Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ice sheets and sea level of the Last Glacial Maximum

What was the extent and volume of glaciers and ice sheets during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) centered on 21,000 calendar years ago? How much lower was global sea level as a result of growth of LGM ice sheets? What was the isostatic response to the global redistribution of mass (ice and water) during the LGM? What influence did LGM ice sheets have on global climate?
ON THE NATURE OF PREFERENCE IN DECISIONS INVOLVING RISK: A PROPORTION OF EMOTION MECHANISM

REID, AARON A. , Ph.D., August 2006, Psychology ON THE NATURE OF PREFERENCE IN DECISIONS INVOLVING RISK: A PROPORTION OF EMOTION MECHANISM (129 pp.) Director of Dissertation: Claudia González-Vallejo The hypothesis that emotion mediates the relationship between cognitive assessments of the importance of outcomes and preferences in decision-making under risk is not supported. Regulatory focus strength (E. T. Higgins, 1997) is used as a measure of cognitive importance of outcomes, and skin conductance response (SCR) and self reported emotion as measures of emotion. Separately, a proportion of emotion model, that adds an emotional weighting mechanism to the proportional difference model (C. González-Vallejo, 2002), proves to be a significant predictor of choice using SCR as an emotion input. However, it is outperformed by a simple emotional difference model and subjective expected pleasure theory (B. Mellers, 2000). All emotional models outperform cumulative prospect theory (A. Tversky & D. Kahneman, 1992).
Experimental and Mathematical Studies on the Drug Release Properties of Aspirin Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles

The study of drug release dynamic is aiming at understanding the process that drugs release in human body and its dynamic characteristics. It is of great significance since these characteristics are closely related to the dose, dosage form, and effect of the drugs. The Noyes-Whitney function is used to represent how the solid material is dissolved into solution, and it is well used in study of drug dynamic. In this research, aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)) has been encapsulated with different grades of chitosan (CS) varying in molecular weight (Mw) for the purpose of controlled release. The encapsulation was accomplished by ionic gelation technology based on assembly of positively charged chitosan and negatively charged sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). The encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, and drug release behavior of aspirin loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) were studied. It was found that the concentration of TPP and Aspirin, molecular weights of chitosan have important effect on the drug release patterns from chitosan nanoparticles. The results for simulation studies show that the Noyes-Whitney equation can be successfully used to interpret the drug release characteristics reflected by our experimental data.
Review of Omphalitis Interventions in India, Nepal and Pakistan Using Proximal, Intermediate and Distal Risk Factors

INTRODUCTION: Four million infants die annually within the first 28 days of life (Mir, 2008). This first four weeks of life is known as the neonatal period, a time frame when infants are most vulnerable to disease and infection. Ninety-nine percent of neonatal deaths occur in low to middle income countries (Mir, 2008). A systemic infection known as sepsis is the ultimate cause of death in 36% of neonates (Mullany, 2006). Due to lack of population-wide surveillance in the developing world, the proportion of cases originating from umbilical cord infection is largely unknown. Researchers at Aga Khan University Hospital concluded in their community-based study that home births place neonates at risk for umbilical infection and sepsis. Home births are not sterilely performed and the resulting risk of infection is high (Karumbi et al., 2013). Sequelae of umbilical cord infections have been identified as necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis, which is a systemic infection that is often fatal. AIM: The aim of this study is to review proximal, intermediate and distal risk factors in order to determine which omphalitis interventions show the most promise. METHODS: Community-based randomized trials in India, Nepal and Pakistan were reviewed to discern the proximal, intermediate and distal risk factors of omphalitis to determine whether a single or multi-level intervention would best address neonatal omphalitis. RESULTS: A single intervention of 4% CHX has been displayed by numerous studies to effectively reduce the incidence of omphalitis-related mortality by approximately 25%. DISCUSSION: Due to the high incidence of omphalitis among neonates, similarities in cultural practices surrounding childbirth, and existing study data, India, Pakistan and Nepal have been chosen as countries of interest. Proximally, agents of disease were identified and the etiologies of such pathogens were explored. Intermediately, delivery practices, hygiene of both caregiver and birthing attendant, the occurrence of skin-to-skin contact encountered by the newborn, cultural practices of applying unsanitary substances to the umbilical cord, and breastfeeding norms are analyzed. Distally, environment, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, health systems, and education levels are considered as determinants of this disease (Mullany, et al., 2006). ii Numerous studies conducting community-based randomized trials have determined that implementation of the topical antiseptic 4% Chlorhexidine (CHX) can result in an approximate 25% reduction in overall neonate mortality and between a 27% to 54% reduction in the incidence of omphalitis (Imdad et al., 2013). Researcher also cited the long-standing safety record, low cost, strong adhesion rate and activity …
AIS Electronic Library (AISeL)

In the enterprise software industry leading firms usually adopt an open platform strategy and nurture their innovation ecosystem to achieve the shared success of the community. In this study we examine the antecedents of small independent software vendors’ (ISVs’) decision to join a platform ecosystem. Using data of 1208 ISVs’ history of partnering activities with a major enterprise software marker from 1996 to 2004, we find that appropriability strategies based on intellectual property rights and the possession of downstream complementary capabilities by ISVs are positively related to the partnership formation, and ISVs use the two mechanisms as substitutes to prevent expropriation by the platform owner. In addition, we show that greater level of competition in the downstream market between ISVs and the platform owner negatively affects the likelihood of partnering. The results highlight the role of innovation appropriation, downstream complementary capabilities and collaborative competition in the formation of enterprise software platform ecosystems.
COBAYN

The variety of today’s architectures forces programmers to spend a great deal of time porting and tuning application codes across different platforms. Compilers themselves need additional tuning, which has considerable complexity as the standard optimization levels, usually designed for the average case and the specific target architecture, often fail to bring the best results. This article proposes COBAYN: Compiler autotuning framework using BAYesian Networks, an approach for a compiler autotuning methodology using machine learning to speed up application performance and to reduce the cost of the compiler optimization phases. The proposed framework is based on the application characterization done dynamically by using independent microarchitecture features and Bayesian networks. The article also presents an evaluation based on using static analysis and hybrid feature collection approaches. In addition, the article compares Bayesian networks with respect to several state-of-the-art machine-learning models. Experiments were carried out on an ARM embedded platform and GCC compiler by considering two benchmark suites with 39 applications. The set of compiler configurations, selected by the model (less than 7% of the search space), demonstrated an application performance speedup of up to 4.6 × on Polybench (1.85 × on average) and 3.1 × on cBench (1.54 × on average) with respect to standard optimization levels. Moreover, the comparison of the proposed technique with (i) random iterative compilation, (ii) machine learning--based iterative compilation, and (iii) noniterative predictive modeling techniques shows, on average, 1.2 × , 1.37 × , and 1.48 × speedup, respectively. Finally, the proposed method demonstrates 4 × and 3 × speedup, respectively, on cBench and Polybench in terms of exploration efficiency given the same quality of the solutions generated by the random iterative compilation model.
Lack of association between human papillomavirus infection and colorectal cancer

Introduction Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with nearly one million new cases identified annually. Different factors might cause colorectal cancer, one of the most prevalent cancers among both men and women. Viral aetiology in cancerous malignancies is a very important issue and so far a number of viral strains have been identified as tumour oncogene viruses. Viral infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), have recently been suggested as a risk factor for colorectal cancer. However, the aetiology of the disease is still unknown. Aim To assessed the association between HPV infection and colorectal cancer. Material and methods In this study, 50 cancer tissue samples and 50 samples without colon cancer were studied in order to identify HPV through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of 42 adenocarcinomas, 10 were well differentiated, 30 moderated differentiated, and 2 were poorly differentiated. DNA extraction was verified by beta globin gene amplification; specific PCR was carried out based on HPV L1 consensus primers MY09/MY11. Results HPV DNA was not identified in any of the normal, adenocarcinoma, or adenoma samples. Conclusions In contrast with previous studies, the current research failed to establish a relationship between HPV infection and the incidence of colon cancer. Considering the existing inconsistencies, it is recommended that further studies be conducted with larger sample size.
DYNSDM: Dynamic and flexible software-defined multicast for ISP environments

A number of today's over-the-top (OTT) services could greatly benefit from a scalable and efficient network-layer multicast support on the Internet. IP multicast showed to not meet these requirements and, thus, is not available for this purpose. Content Delivery Networks emerged as global alternative but usually end at the border of ISP networks. Software-Defined Multicast (SDM) is proposed in a previous work by the authors, enabling ISP-internal network-layer multicast delivery of OTT traffic. While it coins fundamental concepts, it does not detail the ISP-internal traffic and service management and leaves important questions unanswered. To this end, DYNSDM is proposed in this paper, detailing the multicast planning and management, proposing a novel network-layer multi-tree mechanism to distribute traffic on links inside the ISP network, and introducing mechanisms to handle group and network dynamics. DYNSDM was prototypically evaluated, showing its high traffic efficiency, good scalability, and superior traffic distribution characteristics.
A Posteriori Bounds for Linear Functional Outputs of Hyperbolic Partial Diierential Equations

The author hereby grants to MIT permission to reproduce and distribute publicly paper and electronic copies of this thesis document in whole or in part, and to grant others the right t o d o so. Abstract One of the major diiculties faced in the numerical resolution of the equations of physics is to decide on the right balance between computational cost and solutions accuracy, and to determine how solutions errors aaect some given \outputs of interest". This thesis presents a technique to generate upper and lower bounds for outputs of hyperbolic partial diierential equations. The outputs of interest considered are linear func-tionals of the solutions of the equations. The method is based on the construction of an \augmented" Lagrangian, which includes a formulation of the output as a quadratic form to be minimized and the equilibrium equations as a constraint. The corresponding La-grange multiplier, or adjoint , is determined by solving a problem involving the adjoint of the operator in the original equations. The bounds are then derived from the underlying unconstrained max-min problem. A predictor is also evaluated as the average value of the bounds. Because the resolution of the max-min problem implies the resolution of the original discrete equations, the adjoint on a ne grid is approximated by a hierarchical procedure that consists of the resolution of the problem on a coarser grid followed by an interpolation on the ne grid. The bounds derived from this approximation are then optimized by the choice of natural boundary conditions for the adjoint and by selecting he value of a stabilization parameter. The Hierarchical Bounds Method is illustrated on three cases. The rst one is the convection-diiusion equation, where the bounds obtained are very sharp. The second one is a purely convective problem, discretized using a Taylor-Galerkin approach. The third case is based on the Euler equations for a nozzle ow, which can bereduced to a single nonlinear scalar continuous equation. The resulting discrete nonlinear system of equations is obtained by a T aylor-Galerkin method and is solved by the Newton-Raphson method. The problem is then linearized about the computed solution to obtain a linear system similar to the previous cases and produce the bounds. In a last chapter, the Domain Decomposition is introduced. The domain is decomposed into K subdomains and the problem is solved separately on each of them before continuity at the boundaries is imposed, allowing the …
Should OCD be classified as an anxiety disorder in DSM‐V?

In DSM‐III, DSM‐III‐R, and DSM‐IV, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) was classified as an anxiety disorder. In ICD‐10, OCD is classified separately from the anxiety disorders, although within the same larger category as anxiety disorders (as one of the “neurotic, stress‐related, and somatoform disorders”). Ongoing advances in our understanding of OCD and other anxiety disorders have raised the question of whether OCD should continue to be classified with the anxiety disorders in DSM‐V. This review presents a number of options and preliminary recommendations to be considered for DSM‐V. Evidence is reviewed for retaining OCD in the category of anxiety disorders, and for moving OCD to a separate category of obsessive–compulsive (OC)‐spectrum disorders, if such a category is included in DSM‐V. Our preliminary recommendation is that OCD be retained in the category of anxiety disorders but that this category also includes OC‐spectrum disorders along with OCD. If this change is made, the name of this category should be changed to reflect this proposed change. Depression and Anxiety, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of slow release misoprostol on uterine contractility in early pregnancy.

BACKGROUND The effect of a novel slow release form of misoprostol (SR misoprostol) on uterine activity during early pregnancy was investigated in a pilot study. METHODS Thirty women with a pregnancy between 8 and 12 weeks requesting surgical abortion were allocated to treatment according to computerized randomization. SR misoprostol (400 and 800 microg) was compared to 400 microg of conventional misoprostol, all given orally. Intrauterine pressure was recorded using a pressure transducer inserted extra-amniotically and connected to a computer 30 min before treatment until 4 h thereafter when suction curettage was performed. Uterine tonus (mmHg) and contractility in Montevideo Units (MU) were calculated. RESULTS An increase in uterine tonus occurred after a significantly shorter time interval and was significantly more pronounced following conventional misoprostol compared to SR misoprostol. Regular uterine contractions developed in only a few patients treated with 400 microg conventional misoprostol or 400 microg SR misoprostol. In contrast the increase in uterine contractility (MU) was significantly more pronounced following 800 microg SR misoprostol treatment and was still continuing at 4 h of recording. CONCLUSIONS SR misoprostol acts less on uterine tonus than orally administered conventional misoprostol but leads to development of regular uterine contractions.
Somatic ERCC2 mutations correlate with cisplatin sensitivity in muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma.

UNLABELLED Cisplatin-based chemotherapy is the standard of care for patients with muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma. Pathologic downstaging to pT0/pTis after neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy is associated with improved survival, although molecular determinants of cisplatin response are incompletely understood. We performed whole-exome sequencing on pretreatment tumor and germline DNA from 50 patients with muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma who received neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy followed by cystectomy (25 pT0/pTis "responders," 25 pT2+ "nonresponders") to identify somatic mutations that occurred preferentially in responders. ERCC2, a nucleotide excision repair gene, was the only significantly mutated gene enriched in the cisplatin responders compared with nonresponders (q < 0.01). Expression of representative ERCC2 mutants in an ERCC2-deficient cell line failed to rescue cisplatin and UV sensitivity compared with wild-type ERCC2. The lack of normal ERCC2 function may contribute to cisplatin sensitivity in urothelial cancer, and somatic ERCC2 mutation status may inform cisplatin-containing regimen usage in muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma. SIGNIFICANCE Somatic ERCC2 mutations correlate with complete response to cisplatin-based chemosensitivity in muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma, and clinically identified mutations lead to cisplatin sensitivity in vitro. Nucleotide excision repair pathway defects may drive exceptional response to conventional chemotherapy.
Evaluation of Spectrum Occupancy in Amsterdam Using Mobile Monitoring Vehicles

Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) is an exciting new technology, which introduced a paradigm shift in spectrum access. As a result it also changes the role of the regulator. On one hand the scarce radio spectrum should be used in an optimal way, so that the society is best served. On the other hand interference between users and networks should be avoided. For that reason rules have to be defined for spectrum use, which are not only determined by technical parameters, also economical, legal, political and social constraints play an important role. This topic is called spectrum governance. For evaluation purposes a monitoring network is necessary, which is also supported by several papers, that argue the need for a monitoring network to assure compliance of (DSA) radio equipment with regulatory rules. Traditional networks of fixed monitoring sites are not qualified anymore, as modern communication use high frequencies, above the 800 MHz, and communicate mainly locally. In this paper, we propose to extent this monitoring network by a fleet of mobile monitoring vehicles.
THE ECONOMICS OF INSURANCE : A REVIEW AND SOME RECENT DEVELOPMENTS BY MICHEL DENUIT†,

The present paper is devoted to different methods of choice under risk in an actuarial setting. The classical expected utility theory is first presented, and its drawbacks are underlined. A second approach based on the so-called distorted expectation hypothesis is then described. It will be seen that the well-known stochastic dominance as well as the stop-loss order have common interpretations in both theories, while defining higher degree stochastic orders leads to different concepts. The aim of this paper is to emphasize the similarities of the two approaches of choice under risk as well as to point out their major differences.
Economic Dispatch Problem using Bat Algorithm

A BAT algorithm to solve the economic dispatch problem is presented in this paper. The modern power system has become very complex in nature with consumption of the electric power which is in rise progression and this tendency increases with the industrialization and the growth of the population. Moreover, one loss of alimentation can cause the interruption of the various production processes, and in front of consumers who become increasingly demanding by wanting more energy and better quality, the companies of production of electrical energy must thus ensure the regular provisioning of this request, and without interruption, but these requirements compromise the cost of generation. Application of BAT algorithm in this paper is based on mathematical modeling to solve economic dispatch problems by a single equivalent objective function. The algorithm is tested on 6-unit system. BAT algorithm is easy to implement and better than other algorithms in terms of accuracy and efficiency.
PRECAUTIONARY REFERENCE POINTS FOR FRASER RIVER SOCKEYE SALMON ESCAPEMENT GOALS BASED ON PRODUCTIVITY OF NURSERY LAKES AND STOCK-RECRUITMENT ANALYSES

Accurate and precise determination of optimal spawning escapement is crucial to harvest management of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). Such escapements have been used as basis for determining biological reference points in the recent move toward implementing conservation-oriented policies related to the precautionary approach to fisheries management. Traditionally optimal escapement is estimated from spawner-recruit data, but these data are not available for all sockeye salmon populations. Recently, several researchers used data on productivity of rearing lakes to derive estimates of spawning escapement that should maximize abundance of juvenile sockeye salmon in the lake. However, only one of these studies accounted for uncertainty and that was quite limited; the rest produced point estimates. Therefore, I developed a systematic method of estimating optimal escapement for sockeye salmon based on productivity of nursery lakes that takes uncertainty into account using a Bayesian approach. Compared to estimates of optimal spawner abundance produced from Bayesian stock-recruitment analyses of Fraser River, British Columbia sockeye salmon stocks, this method based on lake productivity produced higher estimates for the optimal abundance of female spawners in all cases except one, and the precision of estimates from the two methods was similar. I also propose a scheme for determining biological reference points from estimates of optimal escapement coupled with estimates of productivity at low abundance for sockeye population aggregates. The operational performance of specific reference points developed using this approach needs to be comprehensively assessed, alongside a range of plausible harvest rules using simulation modeling. iv Dedication To my mother, Joyce Bodtker, for everything a mother provides, To my partner in life, Dan Blondal, for his unending support and encouragement, To my son, Ari Blondal, for helping me balance my life.
Corporatism and Economic Performance

This paper models corporatism as affecting both the preferences of the parties involved as well as the rules of the game. The analysis is conducted in a union-government game on determining wages and unemployment benefits. The result indicates that international conditions might be important for the functions of the concept of corporatism. It may also serve as an explanation to the poor performance on production and employment in some of the former so successful European corporatist states in the 1990s. The implication of this is that corporatism might not be a successful social organisation in the globalised economy.