Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In-Hospital Outcome of Patients Undergoing off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft With and Without Coronary Endarterectomy

Background: Coronary endarterectomy (CE) can be used in patients with diffused coronary artery disease (CAD) as an adjunct technique to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for complete revascularization. Because the impact of CE has been debated, hospital outcomes are of concern. Objectives: The aim of the current study is to compare hospital outcomes of patients undergoing off-pump CABG with and without CE. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of data on patients undergoing CABG and CE between 2011 and 2012 by a single surgeon using off-pump technique. Patients were divided into CABG and CABG + CE groups. Preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative data were collected from the data bank. Results: CABG was performed in 478 patients, of whom 69 had a CE. Hospital mortality was 0.7% in CABG and 0% in CABG + CE group (P > 0.05). The duration of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) was 37.23 ± 0.88 hours in the CABG group and 51.31 ± 5.59 hours in the CABG + CE group (P = 0.015). Logistic regression confirms that CE is one of the factors affecting longer ICU stay. Blood transfusion was 324.71± 22 milliliters in the CABG group and 650.62± 110 milliliters in the CABG + CE group (P = 0.001). There were no significant differences between myocardial infarction (MI) rate, arrhythmia, intra-aortic balloon pump insertion, or low cardiac output between the two groups. Conclusions: The current study demonstrates that the results of CE are acceptable with respect to hospital outcome. CE as an adjunct to CABG offers a valuable surgical option for patients in whom complete revascularization cannot be obtained. With careful selection of patients, a well-judged and well-executed surgical technique, and good postoperative care, excellent results can be obtained.
AcmA of Lactococcus lactis, a cell-binding major autolysin

onsidering the amount of daily consumed foods which are produced by means of fermentation, such as breads, wines, beers, cheeses, fermented vegetables/fruits and sausages, the economical importance of these biotechnological processes can be hardly overestimated. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) play an essential role in many of these fermentation's. In order to better control and improve the fermentation processes, very considerable financial means and effort have been invested by govemments and industries in research on this group of bacteria. Zie: Summary
Assessing Modeling Variability in Autonomous Vehicle Accelerated Evaluation

Safety evaluation of autonomous vehicles is extensively studied recently, one line of studies considers Monte Carlo based evaluation. The Monte Carlo based evaluation usually estimates the probability of safety-critical events as a safety measurement based on Monte Carlo samples. These Monte Carlo samples are generated from a stochastic model that is constructed based on real-world data. In this paper, we propose an approach to assess the potential estimation error in the evaluation procedure caused by data variability. The proposed method merges the classical bootstrap method for estimating input uncertainty with a likelihood ratio based scheme to reuse experiment results. The proposed approach is highly economical and efficient in terms of implementation costs in assessing input uncertainty for autonomous vehicle evaluation.
Determinants of OSS revenue model choices

The open source software movement is traditionally not affiliated to profit-oriented business behaviour. However, commercial activity has become increasingly common, and, business models have institutionalized in the field of open source software. The aim of this research paper is to explore the determinants of profitable revenue models for businesses based on open source software. Therefore, the study focuses on analysing different revenue options of open source software businesses as a part of more comprehensive open source software (OSS) business models. We explore other business model elements as the potential determinants of firm-level revenue model choices. This study draws on a qualitative research approach on the issue through two analytical business cases – MySQL and Red Hat – both of which illustrate the complexity and heterogeneity of solutions and options in the field of OSS. Thus, we analyse the business models of the selected case companies and identify the underlying endogenous elements, i.e. offerings, resources and relationships within them. Finally, we discuss the managerial implications derived from the cases to describe how these business model elements affect the development of successful revenue models in the field of open source software.
Temporal trends and socioeconomic differences in alcohol use and drunkenness among Swedish adolescents

This study examined temporal trends and socioeconomic differences in alcohol use and drunkenness among Swedish 15-year-old students between 2001/02 and 2017/18. Data were obtained from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study conducted in 2001/02, 2005/06, 2009/10, 2013/14 and 2017/18 ( n ≈ 1500/year). Socioeconomic status (SES) was measured using two alternative indicators: educational aspirations and family affluence. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the relationships between drinking measures and SES indicators. The results showed a significant decline in alcohol use and drunkenness among Swedish 15-year-old students from 2001/02 to 2017/18. Educational aspirations almost consistently statistically negatively predicted regular alcohol use and drunkenness. Family affluence only had a weak effect on adolescent drinking behavior with a tendency for less affluent students reporting less alcohol use and drunkenness. Trend analyzes within the subgroups indicated that the downward trend was mirrored in all SES groups, but it was not equally steep in all groups. The decrease was generally weaker among students with lower educational aspirations but stronger among students from less affluent families. This study suggests that different aspects of SES may influence adolescent drinking in opposing directions. In future efforts aimed at reducing alcohol use and drunkenness among adolescents, students with lower educational aspirations should be the target population.
Waterfall Bandits: Learning to Sell Ads Online

A popular approach to selling online advertising is by a waterfall, where a publisher makes sequential price offers to ad networks for an inventory, and chooses the winner in that order. The publisher picks the order and prices to maximize her revenue. A traditional solution is to learn the demand model and then subsequently solve the optimization problem for the given demand model. This will incur a linear regret. We design an online learning algorithm for solving this problem, which interleaves learning and optimization, and prove that this algorithm has sublinear regret. We evaluate the algorithm on both synthetic and real-world data, and show that it quickly learns high quality pricing strategies. This is the first principled study of learning a waterfall design online by sequential experimentation.
Enabling Secure Wireless Communications via Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces

In this paper, we propose to utilize intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRSs) for enhancing the physical layer security of wireless communications systems. In particular, an IRS-assisted secure wireless system is considered, where a multi-antenna transmitter communicates with a single-antenna receiver in the presence of an eavesdropper. To maximize the secrecy rate, both the beamformer at the transmitter and the IRS phase shifts are jointly optimized. Based on the block coordinate descent (BCD) and minorization maximization (MM) techniques, two efficient algorithms are developed to solve the resulting non-convex optimization problem for small- and large-scale IRSs, respectively. Simulation results show that IRSs can significantly improve physical layer security if the proposed algorithms are employed. Furthermore, we reveal that deploying large-scale IRSs is more efficient than enlarging the antenna array size of the transmitter for both boosting the secrecy rate and enhancing the energy efficiency.
Prenatal Phthalate Exposures and Neurobehavioral Development Scores in Boys and Girls at 6–10 Years of Age

Background: There is concern over potential neurobehavioral effects of prenatal phthalate exposures, but available data are inconsistent. Objectives: We examined associations between prenatal urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites and neurobehavioral scores among children. Methods: We measured phthalate metabolite concentrations in urine samples from 153 pregnant participants in the Study for Future Families, a multicenter cohort study. Mothers completed the Child Behavior Checklist when the children were 6–10 years of age. We estimated overall and sex-specific associations between phthalate concentrations and behavior using adjusted multiple regression interaction models. Results: In boys, concentrations of monoisobutyl phthalate were associated with higher scores for inattention (β = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.50), rule-breaking behavior (β = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.38), aggression (β = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.59), and conduct problems (β = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.58), whereas the molar sum of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites was associated with higher scores for somatic problems (β = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.28). Higher monobenzyl phthalate concentrations were associated with higher scores for oppositional behavior (β = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.32) and conduct problems (β = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.37) in boys, but with reduced anxiety scores in girls (β = –0.20; 95% CI: –0.39, –0.01). In general, the associations reported above were close to the null among girls. Model coefficients represent the difference in the square root–transformed outcome score associated with a 1-unit increase in log-transformed metabolites. Conclusions: Our results suggest associations between exposure to certain phthalates in late pregnancy and behavioral problems in boys. Given the few studies on this topic and methodological and population differences among studies, additional research is warranted. Citation: Kobrosly RW, Evans S, Miodovnik A, Barrett ES, Thurston SW, Calafat AM, Swan SH. 2014. Prenatal phthalate exposures and neurobehavioral development scores in boys and girls at 6–10 years of age. Environ Health Perspect 122:521–528; http://dx.doi. org/10.1289/ehp.1307063
A simple structural estimator of disclosure costs

This study recovers a simple firm-level measure of disclosure costs implied by the voluntary disclosure theory of Verrecchia ( Journal of Accounting and Economics 12 (4), 365–380, 1990 ). The measure does not require knowledge by the researcher of the distribution of private information and can be implemented with three simple observable inputs: the minimum, average, and frequency of disclosure. We document a positive association of disclosure costs with proxies for existing and potential competition, information asymmetry, and insider trading. Higher values of disclosure costs are associated with lower contemporaneous and future disclosures as well as lower propensity to disclose in holdout samples. Overall, we provide future researchers with an easy-to-implement procedure to structurally estimate unobserved firm-level disclosure costs.
Role of microtubule-dependent transport in synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurons

The majority of excitatory synapses in the central nervous system are located at dendritic spines. These structures are considered key compartments for synaptic plasticity. During synaptic plasticity expression, spines alter their morphology and structure, and neurotransmitter receptor trafficking events take place. These phenomena have been related to actin cytoskeleton changes, but recently, microtubules (MT) have also been shown to modulate their own dynamics in an activity-dependent manner. Considering the close relationship between MT-dependent transport and endomembrane trafficking, and that between endomembrane trafficking and synaptic plasticity, we analyzed whether MT- dependent transport would play a role in modulating synaptic plasticity. Using a multidisciplinary approach that includes biochemistry, live confocal imaging, electrophysiology techniques and molecular biology for the development of new molecular tools, we have investigated the interaction of AMPA Receptors (AMPARs) with members of the kinesin family (KIF5, KIF17) and dynein during synaptic function. In particular, we have mapped-down the domains of these molecular motors that are required for the maintenance of basal transmission and for the allowance of synaptic plasticity expression in CA1 excitatory synapses from hippocampal slices. The data obtained suggested that the motor domain of KIF5 is not needed either for the maintenance of basal transmission or for the transport of GluA2 subunits along dendrites. However, its motor activity, as well as the motor activity of KIF17, seems to be crucial for long-term depression (LTD) to occur normally. Complementarily to these results, we have found that maintenance of basal transmission most likely depends on either regulatory domains of the neck-stalk region, or on interactions depending on the cargo binding domain of KIF5 and KIF17. Finally, we have also addressed whether minus-end transport, based on dynein, could modulate synaptic function. Our preliminary results indicate that dynein transport is not required for proper synaptic function. Our results suggest that MT-dependent transport is one of the many intracellular mechanisms finely tuning NMDAR-dependent LTD. Altogehter, this thesis shed some light into the interplay between cytoskeletal elements and the regulation of synaptic strength.
Size, Value, and Momentum in International Stock Returns

In the four regions (North America, Europe, Japan, and Asia Pacific) we examine, there are value premiums in average stock returns that, except for Japan, decrease with size. Except for Japan, there is return momentum everywhere, and spreads in average momentum returns also decrease from smaller to bigger stocks. We test whether empirical asset pricing models capture the value and momentum patterns in international average returns and whether asset pricing seems to be integrated across the four regions. Integrated pricing across regions does not get strong support in our tests. For three regions (North America, Europe, and Japan), local models that use local explanatory returns provide passable descriptions of local average returns for portfolios formed on size and value versus growth. Even local models are less successful in tests on portfolios formed on size and momentum.
Coastal Shallow Water Diurnal Warming

of a dissertation at the University of Miami. Dissertation supervised by Professor Peter Minnett. No. of pages in text. (145) A good understanding of diurnal warming phenomenon is important for satellite sea surface temperature (SST) validation against in-situ buoy data and satellite data merging. For the coastal region, it also helps to improve the satellite data application to predict ecosystem health such as coral reef bleaching. Compared to its open ocean counterparts that have been studied extensively and modeled with good success, coastal diurnal warming is rarely studied. This study summarizes one of the first studies which attempts to study the coastal diurnal warming comprehensively, considering many aspects of coastal characteristics, including the influence of tidal impacts and geographic locations, using an integrated approach including in-situ data analysis, modeling and satellite SST analysis. First, two in-situ datasets at the Caribbean Sea and at the Great Barrier Reef region were studied. We found that most stations have clear diurnal warming signals at sub-surface depths. Similar to open ocean cases, the warming is influenced by wind and insolation. Coastal tidal impact on warming was quantified and found to be limited. Water depths, station reef types, and relative locations of the station to the barrier reef chain in the eastwest direction were found to affect the warming significantly. Second, three onedimensional diurnal warming models are used for simulation. The simple “box model” predicts the warming amplitudes best during strong and intermediate(>5 ms) wind speeds while the POSH (Profiles of Ocean Surface Heating) model predicts the low wind warming best, though the modeled heat does not penetrate sufficiently downward. Finally, coastal SST from polar-orbiting and geostationary satellites are tested. Comparing SST against in-situ data yielded bias of < 0.15K, and standard deviations of between 0.56K and 0.74K, similar or better than previous studies. Geostationary data captures diurnal warming well both in amplitudes and timing, while polar data captures the warming with various degree of success.
TEST AND BEHAVIOR OF STEEL BEAM AND REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMN CONNECTIONS

The objective of this research is to investigate the seismic behavior of steel beam to RC column connections with or without the floor slab, and to act as a proof test for the design of connections of a three-story three-bay reinforced concrete column and steel beam (RCS) in-plane frame at the NCEER, Taiwan tested in the year of 2002 by the international research corporation between Taiwan and USA. Totally six cruciform RCS joint sub-assemblages were constructed and tested. Parameters such as composite effect of slab and beam, stirrups in the panel zone, effect of cross beam, loading protocol, and analytical model for the shear transfer in panel zone were all investigated in this study.
NUMERICAL PREDICTIONS OF AIR DISTRIBUTION IN AIR CO NDITIONED SPACE

Physical The three-dimensional numerical study of turbulent r circulating for air distribution in space. The st udy solved the partial differential equations by using finite-volu me method. By using Ansys-FLUENT 6.3. 26 to simulate th complex flow inside the physical model. Carried out the pro cess of verifying the accuracy of the results obtai ned from the program and compare them together. The results of numerical model were compared with experimental predications f previous researchers. These comparisons show a good agreemen t. Th refore, the simulation of non-isothermal turb ulent flow within the room, was made using three principle geometrica l arr ngement of the room with different locations of supply opening, which built by gambit(2.2.30) program. The predicte d flow were plotted and discussed for buoyant flow. The study demonstrates that the flow behavior depends on loca tion of the opening supply (up and down) and on the location of the obstruction. These parameters was modeled separatel y to understand how each of this parameters affects the flow pattern. The “Air Diffusion Performance Index” effected by t hese parameters greatly, and, found that the locati on of the opening supply is related directly to load centered. Also, the present work results show that the Coanda effec t has large effect on the general form of air distribution, and then, on ther mal comfort.
Mediterranean food consumption patterns: low environmental impacts and significant health–nutrition benefits

The Mediterranean dietary patterns comply better with recommended nutrient and micronutrient intakes. The Mediterranean diet (MD) was associated with reduced mortality and lower risk for metabolic chronic diseases. It has also low ecological, carbon and water footprints due to its high share of plant-based foods. In fact, the share of plant-based dietary energy is higher in the Mediterranean than in Northern Europe. The Mediterranean hotspot is a major centre of plant and crop diversity. Mediterranean people gather and consume about 2300 plant species. This review paper aims at highlighting the nutrition–health benefits of the MD and analysing the main environmental impacts of the Mediterranean food consumption patterns. There is a growing body of scientific evidence that the MD has significant health–nutrition benefits and low environmental footprints, so there is urgent need to reverse the ongoing erosion of the MD heritage and to promote it as a sustainable diets model.
The impact of biofuels on transport and the environment, and their connection with agricultural development in Europe

The use of biofuels in transport is being promoted as a means of tackling climate change, diversifying energy sources and securing energy supply. Biofuels production also provides new options for using agricultural crops. However, it also gives rise to environmental, social and economic concerns which are the subject of intense debate worldwide. This study provides a detailed overview of biofuels production and consumption and of related policies worldwide. It also contains comprehensive analysis and discussion of key aspects affecting the overall sustainability of biofuels. These include, in particular, their impact on agricultural markets, emissions from indirect land-use change, and greenhouse gas emissions
Semisubmersible Designs Compared According to RAO Criterion

Renewable energy extraction is extended to deep waters and more and more projects related to this field are developed, so semisubmersible projects, like WindFloat, requires safe, reliable and good sea keeping characteristics. Different designs of semisubmersibles will affect the sea keeping characteristics and the hydrodynamic response in different incident regular waves. The numerical results denote that the heave motion RAO of semisubmersibles is optimized using the heave plate for a wide range of frequencies. The semisubmersible heave response can be suppressed by installing heave plates in any submersible design. The work compares five different strengthening configurations realized with Solidworks software. Investigations of semisubmersible designs according to RAO criterion may provide guidance to heave motion control of semisubmersibles. Key-Words: Semisubmersibles, RAO Criterion, Solidworks design, heave plate.
Explanatory Debugging: Supporting End-User Debugging of Machine-Learned Programs

Many machine-learning algorithms learn rules of behavior from individual end users, such as task-oriented desktop organizers and handwriting recognizers. These rules form a “program” that tells the computer what to do when future inputs arrive. Little research has explored how an end user can debug these programs when they make mistakes. We present our progress toward enabling end users to debug these learned programs via a Natural Programming methodology. We began with a formative study exploring how users reason about and correct a text-classification program. From the results, we derived and prototyped a concept based on “explanatory debugging”, then empirically evaluated it. Our results contribute methods for exposing a learned program’s logic to end users and for eliciting user corrections to improve the program’s predictions.