Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Some Climatological Aspects of the Circulation in Southern Hemisphere Temperate latitudes as Determined From ZOO-Millibar GHOST Balloon Flights

The climatology of the 200-mb flow in South- ern Hemisphere ternperate latitudes is investigated for a 1-yr period using data obtained froin nine global horizontal sounding technique (GHOST) balloon flights in 1966-67. In the mean for the year, the west wind is a maximum over the Indian Ocean and a minimum near Cape Horn while a mean equatorward flow of about 1 m/s exists over the South Atlantic and a niean poleward flow of similar magnitude exists near South Africa. The poleward eddy flnx of west- erly momentum produced by wave numbers 1-4 is a niax- imum over the South Atlantic. Betwcen 40" and 6OoS, semiannual and annual variations in zonal and meridional wind are of similar magnitude, resulting in a west-wind maximum near the vernal equinox and a sccondary max- imum near the autumnal equinox. The inferred mean meridional velocity attains values of 0.3 m/s, with equator- ward flow indicated as occurring in summer and autumn (when the west wind is relatively weak) and poleward flow in winter and spring (when the west wind is relatively strong). It is hypothesized that the mean equatorward flow results statistically from the occasional establishment of regions of inertial instability on the anticyclonic shear sides of strongly diffluent troughs and the mean poleward flow from the occasional excess of pressure gradient force over Coriolis force following air parcels moving into the anticyclonic shear zone of strongly confluent troughs. The time rate of change of zonal wind between 40" and 60's is well correlated with the GI-IOST-derived convergence of mcridional eddy momentum flux in this belt, but the inferred mean meridional velocity helps balancc momen- tum accounts and helps explain the observed large semi- annual variation in zonal wind.
DoReFa-Net: Training Low Bitwidth Convolutional Neural Networks with Low Bitwidth Gradients

We propose DoReFa-Net, a method to train convolutional neural networks that have low bitwidth weights and activations using low bitwidth parameter gradients. In particular, during backward pass, parameter gradients are stochastically quantized to low bitwidth numbers before being propagated to convolutional layers. As convolutions during forward/backward passes can now operate on low bitwidth weights and activations/gradients respectively, DoReFa-Net can use bit convolution kernels to accelerate both training and inference. Moreover, as bit convolutions can be efficiently implemented on CPU, FPGA, ASIC and GPU, DoReFa-Net opens the way to accelerate training of low bitwidth neural network on these hardware. Our experiments on SVHN and ImageNet datasets prove that DoReFa-Net can achieve comparable prediction accuracy as 32-bit counterparts. For example, a DoReFa-Net derived from AlexNet that has 1-bit weights, 2-bit activations, can be trained from scratch using 6-bit gradients to get 46.1\% top-1 accuracy on ImageNet validation set. The DoReFa-Net AlexNet model is released publicly.
Optimizing Overall Loop Schedules Using Prefetching and Partitioning

In this paper, a method combining the loop pipelining technique with data prefetching, called Partition Scheduling with Prefetching (PSP), is proposed. In PSP, the iteration space is first divided into regular partitions. Then a two-part schedule, consisting of the ALU and memory parts, is produced and balanced to produce high throughput. These two parts are executed simultaneously, and hence, the remote memory latencies are overlapped. We study the optimal partition shape and size so that a well-balanced overall schedule can be obtained. Experiments on DSP benchmarks show that the proposed methodology consistently produces optimal or near optimal solutions.
Descriptive Aspects of Injection Drug Users in Iran’s National Harm Reduction Program by Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Background The Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education of Iran has recently announced an estimated figure of 200,000 injecting drug users (IDUs). The aim of this study was to pilot a national program using demographics, types of drug abuse and prevalence of blood-borne infections among IDUs. Methods: In order to elicit data on demographics, types of drug abuse and prevalence of blood-borne infections among IDUs, a questionnaire was designed in the Bureau of Mental-Social Health and Addiction in collaboration with Iran’s Drug Control Headquarters of the Police Department. Therapeutical alliance of addiction in Shafagh Center was based on Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT). Results: Among 402 reported IDUs most of them were male, single and in age range of 20 to 39 years old with 72.7% history of imprisonment. Most of them had elementary and high school education and a history of addiction treatment. The majority were current users of opioid, heroin and crack. The prevalence of blood-borne infections was 65.9% and 18.8% for HCV and HIV/AIDS infections, respectively. Conclusion: Prevention programs about harm reduction, treatment and counseling should include young IDUs as a core focus of their intervention structure.
Investigating Measurement Invariance of Ankara University Foreign Students Selection Test According to Latent Class and Rasch Model

This study aimed to investigate the factor structure of the Basic Learning Skills Test included in the Ankara University Examination for Foreign Students and determine whether this test has measurement invariance and whether the items of the test shows differential item functioning according to the country and gender. Of the descriptive research models, screening was used in the design of the study. The population of the study consisted of 2134 individuals. Since the research involved intercultural comparisons, culture was taken into consideration in the selection of the sample. Accordingly, 1110 individuals from Germany, Azerbaijan and Iran constituted the sample. In the research, the first 60 items of the Basic Learning Skills Test concerning letters, numbers and figures were utilized. Latent Class and Latent Class Factor Analyses were employed to determine the factor structure of the test, and a Simultaneous Latent Class Analysis was undertaken to investigate the measurement invariance of the results according to country and gender. Besides, Recursive Partitioning Analysis based on Rasch Model was used to identify whether the items included in test show differential item functioning by country and gender. Before determining the factor structure of the Basic Learning Skills Test, an examination was conducted to ascertain whether the test as a whole fitted the scale structure, and which classes were included in the response patterns of the individuals taking the test. According to the results, the test had a latent model of four classes and a multiple-factor structure, comprising three factors of establishing part-to-whole relations, making inferences, and analytical thinking. Concerning the findings of analysis regarding the measurement invariance according to country and gender, it was found that the test had a homogeneous structure, and as a result, the structure measured by the test was equivalent across the groups compared. Studying whether the items in the test show differential item functioning according to country and gender, it was discovered that 14 items involve differential item functioning by country. Differential item functioning in regard to gender was not observed.
Naturally produced opsonizing antibodies restrict the survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in human macrophages by augmenting phagosome maturation

This study investigated the hypothesis that serum antibodies against Mycobacterium tuberculosis present in naturally infected healthy subjects of a tuberculosis (TB) endemic area could create and/or sustain the latent form of infection. All five apparently healthy Indian donors showed high titres of serum antibodies against M. tuberculosis cell membrane antigens, including lipoarabinomannan and alpha crystallin. Uptake and killing of bacilli by the donor macrophages was significantly enhanced following their opsonization with antibody-rich, heat-inactivated autologous sera. However, the capability to opsonize was apparent for antibodies against some and not other antigens. High-content cell imaging of infected macrophages revealed significantly enhanced colocalization of the phagosome maturation marker LAMP-1, though not of calmodulin, with antibody-opsonized compared with unopsonized M. tuberculosis. Key enablers of macrophage microbicidal action—proinflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-6), phagosome acidification, inducible NO synthase and nitric oxide—were also significantly enhanced following antibody opsonization. Interestingly, heat-killed M. tuberculosis also elevated these mediators to the levels comparable to, if not higher than, opsonized M. tuberculosis. Results of the study support the emerging view that an efficacious vaccine against TB should, apart from targeting cell-mediated immunity, also generate ‘protective’ antibodies.
Comparison of effects of anti-angiogenic agents in the zebrafish efficacy–toxicity model for translational anti-angiogenic drug discovery

Background Anti-angiogenic therapy in certain cancers has been associated with improved control of tumor growth and metastasis. Development of anti-angiogenic agents has, however, been saddled with higher attrition rate due to suboptimal efficacy, narrow therapeutic windows, or development of organ-specific toxicities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the translational ability of the zebrafish efficacy–toxicity model to stratify anti-angiogenic agents based on efficacy, therapeutic windows, and off-target effects to streamline the compound selection process in anti-angiogenic discovery. Methods The embryonic model of zebrafish was employed for studying angiogenesis and toxicity. The zebrafish were treated with anti-angiogenic compounds to evaluate their effects on angiogenesis and zebrafish-toxicity parameters. Angiogenesis was measured by scoring the development of subintestinal vessels. Toxicity was evaluated by calculating the median lethal concentration, the lowest observed effect concentration, and gross morphological changes. Results of efficacy and toxicity were used to predict the therapeutic window. Results In alignment with the clinical outcomes, the zebrafish assays demonstrated that vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitors are the most potent anti-angiogenic agents, followed by multikinase inhibitors and inhibitors of endothelial cell proliferation. The toxicity assays reported cardiac phenotype in zebrafish treated with VEGFR inhibitors and multikinase inhibitors with VEGFR activity suggestive of cardiotoxic potential of these compounds. Several other pathological features were reported for multikinase inhibitors suggestive of off-target effects. The predicted therapeutic window was translational with the clinical trial outcomes of the anti-angiogenic agents. The zebrafish efficacy–toxicity approach could stratify anti-angiogenic agents based on the mechanism of action and delineate chemical structure-driven biological activity of anti-angiogenic compounds. Conclusion The zebrafish efficacy–toxicity approach can be used as a predictive model for translational anti-angiogenic drug discovery to streamline compound selection, resulting in safer and efficacious anti-angiogenic agents entering the clinics.
GP consultations for common mental disorders and subsequent sickness certification: register-based study of the employed population in Norway

Background. Challenges related to work are in focus when employed people with common mental disorders (CMDs) consult their GPs. Many become sickness certified and remain on sick leave over time. Objectives. To investigate the frequency of new CMD episodes among employed patients in Norwegian general practice and subsequent sickness certification. Methods. Using a national claims register, employed persons with a new episode of CMD were included. Sickness certification, sick leave over 16 days and length of absences were identified. Patient- and GP-related predictors for the different outcomes were assessed by means of logistic regression. Results. During 1 year 2.6% of employed men and 4.2% of employed women consulted their GP with a new episode of CMD. Forty-five percent were sickness certified, and 24 percent were absent over 16 days. Thirty-eight percent had depression and 19% acute stress reaction, which carried the highest risk for initial sickness certification, 75%, though not for prolonged absence. Men and older patients had lower risk for sickness certification, but higher risk for long-term absence. Conclusion. Better knowledge of factors at the workplace detrimental to mental health, and better treatment for depression and stress reactions might contribute to timely return of sickness absentees.
USING MIXTURE, MULTI-PROCESS, AND OTHER MULTI-DIMENSIONAL IRT MODELS TO ACCOUNT FOR EXTREME AND MIDPOINT RESPONSE STYLE USE IN PERSONALITY ASSESSMENT

The validity of interpreting questionnaire results is threatened by the possible overuse of extreme and midpoint response options. Since respondents may view the response options in diﬀerent ways, accounting for midpoint (MRS) and extreme response style (ERS) use is important for accurate estimation of the latent trait. Biased sum scores provide poor trait estimates for two people with the same latent trait yet diﬀerent response styles. With the categorical view of response styles, respondents are seen as having a certain response style or not and are classiﬁed into diﬀerent groups. The mixture graded response and mixture partial credit models were compared in this study. With the continuous view of response styles, respondents are seen as having varying degrees of diﬀerent response style traits. A multidimensional model estimates substantive and response style trait levels for each person. A Multi-process model (M-PM) was used in this study to break down the response process into two and three subprocesses used in completing a ﬁve point Likert scale. The Multidimensional Partial Credit (MPCM) and Multidimensional Nominal Response (MNRM) models with substantive and response style scoring functions were also explored. This study used an existing data set to investigate how the ﬁve diﬀerent IRT models for addressing ERS and MRS performed for three diﬀerent personality subscales (Anxiety, Openness to Experience Feelings, and Compliance) from the German version of Costa and McCrae’s NEO Personality Inventory-Revised. Each subscale illustrated diﬀerent relationships with and uses of ERS and MRS traits. The response process traits of the M-PM diﬀered from response style traits of the other models. The two and three class mixture models, the two and three dimensional MNRM and MPCM, and the two process model for intensity ERS and direction ﬁt better than standard IRT models. ERS accounted for more item response variability than MRS. The MPCM is suggested to account for ERS and MRS due to the number of estimated parameters and amount of explained variability in item responses. The results are compared with each other and to results from a previous study. Limitations of this study and ideas for future research are presented.
Update in Antiepidermal Growth Factor Receptor Therapy in the Management of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

The approval of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) has expanded the armamentarium against this disease. This paper will review the historical progress and recent clinical developments of anti-EGFR therapies in the treatment of metastatic CRC. Novel strategies of targeting the EGFR pathway to improve efficacy as well as ongoing research in identifying specific molecular predictors of response will be discussed.
Non-gaming computer use relationship to type of dream

A new waking influence has emerged that is becoming so widely experienced that it bears further consideration in its own right as to it’s influence on subsequent night time dreams. That is, digital life. It ranges from listening to music to texting to checking facebook status to playing video games to information checking. All of these activities are computer mediated. In this inquiry, students at a western Canadian university indicated if they had played computer games or used the computer for non-gaming purposes during the day prior to a recent dream they reported. Respondents indicated their confidence about the type of dream they reported as well their video game play habits and generic media used the day prior to the dream. There was some indication that the high end non-gaming computer use group had more lucid (females only) and control dreams but less bizarre dreams. Unlike previous research there were no differences in nightmares or bad dreams among groups. This was discussed in terms of previous video game play and dreams research.
How to spend it: optimal investment for cyber security

A basic cyber security problem is how to optimally spend a security budget. We cast this problem in the framework of combinatorial optimization and explore its relationship with the classical knapsack problem. As in the latter, given a budget, we wish to optimally select a set of resources, each having a cost and a benefit. We propose optimisation algorithms that can deal with resources that depend non linearly on each other, and an optimal budget allocation algorithm for the case of several targets covered by target-specific resources. The general case of resources each of which benefits multiple targets leads to the multiple objective knapsack problem. Also in this case, we extend the standard dynamic programming solution to deal with non-linear dependencies between resources.
A Survey on Implicit Surface Polygonization

Implicit surfaces (IS) are commonly used in image creation, modeling environments, modeling objects, and scientific data visualization. In this article, we present a survey of different techniques for fast visualization of IS. The main classes of visualization algorithms are identified along with the advantages of each in the context of the different types of IS commonly used in computer graphics. We focus closely on polygonization methods, as they are the most suited to fast visualization. Classification and comparison of existing approaches are presented using criteria extracted from current research. This enables the identification of the best strategies according to the number of specific requirements, such as speed, accuracy, quality, or stylization.
Assessing the link between service quality dimensions and knowledge sharing: Student perspective

The purpose of this study is to examine the link between service quality dimensions and knowledge sharing. Data were collected through a survey in a faculty of business of a private university in Malaysia. The SERVQUAL model was used to evaluate the service quality dimensions in association of knowledge sharing in which the study conducted with data gathered from 300 students which constitute an overall response rate of 83.33%. The study shows students’ evaluations regarding service quality does affect knowledge sharing activities. It was found that the assurance and the reliability dimensions of service quality are the two most important dimensions and have significant positive relationship with knowledge sharing. Key words: Service quality, knowledge sharing, SERVQUAL, student perceptions, Malaysia.
On Smooth 3D Frame Field Design

We analyze actual methods that generate smooth frame fields both in 2D and in 3D. We formalize the 2D problem by representing frames as functions (as it was done in 3D), and show that the derived optimization problem is the one that previous work obtain via"representation vectors. "We show (in 2D) why this non linear optimization problem is easier to solve than directly minimizing the rotation angle of the field, and observe that the 2D algorithm is able to find good fields. Now, the 2D and the 3D optimization problems are derived from the same formulation (based on representing frames by functions). Their energies share some similarities from an optimization point of view (smoothness, local minima, bounds of partial derivatives, etc.), so we applied the 2D resolution mechanism to the 3D problem. Our evaluation of all existing 3D methods suggests to initialize the field by this new algorithm, but possibly use another method for further smoothing.
Cognitive benefits of walking in natural versus built environments

ABSTRACT Leisure time physical activity can be a robust preventer of physical and mental illness. The health benefits of exercise have been well-documented, including decreased risk for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, and increased mood, life-satisfaction and cognitive performance (An, Xiang, Yang, & Yan, 2016; Blair & Morris, 2009). Time spent outdoors is also emerging as a predictor of positive mental health, though the outcomes are often conflated with heightened levels of physical activity. This study sought to confirm the cognitive benefits of exercise in outdoor environments using established cognitive tests while measuring brainwave activity throughout the process using portable electroencephalograph (EEG) headsets. Participants completed cognitive performance tests before and after walking indoors, then again on a different session while walking outdoors. Repeated-measures analyses of variance revealed significant cognitive improvement after both walking sessions, with elevated mental restoration observed for the outdoor walking session, as measured by a Stroop Test. EEG measures revealed a significantly higher level of meditative state during the outdoor walking session, as compared to indoors. In addition, the gains in relaxed and meditative mental states were retained longer after walking outdoors. Results are discussed within the context of growing support for leisure time exposure to natural environments and outdoor prescriptions. Implications for planning, health policy, and public education are proffered in light of these findings.
Complexity, Historicity and Coherence: Preference and Quality of the Changes in the Urban Scene

Abstract In order to meet the needs and desires of the community and to shape the environment successfully it is important to reveal how we perceive the landscape and the factors that affect our preferences for different landscapes. This study focused on the role of several visual quality concepts, including complexity, coherence and historicity, and on the preference for changing the scenery of a city. To fulfill the objectives of the research, 107 people were asked to evaluate old and new scenes of Trabzon city using these concepts, and their preferences for various scenes were identified. Findings showed that complexity, coherence and historicity have an influence on environmental preferences. An inverse U-shape relationship was found between complexity and preference. The scenes with a medium level of complexity were preferred to the scenes with a higher or lower level of complexity. Coherence and historicity were found to be directly related to preference. In this paper, the general features of complexity, historicity and coherence were considered valid for assessment and preference of the urban scene.