Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DRAFT Indicator Issues and Proposed Framework for a Disaster Preparedness Index ( DPi )

Based on the current state of practice, this paper examines the issues in measuring disaster preparedness, and the process of constructing indicators and indices. Existing indices are examined, and a proposed framework of creating a Disaster Preparedness Index (DPi), and Resiliency Index (Ri) with a suggested list of measurement indicators is put forward. The framework and indicator list is unweighted, and as with any existing index, the weighting of the components are a subjective process, and are adjusted based on expert panel review or iterative on-ground application and review.
Impact of maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy on the prevalence of neonatal vitamin D deficiency

Maternal vitamin D deficiency is not uncommon. The lack of vitamin D during pregnancy may result in poor fetal growth and altered neonatal development that may persist into later life. Recognition of risk factors and early detection of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is important in order to prevent neonatal vitamin D deficiency and related complications. The aim of the current study is to assess the effect of maternal vitamin D status on the neonatal vitamin D stores. A total of 92 pregnant women at the end of the 3rd trimester and their newborns were recruited from Al Khafji Joint Operation Hospital, Saudi Arabia, during the year 2011. Maternal and cord blood samples were taken for determination of serum levels of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] concentration, serum calcium (Ca++), phosphorus (PO4) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Compared with pregnant women with adequate vitamin D levels, women deficient in vitamin D had infants with vitamin D deficiency (X±SD 33.44±18.33 nmol/L vs 55.39±17.37 nmol/L, P=0.01). Maternal and neonatal serum 25(OH)D3 levels showed a positive correlation with serum Ca++ and negative correlation with serum PO4 and ALP. Neonatal 25(OH)D was related to maternal 3rd trimester levels (r=0.89, P=0.01). The newborn serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations rely on maternal vitamin D status. Poor maternal vitamin D status may adversely affect neonatal vitamin D status and, consequently, calcium homeostasis.
Supervised and Semi-Supervised Text Categorization using LSTM for Region Embeddings

One-hot CNN (convolutional neural network) has been shown to be effective for text categorization (Johnson & Zhang, 2015). We view it as a special case of a general framework which jointly trains a linear model with a non-linear feature generator consisting of `text region embedding + pooling'. Under this framework, we explore a more sophisticated region embedding method using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM). LSTM can embed text regions of variable (and possibly large) sizes, whereas the region size needs to be fixed in a CNN. We seek effective and efficient use of LSTM for this purpose in the supervised and semi-supervised settings. The best results were obtained by combining region embeddings in the form of LSTM and convolution layers trained on unlabeled data. The results indicate that on this task, embeddings of text regions, which can convey complex concepts, are more useful than embeddings of single words in isolation. We report performances exceeding the previous best results on four benchmark datasets.
The Parkinson's Disease Associated LRRK2 Exhibits Weaker In Vitro Phosphorylation of 4E-BP Compared to Autophosphorylation

Mutations in the gene encoding leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are the most common cause of inherited Parkinson's disease (PD). LRRK2 is a multi‐domain protein containing a central catalytic core, with GTPase and kinase domains, surrounded by a number of protein‐protein interaction domains. An important step forward in the understanding of the biology and the pathology of LRRK2 would be achieved by identification of its authentic physiological kinase substrates. In the present study we examined phosphorylation of 4E‐BP (eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E)‐binding protein), a recently proposed substrate for LRRK2 and confirmed that LRRK2 is capable of phosphorylating 4E‐BP in vitro. The PD related LRRK2‐G2019S mutant was ~2 fold more active than wild type protein. Interestingly, LRRK2 autophosphorylation, which we have mapped to the GTPase domain, was stronger than 4E‐BP phosphorylation under conditions of molar excess of 4E‐BP to LRRK2. We also tested three other kinases (STK3, MAPK14/p38α and DAPK2) and found that MAPK14/p38α could efficiently phosphorylate 4E‐BP at the same site as LRRK2. Overall, our results suggest that 4E‐BP is a relatively poor direct substrate for LRRK2 compared to autophosphorylation. We suggest that increased 4E‐BP phosphorylation reported in some systems may be related to p38‐mediated cell stress rather than direct LRRK2 activity.
Hodge Theory of Matroids

Matroids (as introduced by Whitney) are a common generalization of finite graphs and of finite sets of vectors in a vector space. They are characterized by having several, seemingly quite different (so-called “cryptomorphic”) definitions. In the case of a finite set of vectors in a vector space, a matroid for example encodes which subsets of these vectors are linearly independent. In the case of a finite graph, it encodes the simple cycles of the graph. It is expected, however, that 100% of matroids are not of this type. The theory of matroids has seen a recent surge of interest, most notably in the groundbreaking results of Adiprasito, Huh, and Katz [AHK18], where they prove the so-called log-concavity conjecture of Rota and Welsh about the coefficients of the reduced characteristic polynomial of a matroid. In order to prove this statement, the authors of [AHK18] develop a new version of Hodge theory for matroids that includes an analogue of the Hodge-Riemann relations and of the Hard Lefschetz Theorem, the so-called “Hodge package”. Beyond the classical results of the Hodge theory of compact Kähler manifolds, which inspire this whole story, there are several incarnations of similar “Hodge packages”, for example for the ring of algebraic cycles modulo homological equivalence on a smooth projective variety, for McMullen’s polytope algebra, for Karu’s combinatorial intersection cohomology of convex polytopes, and for the reduced Soergel bimodule of a Coxeter group. The goal of this seminar is to introduce ourselves to the (probably unfamiliar) notion of a matroid, to explore its connections to complex algebraic geometry (in particular to Hodge theory), and to give an overview of the Hodge theory of matroids developed in [AHK18] and its application to the log-concavity conjecture. A good and concise survey of the topics covered in this seminar is [Bak18], which can be complemented by [AHK17, Huh18a, Huh18b]. Matroid theory, aimed at algebraic geometers, is surveyed in [Kat16] and there are several textbooks, including [Oxl92] and [Wel76].
How does search behavior change as search becomes more difficult?

Search engines make it easy to check facts online, but finding some specific kinds of information sometimes proves to be difficult. We studied the behavioral signals that suggest that a user is having trouble in a search task. First, we ran a lab study with 23 users to gain a preliminary understanding on how users' behavior changes when they struggle finding the information they're looking for. The observations were then tested with 179 participants who all completed an average of 22.3 tasks from a pool of 100 tasks. The large-scale study provided quantitative support for our qualitative observations from the lab study. When having difficulty in finding information, users start to formulate more diverse queries, they use advanced operators more, and they spend a longer time on the search result page as compared to the successful tasks. The results complement the existing body of research focusing on successful search strategies.
DISCOVERY LEARNING METHOD BASED ON SCIENTIFIC APPROACH IN CURRICULUM 2013 IN TEACHING ENGLISH AT SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Scientific approach is a teaching strategy using scientific steps in teaching subject at senior high school at Indonesia. It has the characteristics of “doing science”. Discovery learning as one of the method suggested in scientific approach, allows the teacher to improve the process of learning to creative learning. Creating creative learning process is one of characteristics of golden generation preparation done by creative teacher. This study was conducted to find out and analyze the implementation of discovery learning method based on scientific approach. It was classified into descriptive qualitative study. The data of this study were the activities in the classroom did by teachers and students during teaching learning process. The source of data was the English teachers at senior high school 2 Padang, there were three English teachers there.The data were collected through video recording and observation sheet and interview. There were six video recordings and observation sheets for the three teachers, each of them was observed two times. The finding shows that from the six data recordings, it was found the entire teachers had implemented discovery learning method based on scientific approach in teaching learning process in implementing curriculum 2013.The percentage of each steps with the each activities were; creating stimulation was 77,8 %, identifying problem was 66,6%,collecting the data was 90%,analyzing the data was 83,3%, verifying the data was 88,9% and generalizing or creating conclusion was only 36,1%. In average, discovery learning method based on scientific approach has implemented in the percentage 73,8 %. In conclusion, the implementation of discovery learning method based on scientific approach in teaching English at Senior High School 2 Padang was good with the various activities, but there were still some problems and difficulties appeared.
Explaining Technological Change: A Survey

In this survey we present and critically discuss different theoretical approaches (e.g. Neo-classical, Marxist, Schumpeterian, Evolutionary) to the explanation of technological change. We argue that all the approaches taken separately show major limitations. In particular, it seems to be necessary to take into account and explore the existing nexus between technological and institutional change. While the relationship between technology and institutions is a non-issue in neo-classical theory, other approaches fruitfully consider the influence institutions exert on the rate and direction of technological change. The concept of organisational equilibria, accounting for the existing feedback between technological and institutional change, may contribute to the construction of a more general theory of the sources of technological change as solicited, among others, by Dosi (1997) and Ruttan (2001).
Sources of conflict in cooperation between competitors

Sources of conflict in cooperation between competitors-Abstract Industrial relationships have in general been viewed as long term, consisting of mutual commitment and trust. This is a fairly static view that concentrates on the more positive side of relationships. Industrial relationships are not static, but dynamic, and contain both positive and negative situations. Welch and Wilkinson (1999) argue that conflict and cooperation coexist in situations of interdependence and therefore it is important to understand why conflicts develop and how they are managed. 1993) recognise that industrial relationships consist of both cooperation and conflict, few concentrate on interorganizational conflicts.
The Economic Development-Democratization Relationship

The relationship between economic development and democratization offers a central focus in linking comparative and international politics. Analysts agree that economic development facilitates democratization but that the relationship is considerably less than perfect. Should advocates of the democratic peace argument prove to be correct in emphasizing the role of regime type in pacifying international politics, an obvious question becomes, What else drives democratization besides economic development? In this article, the authors explore the relationship between domestic development, in the form of economic growth and democratization, and international conditions. They suggest that a number of international factors, such as external threat, conflict, and trade openness, can aid or abet democratization and economic growth. To systematically analyze one facet of this proposition they use both robust regression and generalized estimating equations and find that the international environment significantly alters democracy. External threats from other states tend to decrease democracy.
Attenuation of Oxygen-Induced Abnormal Lung Maturation in Rats by Retinoic Acid: Possible Role of Cytochrome P4501A Enzymes

Supplemental oxygen is frequently used in the treatment of infants having pulmonary insufficiency, but prolonged hyperoxia may contribute to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in these infants. Cytochrome P4501A enzymes have been implicated in hyperoxic lung injury. Retinoic acid (RA) plays a key role in lung development. Here, we tested the hypotheses that newborn rats exposed to a combination of RA and hyperoxia would be less susceptible to lung injury than those exposed to hyperoxia only and that modulation of CYP1A enzymes by RA contribute to the beneficial effects of RA against hyperoxic lung injury. Newborn rats exposed to hyperoxia for 7 days showed higher lung weight/body weight ratios compared with those exposed to RA + hyperoxia. Hyperoxia for 7 days also caused a significant increase in hepatic and pulmonary CYP1A1/1A2 expression compared with air-breathing controls. RA + hyperoxia treatment lowered the expression of these genes. Seven to 30 days after withdrawal of hyperoxia, the animals showed marked induction of hepatic and pulmonary CYP1A1/1A2 expression, but animals that had been given RA + hyperoxia displayed lower expression of these enzymes. On postnatal days 22 or 38, the hyperoxic animals displayed retarded lung alveolarization; however, the RA + hyperoxia-exposed animals showed improved alveolarization. The improved alveolarization in animals given RA + hyperoxia, in conjunction with the attenuation of CYP1A1 and 1A2 expression in these animals, suggests that this phenomenon may play a role in the beneficial effects of RA.
Heterogeneity of narrowing in normal and asthmatic airways measured by HRCT

Asthmatic airway narrowing is heterogeneous and contributes to airway hyperresponsiveness. The present study compared heterogeneity of narrowing during methacholine challenge in asthmatics and normal subjects using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). The current authors defined heterogeneity as variability in narrowing greater than the repeatability of measurement. Airways of <2 mm diameter were compared with larger airways from baseline and postmethacholine HRCT of the right lower lung in 13 normals (seven had repeat baseline scans) and seven asthmatics. The coefficient of repeatability was calculated from repeat scans (RepAi) and was compared with heterogeneity of narrowing measured by the variability in narrowing from pre versus postmethacholine scans (VarΔAi). Forced expiratory volume in one second decreased 27±6% and 24±8% in normals and asthmatics, respectively. Airways >2 mm narrowed more heterogeneously in asthmatics (VarΔAi=±0.85 mm) compared with normals (VarΔAi=±0.67 mm), with both being greater than the measure of repeatability (RepAi=±0.16 mm). Small airway narrowing was not heterogeneous in asthmatics (VarΔAi=±0.59 mm) or normals (VarΔAi=±0.53 mm) compared with repeatability (RepAi=0.51 mm). It is possible to study heterogeneity of airway narrowing in small and large airways using high resolution computed tomography. Airway narrowing is heterogeneous in the large airways of asthmatics and normals, being greater in asthmatics.
Design of a flexible fluidic actuation system for a hybrid elbow orthosis

In this article the design of a new upper limb rehabilitation system will be presented. A lightweight, modular, and portable system is achieved by the combination of electromyographic (EMG) control, functional electrical stimulation (FES), and the use of miniaturized flexible fluidic actuators (FFA) integrated in an elbow orthosis. First, the state of the art of upper limb rehabilitation devices will be discussed and requirements extracted. Then, the design concept of the new prototype upper limb training system will be presented. Subsequently, a miniaturized fluidically driven actuation system, including its mechatronical components, will be highlighted. Finally, an overview of the performance and function will be given.
Changes in the Murine Nigrostriatal Pathway Following Pyrethroid and Organophosphate Insecticide Exposure: An Immunohistochemical Study

Changes in the Murine Nigrostriatal Pathway Following Pyrethroid and Organophosphate Parkinson's disease (PD) is a debilitating motor disorder that primarily afflicts older individuals (> 50yrs). Although its cause is unknown, many factors are thought to contribute to the disease. There is growing epidemiological evidence supporting a link between pesticide exposure and PD. The present immunohistochemical study was undertaken to characterize the role of insecticide exposure in the etiology of idiopathic PD. The insecticides selected for study were the pyrethroid permethrin (PE) and the organophosphate chlorpyrifos (CP), both of which possess properties that could damage or disrupt the nigrostriatal pathway, which is the principal neurodegenerative target in PD. The present study examined possible alteration of the amount of dopamine re-uptake transporter protein (DAT), within the striatum of the C57BL/6 mouse, using DAT antibodies, following low (0.8, 1.5 & 3.0 mg/kg) and high (200 mg/kg) doses of PE, respectively. Possible nigrostriatal terminal degeneration was examined using antibodies to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis, following treatment with 50 mg/kg of CP alone or in combination with the high dose of PE. For both the high dose of PE alone and for the combined PE/CP treatment, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antibodies were used to examine the possibility of non-degenerative tissue injury. Groups of matched treated/vehicle-control mice received three IP injections of the insecticide/dose of iii interest over a 2-week period. Counts of immunoreactive (IR) neuropil in the dorsolateral striatum were made from four pre-selected fields per striatal tissue section. Counts were compared between matched sections, processed on the same slide, from a treated mouse and its vehicle control. A mean difference score, across slides, for each treated/vehicle control pair was determined. All low dose PE groups showed a trend of decreased DAT IR neuropil, but only the 3.0mg/kg group showed a statistically significant reduction (p<.0078). The 200 mg/kg PE group showed a trend toward reduced TH IR neuropil that was not statistically significant, but a significant increase in GFAP IR (p = .048) was observed. No significant change in TH IR neuropil was observed for CP (50mg/kg) alone. A significant increase was observed for GFAP IR neuropil for the PE/CP (200/50 mg/kg) combination dose (p = .033). The combined insecticide treatment failed, however, to produce a significant change in TH IR within the striatum, compared to vehicle controls. These data suggest that the significant increases in GFAP IR neuropil, …
KECK HIRES SPECTROSCOPY OF EXTRAGALACTIC H ii REGIONS: C AND O ABUNDANCES FROM RECOMBINATION LINES

We present very deep spectrophotometry of 14 bright extragalactic H ii regions belonging to spiral, irregular, and blue compact galaxies. The data for 13 objects were taken with the High Resolution Echelle Spectrometer on the Keck I telescope. We have measured C ii recombination lines in 10 of the objects and O ii recombination lines in eight of them. We have determined electron temperatures from line ratios of several ions, especially those of low ionization potential. We have found a rather tight linear empirical relation between Te([N ii]) and Te([O iii]). We have found that O ii lines give always larger abundances than [O iii] lines. Moreover, the difference of both O++ abundance determinations—the so-called abundance discrepancy factor—is very similar in all the objects, with a mean value of 0.26 ± 0.09 dex, independent of the properties of the H ii region and of the parent galaxy. Using the observed recombination lines, we have determined the O, C, and C/O radial abundance gradients for three spiral galaxies: M33, M101, and NGC 2403, finding that C abundance gradients are always steeper than those of O, producing negative C/O gradients across the galactic disks. This result is similar to that found in the Milky Way and has important implications for chemical evolution models and the nucleosynthesis of C.
On the effects of supply strategy on business performance: do the relationships among generic competitive objectives matter?

The aim of this work is to analyze the effect of purchasing and supply strategies on business performance. Our approach introduces two innovative elements. First, strategy is conceived of as a profile of generic competitive objectives, not as a set of practices deployed by the purchasing function. Second, this study introduces the concept of the relative importance of a competitive objective, rather than the absolute importance of that objective, which enables an analysis of the effect of the interrelationships among the different competitive objectives. An empirical analysis based on 180 Spanish industrial firms, show that an organization’s commercial and financial performance increases when it increases the relative importance of flexibility and decreases the relative importance of reductions in stock levels and purchasing prices in its supply strategy. The best performing firms are those that combine quality, dependability, and flexibility as priority objectives and relegate cost reductions to secondary importance.
Sexual Dimorphism in Healthy Aging and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A DTI Study

Previous PET and MRI studies have indicated that the degree to which pathology translates into clinical symptoms is strongly dependent on sex with women more likely to express pathology as a diagnosis of AD, whereas men are more resistant to clinical symptoms in the face of the same degree of pathology. Here we use DTI to investigate the difference between male and female white matter tracts in healthy older participants (24 women, 16 men) and participants with mild cognitive impairment (21 women, 12 men). Differences between control and MCI participants were found in fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusion (DR), axial diffusion (DA) and mean diffusion (MD). A significant main effect of sex was also reported for FA, MD and DR indices, with male control and male MCI participants having significantly more microstructural damage than their female counterparts. There was no sex by diagnosis interaction. Male MCIs also had significantly less normalised grey matter (GM) volume than female MCIs. However, in terms of absolute brain volume, male controls had significantly more brain volume than female controls. Normalised GM and WM volumes were found to decrease significantly with age with no age by sex interaction. Overall, these data suggest that the same degree of cognitive impairment is associated with greater structural damage in men compared with women.