Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Kinetics of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Aggregation in Aqueous Media Is Sensitive to Surface Charge

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) dispersed in aqueous media have many potential applications in chemistry, biology and medicine. To disperse SWCNTs into aqueous media, it is often necessary to modify the surface of SWCNTs by either covalent or noncovalent methods. As a result of this modification, the properties of SWCNTs may be profoundly influenced by the nature of the surface modification. Here, by using SWCNTs dispersed with single-stranded DNA of different lengths, we show that the kinetics of SWCNTs’ aggregation in aqueous media is strongly dependent on the status of the overall surface charge. SWCNTs with a greater number of surface charges showed faster aggregation. The difference in the rate of aggregation can differ by more than ten-fold among different conditions tested. AFM imaging of the discrete time points along the aggregation process suggests that aggregation starts with the formation of microfilaments, which can further grow to form bigger aggregates. The formation of bigger aggregates also renders it more difficult to redisperse them back into the aqueous media. The concentration of counterions required to trigger SWCNT aggregation also shows a dependence on the concentration of KCl in the aqueous solution, which supports that electrostatic interactions instead of van der Waals interactions dominate the interactions among these individually-dispersed SWCNTs in aqueous media.
Trade Policy and Global Poverty

The stakes of the poor in trade policy are large: Free trade can help 500 million people escape poverty and inject $200 billion annually into the economies of developing countries, according to author William R. Cline. This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential for trade liberalization to spur growth and reduce poverty in developing countries. It quantifies the impact on global poverty of industrial-country liberalization, as well as liberalization by the developing countries. * Half or more of the annual gains from trade would come from the removal of industrial-country protection against developing-country exports. By removing their trade barriers, industrial countries could convey economic benefits to developing countries worth about twice the amount of their annual development assistance. By helping developing countries grow through trade, moreover, industrial countries could lower costs to consumers for imports and realize other economic efficiencies. * The study estimates that free trade could reduce the number of people earning less than $2 per day by about 500 million over 15 years. This would cut the world poverty level by 25 percent. Cline judges that the developing countries were right to risk collapse of the Doha Round at the Cancun ministerial meeting in September 2003 by insisting on much deeper liberalization of agriculture than the industrial countries were then willing to offer. * The study calls for a two-track strategy: first, deep multilateral liberalization involving phased but complete elimination of industrial-county protection and deep reduction of protection by at least the middle-income developing countries, albeit on a more gradual schedule; and second, immediate free entry for imports from "high risk" low-income countries (heavily indebted poor countries, least developed countries, and sub-Saharan Africa), coupled with a 10-year tax holiday for direct investment in these countries.
A robust location algorithm with biased extended Kalman filtering of TDOA data for wireless sensor networks

Many applications of wireless sensor networks (WSN) are based on self-positioning of sensor nodes. In this paper, an efficient robust location algorithm is proposed based on time measurement, requiring no global time synchronization in WSN and minimal extra hardware in sensor construction phase. We first utilize the TDOA measurements to locate target sensor node, then optimize the estimated values, which are educed from the algorithm as observed values for extended Kalman filtering and position estimation. It is shown the algorithm mentioned in the paper is close to CRLB (Cramer-Rao lower bound) for the static location estimator.
Formulation and delivery of itraconazole to the brain using a nanolipid carrier system

The objectives of this study were to develop and characterize itraconazole (ITZ)-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and to study their potential for drug delivery into the brain. Precirol® ATO 5 and Transcutol® HP were selected as the lipid phase, and Tween® 80 and Solutol® HS15 as surfactants. The ITZ-NLCs were prepared by a hot and high-pressure homogenization method. The entrapment efficiency for the best formulation batch was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography and was found to be 70.5%±0.6%. The average size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index for the ITZ-NLCs used for animal studies were found to be 313.7±15.3 nm, −18.7±0.30 mV, and 0.562±0.070, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that ITZ-NLCs were spherical in shape, with a size of less than 200 nm. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffractometry analysis showed that ITZ was encapsulated in the lipid matrix and present in the amorphous form. The in vitro release study showed that ITZ-NLCs achieved a sustained release, with cumulative release of 80.6%±5.3% up to 24 hours. An in vivo study showed that ITZ-NLCs could increase the ITZ concentration in the brain by almost twofold. These results suggest that ITZ-NLCs can be exploited as nanocarriers to achieve sustained release and brain-targeted delivery.
A Unified Approach for Uzawa Algorithms

We present a unified approach in analyzing Uzawa iterative algorithms for saddle point problems. We study the classical Uzawa method, the augmented Lagrangian method, and two versions of inexact Uzawa algorithms. The target application is the Stokes system, but other saddle point systems, e.g., arising from mortar methods or Lagrange multipliers methods, can benefit from our study. We prove convergence of Uzawa algorithms and find optimal rates of convergence in an abstract setting on finite‐ or infinite‐dimensional Hilbert spaces. The results can be used to design multilevel or adaptive algorithms for solving saddle point problems. The discrete spaces do not have to satisfy the LBB stability condition.
Staying on course: factors which impact on students' completing their courses

This report presents the findings of an exploration of possible reasons why students enrolling in vocational education and training (VET) courses do not complete those courses. The findings are based on evidence of two kinds: (1) evidence obtained from a statistical investigation of the outcomes of course enrolments; and (2) evidence obtained from telephone interviews with past students. The report focuses on the relationship between course completion rates and course structure and its scope is limited to TAFE in New South Wales (NSW), Victoria and Western Australia. The study finds that two broad groups of factors appear to influence the rates of course completions: (1) the more modules there are in a course, the lower the completion rate; and (2) the more module choices there are in a course, the lower the completion rate. Another factor that was found to influence course completions in NSW (it was not investigated in the other two states) was that courses consisting of modules with ungraded assessments had higher completion rates than courses consisting of modules with graded assessments. Presented here is preliminary evidence on the factors associated with completion and non-completion of TAFE courses. It is suggested that further studies should consider the identified factors in more detail.
Towards a Simulation-Based Programming Paradigm for AI applications

We present initial ideas for a programming paradigm based on simulation that is targeted towards applications of artificial intelligence (AI). The approach aims at integrating techniques from different areas of AI and is based on the idea that simulated entities may freely exchange data and behavioural patterns. We define basic notions of a simulation-based programming paradigm and show how it can be used for implementing AI applications.
Prioritized-LRTA * : Speeding Up Learning via Prioritized Updates

Modern computer games demand real-time simultaneous control of multiple agents. Learning real-time search, which interleaves planning and acting, allows agents to both learn from experience and respond quickly. Such algorithms require no prior knowledge of the environment and can be deployed without pre-processing. We introduce PrioritizedLRTA*, an algorithm based on Prioritized Sweeping. PLRTA* focuses learning on important areas of the search space, where ‘importance’ is determined by the magnitude of the updates made to neighboring states. Empirical tests on path-finding in commercial game maps show a substantial learning speed-up over state of the art learning real-time heuristic search algorithms.
Development And Validation Of The Brain Fag Propensity Scale

Objective: Brain Fag Syndrome (BFS) is a psychiatric disorder associated with study among African students. Among secondary school students, it affects two to four out of every ten students. One of the consequences of this illness is early foreclosure of education in affected students. However, clinical experience suggests that many students have sub-threshold symptoms of brain fag and are at risk for developing brain fag syndrome. This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable psychometric instrument that measures brain fag syndrome propensity. Method: External and internal expert panels as well as a patient focus group evaluated a large pool of potential item stems gathered from the psychological and psychiatric literature. Potential scale items were then administered to 250 students along with a set of validating questionnaires. Final item selection was based upon rigorous empirical criteria and the psychometric properties of the final scale were examined. Results: A final four dimensional 20-item scale, the Brain Fag Syndrome Propensity Scale, has a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.795, split half reliability of 0.813 for the part 1 (10 items) and 0.585 for the part 2 (10 items), and spearman-Brown coefficient of 0.557. The intrinsic validity yielded a coefficient of 0.892. Conclusions: The current results indicate the BFPS has an excellent internal consistency as well as good content and concurrent validity and should have significant utility as a brief, valid measure of propensity to develop brain fag syndrome or sub-threshold cases of BFS. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol.12(1), Jan - June 2011: XX XX.
Dense Scale Invariant Descriptors for Images and Surfaces

Local descriptors are ubiquitous in image and shape analysis, as they allow the compact and robust description of the local content of a signal (image or 3D shape). A common problem that emerges in the computation of local descriptors is the variability of the signal scale. The standard approach to cope with this is scale selection, which consists in estimating a characteristic scale around the few image or shape points where scale estimation can be performed reliably. However, it is often desired to have a scale-invariant descriptor that can be constructed densely, namely at every point of the image or 3D shape. In this work, we construct scale-invariant signal descriptors by introducing a method that does not rely on scale selection; this allows us to apply our method at any point. Our method relies on a combination of logarithmic sampling with multi-scale signal processing that turns scaling in the original signal domain into a translation in a new domain. Scale invariance can then be guaranteed by computing the Fourier transform magnitude (FTM), which is unaffected by signal translations. We use our technique to construct scale- and rotation- invariant descriptors for images and scale- and isometry-invariant descriptors for 3D surfaces, and demonstrate that our descriptors outperform state-of-the-art descriptors on standard benchmarks.
Risk Management Decisions in Low Probability and High Loss Risk Situations : Experimental Evidence

Most theoretical and empirical studies have consistently demonstrated that insurance markets for high probability events can be expressed by standard expected utility; however, the EUT is inadequate to explain decision making processes in low probability risk situations. The current study aims to investigate the way people make their insurance decisions in low probability and high loss contexts such as bankruptcy, insolvency, natural disasters etc. More specifically, we try to examine whether elicitation method (buying or paying) induces similar risk management decisions or not, and whether risk attitude and/or threshold probabilities affect the valuations. We test whether preference reversal exists and we elicit individuals’ threshold probabilities to explore prospective reference theory. The results indicate that subjects considered the probability of loss (the size of the loss) when they face buy or not decision (willingness to pay decision). In addition, the second-order stochastic dominance is supported, however, no evidence is found to conclude that a threshold probability is present in subjects’ minds. Implications for the insurance market are derived.
Assessing Relevance of External Cognitive Measures

The arrival of modern brain imaging technologies has provided new opportunities for examining the biological essence of human intelligence as well as the relationship between brain size and cognition. Thanks to these advances, we can now state that the relationship between brain size and intelligence has never been well understood. This view is supported by findings showing that cognition is correlated more with brain tissues than sheer brain size. The complexity of cellular and molecular organization of neural connections actually determines the computational capacity of the brain. In this review article, we determine that while genotypes are responsible for defining the theoretical limits of intelligence, what is primarily responsible for determining whether those limits are reached or exceeded is experience (environmental influence). Therefore, we contend that the gene-environment interplay defines the intelligent quotient of an individual.
When Does Capital Account Liberalization Help More than it Hurts?

In this paper we reconsider the evidence on capital account liberalization and growth. While we find indications of a positive association, the effects vary with time, with how capital account liberalization is measured, and with how the relationship is estimated. The evidence that the effects of capital account liberalization are stronger in high-income countries is similarly fragile. There is some evidence that the positive growth effects of liberalization are stronger in countries with strong institutions, as measured by standard indicators of the rule of law, but only weak evidence that the benefits grow with a country's financial depth and development. We find more evidence of a correlation between capital account liberalization and growth when we allow the effect to vary with other dimensions of openness. There are two interpretations of this finding, one in terms of the sequencing of trade and financial liberalization, the other in terms of the need to eliminate major macroeconomic imbalances before opening the capital account. By and large our results support the second interpretation.
Reforming Land and Real Estate Markets

Land and real estate reforms have not been effective at achieving their objectives, in part because of how they have been designed and implemented. To be successful, reforms must become comprehensive in design, argue the authors, although implementation may be phased over time and take local conditions into account. Reform must include three elements: 1) Institutional reforms that better define property rights, reduce information asymmetry, and improve contract enforcement. 2) Capital market reforms that make mortgage finance available at reasonable rates, especially for the poor. 3) Market reforms that reduce or eliminate the main distortions in the prices of goods and services produced by land and real estate assets. In their review of land and real estate reforms supported by the World Bank, the authors find that such reforms receive less attention at the conceptual stage than they should, considering their great impact on poverty, growth, and stability. They base their conclusion on the limited coverage of land and real estate issues in country assistance strategies, the main vehicle for identifying priority areas for reform. Most Bank-supported projects do not address all three elements critical for reform. And most provide no justification for excluding them, and no plan for follow-up. The Bank's Operations Evaluation Department rates Bank-supported land and real estate projects relatively well on outcome and sustainability but not on institutional development. But land and real estate reform is institutional by nature. The authors urge the Bank and policymakers to change course. After a comprehensive assessment of the status of real estate institutions and markets, all actors in this sector should be pulled together to develop a comprehensive approach to land and real estate reform.
How online brand community participation strengthens brand trust and commitment: A relationship marketing perspective

Advancements in information technology have shaped the way customers and organizations interact with one another. Online brand communities (OBCs), especially have found their way into 21st century relationship marketing. While research embraces these OBCs for their cost-efficiency and ability for faster interactions, it has not thoroughly examined the procedure through which participation in such OBCs affects the major constructs of relationship marketing. Drawing from the trust-commitment theory and its central concepts of brand trust, brand commitment and brand loyalty, this thesis discusses the applicability of this theory in a brand community and in an online context. It also introduces the concept of OBC commitment as a very important outcome of participation in an OBC. Using probability sampling and a self-administered questionnaire, this study employs a deductive logic to investigate if higher levels of participation in an OBC translate to higher levels of member commitment toward that OBC and higher levels of trust, commitment and loyalty toward the brand that the OBC supports. This study underlines the importance of understanding the process through which an OBC member gradually develops strong emotional ties with that OBC, as a result of continuous interaction with other OBC members. Additionally, how participation in an OBC evolves to attachment towards the brand that the OBC supports.
Influence of Chord Lengths of Splitter Blades on Performance of SmallAxial Flow Fan

On the basis of small axial fan with five blades, 6 types of small axial flow fans with different chord lengths splitter blades were designed. Numerical simulation of 6 fan models with splitter blades and prototype fan were done by using Fluent. Based on the obtained simulation results, internal flow characteristics and aerodynamic noise were analyzed and compared. It indicates that: splitter blades with suitable chord length have improved significantly on internal flow characteristics, which inhibits backflow from pressure surface to the suction surface at blade tip and leading edge and restrains flow separation. The 6 model fans are better than prototype fan on aerodynamic noise improvement, but too long or too short chord lengths are both disadvantage to improve aerodynamic noise. The results reveal that 2/6, 3/6 and 4/6 chord length model have relatively better acoustic characteristics and internal flow characteristics. The research program will offer a reference for structural improvements and noise reduction on small axial flow fan.
Harmonic Frequency Lowering

A novel algorithm for frequency lowering in music was developed and experimentally tested in hearing-impaired listeners. Harmonic frequency lowering (HFL) combines frequency transposition and frequency compression to preserve the harmonic content of music stimuli. Listeners were asked to make judgments regarding detail and sound quality in music stimuli. Stimuli were presented under different signal processing conditions: original, low-pass filtered, HFL, and nonlinear frequency compressed. Results showed that participants reported perceiving the most detail in the HFL condition. In addition, there was no difference in sound quality across conditions.
A Mass Balance-Based Semiparametric Approach to Evaluate Neonatal Erythropoiesis

Postnatal hemoglobin (Hb) production in anemic preterm infants is determined by several factors including the endogenous erythropoietin levels, allogeneic RBC transfusions administered to treat anemia, and developmental age. As a result, their postnatal Hb production rate can vary considerably. This work introduces a novel Hb mass balance-based semiparametric approach that utilizes infant blood concentrations of Hb from the first 30 postnatal days to estimate the amount of Hb produced and the erythropoiesis rate in newborn infants. The proposed method has the advantage of not relying on specific structural pharmacodynamic model assumptions to describe the Hb production, but instead utilizes simple mass balance principles and nonparametric regression analysis. The developed method was applied to the Hb data from 79 critically ill anemic very low birth weight preterm infants to evaluate the dynamic changes in erythropoiesis during the first month of life and to determine the inter-subject variability in Hb production. The estimated mean (±SD) cumulative amount of Hb produced by the infants over the first month of life was 6.6±3.4 g (mean body weight, 0.768 kg), and the mean estimated body weight-scaled Hb production rate over the same period was 0.23±0.12 g/day/kg. A significant positive correlation was observed between infant gestational age and the mean body weight-scaled Hb production rate over the first month of life (P<0.05). We conclude that the proposed mathematical approach and its implementation provide a flexible framework to evaluate postnatal erythropoiesis in newborn infants.