Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Admissible agreements among goal-directed agents

We study admissible coalitions in goal-directed multiagent systems. We define a qualitative criterion of admissibility in which a coalition has itself all the necessary information to check admissibility. We show also that, under some assumptions on preference relations of the agents, this admissibility criterion can be used to reduce the search space in a game theoretical approach.
Lee-Carter mortality forecasting: a multi-country comparison of variants and extensions

We compare the short- to medium-term accuracy of five variants or extensions of the Lee-Carter method for mortality forecasting. These include the original Lee-Carter, the Lee-Miller and Booth-Maindonald-Smith variants, and the more flexible Hyndman-Ullah and De Jong-Tickle extensions. These methods are compared by applying them to sex-specific populations of 10 developed countries using data for 1986-2000 for evaluation. All variants and extensions are more accurate than the original Lee-Carter method for forecasting log death rates, by up to 61%. However, accuracy in log death rates does not necessarily translate into accuracy in life expectancy. There are no significant differences among the five methods in forecast accuracy for life expectancy.
Personalisation of Telecommunications Services as Combinatorial Optimisation

Modern feature-rich telecommunications services offer significant opportunities to human users. To make these services more usable, facilitating personalisation is very important. Such personalisation enhances the users’ experience considerably. The Session Initiation Protocol and Distributed Feature Composition architecture allow users to select and compose telecommunications network applications or features. In this paper we view feature composition as a configuration problem. We model feature composition using a variety of combinatorial optimisation paradigms. In particular, we present and evaluate an approach to finding optimal reconfigurations of network features when the user’s preferences violate the technical constraints defined by a set of DFC rules.
Natural isoflavones regulate the quadruplex–duplex competition in human telomeric DNA

Effects of natural isoflavones on the structural competition of human telomeric G-quadruplex d[AG3(T2AG3)3] and its related Watson–Crick duplex d[AG3(T2AG3)3-(C3TA2)3C3T] are investigated by using circular dichroism (CD), ESI-MS, fluorescence quenching measurement, CD stopped-flow kinetic experiment, UV spectroscopy and molecular modeling methods. It is intriguing to find out that isoflavones can stabilize the G-quadruplex structure but destabilize its corresponding Watson–Crick duplex and this discriminated interaction is intensified by molecular crowding environments. Kinetic experiments indicate that the dissociation rate of quadruplex (kobs290 nm) is decreased by 40.3% at the daidzin/DNA molar ratio of 1.0 in K+, whereas in Na+ the observed rate constant is reduced by about 12.0%. Furthermore, glycosidic daidzin significantly induces a structural transition of the polymorphic G-quadruplex into the antiparallel conformation in K+. This is the first report on the recognition of isoflavones with conformational polymorphism of G-quadruplex, which suggests that natural isoflavone constituents potentially exhibit distinct regulation on the structural competition of quadruplex versus duplex in human telomeric DNA.
Adolescents' Perspectives of Home, School and Neighborhood Environmental Influences on Physical Activity and Dietary Behaviors

Abstract:This investigation sought to gain an understanding of how youth perceive neighborhood environmental influences on their physical activity and eating behaviors. This qualitative study targeted a heterogeneous sample of 12- to 14-year-olds in London, Ontario, Canada. Using a semi-structured interview guide, we conducted nine focus groups (n 60) and used inductive content analysis to investigate their discussions. Most participants discussed their school, parks, and opportunity structures around their homes as influencing their physical activity, and overwhelmingly reported the availability of fast-food restaurants, convenience stores, and slow-food restaurants in their neighborhoods as influencing their eating practices. The descriptive information collected through this study is potentially significant for the efforts of city planners, policy makers, health professionals, school officials, and parents to promote and support healthier youth behaviors.
What makes ImageNet good for transfer learning?

The tremendous success of ImageNet-trained deep features on a wide range of transfer tasks begs the question: what are the properties of the ImageNet dataset that are critical for learning good, general-purpose features? This work provides an empirical investigation of various facets of this question: Is more pre-training data always better? How does feature quality depend on the number of training examples per class? Does adding more object classes improve performance? For the same data budget, how should the data be split into classes? Is fine-grained recognition necessary for learning good features? Given the same number of training classes, is it better to have coarse classes or fine-grained classes? Which is better: more classes or more examples per class? To answer these and related questions, we pre-trained CNN features on various subsets of the ImageNet dataset and evaluated transfer performance on PASCAL detection, PASCAL action classification, and SUN scene classification tasks. Our overall findings suggest that most changes in the choice of pre-training data long thought to be critical do not significantly affect transfer performance. Given the same number of training classes, is it better to have coarse classes or fine-grained classes? Which is better: more classes or more examples per class?
Naïve Learning in Social Networks and the Wisdom of Crowds

We study learning in a setting where agents receive independent noisy signals about the true value of a variable and then communicate in a network. They naively update beliefs by repeatedly taking weighted averages of neighbors' opinions. We show that all opinions in a large society converge to the truth if and only if the influence of the most influential agent vanishes as the society grows. We also identify obstructions to this, including prominent groups, and provide structural conditions on the network ensuring efficient learning. Whether agents converge to the truth is unrelated to how quickly consensus is approached. (JEL D83, D85, Z13)
The importance of electron–electron bremsstrahlung for terrestrial gamma-ray flashes, electron beams and electron–positron beams

Thunderstorms emit terrestrial gamma-ray flashes with photon energies of up to tens of MeV and electron-positron beams that are created by photons with energies above 1.022 MeV. These photons are produced through the bremsstrahlung process when energetic electrons collide with air molecules. However, presently used cross sections for bremsstrahlung treat only the interaction of the electrons with the nuclei of molecules while we here include their interaction with shell electrons. We simulate the production of energetic photons by a negative stepped lightning leader, and we find that electron–electron bremsstrahlung contributes significantly, although the direct photon emission is less than from electron–nucleus bremsstrahlung. However, electron–electron bremsstrahlung also ejects shell electrons and therefore feeds the electron population above 1 MeV significantly. We find that it hence dominates the photon spectrum of the stepped lightning leader at 10 MeV.
Language Learner Strategy Use and English Proficiency on the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery

The invention provides a blasting wheel apparatus having a wheel with a plurality of like blade elements having generally an "I" shape in cross section including a base having a hooking member at one end and a lug at the opposite end thereof extending downwardly therefrom for anchoring with corresponding recesses of the wheel. The lug also extends outwardly from the end of the blade forming a bearing surface substantially co-planar with but opposied in direction to the bottom surface of the blade. A flange is presented to the bearing surface of each blade upon full registration of the hooking member and lug of each blade within corresponding recesses of the wheel. The blades are secured from separation from the wheel by a bolt presented to a tapered axial opening and upon full registration of the bolt thereby clamping the flange, blades and wheel together.
Methodology in the Use of Synthetic Tasks to Assess Complex Performance1

The application of synthetic tasks to the assessment of complex performance is discussed in relation to the trade-offs involved in achieving adequate levels of face validity and in specifying the exact changes in psychological functions that may result from particular environmental manipulations. It is argued that the multiple-task performance battery approach can provide levels of face validity adequate to maintain the motivation of subjects while at the same time permitting the identification of changes in specific performance functions. The characteristics of this approach are discussed in relation to a program of research on the effects of confinement and demanding work-rest schedules on crew performance.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-308 G/A Polymorphisms and Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis

Context Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common disorder throughout the world that can develop due to various factors, including genetics. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is the most frequently studied cytokine related to the risk of developing HCC, and an association between the 308 position of the TNF-α promoter (TNF-α-308) and HCC risk has been confirmed in various reports. Evidence Acquisition The PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched through July 12, 2015, for studies on associations between TNF-α-308 and the risk of HCC. To determine this association, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Results A total of 23 case-control studies were investigated, involving 3,389 cases and 4,235 controls. The overall conclusion was that the A allele was more frequent in case groups compared to control groups (13.4% vs. 8.4%). Thus, the A allele was significantly associated with increased HCC risk (OR = 1.77; 95% CI = [1.26-2.50]; P value < 0.002). In addition to the allelic model, the dominant model (AA + AG vs. GG) was significantly associated with HCC risk (OR = 1.80; CI = [1.29-2.51]; P value < 0.001). In the sensitivity analysis for co-dominant (AA vs. GG) and recessive models (AA vs. AG + GG), no trustworthy associations with the risk of HCC development were observed. Conclusions This meta-analysis indicated that the TNF-α-308 G/A polymorphism is significantly associated with increased susceptibility to HCC. However, to confirm this finding, more studies are needed on TNF-α-308 G/A polymorphisms associated with HCC.
Regimen-related gastrointestinal toxicities in cancer patients

Purpose of reviewGastrointestinal toxicities are a common side effect of many forms of cytotoxic cancer therapy. Of the gastrointestinal toxicities, mucositis is among the most common and results in a range of symptoms that negatively impact patients' quality of life, ability to tolerate their cancer therapy, and health resource use. The purpose of this review is to describe the scope, risk factors, pathobiology, and treatment opportunities for mucositis. Recent findingsThe historical paradigm by which mucositis occurs has been markedly revised in the past decade. The pathogenesis of mucositis is now recognized to consist of a series of complex biological events that ultimately result in the disruption of the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract. Risk factors for mucositis have been identified that are associated with its biology. Treatment strategies that target mucositis' mechanistic pathways hold significant promise. SummaryMucosal injury induced by radiation or chemotherapy is a common, painful, function disrupting toxicity that, currently, has limited treatment options. The evolving understanding of the pathobiology of the condition provides multiple treatment targets that should ultimately result in amelioration of the condition.
Rapid Ethical Appraisal: A tool to design a contextualized consent process for a genetic study of podoconiosis in Ethiopia

Background: Obtaining genuine informed consent from research participants in developing countries can be difficult, partly due to poor knowledge about research process and research ethics. The situation is complicated when conducting genomic research on a disease considered familial and a reason for stigmatisation. Methods: We used a Rapid Ethical Appraisal tool to assess local factors that were barriers to getting genuine informed consent prior to conducting a genetic study of podoconiosis (non-filarial elephantiasis) in two Zones of Ethiopia. The tool included in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with patients, healthy community members, field workers, researchers/Institutional Review Board (IRB) members, elders, religious leaders, and podoconiosis administrators who work closely with patients. Results: Most patients and healthy community members did not differentiate research from routine clinical diagnosis. Participants felt comfortable when approached in the presence of trusted community members. Field workers and podoconiosis administrators preferred verbal consent, whereas the majority of patients and healthy community members prefer both verbal and written consent. Participants better understood genetic susceptibility concepts when analogies drawn from their day-to-day experience were used. The type of biological sample sought and gender were the two most important factors affecting the recruitment process. Most researchers and IRB members indicated that reporting incidental findings to participants is not a priority in an Ethiopian context. Conclusions: Understanding the concerns of local people in areas where research is to be conducted facilitates the design of contextualized consent processes appropriate for all parties and will ultimately result in getting genuine consent.
Angiogenesis and apoptosis in glioma: Two arenas for promising new therapies

New therapies for gliomas are urgently needed in view of the very marginal increase in patient survival that has been achieved over the past two decades, which is only somewhat mitigated by improvements in quality of life. Two relatively recent fields of research that hold out great promise in this area, are angiogenesis and apoptosis. Depriving growing tumors of the blood supply they need, or tipping the balance in the cancer cell towards cell death, both provide conceptually elegant approaches to therapy, with the hope of great efficacy and little toxicity. However, attempts at successfully translating exciting laboratory findings to the clinic have been slowed by the complexity of the underlying biology. In this article we examine some of the issues that have impeded progress, and examine the potential role that integrins may play as targets, with a role in both angiogenesis and apoptosis. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ethnicity, acculturation and health: who's to judge?

If socioeconomic factors were the only driver of ethnic differences in mortality, Pacific people in New Zealand should have the highest mortality rates. However, Pacific people have intermediate mortality rates between Maori and non-Maori nonPacific people (although specific health problems such as infectious disease, stroke and diabetes are of pressing concern among Pacific people). Clearly, ethnic differences in health are due to more than just socioeconomic position. It is interesting to speculate whether and how Pacific culture has protected Pacific people from the full impact of lower socioeconomic position, and whether any such protection will be maintained into the future with their increasing acculturation. Unfortunately, culture is examined all too often in deficit terms in attempts to explain ethnic differences in health. Research and understanding of the beneficial effects of Pacific culture (and both Maori and the dominant Pakeha culture) on health is required in New Zealand, not just for its own intrinsic value but because it may identify positive policy options for reducing inequalities in health.
Analysis of the invasive edge in primary and secondary oral squamous cell carcinoma: An independent prognostic marker: A retrospective study

Background and Objectives: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common head and neck carcinomas and corresponds to 95% of all oral cancers with an increasing morbidity and mortality. Its prognosis is affected by several clinicopathologic factors, one of which is pattern of invasion (POI). The histological features of OSCC may differ widely, but there is general agreement that the most useful prognostic information can be deduced from the invasive front of the tumor. In this retrospective study, our aim was to compare the POI, the status of connective tissue and the status of inflammation at the tumor–host interface in primary and recurrent (secondary) OSCC and test the validity of POI, to serve as a potential marker to assess the prognosis of the patient. Materials and Methods: Differentiation of tumors, POI, status of connective tissue and inflammation was assessed in 168 cases of primary and recurrent cases of OSCC. Statistical Analysis: Fisher's exact test was used to determine the statistical significance and P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Our study showed that majority of the primary and secondary tumors were well differentiated, 117 [95.9%] and 34 [73.9%], respectively. Predominant POI in the primary and secondary tumor group was Pattern II and least was Pattern V. Worst pattern in primary tumor and highest distribution was seen for Pattern III (53.3%), and least for Pattern V (0.00%). In secondary tumors, the predominant worst pattern was Pattern IV (50.0%) and least distribution was seen for Pattern I (0.00%). Connective tissue status for both primary and secondary tumors showed the predominance of loose type (85.2% and 79.2%) and least was variable type (0.8% and 0.6%), respectively. Status of inflammation in the primary tumor group showed a predominance of moderate grade of inflammation (50.0%) and very mild grade of inflammation (6.6%) was the least type. In the secondary tumor group, moderate grade (43.5%) of inflammation was predominant and very mild grade (5.4%) was the least. All the parameters showed a statistically significant difference on the application of Fisher's exact test between the two groups. Conclusion: Our study showed that POI could serve as an individual prognostic marker irrespective of the histologic differentiation of tumor. Tumor desmoplasia could be considered as an important reflection of the tumor-host interaction, especially in aggressive cancers. Host immune defense, especially tumor infiltrating lymphocytes must be noted as critical factors related to survival rate in OSCC patients. Assessment of mentioned parameters may lead to sound prognostic assessment and appropriate treatment planning thus reducing the possibility of recurrence or relapse. Hence, the parameters evaluated in our study could serve as independent or interdependent prognostic markers.
Explanation Goals in Case-Based Reasoning

In this paper, we present a short overview of different theories of explanation. We argue that the goals of the user should be taken into account when deciding what is a good explanation for a given CBR system. Some general types relevant to many Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) systems are identified and we use these goals to identify some limitations in using the case as an explanation in CBR systems.
Gradual structuring in the spreadsheet paradigm

Spreadsheets are arguably the most used form of programming, yet they are error prone and hard to maintain. This paper demonstrates novel features that enable the gradual structuring of spreadsheets to more structured models, with the intent of mitigating these issues. The approach of features for gradual structuring does not impact the underlying application. Structured models improve comprehension, reduce design and composition errors, whilst the gradual nature proposed, allows the modeller to choose what best fits their requirements. The origin of these features are the design patterns of expert spreadsheet modellers. Whilst these features increase the expressiveness of the spreadsheet paradigm future studies are planned to assess.
Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Protocol for the Development of the Master Chemical Mechanism, Mcm V3 (part B): Tropospheric Degradation of Aromatic Volatile Organic Compounds

Kinetic and mechanistic data relevant to the tropospheric degradation of aromatic volatile organic compounds (VOC) have been used to define a mechanism development protocol, which has been used to construct degradation schemes for 18 aromatic VOC as part of version 3 of the Master Chemical Mechanism (MCM v3). This is complementary to the treatment of 107 non-aromatic VOC, presented in a companion paper. The protocol is divided into a series of subsections describing initiation reactions, the degradation chemistry to first generation products via a number of competitive routes, and the further degradation of first and subsequent generation products. Emphasis is placed on describing where the treatment differs from that applied to the non-aromatic VOC. The protocol is based on work available in the open literature up to the beginning of 2001, and some other studies known by the authors which were under review at the time. Photochemical Ozone Creation Potentials (POCP) have been calculated for the 18 aromatic VOC in MCM v3 for idealised conditions appropriate to northwest Europe, using a photochemical trajectory model. The POCP values provide a measure of the relative ozone forming abilities of the VOC. These show distinct differences from POCP values calculated previously for the aromatics, using earlier versions of the MCM, and reasons for these differences are discussed.