Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimating Diagonal Entries of Powers of Sparse Symmetric Matrices is BQP-complete

Let A be a real symmetric matrix of size N such that the number of the non-zero entries in each row is polylogarithmic in N and the positions and the values of these entries are specified by an efficiently computable function. We consider the problem of estimating an arbitrary diagonal entry (A m )jj of the matrix A m up to an error of ǫ b m , where b is an a priori given upper bound on the norm of A, m and ǫ are polylogarithmic and inverse polylogarithmic in N, respectively. We show that this problem is BQP-complete. It can be solved efficiently on a quantum computer by repeatedly applying measurements of A to the jth basis vector and raising the outcome to the mth power. Conversely, every quantum circuit that solves a problem in BQP can be encoded into a sparse matrix such that some basis vector |ji corresponding to the input induces two different spectral measures depending on whether the input is accepted or not. These measures can be distinguished by estimating the mth statistical moment for some appropriately chosen m, i.e., by the jth diagonal entry of A m . The problem is still in BQP when generalized to off-diagonal entries and it remains BQP-hard if A has only −1, 0, and 1 as entries.
Killing Non-Human Animals in Video Games: A Study on User Experience and Desensitization to Violence Aspects

Violent video games are often associated to negative effects such as desensitization to violence. However, while aggression can concern any living being, experiments in the literature have especially focused on games that require the player to aggress human (or anthropomorphic) beings. To extend the investigation of violent video games, this paper considers a video game genre (Whac-a-Mole) in which the victims of aggression belong to non-human animal species. The study investigates User Experience aspects (in terms of players' affect) as well as desensitization to violence aspects of a Whac-a-Mole game and a non-violent version of the same game, using Affect Grids and physiological measures (Facial EMG, SCL, HR, and BVPA). To obtain a high level of control on confounding factors, the modified game for the non-violent condition of the study replaces only the violent content of the original game with non-violent content, leaving all other game features constant. Well-known findings about desensitization to violence in violent video games were not found in this study, and player’s affect results also suggest that the violent element of the Whac-aMole game cannot be straightforwardly replaced by a non-violent one without possibly weakening the User Experience. The paper discusses possible reasons for the obtained results and suggests additional research steps to better clarify the role that the virtual victims’ species might play as a factor in violent video games studies.
The Changing Correctional Mental Health Workers’ Demographics and Duties

Using a recent sample, we examined the changes in correctional clinicians’ characteristics and job duties since Boothby and Clements’s survey in 2000. This update was warranted as there have been many legal developments and changes in practice affecting the correctional mental health field since that publication. The recent sample had higher proportions of female and master’s-level clinicians (rather than doctoral), and was more racially diverse. As the clinicians from 2000 had hoped, by 2015, there was a small but significant increase in their time spent doing therapy. This change was accompanied by a decrease in the time spent doing research. Despite suggestions from the 2000 sample to increase preemployment training opportunities, there was no meaningful difference in the 2015 sample’s preemployment training. The demographic changes appear to mirror changes in the psychotherapist profession in general. Many of the changes in duties between the two time periods are likely due to increased emphasis on mental health treatment in corrections, thus leading to the hiring of more practice-oriented professionals, with less interest in research. Implications are discussed for benefits to educational institutions and corrections agencies that aim to train and employ psychotherapists.
Assessing Detection, Discrimination, and Risk of Breast Cancer According to Anisotropy Parameters of Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Background The aim of this study was to investigate whether the anisotropy parameters are helpful in the detection and discrimination of breast cancers, and to determine its value in predicting the risk of cancers. Material/Methods There were 56 patients with 56 lesions (34 malignant, 22 benign) included in the study. DTI was performed in every patient and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fractional anisotropy (FA), and eigenvalues E1, E2, and E3 were measured in every lesion and the normal breast tissue. Results ADC, FA, and eigenvalues of E1, E2, E3, and E1–E3 in breast cancers were all significantly lower than in normal tissue (P<0.001 for all) with mean reduction of (32±17)%, (24±13)%, (33±19)%, (32±17)%, (31±18)%, and (37±20)% for ADC, FA, E1, E2, E3, and E1–E3, respectively. These parameters were also statistically lower in cancers than in benign lesions (P<0.01 for all), except FA (P>0.05). ADC, E1, E2, and E3 were very similar in discriminating breast cancers and benign lesions, with area under the curve (AUC) 0.885–0.898, sensitivity 73.5–85.3%, and specificity 90.9–100%. Conclusions ADC, E1, E2, E3, and E1–E3 are much lower in breast cancers than in normal tissue and benign lesions. The reduction of ADC, E1, E2, E3, and E1–E3 of a mass in the breast is highly associated with the risk of breast cancer, but the FA has no utility in breast cancer risk prediction.
On the Use of a Concurrent Memory Load to Measure Attention and Automaticity

The concurrent-memory-load technique identifies attention demands with interactions between reaction-time-task parameters and the size of the load. Three experiments with a total of 18 undergraduates are reported in which a multiple-choice reaction time task involving 2, 4, and 8 stimulus-response (S-R) alternatives was performed alone and in the retention interval of a short-term memory task involving ordered recall of 8 digits. In Exp I assignment of stimulus letters to response buttons (S-R mapping) was consistent for 6 days but varied on the 7th. Memory load and number of alternatives interacted early in practice, but the interaction diminished over days, and the effects were additive on Day 6. When the S-R mapping changed on Day 7, the interaction returned. In Exp II, S-R mapping varied daily for 6 days, and the interaction remained stable throughout practice. In Exp III, S-R mapping was consistent for 6 days and varied on the 7th, but the memory task was not introduced until Days 6 and 7. The interaction between memory load and number of alternatives was stronger on Day 7, after the mapping had changed, than it was on Day 6, after practice with consistent mapping. (69 ref)(PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved) Keywords: Driver distraction; Language: en
The role of NOS2A −954G/C and vascular endothelial growth factor +936C/T polymorphisms in type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nonproliferative retinopathy risk management

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains one of the major health problems in Europe. Retinopathy is one of the major causes of morbidity in T2DM, strongly influencing the evolution and prognosis of these patients. In the last 2 decades, several studies have been conducted to identify the possible genetic susceptibility factors involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. However, there is little data related to the involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) gene polymorphisms in the T2DM Caucasian population. The objective of this study was to identify a possible connection between NOS2A −954G/C (rs2297518) and VEGF +936C/T (rs3025039) polymorphisms and the risk of developing T2DM and nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy in a Caucasian population group. We investigated 200 patients diagnosed with T2DM and 208 controls. Genotypes were determined by multiplex polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Statistical and comparative analyses (Fisher’s exact test) for dominant and recessive models of NOS2A −954G/C and VEGF +936C/T polymorphisms revealed an increased risk of T2DM (χ2=8.14, phi =0.141, P=0.004, odds ratio [OR] =2.795, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.347–5.801; χ2=18.814, phi =0.215, P<0.001, OR =2.59, 95% CI =1.675–4.006, respectively). Also, comparative analysis for the recessive model (using Pearson’s chi-square test [χ2] and the phi coefficient [phi]) reveals that the variant CC genotype of NOS2A gene is more frequently associated with T2DM without retinopathy (χ2=3.835, phi =−0.138, P=0.05, OR =0.447, 95% CI =0.197–1.015). In conclusion, the results of the study place VEGF +936C/T polymorphisms among the genetic risk factor for T2DM, whereas NOS2A −954G/C polymorphisms act like a protective individual factor for nonproliferative retinopathy.
Sacral neuromodulation for female pelvic floor disorders

ABSTRACT Objective: To systematically review available studies on the effectiveness and safety of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in women with various pelvic floor disorders not responding to more conservative treatment, as SNM is indicated in such women. Methods: Data source: We did a systematic review through the PubMed and the Cochrane Library according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement from 1998 to 2018 in English using the keywords ‘Sacral Neuromodulation’ and ‘Sacral Nerve Stimulation’. Study selection: Randomised controlled trials and prospective studies were selected, with a minimum sample size of 20 patients and ≥6 months of follow-up. Results: We identified 19 articles. A ≥50% reduction in symptoms qualifies the patient for a permanent implant. Several advances have been introduced into SNM to decrease the invasiveness of the procedure, including a smaller implantable pulse generator battery (improved comfort) and better localisation of the lead wire (improved outcome). The literature reports success for overactive bladder (OAB) to range between 56% and 68% (up to 80%). We report a 5-year therapeutic success rate of 67%. In our previous studies, 38% of our patients with urge urinary incontinence achieved complete continence at 60-months follow-up, with a therapeutic response rate of 57%. Effectiveness in patients with urinary retention and faecal incontinence are about 70% and 85%, respectively. Effectiveness in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome appears to be lower compared with OAB. Conclusion: SNM is a safe and effective therapy for women with various pelvic floor disorders. Abbreviations: BONT: botulinum toxin; FDA: USA Food and Drug Administration; FS: Fowler’s syndrome; FI: faecal incontinence; IC/BPS: interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome; ICIQ-OABqol: International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire-Overactive Bladder Symptoms Quality of Life; INS: implantable neurostimulator; OAB: overactive bladder; PET: positron emission tomography; PNE: peripheral nerve evaluation; PRISMA: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses; PTNM: posterior tibial nerve modulation; PVR: post-void residual urine; QoL: quality of life; RCT: randomised controlled trial; SNM: sacral neuromodulation; (U)UI: (urgency) urinary incontinence
The Frequency of Enterobius Vermicularis Infections in Patients Diagnosed With Acute Appendicitis in Pakistan

Introduction: The main aim of this study was to determine the frequency of Enterobius Vermicularis infections and other unique histopathological findings in patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Materials: This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital of Karachi, Pakistan over a time period of 9 years from 2005 to 2013. The recorded demographic and histopathological data for the 2956 appendectomies performed during this time frame were extracted using a structured template form. Negative and incidental appendectomies were excluded from the study. Results: Out of the 2956 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis, 84 (2.8%) patients had Enterobius Vermicularis infections. Malignancy (n=2, 0.1%) and infection with Ascaris (n=1, 0.1%) was found very rarely among the patients. Eggs in lumen (n=22, 0.7%), mucinous cystadenoma (n=28, 1.0%), mucocele (n=11, 0.4%), lymphoma (n=9, 0.3%), obstruction in lumen (n=17, 0.6%) and purulent exudate (n=37, 1.3%) were also seldom seen in the histopathological reports. Conclusion: Enterobius Vermicularis manifestation is a rare overall but a leading parasitic cause of appendicitis. Steps such as early diagnosis and regular de worming may help eradicate the need for surgeries.
Two descriptions of the quantum affine algebra $U_v(\hat{\mathfrak{sl}}_2)$ via Hall algebra approach

We compare the reduced Drinfeld doubles of the composition subalgebras of the category of representations of the Kronecker quiver $\overr{Q}$ and of the category of coherent sheaves on ${\mathbb P}^1$. Using this approach, we show that the Drinfeld--Beck isomorphism for the quantized enveloping algebra $U_v(\hat{\mathfrak{sl}}_2)$ is a corollary of an equivalence between the derived categories $D^b\bigl(\Rep(\overr{Q})\bigr)$ and $D^b\bigl(\Coh({\mathbb P}^1)\bigr)$. This technique also allows to reprove several technical results on the integral form of $U_v(\hat{\mathfrak{sl}}_2)$.
Negative Binomial Additive Models for Short-Term Traffic Flow Forecasting in Urban Areas

Parallel, coordinated, and network-wide traffic management requires accurate and efficient traffic forecasting models to support online, real-time, and proactive dynamic control. Forecast accuracy is impacted by a critical characteristic of traffic flow, i.e., overdispersion. Efficiency depends on the time complexity of forecasting algorithms. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel spatiotemporal multivariate forecasting model that is based on the negative binomial additive models (NBAMs). Negative binomial is utilized to handle overdispersion, and additive models are used to efficiently smooth nonlinear spatial and temporal variables. To evaluate the model, it is applied to real-world data collected from Taipei City and compared with other forecasting models. The results indicate that the proposed model is an accurate and efficient approach in forecasting traffic flow in urban context where flow is overdispersed, autocorrelated, and influenced by upstream and downstream roads as well as the daily seasonal patterns, namely, low-, moderate-, and high-traffic seasons.
Hybrid Fuzzy result merging for metasearch using Analytic Hierarchy Process

A metasearch engines is a tool that can be used to query multiple search engines in parallel. Functionally a metasearch engine passes the user query to multiple search engines, retrieves result lists of documents from them in response and then merges the result lists into one result list for the user. A key function of metasearch engines is to merge results returned by multiple search engines. Here we propose a new model for result merging that is based on Analytic Hierarch Process (AHP) and uses the OWA operator for aggregation. Our model combines the advantages of the pair wise document and search engine analysis provide by the AHP and the fuzzy aggregation provided by the OWA aggregation operator. We compare our Hybrid Fuzzy model with the OWA based model proposed by Diaz.
Conditional Cooperation With Negative Externalities – An Experiment

Empirically, the commons are not as tragic as standard theory predicts. The predominant explanation for this finding is conditional cooperation. Yet many real life situations involve insiders, who are directly affected by a dilemma, and outsiders, who may be harmed if the insiders overcome the dilemma. The quintessential illustration is oligopoly. If insiders overcome their dilemma and collude, this inflicts harm on the opposite market side. In our experiment, harm on outsiders significantly reduces conditional cooperation of insiders. We can exclude that this result is driven by inequity aversion, reciprocity or efficiency seeking. Only guilt aversion can rationalize our findings, with guilt being most pronounced if the active insiders not only inflict harm on the outsider, but increase their own payoff at the expense of the outsider.
What Explains the Stagnation of Female Labor Force Participation in Urban India?

Female labor force participation rates in urban India between 1987 and 2011 are surprisingly low and have stagnated since the late 1980s. Despite rising growth, fertility decline, and rising wages and education levels, married women's labor force participation hovered around 18 percent. Analysis of five large cross-sectional micro surveys shows that a combination of supply and demand effects have contributed to this stagnation. The main supply side factors are rising household incomes and husband's education as well as the falling selectivity of highly educated women. On the demand side, the sectors that draw in female workers have expanded least, so that changes in the sectoral structure of employment alone would have actually led to declining participation rates.
Glial Scar Formation Occurs in the Human Brain after Ischemic Stroke

Reactive gliosis and glial scar formation have been evidenced in the animal model of ischemic stroke, but not in human ischemic brain. Here, we have found that GFAP, ED1 and chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans (CSPG) expression were significantly increased in the cortical peri-infarct regions after ischemic stroke, compared with adjacent normal tissues and control subjects. Double immunolabeling showed that GFAP-positive reactive astrocytes in the peri-infarct region expressed CSPG, but showed no overlap with ED1-positive activated microglia. Our findings suggest that reactive gliosis and glial scar formation as seen in animal models of stroke are reflective of what occurs in the human brain after an ischemic injury.
Polymorphic Control for Cost-Effective Design of Optical Networks

A WDM optical layer can provide differentiated services to various upper layer protocols by forming many virtual optical networks (VONs). Polymorphic control of an optical layer in the form of On-demand-reconfiguration in some VONs and Self-reconfiguration in other VONs is proposed. The former is suitable for bursty traffic and short-lived connections, and the latter is for steady traffic and long-lived connections. In respect to On-demand-reconfiguration, efficient distributed wavelength reservation protocols, and in particular optical burst switching (OBS) protocols supporting bursty traffic (e.g. Internet traffic) are described. In respect to Selfreconfiguration, optimal algorithms to schedule all-to-all personalized communications (AAPC) in WDM rings and its extensions are described.
Neurotrophic effects of turmeric on the memory of the mouse using the Morris water maze test

Background: Turmeric is a yellow-orange spice found mainly in India and other parts of Asia and South America, and is widely used for its medicinal properties. Curcumin, the main part of the turmeric rhizome, may have properties that can improve the memory of mice in a step-through latency test. Aims and Objectives: In this study, turmeric was utilized to determine its effect on the memory of mice using the Morris water maze (MWM) to assess spatial memory of rodents. Materials and Methods: Determination of the effect of intake of turmeric powder in sterile olive oil was observed, as well as the effects of the different doses of administration (control, 5 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg, and 45 mg/kg) of turmeric based on the performance of mice in the MWM. Further investigation was done by analyzing the apoptotic count on the hippocampal area of the mouse brain. Results: No significant effects were detected on the analysis of both the pre-treatment and post-treatment data on the MWM test, which may imply that the observed downhill trend may be due to chance alone. On the other hand, the significant difference brought about by the treatments of 5 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg, and 45 mg/kg doses on the comparison against the control on the histological analysis by counting the apoptotic cells on the mouse hippocampus was observed. Conclusion: The effect of memory improvement of turmeric administration is, therefore, due to the preventive effect of the turmeric against oxidative stress and its ability to inhibit the apoptosis, or programmed cell death, of neurons. Thus, turmeric has the ability to protect brain cells from deterioration and maybe a potential neuroprotective agent if studied further.
Determination of factors controlling the particle size and entrapment efficiency of noscapine in PEG/PLA nanoparticles using artificial neural networks

In this study, di- and triblock copolymers based on polyethylene glycol and polylactide were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization and characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance and gel permeation chromatography. Nanoparticles containing noscapine were prepared from these biodegradable and biocompatible copolymers using the nanoprecipitation method. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized for size and drug entrapment efficiency, and their morphology and size were checked by transmission electron microscopy imaging. Artificial neural networks were constructed and tested for their ability to predict particle size and entrapment efficiency of noscapine within the formed nanoparticles using different factors utilized in the preparation step, namely polymer molecular weight, ratio of polymer to drug, and number of blocks that make up the polymer. Using these networks, it was found that the polymer molecular weight has the greatest effect on particle size. On the other hand, polymer to drug ratio was found to be the most influential factor on drug entrapment efficiency. This study demonstrated the ability of artificial neural networks to predict not only the particle size of the formed nanoparticles but also the drug entrapment efficiency. This may have a great impact on the design of polyethylene glycol and polylactide-based copolymers, and can be used to customize the required target formulations.
The Consequences of Seasonal Adjustment for Periodic Autoregressive Processes

This paper examines the effect of X-11 seasonal adjustment on periodic autoregressive processes, using both analytic techniques and simulation. Analytical results show that adjustment reduces (but does not eliminate) periodicity in the coefficients of a stationary PAR(1) process, and it generally moves the coefficients towards unity. A nonstationary periodically integrated process is converted into a process with a conventional unit root and induced periodic heteroscedasticity. Simulations confirm that, for finite samples, evidence of periodicity in the coefficients and in residual heteroscedasticity may remain after adjustment, but periodic variation in long-run coefficients is annihilated. The overall conclusion is that adjustment alters, but does not destroy, periodic properties. Copyright Royal Economic Socciety 2004