Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Flight Speeds among Bird Species: Allometric and Phylogenetic Effects

Flight speed is expected to increase with mass and wing loading among flying animals and aircraft for fundamental aerodynamic reasons. Assuming geometrical and dynamical similarity, cruising flight speed is predicted to vary as (body mass)1/6 and (wing loading)1/2 among bird species. To test these scaling rules and the general importance of mass and wing loading for bird flight speeds, we used tracking radar to measure flapping flight speeds of individuals or flocks of migrating birds visually identified to species as well as their altitude and winds at the altitudes where the birds were flying. Equivalent airspeeds (airspeeds corrected to sea level air density, U e) of 138 species, ranging 0.01–10 kg in mass, were analysed in relation to biometry and phylogeny. Scaling exponents in relation to mass and wing loading were significantly smaller than predicted (about 0.12 and 0.32, respectively, with similar results for analyses based on species and independent phylogenetic contrasts). These low scaling exponents may be the result of evolutionary restrictions on bird flight-speed range, counteracting too slow flight speeds among species with low wing loading and too fast speeds among species with high wing loading. This compression of speed range is partly attained through geometric differences, with aspect ratio showing a positive relationship with body mass and wing loading, but additional factors are required to fully explain the small scaling exponent of U e in relation to wing loading. Furthermore, mass and wing loading accounted for only a limited proportion of the variation in U e. Phylogeny was a powerful factor, in combination with wing loading, to account for the variation in U e. These results demonstrate that functional flight adaptations and constraints associated with different evolutionary lineages have an important influence on cruising flapping flight speed that goes beyond the general aerodynamic scaling effects of mass and wing loading.
Face Recognition Using Recursive Cluster-Based Linear Discriminant

Two new recursive procedures for extracting discriminant features, termed recursive modified linear discriminant (RMLD) and recursive cluster-based linear discriminant (RCLD) are proposed in this paper. The two new methods, RMLD and RCLD overcome two major shortcomings of fisher linear discriminant (FLD): it can fully exploit all information available for discrimination; and it removes the constraint on the total number of features that can be extracted. Experiments of comparing the new algorithm with the traditional FLD and some of its variations have been carried out on various types of face recognition problems for Yale database, in which the resulting improvement of the performances by the new feature extraction scheme is significant
Diffusion Monte Carlo study of jellium surfaces: Electronic densities and pair correlation functions.

We present the results of fixed-node diffusion Monte Carlo calculations of jellium surfaces for metallic densities. We used a trial wave function of the Slater-Jastrow type, with the long-range part of the two-body term modified to account for the anisotropy of the system. The one-body term is optimized so that the electronic density from variational and diffusion Monte Carlo calculations agree with each other. The final densities are close to the densities obtained from density-functional calculations in the local-density approximation and the surface energies to the results obtained using the Langreth-Mehl and Perdew-Wang generalized gradient approximation at high densities ( r s 3.25) they agree with the results of the Fermi-hypernetted-chain calculations. The pair-correlation functions at regions near the surface are tabulated, showing the anisotropy of the exchange-correlation hole in regions of fast-varying densities. @S0163-1829~96! 06848-8#
Understanding Bland Altman analysis

In a contemporary clinical laboratory it is very common to have to assess the agreement between two quantitative methods of measurement. The correct statistical approach to assess this degree of agreement is not obvious. Correlation and regression studies are frequently proposed. However, correlation studies the relationship between one variable and another, not the differences, and it is not recommended as a method for assessing the comparability between methods. In 1983 Altman and Bland (B&A) proposed an alternative analysis, based on the quantification of the agreement between two quantitative measurements by studying the mean difference and constructing limits of agreement. The B&A plot analysis is a simple way to evaluate a bias between the mean differences, and to estimate an agreement interval, within which 95% of the differences of the second method, compared to the first one, fall. Data can be analyzed both as unit differences plot and as percentage differences plot. The B&A plot method only defines the intervals of agreements, it does not say whether those limits are acceptable or not. Acceptable limits must be defined a priori, based on clinical necessity, biological considerations or other goals. The aim of this article is to provide guidance on the use and interpretation of Bland Altman analysis in method comparison studies.
Performance evaluation of sensing fabrics for monitoring physiological and biomechanical variables

In the last few years, the smart textile area has become increasingly widespread, leading to developments in new wearable sensing systems. Truly wearable instrumented garments capable of recording behavioral and vital signals are crucial for several fields of application. Here we report on results of a careful characterization of the performance of innovative fabric sensors and electrodes able to acquire vital biomechanical and physiological signals, respectively. The sensing function of the fabric sensors relies upon newly developed strain sensors, based on rubber-carbon-coated threads, and mainly depends on the weaving topology, and the composition and deposition process of the conducting rubber-carbon mixture. Fabric sensors are used to acquire the respitrace (RT) and movement sensors (MS). Sensing features of electrodes, instead rely upon metal-based conductive threads, which are instrumental in detecting bioelectrical signals, such as electrocardiogram (ECG) and electromyogram (EMG). Fabric sensors have been tested during some specific tasks of breathing and movement activity, and results have been compared with the responses of a commercial piezoelectric sensor and an electrogoniometer, respectively. The performance of fabric electrodes has been investigated and compared with standard clinical electrodes.
Exploring principals' understandings and experiences of leadership and professionalism : case studies of three primary school principals in the Pietermaritzburg region.

This study focuses on principals’ understanding and their experiences of leadership and professionalism. The aim is to find out how principals’ understand and experience leadership and professionalism in their schools. Current South African education policy documents encourage visionary leadership, shared decision-making and devolution of authority.These policies focus on democracy and provide the enabling framework for the principals, School Management Team and School Governing Body. Despite these new policies and new structures, the schools are still controlled in a hierarchical top-down manner. The problem is whether these principals understand leadership, and what their view of professionalism entails. The study is qualitatively designed. In-depth interviews and reflective journals were used to collect data. The analyses of the three case studies were interpretive. In this research, the goal was to explore how principals understood and experienced leadership and what their view of professionalism in schools entails. Purposive sampling was used to select participants in the Pietermaritzburg Region of KwaZulu-Natal. The study revealed that leadership was understood as a participatory activity which involved others in decision-making. Principals act as facilitators, mentors, motivators and support structures rather than simply issuing orders and making demands. Principals linked professionalism to high personal and professional standards. The role of relationships, responsibility and professional knowledge were seen as important elements of professionalism.
User acceptance of mobile internet based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology: Investigating the determinants and gender differences

Based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology Model (UTAUT; Venkatesh, Morris, Davis, & Davis, 2003), the purpose of this study was to investigate the determinants of mobile Internet (m-Internet) acceptance and to understand whether or not there are gender differences in the acceptance of m-Internet. Data collected online from 343 respondents in Taiwan were tested against the research model, using the structural equation modeling approach. The proposed model was mostly supported by the empirical data. The findings of this study provide several crucial implications for m-Internet service practitioners and researchers.
Examining Inter-Relationships Between Supervisor Full-Range Leadership, Organizational Climate Strength, and Employee Job Satisfaction Using Multi-Level Modeling

Employee job satisfaction, organizational climate, and supervisor leadership style have long been researched due to their influences on critical metrics for measuring organizational success. While the relationships between these three variables have been investigated, current research suffers from two major issues. First, no existing study has explored the inter-relationships between the aforementioned components within the same model. Second, existing studies are fraught with levels-of-analysis issues that yield findings that are either incomplete or inaccurate. This study addresses these issues by introducing organizational climate strength as a mediating variable (between supervisor leadership and employee satisfaction) and by employing multi-level modeling techniques. A total of 100 full-time staff, administrators, and supervisors across seven departments in a private university completed a 53-question survey measuring the three dimensions of the study. A range of data analysis techniques were conducted, including descriptive statistics, gap analysis, reverse regressions, traditional regressions, and multilevel modeling. Findings from these analyses revealed that the lowest levels of satisfaction and lowest leadership ratings of supervisors came from employees with 1-2 years of service. Additionally, misalignment between employee and supervisor perceptions of supervisor leadership style contributed to lower levels of employee satisfaction. Using traditional regressions, higher levels of Intellectual Stimulation and Individualized Consideration behaviors by supervisors were found to have the greatest positive returns to employee satisfaction. Organizational climate strength was not found to mediate the relationship between supervisors’ leadership styles and employee satisfaction. Furthermore, no statistically significant results were found using multi-level modeling. Practical implications of this study at the research site include specifically addressing the employee experience of those with 1-2 years of service; encouraging selfawareness of supervisors about their leadership abilities (particularly Intellectual Stimulation); and developing the capacities of supervisors to practice Intellectual Stimulation and Individualized Consideration behaviors. Future research can also benefit from this study by utilizing the mediating variable framework, as well as attempting to employ multi-level modeling techniques to the data. Despite a number of limitations, this study not only provides value for specific stakeholders related to the research site, but also makes multiple contributions to the broader literature and research in the field of leadership.
The era of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs in ophthalmology, VEGF and anti-VEGF therapy

Angiogenesis is a clue process for tissue development and function, both in normal and pathological conditions. This process is regulated by multiple molecular systems. One of the most potent is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGFR) system. Members of this family are involved in new vessel formation in embryogenesis and maturation, as well as in reparative or pathological reactions in later stages. They play a substantial role in regeneration, inflammation, wound healing, as well as in cancer pathology. Nowadays it is possible to modulate VEGF-VEGFR interactions in many pathological conditions using anti-VEGF therapy. This therapy has already achieved a grounded position in the management of rheumatological disorders, tumour progression, and metastasis. Such drugs as bevacizumab, ranibizumab, aflibercept, and pegaptanib have also proven to be very effective in the treatment of several ocular diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), macular oedema, or proliferative retinopathies and iris neovascularisation. The indications for the application of this therapy in ophthalmology are becoming wider and wider. It may also be used for corneal pathologies and in anti-glaucoma procedures.
Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) among married non-pregnant women living in a low-income suburb of Beirut, Lebanon.

INTRODUCTION This study aimed to identify reproductive tract infections (RTIs) in married, non-pregnant women, aged 18 to 49 years, living in a low-income suburb of Beirut, and to investigate the relationship between demographic and socioeconomic factors and these infections. METHODOLOGY Among 1,015 women recruited for the study, 502 were found eligible and 441 were medically examined. Appropriate specimens were collected for Nisseria gonorrhea, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, candidiasis, and bacterial vaginosis. RESULTS The results showed a relatively high prevalence of RTIs (28.2%). The prevalence rates of different agents were as follows: 22.9% of the women were positive for T. vaginalis, 8.8% for candidiasis, 4.5% for bacterial vaginosis, and 1% for N. gonorrhea; none of the women were positive for C. trachomatis. Regression analysis showed that women between the ages of 30 and 39 were twice more likely to have T. vaginalis as compared to younger women. Furthermore, women whose husbands were taxi drivers were at higher risk of acquiring T. vaginalis (OR = 2.2) as compared with women whose husbands occupation was listed as skilled/unskilled. This conclusion can be drawn for the odds of developing any RTI (OR = 2.15). Moreover, those participants with the lowest income were twice as likely to have any RTI compared to those with higher incomes. CONCLUSIONS This study shows a relatively high prevalence of RTIs (T. vaginalis mainly). It urges further in-depth research on cultural practices and economic factors to understand the pattern of sexual behavior in this community.
Measuring the short‐term impact of fluoridation cessation on dental caries in Grade 2 children using tooth surface indices

Abstract Objectives To examine the short‐term impact of fluoridation cessation on children's caries experience measured by tooth surfaces. If there is an adverse short‐term effect of cessation, it should be apparent when we focus on smooth tooth surfaces, where fluoride is most likely to have an impact for the age group and time frame considered in this study. Methods We examined data from population‐based samples of school children (Grade 2) in two similar cities in the province of Alberta, Canada: Calgary, where cessation occurred in May 2011 and Edmonton where fluoridation remains in place. We analysed change over time (2004/2005 to 2013/2014) in summary data for primary (defs) and permanent (DMFS) teeth for Calgary and Edmonton, for all tooth surfaces and smooth surfaces only. We also considered, for 2013/2014 only, the exposed subsample defined as lifelong residents who reported usually drinking tap water. Results We observed, across the full sample, an increase in primary tooth decay (mean defs – all surfaces and smooth surfaces) in both cities, but the magnitude of the increase was greater in Calgary (F‐cessation) than in Edmonton (F‐continued). For permanent tooth decay, when focusing on smooth surfaces among those affected (those with DMFS>0), we observed a non‐significant trend towards an increase in Calgary (F‐cessation) that was not apparent in Edmonton (F‐continued). Conclusions Trends observed for primary teeth were consistent with an adverse effect of fluoridation cessation on children's tooth decay, 2.5–3 years post‐cessation. Trends for permanent teeth hinted at early indication of an adverse effect. It is important that future data collection efforts in the two cities be undertaken, to permit continued monitoring of these trends.
Intubation Success through I-Gel® and Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway® Using Flexible Silicone Tubes: A Randomised Noninferiority Trial

Introduction. The study aims to test whether flexible silicone tubes (FST) improve performance and provide similar intubation success through I-Gel as compared to ILMA. Our trial is registered in CTRI and the registration number is “CTRI/2016/06/006997. ” Methods. One hundred and twenty ASA status I-II patients scheduled for elective surgical procedures needing tracheal intubation were randomised to endotracheal intubation using FST through either I-Gel or ILMA. In the ILMA group (n = 60), intubation was attempted through ILMA using FST and, in the I-Gel group (n = 60), FST was inserted through I-Gel airway. Results. Successful intubation was achieved in 36.67% (95% CI 24.48%–48.86%) on first attempt through I-Gel (n = 22/60) compared to 68.33% (95% CI 56.56%–80.1%) in ILMA (n = 41/60) (p = 0.001). The overall intubation success rate was also lower with I-Gel group [58.3% (95% CI 45.82%–70.78%); n = 35] compared to ILMA [90% (95% CI 82.41%–97.59%); n = 54] (p < 0.001). The number of attempts, ease of intubation, and time to intubation were longer with I-Gel compared to ILMA. There were no differences in the other secondary outcomes. Conclusion. The first pass success rate and overall success of FST through an I-Gel airway were inferior to those of ILMA.
One money, one market : the effect of common currencies on trade

A gravity model is used to assess the separate effects of exchange rate volatility and currency unions on international trade. The panel data, bilateral observations for five years during 1970-90 covering 186 countries, includes 300+ observations in which both countries use the same currency. I find a large positive effect of a currency union on international trade, and a small negative effect of exchange rate volatility, even after controlling for a host of features, including the endogenous nature of the exchange rate regime. These effects, statistically significant, imply that two countries sharing the same currency trade three times as much as they would with different currencies. Currency unions like the European EMU may thus lead to a large increase in international trade, with all that that entails.
Radar Detection of Tornadogenesis Kristofer

This research compared the basic and polarimetric radar products of non-tornadic and pre-tornadic supercells with the intent of finding a signature which appears to be indicative of tornadogenesis or a lack thereof. Reflectivity (ZHH), spectrum width (σv), differential reflectivity (ZDR), correlation coefficient (ρhv), and specific differential phase (KDP) were all visually analyzed using GR2Analyst and compared to existing schematics in an attempt to find a signature. Once an apparent signature was found, pooled t-tests were performed on the data to see if the mean value of the pre-tornadic supercell, where the signature was found, had a statistically significant difference with the mean value of the non-tornadic supercell in the same area. Overall, it was found that the discovered signature was statistically significant on the 95% confidence level. However, due to the small number of cases tested, a relationship between the signature and tornadogenesis cannot be proven, but can be suggested. ______________________________________________________________________________
JARID2 promotes invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by facilitating epithelial-mesenchymal transition through PTEN/AKT signaling

JARID2 is crucial for maintenance of pluripotency and differentiation of embryonic stem cells. However, little is known about the role of JARID2 in metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study found that JARID2 expression was significantly higher in HCC tissues than that in adjacent non-tumor liver tissues (ANLTs), and its expression level correlated with HCC metastasis. High JARID2 expression was significantly correlated with multiple tumor nodules, high Edmondson-Steiner grade, microvascular invasion, advanced TNM stage and advanced BCLC stage (all P < 0.05) and indicated poor prognosis of HCC in training and validation cohorts (all P < 0.05) totaling 182 patients. High JARID2 expression was an independent and significant risk factor for disease-free survival (DFS; P = 0.017) and overall survival (OS; P = 0.041) after curative liver resection in training cohort, and also validated as an independent and significant risk factor for DFS (P = 0.033) and OS (P = 0.031) in validation cohort. Moreover, down-regulation of JARID2 dramatically inhibited HCC cell migration, invasion, proliferation in vitro and metastasis in vivo, whereas overexpression of JARID2 significantly increased migration, invasion, proliferation in vitro and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, the data showed that JARID2 exerted its function by repressing PTEN expression through increasing H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) at PTEN promoter region, which subsequently resulted in activation of protein kinase B (AKT) and enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In conclusion, this study revealed that JARID2 promotes invasion and metastasis of HCC by facilitating EMT through PTEN/AKT signaling.
Critical success factors in UK and Dutch hotels.

This paper focuses on a project designed to investigate the validity of the results obtained from a prior exploratory study undertaken to identify the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) in ‘UK Hotels Plc’ (Brotherton and Shaw, 1996). To place the study within its conceptual context the nature of CSFs, the origins of this approach and its application to hospitality and other types of business environment are briefly reviewed. This leads into the specific focus derived from the results of the (1996) study and provides the starting point for the empirical aspects of this study. The paper details the methodology adopted and reflects on some of the methodological issues associated with its comparative design. Following the presentation of the empirical results their significance is discussed and reasons postulated for those CSF aspects identified as convergent or divergent. Finally, the practical and research implications of these results, for both the specific hotel context of the study and those of more generic concern, are explored.
An Examination Of Effort: An Experimental Approach

This dissertation studies issues associated with various topics related to a worker’s effort. For example, I explore how different wage incentives affect a worker’s productivity. I explore how exogenous shocks, what we often refer to as “luck,” can affect a worker’s motivation. In addition, I explore how different wage contracts destroy cooperation and can lead to destructive activities such as cheating and sabotage, as well as how these activates, in turn, affect productivity. Finally, in the last chapter, I analyze behavioral issues related to fairness and altruism in tournaments, and how these behaviors affect worker’s effort.