND & AIMS The question of a possible preventive effect of antireflux surgery on the development of esophageal or cardia adenocarcinoma remains unsettled. We aimed to clarify whether antireflux surgery prevents later development of esophageal adenocarcinoma. METHODS We performed a Swedish population-based cohort study of antireflux surgery from 1965 to 2006. Follow-up evaluation for cancer and censoring for death and emigration were achieved up to December 31, 2006, through linkages to nationwide registers of cancer, population, and emigration. The cancer incidence in the antireflux surgery cohort was compared with that in the corresponding Swedish population. Relative risks were presented as standardized incidence ratios (SIRs), that is, the observed number of cancer cases in the antireflux surgery cohort divided by the expected number. RESULTS The antireflux surgery cohort comprised 14,102 persons, contributing 120,514 person-years at risk. Overall risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma (n = 39) was increased 12-fold (SIR, 12.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8.7-16.8). No risk decrease with time after antireflux surgery was found (P = .86). After a postsurgical follow-up evaluation of 15 years or more, the SIR was 14.6 (95% CI, 7.0-26.8). For the corresponding overall risk of cardia adenocarcinoma (n = 21) the SIR was 4.4 (95% CI, 2.7-6.7), without any major decrease in risk with time (P = .20); the SIR was 3.1 (95% CI, 0.6-9.1) after at least 15 years of follow-up evaluation. No association between antireflux surgery and gastric adenocarcinoma or esophageal squamous cell carcinoma was identified. CONCLUSIONS Antireflux surgery cannot be considered to prevent the development of esophageal or cardia adenocarcinoma among persons with reflux.