Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transitions in Polyamorous Identity and Intercultural Communication: An Application of Identity Management Theory

ABSTRACT This study examines the communicative strategies and nonmonogamous identity formation of individuals who are polyamorous. We investigate the identity management tactics that individuals who are polyamorous utilize to navigate a society in which monogamy and monosexuality are the norm. Interactions of individuals who are polyamorous within a mononormative society are treated as a type of intercultural communication due to the contrasting cultural identities and communication rules. E-interviews with 38 individuals who are polyamorous provided basis for phone and Skype interviews. Twenty-two interviews produced the phases of identity management, including trial and error, enmeshment (mixing up), and renegotiation. Analyzing interviewees’ communication also produced the themes of managing stigma and impressions of the relationship identity. Implications of the study include a richer understanding of polyamorous identity management, polyamory as a relationship orientation, and a new perspective in applying identity management theory.
Neutral hydrogen in galactic fountains

Simulations of an isolated Milky Way-like galaxy, in which supernovae power a galactic fountain, reproduce the observed velocity and 21-cm brightness statistics of galactic neutral hydrogen (H i). The simulated galaxy consists of a thin H i disc, similar in extent and brightness to that observed in the Milky Way, and extra-planar neutral gas at a range of velocities due to the galactic fountain. Mock observations of the neutral gas resemble the H i flux measurements from the Leiden–Argentine–Bonn H i survey, including a high-velocity tail which matches well with observations of high-velocity clouds. The simulated high-velocity clouds are typically found close to the galactic disc, with a typical line-of-sight distance of 13 kpc from observers on the solar circle. The fountain efficiently cycles matter from the centre of the galaxy to its outskirts at a rate of around 0.5 M⊙ yr−1.
Eiguren, A, Miguel, A.H, Jaques, P. and Sioutas, C. “Evaluation of a Denuder-MOUDI-PUF Sampling System to Determine the Size Distribution of Semivolatile Polycyclic Aromatic

The overall objective of the Southern California Particle Supersite is to conduct research and monitoring that contributes to a better understanding of the measurement, sources, size distribution, chemical composition and physical state, spatial and temporal variability, and health effects of suspended particulate matter (PM) in the Los Angeles Basin (LAB). This report addresses the period from March 1, 2002 through June 1, 2002. It is divided into 8 sections, each addressing a specific research area, including an update on our Data Management report. Furthermore, a major portion of the information included in this report has been either submitted or accepted for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Below is a list of manuscripts either submitted or accepted for publication which were produced through the Southern California Supersite funds and in which the EPA Supersite program has been acknowledged.
Influence of Body Composition on Lung Function and Respiratory Muscle Strength in Children With Obesity

Background Obesity affects lung function and respiratory muscle strength. The aim of the present study was to assess lung function and respiratory muscle strength in children with obesity and determine the influence of body composition on these variables. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 75 children (40 with obesity and 35 within the ideal weight range) aged 6 - 10 years. Body mass index, z score, waist circumference, body composition (tetrapolar bioimpedance), respiratory muscle strength and lung function (spirometry) were evaluated. Results Children with obesity exhibited larger quantities of both lean and fat mass in comparison to those in the ideal weight range. No significant differences were found between groups regarding the respective reference values for respiratory muscle strength. Male children with obesity demonstrated significantly lower lung function values (forced expiratory volume in the first second % (FEV1%) and FEV1/forced vital capacity % (FVC%) : 93.76 ± 9.78 and 92.29 ± 3.8, respectively) in comparison to males in the ideal weight range (99.87 ± 9.72 and 96.31 ± 4.82, respectively). The regression models demonstrated that the spirometric variables were influenced by all body composition variables. Conclusion Children with obesity demonstrated a reduction in lung volume and capacity. Thus, anthropometric and body composition characteristics may be predictive factors for altered lung function.
Statistical Properties of Blue Horizontal Branch Stars in the Spheroid: Detection of a Moving Group approximately 50 kpc from the Sun

A new moving group comprising at least four Blue Horizontal Branch (BHB) stars is identified at (l,b) = (65 deg, 48 deg). The horizontal branch at g0=18.9 magnitude implies a distance of 50 kpc from the Sun. The heliocentric radial velocity is RV = -157 +/- 4 km/s, corresponding to V(gsr) = -10 km/s; the dispersion in line-of-sight velocity is consistent with the instrumental errors for these stars. The mean metallicity of the moving group is [Fe/H] approximately -2.4, which is significantly more metal poor than the stellar spheroid. We estimate that the BHB stars in the outer halo have a mean metallicity of [Fe/H] = -2.0, with a wide scatter and a distribution that does not change much as a function of distance from the Sun. We explore the systematics of SDSS DR7 surface gravity metallicity determinations for faint BHB stars, and present a technique for estimating the significance of clumps discovered in multidimensional data. This moving group cannot be distinguished in density, and highlights the need to collect many more spectra of Galactic stars to unravel the merger history of the Galaxy.
Spatial Audio Reproduction: Towards Individualized Binaural Sound

INTRODUCTION The compact disc (CD) format records audio with 16-bit resolution at a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz. This format was engineered to reproduce audio with fidelity exceeding the limits of human perception, and it works. However, sound is inherently a spatial perception. We perceive the direction, distance, and size of sound sources. Accurate reproduction of the spatial properties of sound remains a challenge. This paper will review the technologies for spatial sound reproduction and examine future directions, with focus on the promise for individualized binaural technology.
Routine Magnetic Resonance Imaging at Term-Equivalent Age Detects Brain Injury in 25% of a Contemporary Cohort of Very Preterm Infants

Introduction In recent years, significant investigation has been undertaken by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in an attempt to identify preterm infants at risk for adverse outcome. The primary objective is to provide a comprehensive characterization of cerebral injury detected by conventional MRI at term-equivalent age in an unselected, consecutive, contemporary cohort of preterm infants born <32 gestational weeks. Secondly, this study aims to identify risk factors for the different injury types in this population. Methods Data for all preterm infants born <32 gestational weeks and admitted to Innsbruck Medical University Hospital were prospectively collected (October 2010 to December 2015). Cerebral MRI was evaluated retrospectively using a validated scoring system that incorporates intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), white matter disease (WMD) and cerebellar haemorrhage (CBH). Results 300 infants were included in the study. MRI showed 24.7% of all infants to have some form of brain injury. The most common injury type was IVH (16.0%). WMD and CBH were seen in 10.0% and 8.0%. The prevalence of common neonatal risk factors was greater within the group of infants with CBH. In particular indicators for respiratory disease were observed more often: longer ventilation duration, more frequent need for supplemental oxygen at day 28, higher rates of hydrocortisone treatment. Catecholamine treatment was the only neonatal risk factor that was overrepresented in infants with WMD Discussion Cerebral MRI at term-equivalent age, as addition to cranial ultrasound, detected brain injury in 25% of preterm survivors. The diagnosis of IVH was already made by neonatal ultrasound in most cases. In contrast, only a minority of the CBH and none of the non-cystic WMD have been detected prior to MRI. Decreasing gestational age and neonatal complications involved with immaturity have been identified as risk factors for CBH, whereas WMD was found in relatively mature infants with circulatory disturbances.
Optimum trephine length in the assessment of bone marrow involvement in patients with diffuse large cell lymphoma.

BACKGROUND The National Cancer Institute has recommended a bone marrow biopsy length of >/=20 mm for the staging and surveillance of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, there are few published data to support this recommendation, particularly the role of examining multiple levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS Bone marrow biopsies from 172 patients with newly diagnosed diffuse large cell lymphoma (DLCL) entered in two consecutive trials of the Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group were analysed. The original haematoxylin and eosin-stained trephine biopsy and two or more deeper sections cut at 0.1-0.2 mm intervals were assessed with respect to the morphology, extent and pattern of lymphomatous involvement. The rate of positive diagnosis was correlated with the length of the biopsy specimen and the number of sections examined. RESULTS Forty-seven biopsies (27%) demonstrated marrow involvement on examination of a mean of four trephine biopsy sections. The rate of positivity increased with the examination of multiple levels and correlated with increasing trephine length but was not dependent on the number of sites sampled. Twenty per cent of biopsies <20 mm in length were positive for lymphoma; this increased to 35% for biopsies >/=20 mm (P = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS Morphological bone marrow involvement in DLCL is optimally demonstrated by a 20-mm long trephine biopsy from a single site which is examined at multiple levels (four or more). This obviates the need for bilateral sampling, thereby reducing patient morbidity from the procedure. This study provides evidence to support the National Cancer Institute recommendations regarding trephine biopsy in the staging of DLCL, providing multiple levels are examined.
Category specific knowledge modulate capacity limitations of visual short-term memory

We explore whether expertise can modulate the capacity of visual short-term memory, as some seem to argue that training affects capacity of short-term memory [13] while others are not able to find this modulation [12]. We extend on a previous study [3] by demonstrating expertise effects by investigating different groups of healthy adults. In a whole report paradigm [5] we investigate performance on standardized pictures [11], Latin letters, and Japanese hiragana. Expertise was modulated between groups of novice (Danish university students), trained (Danish university students studying Japanese), and expert observers (Japanese university students). For both the picture and the letter condition we find no performance difference in memory capacity, however, in the critical hiragana condition we demonstrate a systematic difference relating expertise differences between the groups. These results are in line with the theoretical interpretation that visual short-term memory is the sum of the reverberating feedback loops to representations in long-term memory.
Enhanced Growth of Multipurpose Calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus) Using Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi in Uganda

This study was conducted to compare the effect of selected arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi genera and their application rates for enhanced Calliandra growth in Uganda. The performance of Calliandra under different types and rates of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi inoculation was assessed in the greenhouse using sterilized Mabira soils. Four dominant genera were isolated from the rhizosphere of sorghum in the laboratory. Calliandra seeds were grown in pots and the seed coating method of application was used at concentrations of 0 spores, 30 spores and 50 spores. Each treatment was replicated three times. All Calliandra inoculated seedlings showed improved seedling growth (in terms of height and shoot dry matter weight) compared to the control (P < 0.05) except with the arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi mixture treated Calliandra at 50 spores rate. Glomus sp. and Acaulospora sp. had significant influence on the height of Calliandra, while AMF mixture performed best in terms of shoot dry weight (P < 0.05). This study provides a good scope for commercially utilizing the efficient strains of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi for beneficial effects in the primary establishment of slow growing seedlings ensuring better survival and improved growth.
Ovarian endocrine profile and long-term vascular patency following heterotopic autotransplantation of cryopreserved whole ovine ovaries.

BACKGROUND This study examined the ability of cryopreserved whole ovine ovaries to resume function in vivo following autotransplantation. METHODS Swaledale ewes had their left ovaries removed and either perfused but not cryopreserved (n = 4; control), or perfused and cryopreserved (n = 8; cryopreserved) before autotransplantation sub-cutaneously to the neck by microvascular anastomosis. Right ovaries were removed and fixed as non-grafted controls. Weekly jugular venous blood samples were analysed for plasma FSH, LH, inhibin A and progesterone levels, grafts were scanned transdermally and oestrus was detected. Vascular patency was assessed post-mortem and follicle populations were measured in recovered tissue. RESULTS Immediate vascular patency was achieved in all ewes and maintained in 7/8 cryopreserved and 3/4 control grafts. Functional corpora lutea were identified in three ewes (one control; two cryopreserved) 18-25 weeks after grafting. Inhibin A levels indicated resumption of follicular development in four cryopreserved and one control ewes, however, castrate gonadotrophin levels persisted in five cryopreserved and two control ewes. Primordial follicle density was reduced following grafting in both cryopreserved and non-frozen ovaries (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, these results demonstrate successful partial restoration of ovarian function following cryopreservation of the whole ovary and vascular pedicle in a large monovulatory species. The inability to restore full ovarian function was related to loss of primordial follicles rather than vascular patency in both frozen and fresh tissue, suggesting that factors associated with cannulation and perfusion may contribute to this depletion. Further work is therefore needed to elucidate these factors before the procedure could be considered a viable option for fertility preservation.
Visual Tracking in Background Subtracted Image Sequences via Multi-Bernoulli Filtering

This correspondence presents a novel method for simultaneous tracking of multiple non-stationary targets in video. Our method operates directly on the video data and does not require any detection. We propose a multi-target likelihood function for the background-subtracted grey-scale image data, which admits multi-target conjugate priors. This allows the multi-target posterior to be efficiently propagated forward using the multi-Bernoulli filter. Our method does not need any training pattern or target templates and makes no prior assumptions about object types or object appearance. Case studies from the CAVIAR dataset show that our method can automatically track multiple targets and quickly finds targets entering or leaving the scene.
Investigation of Optimum Crew Transfer Vessel Fleet for Offshore Wind Farm Maintenance Operations

The offshore wind industry, which aims to reduce the operational costs, usually achieved through learning curves and supply chain improvements, has seen drastic cost increase over the last five years. In order to sustain the competitiveness of the offshore wind industry against other renewable energy sources, the cost of offshore wind needs to come down to today's onshore cost. This cost reduction target can be achieved through optimising the offshore related operations which contribute the most to the operating expenditures (OPEX) of the offshore wind farms. In this paper, the investigation of optimum crew transfer vessel fleet, which indicates the influence of fleet size and characteristics of the vessels involved in the operations, is introduced with a focus on power production, total cost of the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) and revenue loss. A time domain Monte-Carlo approach is adopted while taking into consideration the climate parameters, failure characteristics of turbine components, the specification of crew transfer vessels, and the composition of vessel fleet. Through this extensive study, it is concluded the O&M related costs can be reduced significantly while the availability and the productivity of the turbines can be increased by optimising the use of the O&M vessel fleet in terms of fleet size and vessel capabilities.
The Multifaceted Role of Commensal Microbiota in Homeostasis and Gastrointestinal Diseases

The gastrointestinal tract houses a complex and diverse community of microbes. In recent years, an increased understanding of the importance of intestinal microbiota for human physiology has been gained. In the steady state, commensal microorganisms have a symbiotic relationship with the host and possess critical and distinct functions, including directly influencing immunity. This means that recognition of commensal antigens is necessary for the development of complete immune responses. Therefore, the immune system must face the challenge of maintaining mucosal homeostasis while dealing with undue passage of commensal or pathogenic microbes, as well as the host nutritional status or drug use. Disruption of this fine balance has been associated with the development of several intestinal inflammatory diseases. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms involved in the modulation of host-microbe interactions and how the breakdown of this homeostatic association can lead to intestinal inflammation and pathology.
Persuasive Technology for Improving Information Security Awareness and Behavior: Literature Review

The use of Persuasive Technology in various fields is rapidly increasing. It can be applied in many fields such as computing, marketing, sales, environment, education, and health. Persuasive Technology has been found effective in bringing a required change in users' behaviors and attitudes. However, the use of persuasive technology is scarce in the field of Information Security awareness. This paper reviews extensive literature review which focuses on a perspective on how to create awareness among users for good information security practices by applying Persuasive Technology techniques and approaches. The conceptual findings suggest there is a tremendous potential of Persuasive Technology to be applied to persuade users to change their behavior and perception toward Information Security practices.
China Tuberculosis Policy at Crucial Crossroads: Comparing the Practice of Different Hospital and Tuberculosis Control Collaboration Models Using Survey Data

Background Currently three hospital and tuberculosis (TB) collaboration models exist in China: the dispensary model where TB has to be diagnosed and treated in TB dispensaries, the specialist model where TB specialist hospital also treat TB patients, and the integrated model where TB diagnosis and treatment is integrated into a general hospital. The study compared effects of the three models through exploring patient experience in TB diagnosis and treatment. Methods We selected two sites in each model of TB service in four provinces of China. In each site, 50 patients were selected from TB patient registries for a structured questionnaire survey, with a total of 293 patients recruited. All participants were newly registered uncomplicated TB cases without any major complications or resistance to first-line anti-TB drugs, and having successfully completed treatment. Diagnostic and treatment procedures were reviewed from medical charts of the surveyed patients to compare with national guidelines. Results Specialist sites had the highest patient expenditure, hospitalization rates and mostly used second-line anti-TB drugs, while the integrated model reported the opposite. The median health expenditure was USD 1,499 for the specialist sites and USD 306 for the integrated sites, with 83% and 15% patients respectively having unnecessary hospitalization. 74% of the specialist sites and 19% of the integrated sites used second-line anti-TB drugs. Mixed results were identified in the two dispensary sites. One site had median health expenditure of USD 138 with 12% of patients hospitalized, while the other had USD 912 and 65% respectively. Conclusion The study observed prohibitive financial expenditure and a high level of deviation from national guidelines in all sites, which may be related to the profit-seeking behavior of public hospitals. The study supports the integrated model as the better policy option for future TB health reform in China.
Boosters, anyone? Exploring the added value of booster sessions in a self-management intervention.

The current study explored the benefits of adding booster sessions to a validated and successful self-management intervention for type 2 diabetes patients (i.e. Beyond Good Intentions). Although the addition of booster sessions to self-management interventions is often recommended, it has not been empirically established to what extent booster sessions are in fact appreciated by participants. Participants in the current study (N = 129) followed the Beyond Good Intentions program and were offered a series of three booster sessions at 1, 3 and 5 months afterwards. Primary outcome variables included participants' attendance and evaluations of the booster phase. In addition, self-management behavior was assessed at baseline (T1), after the initial phase (T2) and after the booster phase (T3). Results showed that more than one-fourth of participants who completed the initial phase dropped out during the booster phase, and those who did complete both phases evaluated the booster phase significantly less positive as compared to the initial phase. With regard to the behavioral outcomes, we replicated previous findings showing positive effects on all measures during the initial phase. The booster phase, however, did not result in further improvements. It was concluded that the added value of booster sessions was, at best, questionable.
Quantitative Evaluation of Wind Turbine Faults Under Variable Operational Conditions

Wind turbines have been widely used for clean and renewable electricity generation. The maintenance costs of wind turbines constitute a significant portion of the total cost of the generated electricity. Thus, health management systems are increasingly needed to reduce the maintenance costs and improve the reliability of wind turbines. This paper proposes a novel framework for the quantitative evaluation of faults and health conditions of wind turbines using generator current signals. A synchronous resampling algorithm is designed to handle nonstationary current signals for fault feature extraction. The extracted fault features are used to reconstruct new signals, whose correlation dimensions are then calculated by using the Grassberger-Procaccia (G-P) algorithm for fault and health condition evaluation of the wind turbines. Experimental studies are carried out for a direct-drive wind turbine equipped with a permanent-magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) in the healthy condition and two faulty conditions. Results show that the proposed framework can not only detect the faults but also quantify different health conditions for the wind turbine.