Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vertical ground reaction force marker for Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients regularly exhibit abnormal gait patterns. Automated differentiation of abnormal gait from normal gait can serve as a potential tool for early diagnosis as well as monitoring the effect of PD treatment. The aim of current study is to differentiate PD patients from healthy controls, on the basis of features derived from plantar vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) data during walking at normal pace. The current work presents a comprehensive study highlighting the efficacy of different machine learning classifiers towards devising an accurate prediction system. Selection of meaningful feature based on sequential forward feature selection, the swing time, stride time variability, and center of pressure features facilitated successful classification of control and PD gaits. Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), random forest, and decision trees classifiers were used to build the prediction model. We found that SVM with cubic kernel outperformed other classifiers with an accuracy of 93.6%, the sensitivity of 93.1%, and specificity of 94.1%. In comparison to other studies, utilizing same dataset, our designed prediction system improved the classification performance by approximately 10%. The results of the current study underscore the ability of the VGRF data obtained non-invasively from wearable devices, in combination with a SVM classifier trained on meticulously selected features, as a tool for diagnosis of PD and monitoring effectiveness of therapy post pathology.
Chinese Parents’ Safety Concerns and Willingness to Pay for Child Milk Beverages: A Case Study from Beijing

China’s burgeoning economic growth in the last two decades has not come without challenges, one of which has been significant food safety problems, especially food supplied to children. News about fake milk formula and tainted milk were recurrently publicized in the period 2003 to 2008, resulting in millions of frightened parents and plunging consumer confidence in domestically produced milk products. This study focuses on the factors affecting parents’ perceptions of and willingness to pay for milk-based beverages targeted toward children 3–6 years old. Using data gathered from 207 questionnaires completed in Beijing in October and December of 2013, this study discovered that child milk-based beverages are a common daily food for children: 71% of the surveyed parents reported that his/her child consumes the beverage at least once a day and 50% of the children consume it twice or more per day. The main reasons behind the high consumption rates include: 1) “my kid likes the taste” (73%); 2) “child milk beverages are safer than regular milk” (52%); and 3) “I think the milk beverage is nutritious” (43%). Almost all survey participants consider brand an important factor in changing purchase decisions (98%); the vast majority of parents (over 93%) consider brand and their child’s taste preference when making purchases. Conditional logit model results show that Chinese national branded products brought additional food safety assurance to parents and that Chinese parents seek lower priced milk-based beverages for their children. This study suggests that the government may react to the expanding demand for milk beverages by improving food safety standards and providing additional food safety information; both of which will contribute to a more informed consumption decision.
Validity and reliability of the Korean version of the Caregiver Reaction Assessment Scale in family caregivers of cancer patients

Hyung-Kook Yang, Dong Wook Shin*, So-Young Kim, Juhee Cho, So-Hyun Chun, Ki Young Son, Boram Park and Jong-Hyock Park* National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea Cancer Survivorship Clinic, Seoul National University Cancer Hospital, Seoul, Korea Cancer Education Center, Samsung Comprehensive Cancer Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
Genomics of Alzheimer Disease: A Review.

IMPORTANCE To provide a comprehensive review of knowledge of the genomics of Alzheimer disease (AD) and DNA amyloid β 42 (Aβ42) vaccination as a potential therapy. OBSERVATIONS Genotype-phenotype correlations of AD are presented to provide a comprehensive appreciation of the spectrum of disease causation. Alzheimer disease is caused in part by the overproduction and lack of clearance of Aβ protein. Oligomer Aβ, the most toxic species of Aβ, causes direct injury to neurons, accompanied by enhanced neuroinflammation, astrocytosis and gliosis, and eventually neuronal loss. The strongest genetic evidence supporting this hypothesis derives from mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene. A detrimental APP mutation at the β-secretase cleavage site linked to early-onset AD found in a Swedish pedigree enhances Aβ production, in contrast to a beneficial mutation 2 residues away in APP that reduces Aβ production and protects against the onset of sporadic AD. A number of common variants associated with late-onset AD have been identified including apolipoprotein E, BIN1, ABC7, PICALM, MS4A4E/MS4A6A, CD2Ap, CD33, EPHA1, CLU, CR1, and SORL1. One or 2 copies of the apolipoprotein E ε4 allele are a major risk factor for late-onset AD. With DNA Aβ42 vaccination, a Th2-type noninflammatory immune response was achieved with a downregulation of Aβ42-specific effector (Th1, Th17, and Th2) cell responses at later immunization times. DNA Aβ42 vaccination upregulated T regulator cells (CD4+, CD25+, and FoxP3+) and its cytokine interleukin 10, resulting in downregulation of T effectors. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Mutations in APP and PS-1 and PS-2 genes that are associated with early-onset, autosomal, dominantly inherited AD, in addition to the at-risk gene polymorphisms responsible for late-onset AD, all indicate a direct and early role of Aβ in the pathogenesis of AD. A translational result of genomic research has been Aβ-reducing therapies including DNA Aβ42 vaccination as a promising approach to delay or prevent this disease.
Training to Enhance Adult Memory (TEAM): An investigation of the effectiveness of a memory training program with older adults

Objective: Prior research examining the effectiveness of memory enhancement programs targeting both objective and subjective memory has yielded results with varying degrees of success. The current investigation aimed to contribute to the present body of memory training literature through the evaluation of an in-home memory enhancement program for older adults. Method: Fifty-three community-dwelling older adults were assigned to either a memory enhancement condition or a minimal social support condition. Results: Those in the memory enhancement condition had significant improvement in remembering names with faces and not misplacing household objects. Additionally, those in the memory enhancement condition also reported being more content with their memory, having fewer lapses in memory, greater use of mnemonic strategies, and were less bothered by memory complaints. Regression analyses indicated that neither levels of positive nor negative affect were predictive of participants’ objective and subjective memory at post-treatment. Conclusion: Results of these analyses provide support for the use of memory enhancement programs to improve older adults’ ability to keep track of items, remember names and faces, and to also feel better about their memory ability.
Double-strand DNA breaks recruit the centromeric histone CENP-A

The histone H3 variant CENP-A is required for epigenetic specification of centromere identity through a loading mechanism independent of DNA sequence. Using multiphoton absorption and DNA cleavage at unique sites by I-SceI endonuclease, we demonstrate that CENP-A is rapidly recruited to double-strand breaks in DNA, along with three components (CENP-N, CENP-T, and CENP-U) associated with CENP-A at centromeres. The centromere-targeting domain of CENP-A is both necessary and sufficient for recruitment to double-strand breaks. CENP-A accumulation at DNA breaks is enhanced by active non-homologous end-joining but does not require DNA-PKcs or Ligase IV, and is independent of H2AX. Thus, induction of a double-strand break is sufficient to recruit CENP-A in human and mouse cells. Finally, since cell survival after radiation-induced DNA damage correlates with CENP-A expression level, we propose that CENP-A may have a function in DNA repair.
Escape of Mexican Fruit Flies from Traps Baited with CeraTrap and Effect of Lure Feeding on Reproduction and Survival

ABSTRACT McPhail type traps are commonly used to catch tephritid pests using liquid baits as attractants. Unfortunately, these traps allow that some flies escape after feeding on the bait. Recently, a long-lasting and nontoxic enzymatic-hydrolyzed protein, known commercially as CeraTrap, has been introduced as a novel liquid bait. Because feeding on hydrolyzed proteins can improve reproduction in many tephritids, questions remain as to whether CeraTrap could provide a nutritious meal to flies that ingest the bait but escape the trap. In this study, we analyzed the efficacy of CeraTrap baited traps in capturing Anastrepha ludens flies of two different physiological states and two different diets. We also explored the effect of feeding on CeraTrap on the mating performance of males, ovarian development and fecundity of females and fly survival. Results demonstrated that CeraTrap attracted more proteindeprived and immature flies of both sexes and 2–30% of flies that entered the trap managed to escape. However, after feeding on the bait for 24 h, males exhibited lower mating success, longer latency to mate and longer copula durations than males fed on either sugar or sugar+ protein. Interestingly, females fed CeraTrap for 24 h developed ovaries as large as those females fed on sugar+ protein, however, they laid no eggs. When feeding continuously on CeraTrap, flies exhibited shorter lifespans and females laid no eggs. These findings indicate that, although some flies can ingest the bait and escape from the trap, their reproductive traits are negatively affected.
Terlipressin increased the concentration of l‐lactate in the rectal lumen in a patient with septic shock

Terlipressin – a long‐acting analogue of vasopressin – has been described to restore blood pressure in patients with catecholamine‐resistant septic shock without obvious complications. We administered low‐dose terlipressin (a single i.v.‐bolus of 0.5 mg) to a patient with severe, hyperdynamic septic shock requiring high dosage of noradrenalin. After terlipressin the dose of noradrenalin could be reduced by 2/3 to obtain the same blood pressure. Two hours after terlipressin, the cardiac index had decreased from 6.2 to 3.3 l min−1 m−2 and the concentration of L‐lactate in the rectal lumen, as assessed by equilibrium dialysis, increased from 3.6 to 7.2 mmol l−1. In contrast, the systemic concentration of L‐lactate was unaffected around 2.8 mmol l−1. After 8 h the effect of terlipressin started to decline, and after an additional 12 h the systemic haemodynamics, dose of noradrenalin and concentrations of rectal and systemic L‐lactate were the same as prior to the administration of terlipressin. As a strong vasopressor, terlipressin may have further impaired the metabolic dysfunction in the rectal mucosa either directly via vasoconstriction of mucosal vessels or through decreased cardiac output in this patient with noradrenalin‐treated septic shock.
Investigating dynamic capabilities of family businesses in China: a social capital perspective

Purpose Dynamic capabilities are regarded as the bedrock of businesses that survive in a dynamic environment. Building upon the social capital theory, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the nexus between dynamic capabilities and social capital in family businesses. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a quantitative approach. As there is no formal business database available in China, the study followed a snowball sampling procedure. In total, 628 useful responses were gathered. Findings The study echoes the call of Arregle et al. (2007) for understanding family business’s internal sources of competitiveness and the role of social capital. Results show that the three dimensions of social capital, namely, structural, cognitive, and relational capital, influence dynamic capabilities of family businesses. Research limitations/implications The lack of an official business database in China made the conventional representative sample survey used in the West difficult to replicate. Furthermore, empirical data were collected from different regions of China; regional cultures and different levels of economic development across the regions might influence the social capital-dynamic capabilities connection, but these were not examined in the current study. Originality/value The study integrates two significant but disconnected research streams, i.e. social capital and dynamic capabilities. Furthermore, the study shows how different dimensions of social capital influence dynamic capabilities. Research findings derived may contribute to the entrepreneurial debate as to why some family businesses can survive in the dynamic environment while others cannot.
Effects of property acquisition and disposal on property stock value

The study utilizes the event study methodology to evaluate the effect(s) of acquisition and/or disposal announcement(s) on the value of property stocks of 22 companies listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX). The study focuses on the period from 1994 to 1999. It was found that the impact of both acquisition and disposal announcements on shareholder wealth during the period, albeit positive, is not significant at the 0.05 level. However, a company’s announcement of intent to dispose of its asset(s) had a significantly positive cumulative excess return during the period. This implies that, apart from announcement of intent to dispose of asset(s), investors generally cannot significantly profit from a prior knowledge of acquisition and/or disposal announcements. Furthermore, it was found that “size effect” is of no significance to Singapore property stock market.
Low-Cost Distributed Video Surveillance with Discarded Mobile Phones

Wireless video surveillance is an important option suitable when it is difficult to have cable Internet and electricity infrastructure, which is the case, for example, for construction yards or vehicles. We present iCam, an open-source Internet-enabled video surveillance project, in which we use mainly discarded camera phones. The mobile application is written mainly in Python on most phone platforms, namely Android, Symbian, Windows Mobile and iOS, and also on Raspberry Pi, allowing us to share code between the platforms and cutting down our development costs. We used iCam for almost seven years on several smartphones providing video information with high availability from remote sites at low-cost rates, thanks also to a simple form of Bluetooth tethering we employ. We present considerations on the robustness of the phones for long-term usage and also on their memory, CPU and energy consumption. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to have approached such long-term smartphone usage for surveillance and mobile cross-platform development in the Python language.
In Vitro Comparative Study of Two Different Bleaching Agents on Micro-hardness Dental Enamel.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of home-use bleaching agent containing 16% Carbamide Peroxide (CP) and in-office bleaching agent containing 38% Hydrogen Peroxide (HP) on enamel micro-hardness. STUDY DESIGN An in vitroexperimental study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Department of Operative Dentistry and Science of Dental Materials at Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences and Material Engineering Department of NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, from July to December 2014. METHODOLOGY Atotal of 90 enamel slabs from 45 sound human 3rd molar were randomly divided into 3 groups. Each group contained 30 specimens (n=30). Group 1 was kept in artificial saliva at 37°C in incubator during the whole experiment. However, Groups 2 and 3 were treated with power whitening gel and tooth whitening pen respectively. After bleaching session, specimens were thoroughly rinsed with deionized water again for 10 seconds and then stored in artificial saliva at 37°C in incubator. Artificial saliva was changed after every 2 days. The Vickers hardness tester (Wolpert 402 MVD, Germany) was adjusted to a load of 0.1 kg (100 gm) and dwell time of 5 seconds. Three Vickers were performed on each specimen using a hardness tester according to the ISO 6507-3:1998 specification. Micro-hardness measurements were performed before and after bleaching at day 1, 7 and 14. RESULTS In the control group, the baseline micro-hardness was 181.1 ±9.3 which was reduced after the storage on day 1, 7 and 14 (p = 0.104). In Group 2, baseline micro-hardness was 180.4 ±10.1 which was reduced to 179.79 ±10.0 units after day 1. Whereas, on day 7 and 14, the values of micro-hardness were 179.8 ±10 and 179.7 ±10.29, respectively (p=0.091). Furthermore, the baseline micro-hardness in Group 3 was 174.0 ±22.9 units which was reduced to 173 ±23 on day 1, 170 ±30 on day 7 and 173 ±23 on day 14 (p = 0.256). The statistically insignificant difference was found among micro-hardness values of different bleaching agents (p = 0.118). CONCLUSION Bleaching with 38% Hydrogen Peroxide (HP) and 16% Carbamide Peroxide (CP) resulted in insignificant effect on surface micro-hardness of enamel.
When gold is not noble: catalysis by nanoparticles.

Bulk gold is chemically inert and is generally regarded as a poor catalyst. However, when gold is in very small particles with diameters below 10 nm and is deposited on metal oxides or activated carbon, it becomes surprisingly active, especially at low temperatures, for many reactions such as CO oxidation and propylene epoxidation. The catalytic performance of Au is defined by three major factors: contact structure, support selection, and particle size. The role of the perimeter interfaces of Au particles as the sites for reactions is discussed as well as the change in chemical reactivity of Au clusters composed of fewer than 300 atoms.
Board diversity and firm performance: evidence from the U.K. SMEs

ABSTRACT This study examines the relationship between board diversity and firm performance in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the U.K. In particular, we investigate the role of gender and age as two dimensions of diversity. Using a large sample of SMEs (34,798 firms) located in the U.K. and focusing on the period from 2005 to 2013, our results show a significant negative association between each of gender diversity and age diversity, and firm performance. Our evidence yields important insights on the association between board diversity and firm performance, and calls suggestions for increased board diversity into question. A possible explanation for our findings could be due to the fact that our sampled firms are SMEs, whereas those in previous studies have been large enterprises. This research provides insights to entrepreneurs on how to enhance their performance, and to governments and policymakers on the development of rules that would achieve better performance in the SME sector.
R&D tax incentives and the emergence and trade of ideas

Summary This paper establishes the biggest existing data set on RD a second, novel one is the effective average tax rate on profits from R&D investments (EATRR&D), which is not available from other databases. Marginal tax incentives are mainly relevant for marginal R&D investments, while average effective tax rates matter for discrete R&D investments (e.g. plant or lab location). The paper assesses effects of these incentives on the filing and trading of patents (conditional on other drivers of patenting) based on some two million patent incidents from the European Patent Office. The results suggest that a higher level of effective average front-end R&D tax incentives raises the propensity to file and acquire patents, and reduces the incentive to sell patents. Moreover, more extensive effective average back-end R&D tax incentives raise the propensity to acquire patents. Statutory tax rates and super deductions are particularly important for patent filing, and tax credits and super deductions have the biggest impact on patent trading. Patent boxes seem to influence patent trading negatively.
Market imperfections and market-based policy instruments

The first chapter discusses procurement auction mechanisms under the political constraint that the contractor is in effect protected from ex-post loss. Many construction procurers who use first price auctions eliminate abnormally low bids in order to reduce the probability of ex-post bid adjustment. The Korean government systematizes such a bid screening process by setting a stochastic cutoff under which bids are disregarded. This chapter builds an auction model with ex-post bid adjustment and establishes that introducing a stochastic cutoff indeed decreases the probability of ex-post bid adjustment when the contractor is protected from ex-post loss. Data on Korean public procurement auctions for paving work is used to structurally estimate model parameters and assess welfare implications. Counterfactual analyses indicate that, if the Korean government were to switch to the usual first price auction, (1) the probability of bid adjustments triggered by cost overruns would significantly increase, from 14 percent to 88 percent; (2) the resulting social cost increase due to bid adjustment processes would amount to at least 360 percent of cost savings from the first price auction's ability to find an efficient firm; and therefore (3) the total social cost increase would be 7 percent. Finally, a mechanism design approach is employed to characterize an optimal mechanism under a no loss constraint and to provide a measure of efficiency loss associated with the two forms of auctions. The second chapter quantifies consumers' cognitive costs in the context of fastfood purchases. Most fast-food burger chains set different effective add-on (fries and a soda) prices in "meals" across burger items. This means that sophisticated consumers, who buy, for example, a sandwich-only and a meal, may try rearranging the add-ons across burgers in hopes of lowering their payment. This feature provides a unique opportunity to study consumers' behavior, when a firm engages in price obfuscationcharging multiple prices for an identical product and requiring consumers to incur cognitive costs before finding lowest price quotes. Using sales data of a Korean local fast-food chain, this chapter first presents descriptive evidence that consumers do respond to an opportunity to lower expenses by rearranging add-on items. Then it develops and estimates an optimal model of calculation and rearrangement where a