Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Right to the City: Homage or a New Societal Ethics?

In January 199 1, the Chief of Land-use and Planning Operations at the French Ministry of Equipment and Housing invited various researchers and academics to a seminar organized to discuss a new law in preparation. ' The law in question was the Urban Development Act (Loi d'orientation pour la ville, LOV hereafter), known also as the "antighetto law," with the major concern to fight against social exclusion and spatial segregation. The ensuing seminar spawned lively debates that generated difficult questions, particularly concerning the opening article of the law, which read:
Glomerular filtration rate can be accurately predicted using lean mass measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

BACKGROUND Accurate assessment of renal function is important in the management of patients with kidney disease yet is often difficult to obtain. Formulae, designed for clinical use, have been developed to predict glomerular filtration rate (GFR) utilizing serum creatinine (Scr). Additional parameters are included in these formulae to account for variations in Scr due to differences in total body lean mass in kg (LM). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to derive a simple formula to predict GFR based on Scr and direct quantification of LM. METHODS Ten subjects with a wide range of renal function had GFRs determined by [125I]iothalamate clearance and LM determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry as well as fasting measurements of Scr, serum and 24 h urine urea nitrogen, and albumin. RESULTS The following formula was derived using LM (kg) and Scr (mg/dl): predicted GFR=(2.4xLM)-(0.75xLMxScr). The correlation coefficient for this formula was 0.97, when compared with [125I]iothalamate clearances, and similar to the MDRD formulae (R=0.87-0.95). CONCLUSION Although further validation is necessary, these findings suggest that total body non-invasive measurement of LM along with Scr can be used to accurately predict GFR.
Predicting charlatan behaviour in a non‐Western setting: lack of trust or absence of commitment?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify predictors of charlatan behaviour and investigate relationships among the construct and other variables like: trust in management, organisational commitment, turnover intention, supervisory support, job performance and some job characteristics in Botswana and Swaziland. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires in this survey. Usable questionnaires were received from a total of 484 respondents. Respondents were from public and private sector. Five hypotheses were tested. Findings – Result shows a strong and significant inverse relationship between charlatan behaviour and trust on the one hand and a direct significant relationship with continuance commitment on the other. Supervisory support, employee participation and goal clarity were also significantly albeit inversely correlated with charlatan behaviour but not so with all other study variables. The significant predictors of charlatan behaviour were trust in management and continuance commitment. Research limitations/implications – The predictor variables for charlatan behaviour in this study were few and the sample is heavily skewed towards the public sector. Future studies would benefit from looking at how co-worker trust and ethical behaviour scales would relate to charlatan behaviour, as well as cross-cultural and multi-cultural comparison. Practical implications – Deliberate management policies that build trust, identify and tackle charlatan behaviour during selection and performance evaluation while sustaining employee commitment is vital. So is dealing with the potential problems posed by charlatans especially the possibility of upsetting and demotivating other sincere and committed employees. Originality/value – The paper re-awakens a new task for HR practitioners and researchers: that of identifying organisational charlatans. Also striving to create sustained commitment while building trust and segregating (or incorporating where possible) charlatans.
Envelope Interactions in Multi-Channel Amplitude Modulation Frequency Discrimination by Cochlear Implant Users

Rationale Previous cochlear implant (CI) studies have shown that single-channel amplitude modulation frequency discrimination (AMFD) can be improved when coherent modulation is delivered to additional channels. It is unclear whether the multi-channel advantage is due to increased loudness, multiple envelope representations, or to component channels with better temporal processing. Measuring envelope interference may shed light on how modulated channels can be combined. Methods In this study, multi-channel AMFD was measured in CI subjects using a 3-alternative forced-choice, non-adaptive procedure (“which interval is different? ”). For the reference stimulus, the reference AM (100 Hz) was delivered to all 3 channels. For the probe stimulus, the target AM (101, 102, 104, 108, 116, 132, 164, 228, or 256 Hz) was delivered to 1 of 3 channels, and the reference AM (100 Hz) delivered to the other 2 channels. The spacing between electrodes was varied to be wide or narrow to test different degrees of channel interaction. Results Results showed that CI subjects were highly sensitive to interactions between the reference and target envelopes. However, performance was non-monotonic as a function of target AM frequency. For the wide spacing, there was significantly less envelope interaction when the target AM was delivered to the basal channel. For the narrow spacing, there was no effect of target AM channel. The present data were also compared to a related previous study in which the target AM was delivered to a single channel or to all 3 channels. AMFD was much better with multiple than with single channels whether the target AM was delivered to 1 of 3 or to all 3 channels. For very small differences between the reference and target AM frequencies (2–4 Hz), there was often greater sensitivity when the target AM was delivered to 1 of 3 channels versus all 3 channels, especially for narrowly spaced electrodes. Conclusions Besides the increased loudness, the present results also suggest that multiple envelope representations may contribute to the multi-channel advantage observed in previous AMFD studies. The different patterns of results for the wide and narrow spacing suggest a peripheral contribution to multi-channel temporal processing. Because the effect of target AM frequency was non-monotonic in this study, adaptive procedures may not be suitable to measure AMFD thresholds with interfering envelopes. Envelope interactions among multiple channels may be quite complex, depending on the envelope information presented to each channel and the relative independence of the stimulated channels.
Early Predictors of Ten-Year Course in First-Episode Psychosis.

OBJECTIVE Identifying patients at risk of poor outcome at an early stage of illness can aid in treatment planning. This study sought to create a best-fit statistical model of known baseline and early-course risk factors to predict time in psychosis during a ten-year follow-up period after a first psychotic episode. METHODS Between 1997 and 2000, 301 patients with DSM-IV nonorganic, nonaffective first-episode psychosis were recruited consecutively from catchment area-based sectors in Norway and Denmark. Specialized mental health personnel evaluated patients at baseline, three months, and one, two, five, and ten years (N=186 at ten years). Time in psychosis was defined as time with scores ≥4 on any of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale items P1, P3, P5, P6, and G9. Evaluations were retrospective, based on clinical interviews and all available clinical information. During the first two years, patients were also evaluated by their clinicians at least biweekly. Baseline and early-course predictors of long-term course were identified with linear mixed-model analyses. RESULTS Four variables provided significant, additive predictions of longer time in psychosis during the ten-year follow-up: deterioration in premorbid social functioning, duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) of ≥26 weeks, core schizophrenia spectrum disorder, and no remission within three months. CONCLUSIONS First-episode psychosis patients should be followed carefully after the start of treatment. If symptoms do not remit within three months with adequate treatment, there is a considerable risk of a poor long-term outcome, particularly for patients with a deterioration in premorbid social functioning, a DUP of at least half a year, and a diagnosis within the core schizophrenia spectrum.
Linear independence of internal representations in multilayer perceptrons

This investigation identifies the linear independence of the internal representation of the multilayer perceptron as an essential property for exact learning. The sigmoidal hidden unit activation function has the ability to produce linearly independent outputs. As a result, the minimum number of hidden units for a set of specified input is the number of patterns less the rank of the input patterns. In addition, the basis of many training algorithms is shown to inherently increase the number of linearly independent vectors in the internal representations, thereby increasing the likelihood of exact learning.
Robust Nonconvex Optimization for Simulation-based Problems

In engineering design, an optimized solution often turns out to be suboptimal, when implementation errors are encountered. While the theory of robust convex optimization has taken significant strides over the past decade, all approaches fail if the underlying cost function is not explicitly given; it is even worse if the cost function is nonconvex. In this work, we present a robust optimization method, which is suited for problems with a nonconvex cost function as well as for problems based on simulations such as large PDE solvers, response surface, and kriging metamodels. Moreover, this technique can be employed for most real-world problems, because it operates directly on the response surface and does not assume any specific structure of the problem. We present this algorithm along with the application to an actual engineering problem in electromagnetic multiple-scattering of aperiodically arranged dielectrics, relevant to nano-photonic design. The corresponding objective function is highly nonconvex and resides in a 100-dimensional design space. Starting from an “optimized” design, we report a robust solution with a significantly lower worst case cost, while maintaining optimality. We further generalize this algorithm to address a nonconvex optimization problem under both implementation errors and parameter uncertainties.
Risk Preferences in the Psid: Individual Imputations and Family Covariation

Survey measures of preference parameters provide a means for accounting for otherwise unobserved heterogeneity.This paper presents measures of relative risk tolerance based on responses to survey questions about hypothetical gambles over lifetime income.It discusses how to impute estimates of utility function parameters from the survey responses using a statistical model that accounts for survey response error. There is substantial heterogeneity in true preference parameters even after survey response error is taken into account.The paper discusses how to use the preference parameters imputed from the survey responses in regression models as a control for differences in preferences across individuals. This paper focuses on imputations for respondents in the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID). It also studies the covariation of risk preferences among members of households.It finds fairly strong covariation in attitudes about risk -- between parents and children and especially between siblings and between spouses.
Reliability of Peak Forces During a Finger Curl Motion Common in Rock Climbing

This study was designed to examine the reliability of peak finger force during 4-finger curling in a sample of expert level young competitive rock climbers. The participants (N = 31; 16 boys, 15 girls; 13.0 ± 2.7 years of age) completed 2 maximal finger curls with each hand. Finger force was measured via a piezoelectric force sensor fitted with a plate to accept the first digits of the 4 fingers. Force was applied to the plate/sensor by the fingers via a 3-sec maximal contraction. Reliability of the finger curl for each hand was estimated using a one-way repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) and intraclass test-retest correlation. Reliability of the measurement for the left hand was estimated at R = . 947 (.95 confidence interval, .891-.975). Reliability for the right hand was estimated at R = . 902 (.95 confidence interval, .796-.953). No significant ( p > .05) differences were found between the 2 trials for either hand. Peak force measurement during maximal finger curls using this protocol and population was judged to be reliable.
Characterization of Complicated Carotid Plaque With Magnetic Resonance Direct Thrombus Imaging in Patients With Cerebral Ischemia

Background Thromboembolic disease secondary to complicated carotid atherosclerotic plaque is a major cause of cerebral ischemia. Clinical management relies on the detection of significant (>70%) carotid stenosis. A large proportion of patients suffer irreversible cerebral ischemia as a result of lesser degrees of stenosis. Diagnostic techniques that can identify nonstenotic high‐risk plaque would therefore be beneficial. High‐risk plaque is defined histologically if it contains hemorrhage/thrombus. Magnetic resonance direct thrombus imaging (MRDTI) is capable of detecting methemoglobin within intraplaque hemorrhage. We assessed this as a marker of complicated plaque and compared its accuracy with histological examination of surgical endarterectomy specimens. Methods and Results Sixty‐three patients underwent successful MRDTI and endarterectomy with histological examination. Of these, 44 were histologically defined as complicated (type VI plaque). MRDTI demonstrated 3 false‐positive and 7 false‐negative results, giving a sensitivity and specificity of 84%, negative predictive value of 70%, and positive predictive value of 93%. The interobserver (κ=0.75)and intraobserver (κ=0.9) agreement for reading MRDTI scans was good. Conclusions MRDTI of the carotid vessels in patients with cerebral ischemia is an accurate means of identifying histologically confirmed complicated plaque. The high contrast generated by short T1 species within the plaque allows for ease of interpretation, making this technique highly applicable in the research and clinical setting for the investigation of carotid atherosclerotic disease. (Circulation. 2003;107:3047‐3052.)
Competitive bidding behavior in uniform-price auction markets

Profit-maximizing bidding in uniform price auction markets involves bidding above marginal cost. It therefore is not surprising that such behavior is observed in electricity markets. This incentive to bid above marginal cost is not the result of coordinated action among the bidders. Rather, each bidder is independently selecting its bid to maximize profits based on its estimate of the residual demand curve it faces. The supplier bids a price for its energy capacity to optimize its marginal tradeoff between higher prices and lower quantities. Price response from either demand or other suppliers prevents the supplier from raising its bid too much. Profit maximizing bidding should be expected and encouraged by regulators. It is precisely this profit maximizing behavior that guides the market toward long-run efficient outcomes.
Robust motion planning employing signal temporal logic

Motion planning classically concerns the problem of accomplishing a goal configuration while avoiding obstacles. However, the need for more sophisticated motion planning methodologies, taking temporal aspects into account, has emerged. To address this issue, temporal logics have recently been used to formulate such advanced specifications. This paper will consider Signal Temporal Logic in combination with Model Predictive Control. A robustness metric, called Discrete Average Space Robustness, is introduced and used to maximize the satisfaction of specifications which results in a natural robustness against noise. The comprised optimization problem is convex and formulated as a Linear Program.
Effect of Drinking Water Chlorination on Campylobacter spp. Colonization of Broilers

SUMMARY. The main source for Campylobacter spp. transmission from the environment to broiler chickens is still unclear. One implicated reservoir for the organism has been untreated broiler drinking water. This study was conducted with broilers first using experimental conditions (isolation units) and second under commercial conditions. We compared the rate of intestinal colonization in chickens provided 2 to 5 parts per million (ppm) chlorinated drinking water in relation to the frequency of colonization in chickens given unsupplemented drinking water. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was detected in isolation frequency or level of Campylobacter spp. colonization in birds provided chlorinated drinking water and control birds provided water without supplemental chlorine. In the isolation unit experiments, 86.3% (69/80) of the control and 85.0% (68/80) of the treated birds were colonized at levels corresponding to an average of 105.2 and 105.1 log colony-forming units (cfu) Campylobacter spp. /g of cecal contents, respectively. Additionally, two sets of paired 20,000 bird broiler houses, with and without chlorination (2–5 ppm chlorine), were monitored in a commercial field trial. Effectiveness of chlorination was judged by prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in fecal droppings (960 samples) taken from the flocks in treated and control houses. Birds from the control houses were 35.5% (175/493) Campylobacter spp. positive, while 45.8% (214/467) of the samples from the houses having chlorinated drinking water yielded the organism. Chlorination of flock drinking water at the levels tested in this study was not effective in decreasing colonization by Campylobacter spp. under commercial production practices presently used in the United States.
Randomised controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of wrap therapy for wound healing acceleration in patients with NPUAP stage II and III pressure ulcer

Objectives To evaluate if ‘wrap therapy’ using food wraps, which is widely used in Japanese clinical sites, is not inferior when compared to guideline adhesion treatments. Design Multicentre, prospective, randomised, open, blinded endpoint clinical trial. Setting 15 hospitals in Japan. Patients 66 older patients with new National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel stage II or III pressure ulcers. Interventions Of these 66 patients, 31 were divided into the conventional treatment guidelines group and 35 into the wrap therapy group. Main outcome measures The primary end point was the period until the pressure ulcers were cured. The secondary end point was a comparison of the speed of change in the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing score. Results 64 of the 66 patients were analysed. The estimated mean period until healing was 57.5 days (95% CI 45.2 to 69.8) in the control group as opposed to 59.8 days (95% CI 49.7 to 69.9) in the wrap therapy group. By the extent of pressure ulcer infiltration, the mean period until healing was 16.0 days (95% CI 8.1 to 23.9) in the control group as opposed to 18.8 days (95% CI 10.3 to 27.2) in the wrap therapy group with National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel stage II ulcers, and 71.8 days (95% CI 61.4 to 82.3) as opposed to 63.2 days (95% CI 53.0 to 73.4), respectively, with stage III ulcers. There is no statistical significance in difference in Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing scores. Conclusions It might be possible to consider wrap therapy as an alternative choice in primary care settings as a simple and inexpensive dressing care. Clinical Trial registration UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000002658. Summary protocol is available on https://upload.umin. ac.jp/cgi-bin/ctr/ctr.cgi? function=brows&action=brows&type=detail&recptno=R000003235&admin=0&language=J
Influence of mixed electrolytes on the adsorption of lysozyme, PEG, and PEGylated lysozyme on a hydrophobic interaction chromatography resin

In a recent work (Werner A and Hasse H in J Chromatogr A 2013;1315:135) the influence of mixed electrolytes on the adsorption of the macromolecules lysozyme, PEG and di‐PEGylated lysozyme on a hydrophobic resin has been studied, but only at one overall ionic strength (3000 mM). The present work, therefore, extends these studies to other ionic strengths (2400 and 2700 mM), and explores the application of a model to predict the entire data set. The adsorbent is Toyopearl PPG‐600M. The solvent is a 25 mM aqueous sodium phosphate buffer at pH 7.0. The studied salts are sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, ammonium chloride and ammonium sulfate. Pure salts as well as binary and ternary mixtures of these salts with varying ratios of the amounts of the salts are studied at 25 °C. The loading of the adsorbent increases with increasing salt concentration for all macromolecules. Synergetic effects of the mixed electrolytes are observed. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. , 33:1104–1115, 2017
Chinese Tourists and Confucianism

Despite the widespread belief in the significance of Confucianism on the behaviour of Mainland Chinese people, limited empirical studies have been conducted to examine the Chinese cultural and philosophical ideology in a tourism context. As an exploratory attempt, this paper investigates the influence of Confucian values on Mainland Chinese corporate travellers at leisure on the Gold Coast, Australia. Based on participant observations of group package tours, this paper suggests that the notion of harmony dominates and underlines the Chinese tourists’ behaviour as tourists. The notion of harmony, further, was intricately related with such themes as respect for authority, relationship building or guanxi and conformity. Heavily influenced by the values of Confucianism, the travellers placed much emphasis on maintaining not only the correct and appropriate behaviour, which included paying due respect to one's superior, but also practising forbearance conforming to the interests of a wider group rather than individual desires. Relationship building appears to be a salient motivation, underlying the behaviour of the tourists. Confirming the suggestions from other disciplinary fields, such as Chinese psychology and social psychology, this paper highlights the need for more research attempts in this area for practical and theoretical advancements in our understanding.
Movement Science: Purposefulness and Cross Transfer in a Forearm Supination and Pronation Task

The effects of forearm cross-transfer training with materials-based (MB), rote exercise (RE), and control conditions were investigated using a pre-test, training-post test design. The pre- and post-test task involved cranking resistive wing nuts in and out with each hand. The MB participants were given a practice device and were assigned to one of four groups that involved cranking wing nuts in or out with their left or right limb. Participants in the RE group were not given a practice device, but were asked to supinate and pronate their assigned limb for a specified duration. The difference between the MB condition's pre- and post-test movement time (MT) was significantly better than that between the RE and control groups' movement time. Contrast analyses revealed that the MT difference for the MB condition was significantly greater than the control performance when the purpose of the pre- and post-test movements of the untrained limb was similar to the training purpose (cranking the wing nut in or out) .