Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modelling Passengers' Reaction to Dynamic Prices in Ride-on-demand Services

In emerging ride-on-demand (RoD) services such as Uber and Didi (in China), dynamic prices play an important role in regulating supply and demand, trying to improve the service quality for both drivers and passengers. In this paper, we take a new perspective to study RoD services besides the supply or demand, and focus on passengers' reaction to dynamic prices. Passengers' reaction can be regarded as a process of searching for the best price before getting on a car, and the searching process reflects passengers' demand elasticity -- “how eager they are requesting a ride”. We collect data of passengers' reaction from a real RoD service provider in China, and analyze the patterns of passengers' reaction. The analysis results show that both the dynamic prices and passengers' demand elasticity influence their reaction. We then adopt and extend a previous model for sequential search from a known distribution to understand passengers' reaction, and use our data to obtain the search costs under various circumstances, which could be interpreted as passengers' demand elasticity. Insights on the search cost and other relevant quantities are discussed. Our expectation is that the result of the study should be helpful not only for service providers in designing dynamic pricing algorithms, but also for passengers and policy makers in understanding the effects and implications of dynamic pricing.
Delay Within the 3-Hour Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guideline on Mortality for Patients With Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock*

Objectives: To specify when delays of specific 3-hour bundle Surviving Sepsis Campaign guideline recommendations applied to severe sepsis or septic shock become harmful and impact mortality. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: One health system composed of six hospitals and 45 clinics in a Midwest state from January 01, 2011, to July 31, 2015. Patients: All adult patients hospitalized with billing diagnosis of severe sepsis or septic shock. Interventions: Four 3-hour Surviving Sepsis Campaign guideline recommendations: 1) obtain blood culture before antibiotics, 2) obtain lactate level, 3) administer broad-spectrum antibiotics, and 4) administer 30 mL/kg of crystalloid fluid for hypotension (defined as “mean arterial pressure” < 65) or lactate (> 4). Measurements and Main Results: To determine the effect of t minutes of delay in carrying out each intervention, propensity score matching of “baseline” characteristics compensated for differences in health status. The average treatment effect in the treated computed as the average difference in outcomes between those treated after shorter versus longer delay. To estimate the uncertainty associated with the average treatment effect in the treated metric and to construct 95% CIs, bootstrap estimation with 1,000 replications was performed. From 5,072 patients with severe sepsis or septic shock, 1,412 (27.8%) had in-hospital mortality. The majority of patients had the four 3-hour bundle recommendations initiated within 3 hours. The statistically significant time in minutes after which a delay increased the risk of death for each recommendation was as follows: lactate, 20.0 minutes; blood culture, 50.0 minutes; crystalloids, 100.0 minutes; and antibiotic therapy, 125.0 minutes. Conclusions: The guideline recommendations showed that shorter delays indicates better outcomes. There was no evidence that 3 hours is safe; even very short delays adversely impact outcomes. Findings demonstrated a new approach to incorporate time t when analyzing the impact on outcomes and provide new evidence for clinical practice and research.
Sodium Fluorescein – Colourful Past , Bright Future

ohann Friedrich Wilhelm Aldolf von Baeyer (1835 – 1917), was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1905. He is remembered for his work with phthalein dyes, the barbiturate class of hypnotic drugs and for his “Strain” theory relating to carbon-carbon chemical ring formations such as Benzene. The ophthalmic world however, remembers him for his work in the development of one of the most used diagnostic dyes in ophthalmic practice today – sodium fluorescein (or more correctly, di-sodium fluorescein). First synthesised in 1871, fluorescein is commonly believed to be a “vegetable”, or plant-based dye, although it is actually completely artificial, being synthesised from the heating (known as “condensation”) of resorcinol and phthalic anhydride. This compound is one of the most highly fluorescent substances known, being visible in water down to 0.02 parts-per-million under ultraviolet light. The “tar like” fluorescein base is insoluble in water. To reduce its toxicity and make it a soluble molecule it is converted to the alkaline di-sodium salt for aqueous formulation. In 1929, Hans Fischer observed the flow of sodium fluorescein in the iris blood vessels of rabbits. Similar observations were made in human subjects by Sorsby et al. during the late 1930s. It was not until the late 1950s, however, that Dr. Harold Novotny and Dr. David Alvis first used the technique of photographing the retinal vasculature using fluorescein injected intravenously. After performing a number of studies involving this technique on diabetic and hypertensive patients, the pair published their findings in 1961. This study, in conjunction with the development of the fundus camera by Zeiss between the 1920s and the 1950s, paved the way for the sodium fluorescein angiographic procedure as practiced today.
NEUROPHTHALMOLOGY Optical coherence tomography angiography in acute arteritic and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy

Purpose The purpose of our study was to describe the feature of acute non-arteritic or arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NA-AION and A-AION) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) and to compare it with fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). Methods In this retrospective, observational case-control study four NA-AION patients and one A-AION patient were examined by FA, ICGA and OCT-A within 2 weeks from disease presentation. The characteristics of the images were analyzed. Optic nerve head (ONH) and radial peripapillary capillaries (RPC) vessel densities (VDs) were compared between NA-AION and controls. Results In two of four NA-AION cases and in the A-AION patient, OCT-A clearly identified the boundary of the ischemic area at the level of the optic nerve head, which was comparable to optic disc filling defects detected by FA. In the other two NA-AION cases, a generalized leakage from the disc was visible with FA, yet OCT-A still demonstrated sectorial peripapillary capillary network reduction. Both ONH and RPC VDs were reduced in NA-AION patients, when compared to controls. Conclusions OCT-A was able to identify microvascular defects and VD reduction in cases of acute optic disc edema due to NA-AION and A-AION. OCT-A provides additional information in ischemic conditions of the optic nerve head.
Out of Africa: did Emys orbicularis occidentalis cross the Strait of Gibraltar twice?

The narrow Strait of Gibraltar has separated the African and European continents since the Miocene (5.3 Mya), with a different degree of permeability for Mediterranean taxa. Southern and northern regions of the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco, respectively, are key areas to evaluate the colonization dynamics and biogeographic history of taxa occurring at both sides of this strait. The Ibero-Maghrebian subspecies of the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis occidentalis ,i s patchily distributed and threatened throughout most of the Iberian Peninsula and northern Morocco and its origin is thought to be in North Africa. Here we expand the geographic sampling across the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco, with special emphasis in the southern tip of the peninsula and northern Morocco, and analyze mtDNA sequences of 183 E. o. occidentalis to better understand the complex biogeographic history of this subspecies. We provide for the first time evidence for shared haplotypes of Iberian and North African pond turtles, with an additional haplotype in the southern Iberian Peninsula derived from Moroccan haplotypes. This supports the hypothesis that the Strait of Gibraltar constitutes no significant biogeographic barrier for E. orbicularis. However, the newly discovered shared, or extremely similar, haplotypes of European pond turtles from the southern Iberian Peninsula and Morocco suggest either that at least two independent natural colonization waves from Morocco have reached the Iberian Peninsula or that Moroccan turtles were accidentally or deliberately introduced there.
The Dual Effects of Critical Thinking Disposition on Worry

This study investigated the relationship between disposition (people’s consistent motivation) toward critical thinking (CT) and worrying. In spite of its connection to psychopathology, worry is thought to represent an effort at problem-solving. Moreover, worry has been found to be underpinned by cognitive development, leading us to predict a positive relationship between worry and CT disposition. On the other hand, cognitive behavioral therapy, which involves techniques similar to CT, has been shown to be effective in reducing worrying, suggesting that increasing CT disposition decreases worrying. This study attempted to reconcile these seemingly contrasting predictions about the relationship between CT disposition and worrying by using multiple mediator analysis. A model was proposed wherein the mediators, responsibility to continue thinking and detached awareness of negative thinking, were related to two opposing predictions. The former is thought to lead to enhanced worrying and the latter to reduced worrying, with both positively related to CT disposition. A questionnaire study with university students (N = 760) revealed that CT disposition enhanced worrying by obliging people to continue thinking about a problem, but that it also reduced worrying by enhancing the detached and objective awareness of their negative thoughts. This study thus demonstrated the dual effects of CT disposition on worrying through different mediators. Thus, when enhancing CT disposition, it is important for educators to be aware of possible disadvantages apart from its worry-reducing effect. Future studies should therefore examine the underlying mechanisms of these two effects of CT disposition.
Measurement of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and erythropoietin (EPO) in umbilical cords of preterm infants with intraventricular hemorrhage in two hospitals in Tehran

Abstract Background: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is an important cause of death in premature infants. This study aimed to assess the association of the umbilical cord plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and erythropoietin (EPO) with the occurrence and severity of IVH in premature infants. Methods: Fifty premature newborns of mothers with chorioamnionitis risk factor were selected via nonprobability sampling. The concentration of the cord plasma’s IL-6 and erythropoietin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for 3 days. Finally, all samples underwent sonography for the diagnosis of IVH. Results analyzed statistically. Results: Among the samples, 68.98% of them were diagnosed with IVH grade 1. The most severe IVH cases were detected on the second day. The mean and standard deviation of IL-6 level was 74.71 ± 50.53 in the case group and 24.10 ± 46.10 in the control group. There was a correlation between IL-6 levels and IVH (p = 0.0005). The mean and standard deviation of EPO level was 18.38 ± 15.23 in the IVH group and 6.45 ± 13.48 in samples without IVH. A correlation was detected between EPO level and IVH (p = 0.005). Conclusion: The concentration of IL-6 and EPO levels of the cord plasma was higher in the premature newborns with IVH.
Effects of norms on general Hookean solids for their isotropic counterparts

It is common to assume that a Hookean solid is isotropic. For a generally anisotropic elasticity tensor, it is possible to obtain its isotropic counterparts. Such a counterpart is obtained in accordance with a given norm. Herein, we examine the effect of three norms: the Frobenius 36-component norm, the Frobenius 21-component norm and the operator norm on a general Hookean solid. We find that both Frobenius norms result in similar isotropic counterparts, and the operator norm results in a counterpart with a slightly larger discrepancy. The reason for this discrepancy is rooted in the very definition of that norm, which is distinct from the Frobenius norms and which consists of the largest eigenvalue of the elasticity tensor. If we constrain the elasticity tensor to values expected for modelling physical materials, the three norms result in similar isotropic counterparts of a generally anisotropic tensor. To examine this important case and without loss of generality, we illustrate the isotropic counterparts by commencing from a transversely isotropic tensor obtained from a generally anisotropic one. Also, together with the three norms, we consider the L2 slowness-curve fit. Upon this study, we infer that—for modelling physical materials—the isotropic counterparts are quite similar to each other, at least, sufficiently so that—for values obtained from empirical studies, such as seismic measurements—the differences among norms are within the range of expected measurement errors.
Studies in Deep Belief Networks

Deep networks are able to learn good representations of unlabelled data via a greedy layer-wise approach to training. One challenge arises in choosing the layer types to use, whether it is an autoencoder, restricted boltzmann machine, with and without sparsity regularization. The layer choice directly affects the type of representations learned. In this paper, we examine sparse autoencoders and characterize their behavior under different parameterizations. We also present preliminary results on quadratic layers with slowness.
Optimal Joint Power and Transmission Time Allocation in Cognitive Radio Networks

In cognitive radio networks (CRN), underlay spectrum sharing allows secondary users (SUs) to utilize the spectrum on which the primary users (PUs) in primary radio networks (PRN) are working at the same time, without introducing intolerant interferences. In this paper, we study the joint transmission power and time allocation in CRN with underlay spectrum sharing technology. To maximize the total capacity of CRN and maintain the fairness for SUs, the system is modeled as an optimization problem with the constraints of interference and transmission power and time. Furthermore, we prove that the problem of joint optimization resource allocation under the constraints condition can be implemented independently from the time-frequency domain. Based on this study, we propose the optimal joint transmission power and time allocation method. Extensive simulation results show that the proposed optimal method can significantly improve the system capacity and maintain the fairness compared to the existing methods.
Diagnosis of Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS): The Salerno Experts’ Criteria

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) is a syndrome characterized by intestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms related to the ingestion of gluten-containing food, in subjects that are not affected by either celiac disease or wheat allergy. Given the lack of a NCGS biomarker, there is the need for standardizing the procedure leading to the diagnosis confirmation. In this paper we report experts’ recommendations on how the diagnostic protocol should be performed for the confirmation of NCGS. A full diagnostic procedure should assess the clinical response to the gluten-free diet (GFD) and measure the effect of a gluten challenge after a period of treatment with the GFD. The clinical evaluation is performed using a self-administered instrument incorporating a modified version of the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale. The patient identifies one to three main symptoms that are quantitatively assessed using a Numerical Rating Scale with a score ranging from 1 to 10. The double-blind placebo-controlled gluten challenge (8 g/day) includes a one-week challenge followed by a one-week washout of strict GFD and by the crossover to the second one-week challenge. The vehicle should contain cooked, homogeneously distributed gluten. At least a variation of 30% of one to three main symptoms between the gluten and the placebo challenge should be detected to discriminate a positive from a negative result. The guidelines provided in this paper will help the clinician to reach a firm and positive diagnosis of NCGS and facilitate the comparisons of different studies, if adopted internationally.
METRIC PROPERTIES OF THE PORTUGUESE VERSION OF THE APATHY EVALUATION SCALE

The clinical-rated and self-rated versions of the Apathy Evaluation Scale are validated for English language. The Apathy Evaluation Scale is useful to characterize and quantify apathy. We analyzed the metric properties of the Portuguese version of the Apathy Evaluation Scale-Clinical and of a new 10-item short version of the clinical-rated and self-rated versions Apathy Evaluation Scale. We included, 156 "healthy participants", 40 healthy "elderly participants", 21 patients with dementia, and 21 patients with depression, comprising a sample of 238 individuals. We studied reliability using Cronbach Alpha (α) and Split-half method, and construct validity using principal component analysis with Varimax rotation. The clinical-rated and self-rated Portuguese versions of the AES are valid instruments to measure apathy in Portuguese speaking individuals. Both the clinical-rated and the self-rated versions Apathy Evaluation Scale can be used instead of the long versions of the Apathy Evaluation Scale.
The role of education on disaster preparedness: Case study of 2012 Indian Ocean earthquakes on Thailand's Andaman Coast

In this paper we investigate how well residents of the Andaman coast in Phang Nga province, Thailand, are prepared for earthquakes and tsunami. It is hypothesized that formal education can promote disaster preparedness because education enhances individual cognitive and learning skills, as well as access to information. A survey was conducted of 557 households in the areas that received tsunami warnings following the Indian Ocean earthquakes on 11 April 2012. Interviews were carried out during the period of numerous aftershocks, which put residents in the region on high alert. The respondents were asked what emergency preparedness measures they had taken following the 11 April earthquakes. Using the partial proportional odds model, the paper investigates determinants of personal disaster preparedness measured as the number of preparedness actions taken. Controlling for village effects, we find that formal education, measured at the individual, household, and community levels, has a positive relationship with taking preparedness measures. For the survey group without past disaster experience, the education level of household members is positively related to disaster preparedness. The findings also show that disaster-related training is most effective for individuals with high educational attainment. Furthermore, living in a community with a higher proportion of women who have at least a secondary education increases the likelihood of disaster preparedness. In conclusion, we found that formal education can increase disaster preparedness and reduce vulnerability to natural hazards.
THE EFFECT OF MUSIC THERAPY INTERACTION ON CHILD AND PARENTAL PREOPERATIVE ANXIETY IN PARENTS OF CHILDREN UNDERGOING DAY SURGERY

OF THESIS THE EFFECT OF MUSIC THERAPY INTERACTION ON CHILD AND PARENTAL PREOPERATIVE ANXIETY IN PARENTS OF CHILDREN UNDERGOING DAY SURGERY Young children who experience high levels preoperative anxiety often exhibit distress behaviors, experience more surgical complications, and are at a higher risk for developing a variety of negative postoperative consequences. A significant factor in pediatric preoperative anxiety is the level of anxiety present in their caregivers. Music therapy interventions addressing a variety of procedural outcomes have been met with success. The purpose of this study was to investigate the comparative effectiveness of two music therapy interventions on reducing preoperative anxiety in young pediatric surgical patients and their caregivers. A total of 40 pediatric patient and caregiver dyads were included in this study on various days that they were present for ambulatory surgery. Pediatric preoperative anxiety was measured preand post-intervention using the modified Yale Pediatric Anxiety Scale, while caregiver anxiety was measured through self-report using the short form Strait-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Y6. Participants received a randomized active or passive preoperative music therapy session. Results indicate a significant reduction in preoperative anxiety for both patients and their caregivers. Neither active, nor passive music therapy interventions were significantly more effective than the other. Future studies should increase sample size and control for various factors such as sedative premedication use.
Delirium in the elderly.

noted. Delirium is especially common in nursing homes after brief hospital admissions because the average length of duration of the delirium is 21 days, while the average hospital length of stay at most general medical hospitals is approximately five days. Therefore, many patients are being discharged to nursing homes while still delirious. In one study, 72% of 214 patients in nursing homes who were hospitalized for delirium still had delirium at the time of discharge back to the nursing home. The delirium persisted for 55% of the patients at one month and 25% at three months after discharge. The rates of delirium in patients who are ill and elderly, but cared for at home are much lower, than for those treated in the hospital.
Tackling the triple aim in primary care residencies: the I3 POP Collaborative.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The I3 POP Collaborative's goal is to improve care of populations served by primary care residencies in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia by dramatically improving patients' experience, quality of care, and cost-effectiveness. We examine residency baseline triple aim measures, compare with national benchmarks, and identify practice characteristics associated with data reporting. METHODS We used a cross-sectional design, with 27 primary care residency programs caring for over 300,000 patients. Outcome measures were obtained via data pulls from electronic health records and practice management system submitted by residencies; they include quality measure sets for chronic illness and prevention, patient experience (usual provder continuity and time to third available), and utilization (emergency visits, hospitalizations, referrals, high-end radiology). RESULTS Thirteen practices (48%) reported all required baseline measures. We found associations between data reporting ability with registry use (59% versus 0%) and having a faculty member involved in data management (69% versus 29%). Reported measures varied widely; examples include colorectal cancer screening (median: 61%, range: 28%--80%), provider continuity (median: 52%, range: 1%--68%), subspecialty referral rate (median: 24%, range: 10%--51%). Seventy percent of patient-centered medical homes (PCMH) recognized practices had usual provider continuity (UPC) > or = collaborative median versus 0% of non-PCMH recognized practices. Median data were similar to national comparisons for chronic disease measures, lower for prevention and better for utilization. CONCLUSIONS Baseline triple aim data are highly variable among residencies, but residency care is comparable to available national standards. Registry use and faculty leadership in data management are critical success factors for assessing practice performance.