Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Normal approximation for sums of stabilizing functionals

We establish presumably optimal rates of normal convergence with respect to the Kolmogorov distance for a large class of geometric functionals of marked Poisson and binomial point processes on general metric spaces. The rates are valid whenever the geometric functional is expressible as a sum of exponentially stabilizing score functions satisfying a moment condition. By incorporating stabilization methods into the Malliavin-Stein theory, we obtain rates of normal approximation for sums of stabilizing score functions which either improve upon existing rates or are the first of their kind. Our general rates hold for functionals of marked input on spaces more general than full-dimensional subsets of Rd, including m-dimensional Riemannian manifolds, m ≤ d. We use the general results to deduce improved and new rates of normal convergence for functionals whose variances re-scale as either the volume or the surface area of an underlying set. In particular, we improve upon rates of normal convergence for the k-face and ith intrinsic volume functionals of the convex hull of Poisson and binomial random samples in a smooth convex body in dimension d ≥ 2. We also provide improved rates of normal convergence for (i) statistics of nearest neighbor graphs and high-dimensional data sets, (ii) estimators of surface area and volume arising in set approximation via Voronoi tessellations, (iii) the number of maximal points in a random sample, and (iv) clique counts in generalized random geometric graphs. ∗Université Paris Descartes, raphael.lachieze-rey@parisdescartes.fr †Universität Bern, matthias.schulte@stat.unibe. ch ‡Lehigh University, jey0@lehigh.edu Research supported in part by NSF grant DMS-1406410 (JY). This research was initiated during the workshop ‘New Directions in Stein’s Method’ at the Institute for Mathematical Sciences in Singapore. The authors are very grateful to the IMS for their hospitality and support.
Effects of Personality Traits on Hedonic Travel Motivation

Travel motivation has been seen as the key driving force behind travel behavior. One of these motivations is the hedonic motivation to travel and some conceptualizations were made to determine the antecedents of travel motivations. However, there are relatively little research attention to see the big five traits as one antecedent of hedonic motivation to travel. In this study, the data sample was collected through a survey from a sample of 124 Portuguese university students and the hypothesis tests showed some valid conclusions. The results showed that personality traits, more specifically, the openness to experience and conscientiousness have an effect in hedonic motivation to travel.
Diagnosis of Acute Bacterial Meningitis by Conventional Culture Method

Background: Bacterial Meningitis is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide requiring immediate diagnosis followed by medical intervention to prevent sequeale. The clinical presentation is not subtle in all cases, and hence confirmation by laboratory methods is necessary to know the exact etiology. Empiric antimicrobial therapy can be misleading; giving rise to resistant strains or it may further worsen the clinical prognosis, if ineffective. Therefore, in this study, an attempt has been made to diagnose the causative pathogen on conventional culture. Methods: 100 CSF and blood samples were collected from suspected /clinically diagnosed cases of meningitis over a period of 1year. CSF samples were processed by gram stain and conventional Culture. This was followed by Anti-microbial susceptibility testing by Kirby Bauer’s disk diffusion method. The blood samples were collected in BACTEC bottles and subjected to automated system. The objectives of the study were: To identify the common bacterial etiological agent and to know the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. Results: Out of 100 samples, maximum cases presented with frank meningeal signs (45%) followed by clinically suspected cases (42%). Microscopic examination and CSF culture 7% and 24% positive cases respectively. 13% were detected positive by blood culture. The positivity on CSF culture was comparable to the study done by R Mani et al (40.5%). The predominant pathogens isolated were K.pneumoniae (37.5%) followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae and H.influenzae (each 16.67%). Discussion: Culture is considered as the gold standard. However, it is not without limitations. It fails to give urgent results. Therefore, preliminary diagnosis was made on gram stain. The kappa coefficient-0.24 showed a fair agreement, and diagnostic accuracy was 79% considering the modified gold standard. Conclusion: Gram negative enteric bacteria were the most common etiology reported by Conventional Culture. Apart from microbiological parameters, clinical and other laboratory parameters should be considered to achieve a precise diagnosis.
Teachers ’ Unions and Administrators ’ and Teachers ’ Morale : Perceived Effects

In Ontario, Canada, the government passed Bill 160, the Education Quality Improvement Act in December of 1997. It removed administrators from teachers’ federations in Ontario, thereby provoking a crisis. An unhealthy gap was set between administrators and teachers, causing a lowering of morale for both. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between perceived effects of teachers’ union actions on administrators’ and teachers’ roles and administrators’ and teachers’ morale. Learning and organizational theories provided a theoretical framework for this quantitative study. Questionnaires were used to address three hypotheses. Twosample t-test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data gathered. The most significant finding from the data analysis indicated that learning environment scores affected administrators’ morale.
Body Physique and Motor Ability Status in School Going Adolescent Children

Physical fitness is a main key for being healthy in adulthood. And, cardio respiratory fitness is needed for not only success in track and field but also for better academic achievement. Maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max), heart rate, blood pressure and pulmonary function reflects the overall cardio respiratory fitness. The objective of the present study is to assess the cardiovascular fitness status in school going adolescent and it’s relation with nutritional status. Information about age (year) and economic status was collected. Physical parametersstature and weight was measured and with the help of those measurements Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. Systolic and diastolic pressure was also collected. And maximum aerobic capacity (VO2max) and physical fitness index was measured for understanding fitness level of individual. Motor ability status of the study participants was assessed in terms of KrausWeber Tests; lower limb endurance was assessed by sit-and-stand test, the vertical jump height and the standard broad jump height test. The results revealed that the rural children were found to have significantly better endurance in terms of Kraus Weber Test (P<0.01), standing broad jump (P<0.01), standing vertical jump (P<0.05) and Sit and Stand Test (P<0.01) than the urban children. In conclusion, from the results that place of residence had impact on the physical fitness components among the children.
Co-opted Directors and Board Effectiveness: The Impact of Director Gender

Independent directors are viewed as critical to effective corporate governance. However Coles et al. (2014) introduce the concept of a “co-opted” director, one appointed after the firm’s CEO took office. They argue that, although technically independent, co-opted directors’ interests are more aligned with the CEO who was instrumental in their selection than with shareholders. However, research has shown that woman directors are more conscientious about their board duties than are men. This study investigates whether director gender mitigates the impact of cooption on board effectiveness, as measured by the frequency of board meetings. The results indicate that an increase in the proportion of co-opted male directors on a board is associated with a less effective board. However, no such relation is found for co-opted female directors. Despite incentives to act otherwise, boards with higher percentages of co-opted women directors appear to continue to fulfill their duties to shareholders.
THE ROLE OF WEATHER INFORMATION IN SMALLHOLDER AGRICULTURE: THE CASE OF SUGARCANE FARMERS IN KENYA

Weather forecasts have shown potential for improving resilience of African agriculture to climate shocks in the recent past. This is aimed at ensuring food security, to eradicate extreme hunger and poverty. Climatic characteristics that impact this productivity should therefore be investigated to negate effects that contribute negatively to a stable socio-economic environment. However, there is limited documentation on how much farmers utilize weather information in their crop choice and crop management practices to make informed decisions. This study investigated the role of weather information (rainfall and temperature) on sugarcane productivity and choice of related crops using a 37 year weather and yield data collected for sugarcane growing Counties from data archives at Sugar Research Institute. The data was then analyzed using mean correlation and regression analysis through statistical tools to establish cause effect relationship between rainfall and temperature characteristics on sugarcane yield to inform management recommendations for the study area. These results showed that rainfall distribution was significantly correlated with sugarcane yield (r = 0.70; P = 0.001). Temperature variations was equally significantly correlated (r = 0.36; P = 0.027) with sugarcane yield and this was attributed to deficiency in soil moisture during its maximum growth season. The study concluded that rainfall distribution through the growth season of sugarcane impacted its productivity hence; adaptation strategies such as timeliness of planting season, choice of maturity period and harvesting period would enhance sugarcane productivity and choice of relevant crops for intercropping, boarder crop management and crop rotation in an intensified cropping system. This study recommended the use of supplemental irrigation, appropriate management practices that ensure soil moisture conservation, planting of early maturing varieties and timely harvesting as action practices for enhanced food security. These results validate prior evidence that climate forecasts may be able to help Sugarcane farmers in Kenya to adapt to climate variability, especially helping them capitalize on weather information to select relevant food crops for improved livelihoods. Realization of potential advantages appears associated with a context where there is greater varietal choice and options for intensive agriculture.
An Exploratory Study of Engineering and Science Students' Perceptions of nanoHUB.org Simulations*

This study examined how science and engineering students with different academic level perceived and experienced computationalsimulation tools for nanotechnology in terms of learning outcomes, evidence of learning, pedagogical approaches, and ease of use.The simulation tools used in this study are part of the research and learning resources in nanoHUB.org. Data were collected byanonymous and optional online survey questionnaire given to 312 science and engineering students with access to nanoHUB.org. The quantitative and qualitative analyses showed that overall, graduate and undergraduate students reported positive experiencesof nanoHUB.org simulation tools and their uses. However, differences were observed in the way undergraduate students reacted tothe computational simulations as compared with graduate students. Possible explanations for these differences and suggestions toclose this differential gap were also discussed. Potential explanations for these differences are that undergraduate students may havenot fully developed graphical literacy skills, may lack the prior knowledge required at the time they interact with the tools, or toolsmay be too complex. Suggestions to overcome some of these difficulties include the development of well integrated curricularmaterials, the application of frameworks for technology-enhanced support for inquiry learning, and the use of just-in-timeinstructional supports together with the simulation tools.
Improved Powdery Mildew Resistance of Transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana Overexpressing the Cucurbita moschata CmSGT1 Gene

Powdery mildew (PM), which is mainly caused by Podosphaera xanthii, is a serious biotrophic pathogen disease affecting field-grown and greenhouse-grown cucurbit crops worldwide. Because fungicides poorly control PM, the development and cultivation of PM-resistant varieties is critical. A homolog of SGT1 (suppressor of the G2 allele of skp1), which encodes a key component of the plant disease-associated signal transduction pathway, was previously identified through a transcriptomic analysis of a PM-resistant pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) inbred line infected with PM. In this study, we have characterized this SGT1 homolog in C. moschata, and investigated its effects on biotic stress resistance. Subcellular localization results revealed that CmSGT1 is present in the nucleus. Additionally, CmSGT1 expression levels in the PM-resistant material was strongly induced by PM, salicylic acid (SA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In contrast, SA and H2O2 downregulated CmSGT1 expression in the PM-susceptible material. The ethephon (Eth) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatments upregulated CmSGT1 expression in both plant materials. The constitutive overexpression of CmSGT1 in Nicotiana benthamiana (N. benthamiana) minimized the PM symptoms on the leaves of PM-infected seedlings, accelerated the onset of cell necrosis, and enhanced the accumulation of H2O2. Furthermore, the expression levels of PR1a and PR5, which are SA signaling transduction markers, were higher in the transgenic plants than in wild-type plants. Thus, the transgenic N. benthamiana plants were significantly more resistant to Erysiphe cichoracearum than the wild-type plants. This increased resistance was correlated with cell death, H2O2 accumulation, and upregulated expression of SA-dependent defense genes. However, the chlorosis and yellowing of plant materials and the concentration of bacteria at infection sites were greater in the transgenic N. benthamiana plants than in the wild-type plants in response to infections by the pathogens responsible for bacterial wilt and scab. Therefore, CmSGT1-overexpressing N. benthamiana plants were hypersensitive to these two diseases. The results of this study may represent valuable genetic information for the breeding of disease-resistant pumpkin varieties, and may also help to reveal the molecular mechanism underlying CmSGT1 functions.
Supplemental Plant Extracts From Flos lonicerae in Combination With Baikal skullcap Attenuate Intestinal Disruption and Modulate Gut Microbiota in Laying Hens Challenged by Salmonella pullorum

Dietary inclusions of baicalin and chlorogenic acid were beneficial for intestinal health in pigs. Nevertheless, it is unknown whether these plant-derived products had protection for intestine against bacterial challenge in chickens. This study was aimed at evaluating the potential mitigating effects of plant extracts (PE) from Flos lonicerae combined with Baikal skullcap (the active components are chlorogenic acid and baicalin) on intestinal disruption and dysbacteriosis induced by Salmonella pullorum in laying hens. A total of 216 41-week-old layers were randomly divided into 3 groups (6 replicates per group): negative control (NC), S. pullorum-infected positive control (PC), and the S. pullorum-infected group with supplementation of PE at 1000 mg/kg. All birds except those in NC were challenged with S. pullorum at the end of 4 weeks of the experiment. S. pullorum challenge impaired (P < 0.05) the production performance (egg production, feed intake, and feed efficiency) of laying hens, increased (P < 0.05) serum endotoxin content and frequency of Salmonella-positive organs, as well as up-regulated (P < 0.05) ileal expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IFNG, TNFA, IL8, and IL1B, whereas PE addition reversed (P < 0.05) these changes and increased (P < 0.05) ileal IL10 expression. Supplemental PE moderated ileal microbiota dysbiosis in challenged birds, characterized by a reduced abundance of Firmicutes along with increased abundances of Bacteroidetes (Bacteroides), Deferribacteres and several butyrate-producers such as Prevotellaceae, Faecalibacterium, Blautia, Butyricicoccus, Lachnoclostridium, and Olsenella, which may assist with energy harvesting and boost anti-inflammatory capacity of host. The decreased abundance of Firmicutes with the increased abundance of Bacteroidetes caused by PE addition had positive correlations with the decreased expression of ileal pro-inflammatory cytokines. The increased abundances of Bacteroidetes (Bacteroides) and Prevotellaceae following PE addition were also positively correlated with the improvement of performance (egg production and feed intake) of laying hens. Collectively, supplemental PE from Flos lonicerae in combination with Baikal skullcap alleviated S. pullorum-induced intestinal disruption and performance impairment in laying hens, which could be at least partially responsible by the modulation of gut microbial composition.
Play-by-Play Network Analysis in Football

This study identifies dominant and intermediary players in football by applying a play-by-play social network analysis (SNA) on 70 professional matches from the 1. and 2. German Bundesliga during the 2017/2018 season. SNA provides a quantification of the complex interaction patterns between players in team sports. So far, the individual contributions and roles of players in football have only been studied at match-level considering the overall passing of a team. In order to consider the real structure of football, a play-by-play network analysis is needed that reflects actual interplay. Moreover, a distinction between plays of certain characteristics is important to qualify different interaction phases. As it is often impossible to calculate well known network metrics such as betweenness on play-level, new adequate metrics are required. Therefore, flow betweenness is introduced as a new playmaker indicator on play-level and computed alongside flow centrality. The data on passing and the position of players was provided by the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) and gathered through a semi-automatic multiple-camera tracking system. Central defenders are identified as dominant and intermediary players, however, mostly in unsuccessful plays. Offensive midfielders are most involved and defensive midfielders are the main intermediary players in successful plays. Forward are frequently involved in successful plays but show negligible playmaker status. Play-by-play network analysis facilitates a better understanding of the role of players in football interaction.
Assessing Feedback Response With a Wearable Electroencephalography System

Background: Event related potential (ERP) components, such as P3, N2, and FRN, are potential metrics for assessing feedback response as a form of performance monitoring. Most research studies investigate these ERP components using clinical or research-grade electroencephalography (EEG) systems. Wearable EEGs, which are an affordable alternative, have the potential to assess feedback response using ERPs but have not been sufficiently evaluated. Feedback-related ERPs also have not been scientifically evaluated in interactive settings that are similar to daily computer use. In this study, a consumer-grade wearable EEG system was assessed for its feasibility to collect feedback-related ERPs through an interactive software module that provided an environment in which users were permitted to navigate freely within the program to make decisions. Methods: The recording hardware, which costs < $1,500 in total, incorporated the OpenBCI Cyton Board with Daisy chain, a consumer-grade EEG system that costs $949 USD. Seventeen participants interacted with an oddball paradigm and an interactive module designed to elicit feedback-related ERPs. The features of interests for the oddball paradigm were the P3 and N2 components. The features of interests for the interactive module were the P3, N2, and FRN components elicited in response to positive, neutral, and two types of negative feedback. The FRN was calculated by subtracting the positive feedback response from the negative feedback responses. Results: The P3 and N2 components of the oddball paradigm indicated statistically significant differences between infrequent targets and frequent targets which is in line with current literature. The P3 and N2 components elicited in the interactive module indicated statistically significant differences between positive, neutral, and negative feedback responses. There were no significant differences between the FRN types and significant interactions with channel group and FRN type. Conclusion: The OpenBCI Cyton, after some modifications, shows potential for eliciting and assessing P3, N2, and FRN components, which are important indicators for performance monitoring, in an interactive setting.
Developmental Effects on Auditory Neural Oscillatory Synchronization Abnormalities in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Previous studies have found alterations in 40 Hz oscillatory activity in response to auditory stimuli in adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The current study sought to examine the specificity and developmental trajectory of these findings by driving the cortex to oscillate at a range of frequencies in both children and adults with and without ASD. Fifteen participants with ASD (3 female, aged 6–23 years) and 15 age-matched controls (4 female, aged 6–25 years) underwent dense-array EEG as they listened to a carrier tone amplitude-modulated by a sinusoid linearly increasing in frequency from 0–100 Hz over 2 s. EEG data were analyzed for inter-trial phase coherence (ITPC) and single-trial power (STP). Older participants with ASD displayed significantly decreased ability to phase-lock to the stimulus in the low gamma frequency range relative to their typically developing (TD) counterparts, while younger ASD and TD did not significantly differ from each other. An interaction between age and diagnosis suggested that TD and ASD also show different developmental trajectories for low gamma power; TD showed a significant decrease in low gamma power with age, while ASD did not. Regardless of age, increased low gamma STP was significantly correlated with increased clinical scores for repetitive behaviors in the ASD group, particularly insistence on sameness. This study contributes to a growing body of evidence supporting alterations in auditory processing in ASD. Older ASD participants showed more pronounced low gamma deficits than younger participants, suggesting an altered developmental trajectory for neural activity contributing to auditory processing deficits that may also be more broadly clinically relevant. Future studies are needed employing a longitudinal approach to confirm findings of this cross-sectional study.