Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Compulsory convenience? How large arterials and land use affect midblock crossing in Fushun, China

This study focuses on how street design and land uses influence pedestrian behavior in a medium-sized Chinese city, Fushun. In cities throughout China, the change from workplace-managed and assigned housing to market housing has had profound effects on pedestrians. Coupled with motorization, pedestrian trips are increasingly external, pushed out of the protected space of the gated block and onto massive arterials that now carry automobiles, trucks, and buses in growing numbers. Long blocks, unenforced zebra crossings, and inadequate green time at traffic signals do not equitably accommodate those on foot; thus, pedestrians violate the system by crossing midblock. In Fushun, the long block lengths and large arterials, lack of enforcement, and unfavorable pedestrian policies creates an environment which incentivizes midblock crossing behavior.
Homework and academic achievement: A meta-analytic review of research

The main purpose of this study was to determine the effect of homework assignments on students’ academic achievement. This meta-analysis sought an answer to the research question: “What kind of effect does homework assignment have on students’ academic achievement levels? ” In this research, meta-analysis was adopted to determine the effect of homework assignments on students’ academic achievement. The effect sizes of the studies included in the meta-analysis were compared with regard to their methodological characteristics (research design, sample size, and publication bias) and substantive characteristics (course type, grade level, duration of implementation, instructional level, socioeconomic status, and setting). At the end of the research, it was revealed that homework assignments had a small effect size (d = 0.229) on students’ academic achievement levels. Lastly, it was seen that there was not a significant difference with regard to the effect sizes of the studies with respect to all variables, except the course type variable in the research.
Asymptotic distribution of the largest off-diagonal entry of correlation matrices

Suppose that we have observations from a -dimensional population. We are interested in testing that the variates of the population are independent under the situation where goes to infinity as . A test statistic is chosen to be , where is the sample correlation coefficient between the -th coordinate and the -th coordinate of the population. Under an independent hypothesis, we prove that the asymptotic distribution of is an extreme distribution of type , by using the Chen-Stein Poisson approximation method and the moderate deviations for sample correlation coefficients. As a statistically more relevant result, a limit distribution for , where is Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between the -th coordinate and the -th coordinate of the population, is derived
Sintered Calcined Clay as an Alternative Coarse Aggregate for Asphalt Pavement Construction

The aim of this study is to search for a substitute for the natural coarse aggregate in various regions of the world, such as Amazon-Brazil, where this type of material is lacking. The asphalt binder AC 50/70 is mixed with an aggregate obtained from the sinterization of a calcined clay (SACC) as a possible alternative to coarse aggregate material for the construction of asphalt pavements in tropical zones. The dynamic modulus |E*| of this mixture was measured under strain control mode and in tension control mode. The results are compared with those obtained from AC 50/70 mixed with pebbles, which is currently used as the coarse aggregate in this region. For pavements that work at high temperatures, such as 40℃, and low frequencies, the mixture with SACC appears to be a viable alternative to coarse aggregate material for the construction of asphalt pavements in tropical zones.
Trends in property and illicit drug crime around the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre in Kings Cross: 2012 update

Aim: The Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC) opened in Kings Cross in May 2001. This paper examines whether there have been: (i) increases in the volume of robbery, theft and illicit drug offences in Kings Cross Local Area Command (LAC) up until December 2012 or; (ii) increases in the percentage of Kings Cross illicit drug offences occurring in the immediate vicinity of the MSIC. Method: The volume of crime was indicated by the number of criminal incidents of robbery, theft and specific illicit drug offences recorded by NSW police between January 1999 and December 2012. We measured trends in these offences in Kings Cross LAC from May 2001 (after the MSIC was opened) to December 2012 and compared them to trends in the rest of Sydney. Spatial analyses were used to determine whether incidents of possess/deal cocaine, narcotics or amphetamines were concentrated around the MSIC. Results: With a few minor exceptions there has been a decline in the incidence of robbery and theft incidents in Kings Cross LAC since the MSIC opened. This is consistent with what occurred in the rest of Sydney. The trend in possess/deal cocaine, narcotics or amphetamines was relatively stable from May 2001 through December 2008 but then increased from January 2009 in both Kings Cross LAC and the rest of Sydney. There has been no noticeable trend in the percentage of illicit drug offences which occurred within 50 metres of the MSIC. Conclusion: The trends in property crime incidents and illicit drug crime incidents were the same in Kings Cross LAC and the rest of Sydney after the opening of the MSIC.
Extracting Medical Information Using Machine Reading

A wealth of medical knowledge has been encoded using semantically rich languages like RDF and OWL leading to medical Knowledge Bases (KBs) like SNOMED CT, NCI, FMA, and more. Nevertheless, medical information like new treatments, drug-disease interactions, or relations between diseases, symptoms, and risk factors is initially published in the form of unstructured text requiring a considerable amount of time and resources until these are incorporated in existing KBs. In this paper we present techniques we developed for extracting medical facts (triples) from unstructured sources. Our approach follows the Machine Reading paradigm and more precisely Semantic Role Labelling (SRL) based extraction which is fully unsupervised. We show how we dealt with several deficiencies of SRL-based information extraction (IE), like entity linking with large arguments, copula verbs that are treated as first-class relations, inability to identify relations expressed through nouns, and the lack of scoring of extracted triples. Regarding scoring, we evaluate several methods which are based on existing off-the-self KB learning algorithms but also develop our custom classifier after some facts were validated by medical professional as accepted/rejected. We have applied our approach on unstructured sources and extracted about 120k triples. A random list of 5k were carefully validated by medical professional showing encouraging acceptance rate for an unsupervised approach. Our set of triples was also compared with a manually constructed network of diseases, symptoms and risk factors that is intended to be used for symptom-checking. The comparison showed that a large part of this network was extracted highlighting the usefulness of approach and the possibilities for using our set of triples for further extending and revising this network.
Econometrics of network models

In this article I provide a (selective) review of the recent econometric literature on networks. I start with a discussion of developments in the econometrics of group interactions. I subsequently provide a description of statistical and econometric models for network formation and approaches for the joint determination of networks and interactions mediated through those networks. Finally, I give a very brief discussion of measurement issues in both outcomes and networks. My focus is on identification and computational issues, but estimation aspects are also discussed.
Time dependence of immersion freezing: an experimental study on size selected kaolinite particles

Abstract. The time dependence of immersion freezing was studied for temperatures between 236 K and 243 K. Droplets with single immersed, size-selected 400 nm and 800 nm kaolinite particles were produced at 300 K, cooled down to supercooled temperatures, and the fraction of frozen droplets with increasing residence time was detected. To simulate the conditions of immersion freezing in mixed-phase clouds we used the Zurich Ice Nucleation Chamber (ZINC) and its vertical extension, the Immersion Mode Cooling chAmber (IMCA). We observed that the frozen fraction of droplets increased with increasing residence time in the chamber. This suggests that there is a time dependence of immersion freezing and supports the importance of a stochastic component in the ice nucleation process. The rate at which droplets freeze was observed to decrease towards higher temperatures and smaller particle sizes. Comparison of the laboratory data with four different ice nucleation models, three based on classical nucleation theory with different representations of the particle surface properties and one singular, suggest that the classical, stochastic approach combined with a distribution of contact angles is able to reproduce the ice nucleation observed in these experiments most accurately. Using the models to calculate the increase in frozen fraction at typical mixed-phase cloud temperatures over an extended period of time, yields an equivalent effect of −1 K temperature shift for an increase in times scale by one order of magnitude. This suggests that temperature is more important than time.
Optimization of TSV-based Crossbars for a 3 D Memory-Centric Network-on-Chip

Large and complex system-on-chip devices are becoming common in the semiconductor industry nowadays. To communicate, these processing elements need to have a network-on-chip (NoC) that is scalable enough to support a large number of elements. Many NoC topologies have been examined in the literature, including 3D NoC architectures. In particular, the 3D memory-centric NoC topology utilizes the memory-shared NoC topology and the 3D technology. The crossbar is the central communication component in most 3D NoC architectures. This paper proposes efficient architectures and topologies for the 3D crossbar. Different cross-point implementations, which vary in their use of pass-logic and buffer insertion, are examined and compared. The architecture scalability is evaluated. An analytical model for the power and delay of the crossbar has been developed and validated.
Effects of Student Teams Achievement Division (STAD) on Academic Achievement, and Attitudes of Grade 9th Secondary School Students towards Mathematics

This study investigated the effect of cooperative learning on the academic achievement in mathematics and attitudes of 74 9th-grade mathematics students toward mathematics in a high school in Vietnam. Using a pre-test-post-test nonequivalent comparison-group design and t test for independent samples, it was found that after approximately 5 weeks students (n = 36) who were instructed using cooperative learning achieved significantly higher scores on the mathematics post-test than did students (n = 38) who were instructed using lecture-based teaching, t (72) = 2.68, df = 58.49, p < . 05. The results of this study also reported that the experimental group had significantly higher scores than the control group on both Enjoyment and Value scales of attitudes toward mathematics (t (72) = 2.81, df = 53.68, p < . 05; t (72) = 2.86, df = 55.58, p < . 05, respectively). The study concluded that cooperative learning was effective in improving the academic achievement level of participating students, and in promoting the positive attitudes of students toward mathematics in the level of Vietnamese high schools.
A metrical theorem in geometry of numbers

for the number of lattice-points in S. Here, and throughout this paper, a lattice-point is a point with integral coordinates. If S is a Borel set of finite volume V(S), one would expect that L(S) is of about the same order of magnitude as V(S). Hence we define the "discrepancy" D(S) by (1) D(S) = I L(S)V(S)1 As a companion for L(S), we introduce P(S), the number of primitive lattice-points in S. (A lattice-point is primitive, if its coordinates are relatively prime.) We put (2) E(S) = I P(S)t(n)V(S)'. I| Next, let 1' be a family of Borel sets with finite volumes, such that (i) If SeC, TCb, then either SOT or TCS. (ii) There exist SeI4 with arbitrarily large V(S). Finally, throughout this paper, +1(s), s _ 0, should be a positive, nondecreasing function, such that fo4(s)-1ds exists. THEOREM 1. Suppose n >2. Then for almost every linear transformation A ("almost every" in the sense of the n2-dimensional euclidean metric induced by matrix-representation for A), (3) D(AS) = O(V-12J2 log V ytI2(log V)), (4) E(AS) = O(V-1/2 log V 4,1/2(log V)) for SC? More explicitly, for almost every A there exist constants ci(A), c2(A), such that D(AS) c2(A) and SE+q. In R2 our results are a little weaker: Received by the editors March 13, 1959. 516
Design patterns: elements of reuseable object-oriented software

The book is an introduction to the idea of design patterns in software engineering, and a catalog of twenty-three common patterns. The nice thing is, most experienced OOP designers will find out they've known about patterns all along. It's just that they've never considered them as such, or tried to centralize the idea behind a given pattern so that it will be easily reusable.
A Preliminary Multiple Case Report of Neurocognitive Training for Children With AD/HD in China

This preliminary multiple case study examined the behavioral outcomes of neurocognitive training on children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) in China, as well as parent acceptance of the treatment. The training approach targeted working memory, impulse control, and attention/relaxation (via brain electrical activity). Outcome measures included overt behavior as rated by parents and teachers, AD/HD symptom frequency, and parent opinion/feedback. Training was completed by five individuals and delivered via a themed computer game with electroencephalogram (EEG) input via a wireless, single-channel, dry-sensor, portable measurement device. The objective (i.e., training outcomes and EEG) and subjective (i.e., parent ratings/feedback and teacher ratings) data suggested that use of the neurocognitive training resulted in reduced AD/HD behaviors and improvement in socially meaningful outcomes. The parents expressed satisfaction with the training procedure and outcomes. It is concluded that the innovative neurocognitive training approach is effective for improving behavior and reducing symptoms of AD/HD for children in China.
Impact of Monetary Policy on Stock Price: Evidence from Bangladesh

This study intends to explore the impact of monetary policy on the performance of stock market from the perspective of a developing country-namely Bangladesh. The issue of monetary policy has been a subject of debate among several financial economists since a long time. Monetary policy is basically that part of the macroeconomics, which aims to achieve a set of objectives that are, conveyed in terms of several macroeconomic variables such as inflation, real output, money supply, exchange rate etc. As a result, any change in the monetary policy will have an effect on these variables. Understanding the sensitivity of stock market with respect to these variables of monetary policy frameworks is very important, particularly to recognize the monetary policy mechanism transmission into the stock market. This paper investigates whether current economic activities or more specifically the monetary policy tools of Bangladesh can explain stock market returns by using a number of econometric models of measuring long-run and short-run relationship between monetary policy tools and stock price
Nerve conduction study plays a key role in the correct diagnosis of HNPP

Corresponding Author: Reha Kuruoğlu E-mail: rehakuru@gazi.edu. tr Submitted: 11 June 2017 Accepted: 20 July 2017 You may cite this article as: Kuruoğlu R, Mehel Metin K, Cengiz C. Nerve conduction study plays a key role in the correct diagnosis of HNPP. Neurol Sci Neurophyisol 2018; 35(4): 157-164. Abstract Objective: As nerve conduction study (NCS) is a commonly employed tool in the diagnosis of hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP), we describe the electrophysiological features of our patients, comparing the findings with those of healthy subjects.
Absolute and convective instability character of slender viscous vortices

Motivated by the need for effective vortex control, the character of absolute and convective instabilities (AI/CI) of incompressible and high-Mach number slender vortices with axial-velocity deficit is studied. Attention is focused on the disturbance modes which lead to the maximum absolute growth rate, and their dependence on flow conditions such as axial-flow profile, Reynolds number, and Mach number. A significant difference between the AI/CI and temporal-instability characters of the vortices occurs as the axial velocity deficit reduces. These theoretical results are applied to the flow region where vortex breakdown happens. It is found that the breakdown region is absolutely unstable, where waves are dominated by the spiral disturbance with lowest azimuthal wave number, in reasonable agreement with measurement.
Inadvertent presence of genetically modified elements in maize food products in Kenyan markets

Kenya has a biosafety law and has tested genetically modified (GM) maize under confinement and containment, but has neither released nor commercialized any GM crop. This study assessed various maize food products from the Kenyan farms and markets for the inadvertent presence of GMOs. It assessed the possibility of ‘gene-flow’ to the maize farms near the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Kiboko where Bt maize was grown in confined field trials (CFT) during 2005 to 2006. The multistage sampling technique was used, while the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and lateral-strip methods were used to analyze 120 food samples. Of these, 6.7% tested positive for cry1Ab, a globally commercialized gene, but were negative for cry1Ba, a non-commercialized gene. Neither cry1Ab nor cry1Ba genes were found in any of the maize certified seed samples. No ‘gene-flow’ was detected within the vicinity of the Kiboko CFT site. The maize imported into Kenya contained Bt genetic elements. Nevertheless, the confinement regulatory measures employed during the CFTs at Kiboko were effective. There is a need to enforce declaration of GM or non-GM and conduction of regulatory detection of food imports and for labelling of food products to enable consumers to make informed choices on what they buy and consume.
Accuracy and Poverty Impacts of Proxy Means-Tested Transfers: An Empirical Assessment for Bolivia

In the absence of reliable and exhaustive income data, Proxy Means Tests (PMTs) are frequently employed as a cost-effective way to identify income-poor beneficiaries of targeted anti-poverty programs. However, their usefulness depends on whether proxies accurately identify the income poor. Based on Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC)-analysis, we find that PMTs perform poorly in terms of identifying poor households in Bolivian data when transfers are targeted narrowly to the poor but that the true positive rate is highly responsive to increases in the proportion of beneficiaries. Using non-parametric regression-techniques, we show that the resulting leakage can largely be confined to the non-poor close to the poverty line. However, simulating the impact on poverty measures of a uniform transfer to beneficiaries across inclusion rates suggests that the largest poverty impact is attained with very narrow targeting. Hence, the link between targeting accuracy and poverty impact is weak.
The star formation rate in the Milky Way: Results from stars and planetary nebulae

Abstract The star formation rate (SFR) is still a poorly known characteristic of the Milky Way, especially concerning the possibility of an irregular SFR, compared to a constant rate. Some recent results based on the distribution of dwarf stars with chromospheric ages suggest at least two major bursts in the past 10 Gyr, while other investigations are consistent with an approximately constant SFR. The SFR also shows important spatial variations, particularly concerning the radial variations along the galactic disc. In this work, we investigate two different problems relative to the galactic SFR: (i) We estimate the star formation rate in the galactic disc based on the age distribution of the planetary nebula central stars (CSPN), and compare these results with previous investigations based on dwarf stars. The CSPN ages were derived on the basis of five different methods, involving the observed nebular metallicities and kinematical properties; (ii) We derive radial abundance gradients from several elements in planetary nebulae, and compare these results with recent determinations based on younger objects, such as HII regions and cepheid variables. Since the gradients are linked to the formation process of the galactic disc, we can estimate the spatial variation of the SFR. Preliminary results indicate that at least one major star formation burst is obtained, as well as a relatively smooth variation of the SFR along the galactocentric radius.
A Novel of Surface Reflection Method Using Radio-Wave for Soil Density Estimation

Soil density is one of the important parameters to be investigated in civil, geological and agricultural works. Unfortunately, the challenging issue is found on a suitable model in determining accurately the soil density. In this article, a new soil density model based on radio-wave surface reflection method is presented. The development of the model is based on result analysis collected from the experiment. Then, comparisons with related theoretical models, Hallikainen and Topp, are performed. The experiment is performed by using a vector network analyzer (VNA) that generates radar signal and recording return loss (S11) from a horn antenna. In the analysis, two new proposed soil density models have shown good agreement for soil density from 1.1 g/cm 3 to 1.7 g/cm 3 for sand and silty sand samples. This is verified when the model able to predict real samples as the one used in the experiment and result shows a very small relative error within 0.05% and 6.87%. Additionally, spectrograms in real time are produced in this study in order to observe more on the soil density. By using the proposed developed models, soil density estimation can be easily determined with minimal data input such as soil type, return loss and reflection coefficient by using regular radio-wave devices.
The impact of public employment on private sector activity: Evidence from Berlin

We use the move of the seat of the German government from Bonn to Berlin in 1999 to test competing views about the impact of public employment on private sector activity in a local labor market. Using employment data from a 50% sample of establishments across 190 Berlin postcodes, we apply a treatment intensity approach which takes the possibility of spillovers into account. Results indicate that the arrival of 100 public sector jobs into an area generates 55 additional jobs in the private sector. There is evidence of spillovers: relocations up to a distance of 1km from a postcode boundary increases employment in the private sector by 36 jobs. These effects are coming through job gains in the service sector, while manufacturing employment is not influenced by the relocation.