Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Semiparametric Regression for the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve

Medical advances continue to provide new and potentially better means for detecting disease. Such is true in cancer, for example, where biomarkers are sought for early detection and where improvements in imaging methods may pick up the initial functional and molecular changes associated with cancer development. In other binary classification tasks, computational algorithms such as neural networks, support vector machines, and evolutionary algorithms have been applied to areas as diverse as credit scoring, object recognition, and peptide-binding prediction. Before a classifier becomes an accepted technology, it must undergo rigorous evaluation to determine its ability to discriminate between states. Characterization of factors influencing classifier performance is an important step in this process. Analysis of covariates may reveal subpopulations in which classifier performance is greatest or identify features of the classifier that improve accuracy. We develop regression methods for the nonparametric area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, a well-accepted summary measure of classifier accuracy. The estimating function generalizes standard approaches and, interestingly, is related to the two-sample Mann–Whitney U statistic. Implementation is straightforward, because it is an adaptation of binary regression methods. Asymptotic theory is nonstandard, because the regressor variables are cross-correlated. Nevertheless, simulation studies show that the method produces estimates with small bias and reasonable coverage probability. Application of the method to evaluate the covariate effects on a new device for diagnosing hearing impairment reveals that the device performs better in more severely impaired subjects and that certain test parameters, which are adjustable by the device operator, are key to test performance.
MLS observations of ClO and HNO3 in the 1996–97 Arctic Polar Vortex

Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) measurements of lower stratospheric ClO and gas‐phase HNO3 are presented for the 1996–97 Arctic winter. The horizontal and vertical extent of enhanced ClO were smaller in 1997 than in 1996, as was the degree of enhancement. This is consistent with differences in the evolution and vertical structure of temperatures in the two years. Gas‐phase HNO3 abundances, which increased in early winter due to diabatic descent, exhibited a decreasing trend from mid to late winter in all six Arctic winters observed by MLS, probably due to increasing HNO3 photolysis throughout this period.
Prescribing pattern and adverse events of drugs used in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) attending a tertiary care hospital: Retrospective study -

Background: Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most prevalent type of glaucoma leading to progressive loss of visual function in adults. Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the prescribing pattern and to assess the associated adverse reactions of drugs used in the treatment of POAG in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, case-record-based study conducted on patients attending the department of ophthalmology for treatment of POAG at Srinivas Hospital, Mukka, from October 2014 to December 2015. The study was initiated after obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences version 17 and presented as percentages and frequency. Results: Out of 74 prescriptions analyzed, 48 (64.86%) patients were treated with monotherapy and 26 patients with combination therapy of drugs. The majority of patients were on timolol as monotherapy with prescription rate of 29.16% followed by bimatoprost 20.83%. Combination therapy was prescribed to 35.14% of the patients; the commonly used regimen was timolol + brimonidine (30.76% patients). 16 patients reported adverse effects such as blurred vision, ocular irritation, and foreign body sensation; however, the most of the patients tolerated the prescribed drugs well. Conclusion: The present study results help to know the different treatment strategies employed in the management of POAG, and reasons for the preference of prescribed drugs. Most of the patients tolerated the antiglaucoma medications well and had a few side effects which did not warrant discontinuation of treatment.
Global Dynamic Timelines for IPRs Harmonization Against Software Piracy

This paper employs a recent methodological innovation on intellectual property rights (IPRs) harmonization to project global timelines for common policies against software piracy. The findings on 99 countries are premised on 15 fundamental characteristics of software piracy based on income-levels (high-income, lower-middle-income, upper-middle-income and low-income), legal-origins (English common-law, French civil-law, German civil-law and, Scandinavian civil-law) and, regional proximity (South Asia, Europe & Central Asia, East Asia & the Pacific, Middle East & North Africa, Latin America & the Caribbean and, Sub-Saharan Africa). The results broadly show that a feasible horizon for the harmonization of blanket policies ranges from 4 to 10 years.
A multi-wavelength survey of AGN in the XMM-LSS field - I. Quasar selection via the KX technique

Aims. We present a sample of candidate quasars selected using the KX-technique. The data cover 0.68 deg 2 of the X-ray Multi-Mirror (XMM) Large-Scale Structure (LSS) survey area where overlapping multi-wavelength imaging data permits an investigation of the physical nature of selected sources. Methods. The KX method identifies quasars on the basis of their optical (R and z � ) to near-infrared (Ks) photometry and point-like morphology. We combine these data with optical (u ∗ ,g � ,r � ,i � ,z � ) and mid-infrared (3.6−24 μm) wavebands to reconstruct the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of candidate quasars. Results. Of 93 sources selected as candidate quasars by the KX method, 25 are classified as quasars by the subsequent SED analysis. Spectroscopic observations are available for 12/25 of these sources and confirm the quasar hypothesis in each case. Even more, 90% of the SED-classified quasars show X-ray emission, a property not shared by any of the false candidates in the KX-selected sample. Applying a photometric redshift analysis to the sources without spectroscopy indicates that the 25 sources classified as quasars occupy the interval 0.7 ≤ z ≤ 2.5. The remaining 68/93 sources are classified as stars and unresolved galaxies.
Maximum Power Point Tracking Using Fuzzy Logic Control for Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System & Operation of PV Cells under Partial Shading Conditions

Solar energy has been looked upon as a serious source of energy for many years because of the vast amounts of energy that are made freely available, if harnessed by modern technology. Electricity can be produced directly from photovoltaic (PV) cells which operate on photovoltaic effect. Each solar cell has a point at which the current (I) and voltage (V) output from the cell result in the maximum power output of the cell. Various approaches have been proposed to extract the maximum power from mismatched PV array. There is one new technique to optimize power from the mismatched PV array is reconfigurations. In this technique PV modules/cells in a PV array are continuously rearranged in series or parallel connections to facilitate the PV system to deliver maximum power even in shading conditions. In grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems energy is injected to the grid by keeping track of the maximum power point (MPP) of the panel, by reducing the switching frequency, and by providing high reliability. A fuzzy logic control based maximum power point tracking is used to obtain high efficiency and robustness of the solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation and establishes a dynamic model of grid-connected PV system by Matlab/Simulink environment which reflect the characteristics of the system accurately. A multilevel inverter topology is used to reduce total harmonic distortions in grid voltage and electromagnetic interference.
Comparisons of Metaphylactic Treatments of Zactran ® (gamithromycin) vs. Excede ® (ceftiofur crystalline free acid) in High Risk, Stocker Calves

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) complex is the most common disease occurring in backgrounding and feedlot cattle and is a significant source of losses from poor performance and death. Metaphylactic treatments are recognized as economically advantageous and have been associated with a 50% reduction in BRD associated morbidity. The multi-site study described here was conducted to compare health and performance parameters between newly received stocker calves treated metaphylactically with Zactran ® (6 mg gamithromycin/kg subcutaneously) compared to Excede ® (6.6 mg ceftiofur/kg subcutaneously).
Stock Market Reaction To Chief Marketing Officer Appointment Announcements

This paper investigates the stock price performance of 166 firms appointing a new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) between 1999 and 2005. Following event study methodology, the results reveal that abnormal stock returns around the appointment day are greater for firms appointing a CMO with prior marketing executive experience, in firms where the new CMO explains the intended future marketing strategy on the appointment announcement day, whereas it is lower in firms operating in higher growth, high technology industries with higher product differentiation. Announcement-induced returns are also greater for firms that experienced poor stock price performance in the year leading to the appointment. Taken together, the results suggest that the market’s assessment of a change in marketing leadership should not be viewed as being uniformly beneficial, but should be assessed against the profile of the appointee and the appointing firm.
Bakers’ rhinitis : diagnostic criteria, flour dust exposure, mucosal inflammation, IgE sensitization, and relation to lower airways

Conclusions. The use of different diagnostic criteria has considerable consequences for the prevalence estimates of occupational rhinitis. There is a strong relationship between occupational rhinitis and lower airway symptoms. Storage mites appear to be important occupational allergens in Norwegian bakeries. Objectives. To study the consequences of various diagnostic criteria on the prevalence of occupational rhinitis, assess the prevalence of IgE sensitization and explore the relationships between upper and lower airway symptoms and between symptoms and IgE sensitization. Material and methods. A total of 197 employees in 6 bakeries were interviewed and completed a questionnaire. A skin prick test was performed, total and specific IgE were determined and a histamine release test was performed for relevant allergens. The criteria for the diagnosis of occupational rhinitis were based on the 1994 International Consensus Report on Rhinitis. Results. The prevalence of occupational rhinitis varied between 23% and 50%, depending on the criteria used. The occurrence of nasal symptoms was found to precede the development of lower airway symptoms. Occupational rhinitis, both IgEand non-IgE-mediated, was associated with asthma symptoms. The most frequent causes of sensitization (20%) were different species of storage mites. Storage mite sensitization was related to occupational rhinitis and work exposure.
An Evaluation of the Second Intermediate Saudi English Language Textbook from the Teachers' Point of View

The study evaluates the quality of the second intermediate grade English language textbook for Saudi girls' schools "from the teachers point of view" which was introduced at the intermediate stage by the Ministry of Education in 2004. This research project evaluates a new textbook that is considered to be the foundation stone in the English language program in Saudi Arabia. A survey questionnaire was used in this study to elicit the perspectives of 50 English language teachers and the population is about 220 teachers in Riyadh Educational Zone about the textbook in question. The questionnaire consisted of 23 items grouped under 5 main categories that are listed as: CB objectives, content, language style, skills, technical aspect and appearance of the CB. The data was subjected to analysis through descriptive statistics. The analysis of the results used several statistical methods which are as follows: Cronbach's alpha, means, percentage, chi square and standard deviations. The findings were generally in favor of the textbook except for the language style and some other sub-items. Out of 23 items in the questionnaire, only 4 items had arithmetic means less than 3.50 (the average). The category that had the highest mean was the one on technical aspects, while the category that had the lowest mean was the one on language style. Keywords: Evaluation, textbook, content, curriculum and syllabus, goals and objectives, materials evaluation
Epidemiology of Rotavirus Infection in Children Less than Five Years in Omdurman Paediatric Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan

Objective: Our objective is to study epidemiology of rotavirus infection in children less than five years during one year in Omdurman Paediatric Hospital. Materials and Methods: The study design was a setting-based study. The required data were obtained by reviewing records of a year in the hospital. Results: The findings revealed that, the total cases of rotavirus infection was 1563, majority of cases occurred among age group 1-12 months 642(41%). About 899(57.5%) of cases were males while 664(42.5%) were females. High percentage 520(33.3%) of diagnosed children came from Umbda. Most of rotavirus cases occurred during April168 (10.7%) and May 158(10.1%), Mild dehydration was found in 1121(71.7%) of cases while 320(20.5%) of patients suffered from severe dehydration. Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) were given to 1120(71.7%) of patients as treatment, intravenous fluids (IVF) to 334(21.3%) and ORT & IVF to 109 (7%). A lot of cases 1110(71%) were improved after received the treatment, 9(0.6%) were died and the rest were still suffering from the clinical features. Conclusion: The study concluded that rotavirus represents a public health problem among children less than five which and effective control measures are needed to minimize this problem.
Costantino Iadecola Hypertension : A Harbinger of Stroke and Dementia

Hypertension: A Harbinger of Stroke and Dementia Print ISSN: 0194-911X. Online ISSN: 1524-4563 Copyright © 2013 American Heart Association, Inc. All rights reserved. is published by the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231 Hypertension doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.113. 01063 2013;62:810-817; originally published online August 26, 2013; Hypertension. http://hyper.ahajournals. org/content/62/5/810 World Wide Web at: The online version of this article, along with updated information and services, is located on the
Bioequivalence of Two Brands of Valsartan 80 mg Coated Breakable Tablets in 15 Healthy Algerian Volunteers: A Pilot Study

A randomized, two-way, crossover study was conducted in 15 fasting, healthy, Algerian volunteers to compare the bioavailability of two brands of Valsartan 80 mg coated breakable tablets. The present study aimed to evaluate the intra-subject variability of this active substance in the Algerian population. The test brand was compared to TAREG (Novartis) as the reference product. The study was performed at the bioequivalence center of the national control laboratory for pharmaceuticals products, in joint venture with University Hospital Center Ibn Badis, Constantine, Algeria. The drug was administered with 200 mL of water after a 10 h overnight fasting on two treatment days separated by one week washout period. After dosing, serial blood samples were collected for a period of 24 h. A reliable, simple, and robust liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectro-metric (LC-MS/MS) method has been developed and validated that employs protein precipitation (or denaturation) for the estimation of valsartan in human plasma using losartan as internal standard. The assay was found to be linear over the range of 50-5,000 ng/mL, with a lower limit of quantitation of 50ng/mL. Various pharmacokinetic parameters including AUC0-t, AUC0-∞, Cmax, Tmax, and T1/2 were determined from plasma concentrations of both formulations and found to be in good agreement with reported values. The pharmacokinetical and statistical analysis was conducted with Kinetica 4.4. 1. AUC0-t, AUC0-∞ and Cmax were tested for bioequivalence after log-transformation of data. No significant difference was found based on ANOVA; 90% confidence interval ([85.82%, 118.76%] for AUC0-t [86.09%, 118.83%] for AUC0-∞) of test/reference ratio for these parameters were found within bioequivalence acceptance range of 80-125%. But for the Cmax, the 90% confidence interval of test/reference ratio wasn’t in this acceptance range [90.18%, 131.07%] . The results of PK analysis suggested that the reference and test formulations of valsartan 80 mg coated breakable tablets weren’t bioequivalent during fasting state in these healthy algerian volunteers.
In situ structure determination of the high-pressure phase of Fe3O4

Abstract The crystal structure of a high-pressure Fe3O4 phase was determined by in situ X-ray diffraction measurements at high pressure and temperature, using an imaging plate detector and monochromatic synchrotron X-radiation. The high-pressure phase has the Pbcm space group (CaMn2O4-type structure) with cell parameters a = 2.7992(3) Å, b = 9.4097(15) Å, and c = 9.4832(9) Å at 23.96 GPa and 823 K. Fe3+ occupies an octahedral site and Fe2+ is in an eightfold-coordinated site described as a bicapped trigonal prism. The high-pressure CaMn2P4-type Fe3O4 phase is about 6.5% more dense than the spinel form at 24 GPa.
Life�?Cycle Labour Supply with Human Capital: Econometric and Behavioural Implications

I examine the econometric and behavioral implications of including human capital in the life-cycle labor supply model. With human capital, the wage no longer equals the opportunity cost of time – which is, instead, the wage plus returns to work experience. This has a number of important implications, of which I highlight four: First, labor supply elasticities become functions of both preference and wage process parameters. Thus, one cannot estimate elasticities without also specifying and estimating the wage process. Second, once human capital is accounted for, the data appear consistent with much larger labor supply elasticities than most prior work suggests. Third, contrary to much conventional wisdom, permanent tax changes can have larger effects on current labor supply than temporary tax changes. Fourth, human capital amplifies the labor supply response to permanent tax changes in the long-run, because a permanent tax reduces the rate of human capital accumulation, slowing the growth of wages.
Defenses Against Network Coding Pollution Attacks in Wireless Mesh Networks

Network Coding is a novel forwarding technique that substantially maximizes the throughput of the wireless mesh networks by requiring the intermediate nodes to mix the input packets before forwarding them. Aside from the maximized throughput, this coding scheme provides lower power consumption, higher reliability and robustness to packet losses due to congestion and line interference. However, this mixing of the packets at the intermediate nodes brings about a severe security threat known as the Pollution Attack, in which compromised nodes inject corrupted packets to the network. As a result, a single corrupted packet received by a non-malicious node could contaminate all the output packets generated by that node, and this effect could propagate to other nodes in an epidemic manner. In recent years, there has been research interest on efficient countermeasures against pollution attacks in network coding for wireless mesh networks. The focus of this paper is to review three of those defense mechanisms. In [8] by Yu et al. an efficient signature-based scheme is proposed which allows the intermediate nodes to detect and filter polluted packets. RIPPLE framework [6] by Li et al. presents a novel homomorphic message authentication code (MAC) as well as a new transmission protocol to overcome this problem. DART [3], proposed by Dong et al., is another framework that attempts to mitigate this problem by using time-based authentication in combination with random linear transformation to mix packets. This paper first gives an overview of how the network coding works in the wireless mesh network setting and how it brings about the severe security threat, pollution attack. Then, the three defense mechanisms [8, 6, 3] are presented. Followed by that is a comparison of the mechanisms, where the overhead on the network throughput introduced by the defense mechanisms is used as the main metric. Finally, the paper ends with a comparison and a conclusion.
Welfare Loss with Municipal Amalgamations and the Willingness-to-Pay for the Municipality Name

Abstract Functional advantages and drawbacks are commonly mentioned to rationally justify or condemn municipality amalgamations. However, many consolidation projects are resisted by local governments or citizens on the grounds that amalgamation would dampen local identity. A municipality’s name change is probably the most visible sign of the loss of community bond experienced by citizens at amalgamation time. This article aims to put a value on this loss by measuring citizen willingness to pay for their city name. This methodological approach innovates upon the literature on municipal amalgamation and place branding by exploiting the versatility of the so-called contingent valuation method (CVM). CVM confronts respondents, in a survey setting, with a hypothetical market in which a characteristic of interest is exchanged. Here the characteristic is the possibility to retain one’s city name for an amalgamated jurisdiction. The article presents the estimates provided by a survey conducted in four Swiss cities.
Grasp Pose Detection in Dense Clutter Using Deep Learning

Recently, a number of grasp detection methods have been proposed that can be used to localize robotic grasp configurations directly from sensor data without estimating object pose. The underlying idea is to treat grasp perception analogously to object detection in computer vision. These methods typically take as input a noisy and partially occluded RGBD image or point cloud and use deep learning to produce pose estimates of viable grasps, without assuming a known CAD model of the object. This paper proposes a number of innovations that together result in a significant improvement in grasp detection performance. The specific improvement in performance due to each of our contributions is quantitatively measured either in simulation or on robotic hardware. Ultimately, we report a series of robotic experiments that average a 93% end-to-end grasp success rate for novel objects presented in dense clutter.