Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using Fuzzy Logic to Increase the Accuracy of E-Commerce Risk Assessment Based on an Expert System

Strong adaptive control can be exercised even without access to accurate data inputs. Such control is possible through fuzzy mathematics, which is a meta-collection of Boolean logic principles that imply relative accuracy. Fuzzy mathematics find applications in e-commerce, where different risk analysis methods are available for risk assessment and estimation. Such approaches can be quantitative or qualitative, depending on the type of examined data. Quantitative methods are grounded in statistics, whereas qualitative methods are based on expert judgments and fuzzy set theory. Given that qualitative methods are very subjective and deal with vague or inaccurate data, fuzzy logic can be used to extract useful information from data inaccuracies. In this study, a model based on the opinions of e-commerce security experts was designed and implemented by using fuzzy expert systems and MATLAB. A case study was conducted to validate the effectiveness of the Model.
Revisiting the event rate of short GRBs and estimating their detectable number within the Advanced LIGO horizon

The redshift and luminosity distributions of 36 Swift short gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are fitted by connecting their event rates with cosmic star formation rates using power-law distributed delay times f ( τ ) ∝ τ − 1 , where a broken-power-law luminosity function is assumed and some empirical observational selection effects are taken into account. As a result, the most-likely model parameters are constrained to be ν 1 = 0.91 , ν 2 = 1.66 as power-law indices, with a break at L b = 2.51 × 10 51 erg s−1 for the luminosity function and τ c = 6.0 Gyr for a typical gravitational wave decay timescale of the binary orbit. The corresponding local rate of short GRBs is found to be ∼ ( 3 − 4 ) Gpc − 3 yr − 1 . With these parameters, the detectable numbers of short GRBs are estimated within the horizon of Advanced LIGO.
Rainfall Shortage and El Niño–Southern Oscillation in New Caledonia, Southwestern Pacific

Abstract About three months after the beginning of an El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) year, a rainfall shortage develops over all of New Caledonia (21°S, 165°E) and lasts for 12 months. There is, on the average, a 22% decrease over the mean monthly rainfalls for one year. This result is based on the study of a rainfall composite and of a composite obtained from the first empirical orthogonal function (EOF) extracting more than half of the variance over 30 years of measurement at 18 stations.
Using Compassion Focused Therapy to Work with Shame and Self-Criticism in Complex Trauma

Fear is often the primary diagnostic and treatment focus in the alleviation of traumatic distress. However, shame has equally debilitating effects, including being related to inadequacy, self-criticism, and secondary emotions, such as anger. Shame is a particularly potent component in PTSD. This paper outlines the principles and approaches of compassion focused therapy (CFT), based on the work of Gilbert (2014; Gilbert & Irons, 2005). It includes an overview of the three affect regulatory systems model and outlines ways in which clinical psychologists can assist clients to reduce shame and self-criticism by developing a compassionate understanding of themselves in relation to their trauma.
Using Analogies in Secondary Chemistry Teaching.

Recent research literature has highlighted the interest of both teachers and researchers in using analogies to aid students' conceptual understanding. This appears to be especially relevant in secondary chemistry education due to the many abstract concepts that are included in the curricula. This paper reviews recent literature and considers analogy examples from textbooks to identify the advantages and constraints of using analogies to aid the teaching of abstract concepts in secondary chemistry. Particular constraints include: (1) incorrect transfer of attributes; (2) analog unfamiliarity; and (3) stages of cognitive development. (Contains 16 references.) (Author/MDH) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** USING ANALOGIES IN SECONDARY CHEMISTRY TEACHING
MOLECULAR AND ISOTOPIC CHARACTERISTICS OF HYDROCARBONS IN SEDIMENTS AND GAS HYDRATE AT EASTERN MARGIN OF JAPAN SEA

We investigated molecular and stable isotope compositions of hydrate-bound gas and dissolved gas in pore water in sediment cores that were retrieved from the eastern margin of Japan Sea to clarify the gas origin and to understand the formation process of shallow gas hydrate accumulated in this area. Hydrate-bearing sediment cores were retrieved from Umitaka Spur and Joetsu Knoll in the Joetsu Basin during a cruise onboard R/V Marion Dufresne in June 2010. Hydrate-bound hydrocarbons were primarily thermogenic at Umitaka Spur. On the contrary, those at Joetsu Knoll partly contain microbial methane (C1) because 13 C and deuterium (D) are both depleted and close to the field of microbial C1 via CO2 reduction. Depth profiles of C1 in the sediments showed a minimum concentration of 13 C at a depth, corresponding to the SMI depth. C1 concentration in the sediments increased dramatically beneath the SMI depth. δ 13 C of C1 increased slightly with depth in a deeper layer, whereas δD of C1 decreased. A high concentration of neopentane (neoC5, 2,2dimethylpropane) was detected near the depths of gas hydrates. Because neoC5 cannot be encaged in the crystallographic structure I hydrate, it could be discharged from the hydrate crystal during the formation process and remain in the sediment.
Strategic Agility and Its Impact on the Competitive Capabilities in Iranian Private Banks

Developing capabilities of agility, rapid responsiveness and adaptation to environmental changes are known as tools to gain competitive advantage. Strategic agility is a developed type of agility that in addition to rapid response pays specific attention to strategic aspects and predicting changes in the environment before they occur. Most of the studies in the field of agility and competitive advantage have focused on productivity and agility of supply chain. And a small number of studies have assessed the determinants of strategic agility and its impact on financial, competitive and operative factors organizations; therefore, having the awareness of both this issue and also the importance of competitiveness in the current banking system, in this research we have tried to explain the concept of strategic agility and its determinants, and to reveal its importance in the banking sector and to investigate its impact on the competitive capabilities of the private banks in Iran. In terms of its aim, this study is an applied one, and regarding the data collection, it is descriptive- correlational. The statistical population of this research consists of managers and experts working in the Iranian private banks. A total of 150 managers and experts from the banks have formed the study sample. In this study, first based on conducted studies, a model was developed to study the effect of strategic agility on competitive capabilities, and then, by using the tests of confirmatory factor analysis, Pearson structural equation modeling and correlation, this model was reviewed and approved. The results indicate that strategic agility has had significant impact on the competitive capabilities of the private banks in Iran. Furthermore, among the dimensions of strategic agility, clarity of vision is the most influential factor in the competitive capabilities.
Virulence of Erwinia amylovora:Hunting down its determinants using transposon mutagenesis of a highly virulent strain, HKN06P-1

The gram-negative bacterium Erwinia amylovora is the causal agent of fire blight, the most destructive bacterial disease of apple and pear trees. During a screen for virulence-defective E. amylovora mutants, a mutant with reduced virulence that had a Tn5 insertion in the acp gene, which encodes a predicted acyl carrier protein, was identified. Bacterial acyl carrier proteins donate acyl groups during biosynthesis of fatty acids, bacterial toxins, phospholipids, and N-acyl-homoserine lactone signaling molecules. The acp70::Tn5 mutant exhibited a quantitative reduction in disease severity in apple trees and reduced growth in immature apple fruit and hawthorn flowers compared to the wild-type. The virulence defect of acp70::Tn5 in trees was rescued by a plasmid-borne copy of the wild-type acp gene. Fatty acid methyl ester analysis detected differences in fatty acid content between wild-type and acp70::Tn5 mutant bacteria. Additionally, the acp70::Tn5 mutant was defective in N-acyl-homoserine lactone signal production, as detected using a biosensor assay. E. amylovora growth in hawthorn flowers correlated with acp-dependent autoinducer production. Mutation of the predicted Acp 4’phosphopantetheine prosthetic group attachment site abolished acp-dependent autoinducer production. Interestingly, expression of selected known virulence factors, such as exopolysaccharide production, secretion of HrpN virulence protein, and biofilm formation, were comparable between the wild-type and the acp70::Tn5 mutant. Our results suggest that acp encodes an acyl carrier protein involved in N-acylhomoserine lactone biosynthesis, and that production of this signal plays a role in E. amylovora virulence.
Engineering Technology Students - How do They Compare to Other STEM Students?

Engineering Technology Students How do They Compare to Other STEM Students? Dr. Anne M. Lucietto, Purdue University, West Lafayette (College of Engineering) Dr. Lucietto has focused her research in engineering technology education and the understanding of engineering technology students. She teaches in an active learning style which engages and develops practical skills in the students. Currently she is exploring the performance and attributes of engineering technology students and using that knowledge to engage them in their studies.
Impact of Financial distress on the Debt Service Coverage in Ethiopia: A Case of Manufacturing Firms

It is not uncommon to see manufacturing firms struggling to turnaround from their financial distress. Debt Service Coverage ratio is presumed to play a role in addressing this problem. With this in mind, the main objective of the study is to determine the relationship between financial distress and Debt service coverage of manufacturing firms in Ethiopia for the period from 1999 to 2005. Due to data heterogeneity, non-continuity and because the Hausman test favors it over the Random Effect technique, the panel data General Least Square (GLS) regression method is used. The result proves that liquidity, profitability, and efficiency have positive and significant influence on debt service coverage. On contrary, leverage has negative and significant influence on Debt Service coverage. FD have a negative impact on DSC and leading firms to bankruptcy and liquidation and can cause economic, social and political impact on manufacturing firms and contribute to the CEO resignation, employee’s layoff or loss of jobs, dividend reduction, plant closing and related consequential health and moral distress. Keywords: Financial Distress, Debt Service Coverage, Ethiopia
Modulation frequency constraints on wow and flutter determination

Hitherto developed algorithms for wow and flutter characteristic determination were found useful in some real-life restoration procedures, however, there was no study of their capabilities in terms of the maximal parasite modulation frequency that can be determined with their application. This paper presents the study for three algorithms, i.e. the power-line hum tracker, high frequency bias tracker, and the center of gravity tracker. The short description of the algorithms is followed by the theoretical study on the maximal modulation frequency determined by the algorithms. Next, the experimental part is given, with simulations which confirm the findings from the theoretical part, and conclusions summarizing obtained results.
Quantification of DTI in the Pediatric Spinal Cord: Application to Clinical Evaluation in a Healthy Patient Population

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to characterize diffusion tensor imaging indices in the developing spinal cord, evaluating differences based on age and cord region. Describing the progression of DTI indices in the pediatric cord increases our understanding of spinal cord development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on DTI acquired in 121 pediatric patients (mean, 8.6 years; range, 0.3–18.0 years) at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt from 2017 to 2018. Diffusion-weighted images (15 directions; b = 750 s/mm2; slice thickness, 5 mm; in-plane resolution, 1.0 × 1.0 mm2) were acquired on a 3T scanner in the cervicothoracic and/or thoracolumbar cord. Manual whole-cord segmentation was performed. Images were masked and further segmented into cervical, upper thoracic, thoracolumbar, and conus regions. Analyses of covariance were performed for each DTI-derived index to investigate how age affects diffusion across cord regions, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated across age for each derived index and region. Post hoc testing was performed to analyze regional differences. RESULTS: Analyses of covariance revealed significant correlations of age with axial diffusivity, mean diffusivity, and fractional anisotropy (all, P < .001). There were also significant differences among cord regions for axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity, mean diffusivity, and fractional anisotropy (all, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This research demonstrates that diffusion evolves in the pediatric spinal cord during development, dependent on both cord region and the diffusion index of interest. Future research could investigate how diffusion may be affected by common pediatric spinal pathologies.
In vivo liquid biopsy using Cytophone platform for photoacoustic detection of circulating tumor cells in patients with melanoma

Noninvasive label-free photoacoustic detection of circulating tumor cells was demonstrated directly in the bloodstream of patients with melanoma. Zooming in on tumor cells Circulating tumor cells in patients’ blood can offer insight into the underlying tumor and can also seed distant metastases. Thus, accurate detection of these cells could help with prediction of metastasis, as well as facilitate their elimination. Unfortunately, conventional methods of detection have limited sensitivity and can miss rare circulating tumor cells at an early, potentially treatable stage of disease. Galanzha et al. developed a photoacoustic method for use directly in patients with melanoma, allowing the researchers to detect very low numbers of circulating tumor cells in vivo, as well as destroy them with laser pulses, suggesting a therapeutic potential for this approach. Most cancer deaths arise from metastases as a result of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) spreading from the primary tumor to vital organs. Despite progress in cancer prognosis, the role of CTCs in early disease diagnosis is unclear because of the low sensitivity of CTC assays. We demonstrate the high sensitivity of the Cytophone technology using an in vivo photoacoustic flow cytometry platform with a high pulse rate laser and focused ultrasound transducers for label-free detection of melanin-bearing CTCs in patients with melanoma. The transcutaneous delivery of laser pulses via intact skin to a blood vessel results in the generation of acoustic waves from CTCs, which are amplified by vapor nanobubbles around intrinsic melanin nanoclusters. The time-resolved detection of acoustic waves using fast signal processing algorithms makes photoacoustic data tolerant to skin pigmentation and motion. No CTC-associated signals within established thresholds were identified in 19 healthy volunteers, but 27 of 28 patients with melanoma displayed signals consistent with single, clustered, and likely rolling CTCs. The detection limit ranged down to 1 CTC/liter of blood, which is ~1000 times better than in preexisting assays. The Cytophone could detect individual CTCs at a concentration of ≥1 CTC/ml in 20 s and could also identify clots and CTC-clot emboli. The in vivo results were verified with six ex vivo methods. These data suggest the potential of in vivo blood testing with the Cytophone for early melanoma screening, assessment of disease recurrence, and monitoring of the physical destruction of CTCs through real-time CTC counting.
Interference Range-Reduced Cooperative Multiple Access with Optimal Relay Selection for Large Scale Wireless Networks

Cooperative communication improves the link throughput of wireless networks through spatial diversity. However, it reduces the frequency reuse of the entire network due to the enlarged link interference range introduced by each helper. In this paper, we propose a cooperative medium access control (MAC) protocol with optimal relay selection (ORS-CMAC) for multihop, multirate large scale networks, which can reduce the interference range and improve the network throughput. Then, we investigate the performance gain achieved by these two competitive factors, i.e., the spatial frequency reuse gain and spatial diversity gain, in large scale wireless networks. The expressions of maximum network throughput for direct transmissions and cooperative transmissions in the whole network are derived as a function of the number of concurrent transmission links, data packet length, and average packet transmission time. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the theoretical results. The theoretical and simulation results show that the helper can reduce the spatial frequency reuse slightly, and spatial diversity gain can compensate for the decrease of the spatial frequency reuse, thereby improving the network throughput from the viewpoint of the whole network.
Recurrence of rectal anastomotic leakage following stoma closure: assessment of risk factors

In patients with a previous history of rectal anastomotic leakage (AL), the surgical indications and timing for closure of a diverting stoma have to be carefully judged. Even if AL has apparently healed before stoma closure, re‐leakage may occur after closure. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for recurrent AL following stoma closure. We also examined the treatment strategies aiming to minimize the risk of recurrent AL.
Recorded poor insight as a predictor of service use outcomes: cohort study of patients with first-episode psychosis in a large mental healthcare database

Objectives To investigate recorded poor insight in relation to mental health and service use outcomes in a cohort with first-episode psychosis. Design We developed a natural language processing algorithm to ascertain statements of poor or diminished insight and tested this in a cohort of patients with first-episode psychosis. Setting The clinical record text at the South London and Maudsley National Health Service Trust in the UK was used. Participants We applied the algorithm to characterise a cohort of 2026 patients with first-episode psychosis attending an early intervention service. Primary and secondary outcome measures Recorded poor insight within 1 month of registration was investigated in relation to (1) incidence of psychiatric hospitalisation, (2) odds of legally enforced hospitalisation, (3) number of days spent as a mental health inpatient and (4) number of different antipsychotic agents prescribed; outcomes were measured over varying follow-up periods from 12 months to 60 months, adjusting for a range of sociodemographic and clinical covariates. Results Recorded poor insight, present in 46% of the sample, was positively associated with ages 16-35, bipolar disorder and history of cannabis use and negatively associated with White ethnicity and depression. It was significantly associated with higher levels of all four outcomes over all five follow-up periods. Conclusions Recorded poor insight in people with recent onset psychosis predicted subsequent legally enforced hospitalisations and higher number of hospital admissions, number of unique antipsychotics prescribed and days spent hospitalised. Improving insight might benefit patients’ course of illness as well as reduce mental health service use.
Standard Needle Magnetization for Ultrasound Needle Guidance: First Clinical Experiences in Fine‐Needle Aspiration Cytology of Thyroid Nodules

Fine‐needle aspiration cytology using a novel ultrasound needle guidance system on the basis of standard needle magnetization was consecutively performed in 30 (15 in‐plane and 15 out‐of‐plane) suspicious thyroid nodules. Nondedicated, commercially available needles were used. The technical effectiveness and safety of the system were satisfying; system failures were observed in 2 cases. The needle tip could be (at least occasionally) visualized inside the thyroid nodule in 96%, and the subjective procedure ratings were excellent in 57%. The out‐of‐plane technique was significantly superior in both respects (P = .021 and .027, respectively). Standard needle magnetization ultrasound needle guidance was easy to apply and cost‐effective and has the potential to improve fine‐needle aspiration cytology performance.
The Economic and Innovation Contribution of Universities: A Regional Perspective

Universities and other higher education institutions (HEIs) have come to be regarded as key sources of knowledge utilisable in the pursuit of economic growth. Although there have been numerous studies assessing the economic and innovation impact of HEIs, there has been little systematic analysis of differences in the relative contribution of HEIs across regions. With this paper we provide an exploration of some of these differences in the context of the UK's regions. Significant differences are found in the wealth generated by universities according to regional location and type of institution. Universities in more competitive regions are generally more productive than those located in less competitive regions. Also, traditional universities are generally more productive than their newer counterparts, with university productivity positively related to knowledge commercialisation capabilities. Weaker regions tend to be more dependent on their universities for income and innovation, but often these universities underperform in comparison with counterpart institutions in more competitive regions. We argue that uncompetitive regions lack the additional knowledge infrastructure, besides universities, which is more commonly a feature of competitive regions.
Stabilization of Discrete-Time Delayed Systems via Partially Delay-Dependent Controllers

This paper is concerned with the stabilization problem for a class of discrete-time delayed systems, whose stabilizing controller is firstly designed to be partially delay-dependent. The distribution property of such a controller is firstly described by a discrete-time Markov chain with two modes. It is seen that two traditionally special cases of state feedback controller without or with time delay, respectively, are included. Based on the proposed controller, new stabilization conditions depending on some probabilities are developed. Because of the established results with LMI forms, they are further extended to more general cases that the transition probabilities are uncertain and totally unknown, while more applications are also given in detail. Finally, numerical examples are used to demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed methods.