Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation of the 2011 Tohoku Tsunami: Comparison With Field Observations And Sensitivity to Model Parameters

The March 11, 2011 M9 Tohoku-Oki Earthquake, which is believed to be the largest event recorded in Japanese history, created a major tsunami that caused numerous deaths and enormous destruction on the nearby Honshu coast. Various tsunami sources were developed for this event, based on inverting seismic or GPS data, often using very simple underlying fault models (e.g., Okada, 1985). Tsunami simulations with such sources can predict deep water and far-field observations quite well, but coastal impact is not as well predicted, being overor under-estimated at many locations. In this work, we developed a new tsunami source, similarly based on inverting onshore and offshore geodetic (GPS) data, but using 3D Finite Element Models (FEM) that simulate elastic dislocations along the plate boundary interface separating the stiff subducting Pacific Plate, and relatively weak forearc and volcanic arc of the overriding Eurasian plate. Due in part to the simulated weak forearc materials, such sources produce significant shallow slip along the updip portion of the rupture near the trench (several tens of meters). We assess the accuracy of the new approach by comparing numerical simulations to observations of the tsunami farand near-field coastal impact using: (i) one of the standard seismic inversion sources, which we found provided the best prediction of tsunami near-field impact in our model (UCSB; Shao et al., 2011); and (ii) the new FEM source. Specifically, we compare numerical results to DART buoy, GPS tide gage, and inundation/runup measurements. Numerical simulations are performed using the fully nonlinear and dispersive Boussinesq wave model FUNWAVE-TVD, which is parallelized and available in Cartesian or spherical coordinates. We use a series of nested model grids, with varying resolution (down to 250 m nearshore) and size, and assess effects on results of the latter and of model physics (such as when including dispersion or not). We also assess effects of triggering the various tsunami sources in the propagation model: (i) either at once as a hot start, or with the spatio-temporal sequence derived from seismic inversion; and (ii) as a specified surface elevation or as a more realistic time and spacevarying bottom boundary condition (in the latter case, we compute the initial tsunami generation up to 300 s using the non-hydrostatic model NHWAVE). Although additional refinements are expected in the near future, results based on the current FEM sources better explain near field observations at DART and GPS buoys near Japan, and measured tsunami inundation, while they simulate observations at distant DART buoys as well or better than the UCSB source.
The Effect of Rosa Damascena Extract on Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Double-blind Cross-over Clinical Trial

Background: Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common types of cyclic pain that affects 50% of women and girls in their menstrual ages. Because of the side-effects and contraindications of chemical medicines, using herbs has been investigated in treating dysmenorrhea. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Rosa damascena extract on primary dysmenorrhea among the students of Kowsar dormitory in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: This study was performed in Iran on 92 single 18-24 year old students with BMI :19-25 and obtaining pain intensity score of 5-8 in Visual Analogue Scale that were randomly classified and included in two groups of 46 persons. The participants received two capsules of Mefenamic Acid and Rosa damascena with the similar physical properties in two consecutive cycles per 6 hours for 3 days in a cross-over form. The data were collected through the questionnaire of demographic characteristics and check-list of visual analogue scale. Descriptive statistics and repeated measurement test and independent samples t test by using SPSS (13/win) were used in order to determine and compare the effects of two drugs on dysmenorrheal pain intensity of the groups. Results: There was a significant difference between the average of pain intensity at different hours of measurement in each group after the end of first cycle and second cycle (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the average of pain intensity in two groups in the first cycle (P = 0.35) and second cycle (P = 0.22). Conclusions: In this study¸ Rosa damascena and Mefenamic acid had similar effects on pain intensity of primary dysmenorrhea . With further studies, Rosa damascena which has no chemical side effects¸ can be suggested for treating primary dysmenorrhea.
The Diffusion and Adoption of Information Technology in Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises through IT Scenarios

The rapid economic and technological developments in the globally oriented business world make the strategic use of information technology (IT) essential. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are running behind regarding the application of IT and therefore it is necessary to stimulate the diffusion and adoption of this technology within this group. In this article a so-called IT scenario model is described, with which communication can be established with entrepreneurs from SMEs concerning the strategic application of IT. Theoretical approaches and concepts regarding the diffusion and adoption of IT are essential components of the model. The IT scenario model consists of an environmental aspect, six phases and three aspect areas. The model was put into operation through various interviews with SMEs in the furnishing sector.
Decentralized Isolation of Multiple Sensor Faults in Large-Scale Interconnected Nonlinear Systems

This paper presents the design and analysis of a methodology for detecting and isolating multiple sensor faults in large-scale interconnected nonlinear systems. The backbone of the proposed decentralized methodology is the design of a local sensor fault diagnosis agent dedicated to each interconnected subsystem, without the need to communicate with neighboring agents. Each local sensor fault diagnosis agent is responsible for detecting and isolating multiple faults in the local set of sensors. The local sensor fault diagnosis agent consists of a bank of modules that monitor smaller groups of sensors in the corresponding local sensor set. The detection of faults in each of the sensor groups is conducted using robust analytical redundancy relations, formulated by structured residuals and adaptive thresholds. The multiple sensor fault isolation in each local sensor fault diagnosis agent is realized by aggregating the decisions of the modules and applying a diagnostic reasoning-based decision logic. The performance of the proposed diagnostic scheme is analyzed with respect to sensor fault detectability and multiple sensor fault isolability. A simulation example of two interconnected robot manipulators is used to illustrate the application of the multiple sensor fault detection and isolation methodology.
Sensory History Matters for Visual Representation: Implications for Autism

How does the brain represent the enormous variety of the visual world? An approach to this question recognizes the types of information that visual representations maintain. The work in this thesis begins by investigating the neural correlates of perceptual similarity & distinctiveness, using EEG measurements of the evoked response to faces. In considering our results, we recognized that the effects being measured shared intrinsic relationships, both in measurement and in their theoretic basis. Using carry-over fMRI designs, we explored this relationship, ultimately demonstrating a new perspective on stimulus relationships based around sensory history that best explains the modulation of brain responses being measured. The result of this collection of experiments is a unified model of neural response modulation based around the integration of recent sensory history into a continually-updated reference; a "drifting-norm. " With this novel framework for understanding neural dynamics, we tested whether cognitive theories of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) might have a foundation in altered neural coding for perceptual information. Our results suggest ASD brain responses depend on a more moment-to-moment understanding of the visual world relative to neurotypical controls. This application both provides an exciting foothold in the brain for future investigations into the etiology of ASD, and validates the importance of sensory history as a dimension of visual representation. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Neuroscience First Advisor Robert T. Schultz Second Advisor Geoffrey K. Aguirre
INCREASED POSTERIOR RETINAL VESSELS IN MILD ASYMPTOMATIC FAMILIAL EXUDATIVE VITREORETINOPATHY EYES

Purpose: To document a new clinical manifestation in familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) eyes, especially in mild asymptomatic eyes with normal vision. Methods: Twenty individuals with mild Stage I or II FEVR with a conventional “normal-appearing” posterior pole and 20 healthy control eyes were recruited. The crossing numbers of retinal vessels with peripapillary inner reference circle, peripapillary outer reference circle, peripapillary temporal inner arc, peripapillary temporal outer arc, and branching points between the peripapillary outer reference circle and peripapillary inner reference circle were counted. Vessel bifurcation was evaluated by B/CI (defined as the branching number divided by the crossing number on peripapillary inner reference circle) and CO/B (crossing number on peripapillary outer reference circle divided by the branching number) ratios. The inter- and intraobservers' agreements were analyzed. All these parameters were compared between FEVR and control groups. Results: The coefficient of repeatability for the parameters ranged from 2.597 to 5.096, and the intraclass correlation coefficients were all above 0.85. All the parameters showed good interobserver agreement with a narrow range of 95% limit of agreement (from −3.16 to 3.37) and high Pearson correlation (P < 0.001). The mean crossing numbers on peripapillary inner reference circle, peripapillary outer reference circle, peripapillary temporal inner arc, peripapillary temporal outer arc, and the branching numbers were larger in the FEVR group. No significant differences were found in CO/B and B/CI ratios. Conclusion: Patients with FEVR have more vessels radiated from the optic disk in the posterior pole. Unlike the increased vessels in the peripheral retina, the increasing pattern of peripapillary vascularity in patients with FEVR does not appear to have a component of overbifurcation. This is a new documented clinical manifestation in patients with FEVR. Attention to an increased or arrangement pattern of retinal vessels may aid in the screening of FEVR.
Psychomanteum Research: Experiences and Effects on Bereavement

A Psychomanteum Process involving mirror-gazing was conducted in a research setting to explore apparent facilitated contact with deceased friends and relatives, and to collect data on the phenomena, experiences, and effects on bereavement. A pilot study with five participants resulted in strong experiences and four apparent contacts. The main study took 27 participants through a three-stage process: remembering a deceased friend or relative, sitting in a darkened room gazing into a mirror while thinking of the person, and finally discussing and reflecting on the experience. Data were collected with pre- and post-questionnaires, a follow-up questionnaire at least four weeks after the session, interviews by the facilitators, and two personality measures, the Tellegen Absorption Scale and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Contacts with the sought person were reported by 13 participants. Participants reported that a variety of imagery appeared in the mirror, as well as experiences of dialogue, sounds, light, body sensations, and smell. Several specific messages were reported by participants who believed that they were from the sought persons. Twenty-one self-report items relating to bereavement were analyzed for changes between pre- and follow-up questionnaires. Using a Wilcoxon signed ranks analysis, statistically significant reductions in bereavement responses were found over the entire group (p=.05 to .0008). These included unresolved feelings, loss, grief, guilt, sadness, and need to communicate. Participants also reported significant impact on their lives following the session.
Men's discursive constructions of balance in everyday life

Fathers' involvement in paid and unpaid activities and the notion of the ideal father is evolving in contemporary Western society. Little is known about how fathers construct balance in everyday life and what ideologies underpin these constructions. We explored balance using qualitative interviews with 15 men in dual-income heterosexual partnerships who had young children. Phenomenographic and critical discourse analyses generated two key constructions of balance: managing life and participating in a mix of activities. The first construction highlighted the subject position of the Ideal Father, which embraced the ideologies of the ideal father and the model paid worker. According to this construction, fathers attained balance by ensuring the family's financial security, participating in family life, and serving the greater good of the family by meeting its needs. The second construction reflected the Contented Man position, which was informed by the ideology of occupational justice. It emphasized that men achieved balance by engaging in diverse experiences, enjoying the freedom to spend time alone, and meeting personal needs. The tensions that arise among these three ideologies (ideal father, model paid worker, and occupational justice) can impede men's attainment of balance, which has implications for health and social policies and services.
Editing & design:

Critical Issues Bulletins are published from time to time by The Fraser Institute (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) as supplements to Fraser Forum, the Institute's monthly periodical. Critical Issues Bulletins are comprehensive studies of single issues of critical importance for public policy. The author has worked independently and opinions expressed by him are, therefore, his own, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the members or the trustees of The Fraser Institute. For additional copies of Critical Issues Bulletins, any of our other publications, or a catalogue of the Institute's publications , call our toll-free order line: 1–800–665–3558 or visit our web site at The Fraser Institute is an independent Canadian economic and social research and educational organization. It has as its objective the redirection of public attention to the role of competitive markets in providing for the well-being of Canadians. Where markets work, the Institute's interest lies in trying to discover prospects for improvement. Where markets do not work, its interest lies in finding the reasons. Where competitive markets have been replaced by government control, the interest of the Institute lies in documenting objectively the nature of the improvement or deterioration resulting from government intervention. The work of the Institute is assisted by an Editorial Advisory Board of internationally renowned economists. The Fraser Institute is a national, federally chartered, non-profit organization financed by the sale of its publications and the tax-deductible contributions of its members, foundations, and other supporters; it receives no government funding.
The Principal's Apprentice: Mentoring aspiring school administrators through relevant preparation

This emergent case study explores a special case of mentoring about the value and relevance of graduate administration programmes for professionals aiming to lead schools. It describes a questionnaire that was piloted with a graduate education group and then completed by beginning school administrators who were also interviewed. A graduate professor and student in a leadership programme collaborated on this study in order to more fully represent crucial perspectives. Their analysis of the questionnaire data suggests that some administrative tasks and duties (e.g., mediating school conflicts) are considered of the utmost importance for new school leaders to know. Topics covered by this emergent analysis of administrator preparation and related reform issues include a veteran teacher's story, major climate issues, literature on school administrator preparation that elucidates mentoring themes, insights from new school administrators, and examples of graduate programmes that include relevant education internships. Discussion focuses on concepts and examples of educational internship solutions and initiatives. The authors conclude with a call for programmatic improvement from the perspective of challenges that will need to be addressed to ensure change.
Teaching Note—Teaching Research Methods: Expanding Practice Evaluation Designs for Social Work Practice

Competency-based assessment required by the Council on Social Work Education was an impetus for the development of a practice evaluation design for use by clinical practice students in their field practicum. The standards-based comparison design was developed by the author as an alternative to single-system design. Student exemplars illustrate the application of this model.
Rickets in an Otherwise Healthy 11-Month-Old

clear, with equal breath sounds bilaterally. Her chest was without rachitic rosary or other swellings. The result of the cardiovascular examination was unremarkable, with no murmur, gallop, or rub. The abdomen was soft and nontender, with no hepatosplenomegaly or masses. Her hips had full range of motion, and she had a normal gait. The infant had mild valgus varus deformities of her legs. She showed normal dental development, with 2 upper and 4 lower teeth. Routine screening blood tests revealed a normal complete blood count and lead level, but undetectable 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels, with a value of less than 7 ng/mL (DiaSorin LIASON, Stillwater, Minnesota). The parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was elevated, with a concentration of 334.0 pg/mL (reference range, 10-65 pg/mL), and the serum calcium level was 9.7 mg/dL (reference range, 8.0-10.5 mg/dL). Her phosphorus level was low at 2.5 mg/dL (reference range, 3.5-6.6 mg/dL). Levels were high for magnesium, at 2.3 mg/dL (reference range, 1.5-2.2 mg/dL), and alkaline phosphatase, at 665 U/L (reference range, 110-400 U/L). The child returned to the clinic for further evaluation. Anteroposterior radiographs of her wrists and knees revealed findings consistent with florid rickets (Figures 1 and 2), including osteopenia, with minimal fraying of the distal ulnar and distal femoral regions, and proximal fibular metaphyses. The patient was prescribed vitamin D2 (50 000 IU orally once weekly) and calcium glubionate syrup (50 mg/kg daily) as elemental calcium. The patient’s mother was contacted after 3 weeks of vitamin D and calcium therapy, and she reported no difficulties with orally administering these medications. Laboratory results after 6 weeks of treatment revealed a slightly elevated 25(OH)D level of 100 ng/ mL, a PTH concentration within normal range at Apreviously healthy 11-month-old African American girl presented to the Children’s Hospital Primary Care Clinic for a routine well-child visit. Her parents were both conscientious about her health, and they were eager to accept recommendations about preventive counseling and health maintenance. A nutritional history obtained from the infant’s parents revealed that she was strictly breastfed, consuming approximately 15 fluid oz of breast milk and 6 oz of water in a typical 24-hour period. She was also eating some pureed fruits and vegetables, but her fluid intake did not include milk or juice. The child was receiving minimal exposure to sunlight, spending 30 minutes to 1 hour outside daily. She was taking no multivitamins, medications, vitamins, or herbs, although her primary care physician had prescribed vitamin D−fortified milk to the infant at her visit that day. The parents reported no family history of vitamin D deficiency, rickets, or known skeletal problems. On physical examination, the infant’s weight was 9 kg, along the 25th percentile on a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cross-sectional growth chart, and her height was 74.5 cm, along the 50th percentile. The child was happy, well-appearing, nondysmorphic, alert and active, and her lungs were
The megakaryocyte platelet system and vascular disease

Abstract. Platelets form a heterogeneous population of cells produced from the uniquely large polyploid cell found in the bone marrow, the megakaryocyte. The platelet megakaryocyte axis forms a dynamic equilibrium varying in normal biology and in disease. Prolonged platelet destruction leads to the production of large platelets from large, high ploidy megakaryocytes. In vivo and ex vivo studies show that such platelets have more haemostatic potential than smaller less dense platelets. The evidence suggesting that prothrombotic changes in the megakaryocyte platelet axis precede coronary artery thrombosis and the importance of platelet reactivity in atherosclerosis will be reviewed.
Risk Factors for Chest Illness in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Prospective Study

Stolzmann KL, Gagnon DR, Brown R, Tun CG, Garshick E: Risk factors for chest illness in chronic spinal cord injury: A prospective study. Objective:Chest illnesses commonly cause morbidity in persons with chronic spinal cord injury. Risk factors remain poorly characterized because previous studies have not accounted for factors other than spinal cord injury. Design:Between 1994 and 2005, 403 participants completed a respiratory questionnaire and underwent spirometry. Participants were contacted at a median of 1.7 yrs [interquartile range: 1.3–2.5 yrs] apart over a mean (SD) of 5.1 ± 3.0 yrs and asked to report chest illnesses that had resulted in time off work, spent indoors, or in bed since prior contact. Results:In 97 participants, there were 247 chest illnesses (0.12/person-year) with 54 hospitalizations (22%). Spinal cord injury level, completeness of injury, and duration of injury were not associated with illness risk. Adjusting for age and smoking history, any wheeze (relative risk = 1.92; 95% confidence interval: 1.19, 3.08), pneumonia or bronchitis since spinal cord injury (relative risk = 2.29; 95% confidence interval: 1.40, 3.75), and physician-diagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (relative risk = 2.17; 95% confidence interval: 1.08, 4.37) were associated with a greater risk of chest illness. Each percent-predicted decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec was associated with a 1.2% increase in risk of chest illness (P = 0.030). Conclusions:In chronic spinal cord injury, chest illness resulting in time spent away from usual activities was not related to the level or completeness of spinal cord injury but was related to reduced pulmonary function, wheeze, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a history of pneumonia and bronchitis, and smoking.