Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Shannon Entropy for Quantifying Uncertainty and Risk in Economic Disparity

The rise in economic disparity presents significant risks to global social order and the resilience of local communities. However, existing measurement science for economic disparity (e.g., the Gini coefficient) does not explicitly consider a probability distribution with information, deficiencies, and uncertainties associated with the underlying income distribution. This article introduces the quantification of Shannon entropy for income inequality across scales, including national‐, subnational‐, and city‐level data. The probabilistic principles of Shannon entropy provide a new interpretation for uncertainty and risk related to economic disparity. Entropy and information‐based conflict rise as world incomes converge. High‐entropy instances can resemble both happy and prosperous societies as well as a socialist–communist social structure. Low entropy signals high‐risk tipping points for anomaly and conflict detection with higher confidence. Finally, spatial–temporal entropy maps for U.S. cities offer a city risk profiling framework. The results show polarization of household incomes within and across Baltimore, Washington, DC, and San Francisco. Entropy produces reliable results at significantly reduced computational costs than Gini coefficients.
Heated tobacco products use in Chinese adults in Hong Kong: a population-based cross-sectional study

Introduction We investigated heated tobacco products (HTPs) use and associated factors in Chinese adults in Hong Kong where HTPs are not formally marketed yet, and cigarette smoking prevalence was the lowest in the developed world. Methods A population-based landline telephone survey in 2017 interviewed 5131 (45.2% male; 26.7% aged ≥60) adults to collect information on awareness, intention to use, ever use of HTPs, cigarette smoking status and sociodemographic characteristics. Descriptive statistics were weighted by the age, sex and smoking status of the Hong Kong adult population. Sociodemographics were mutually adjusted in logistic regression to yield adjusted ORs (AORs) for awareness of HTPs, controlling for smoking status. Results Overall, 11.3% (95% CI 10.0% to 12.7%) were aware of HTPs and 1.0 % (0.8%–1.2%) had ever used it. Awareness was associated with aged 40–49 years (AOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.87) or 30–39 years (2.03, 1.41–2.91) (vs ≥60 years), born in Hong Kong (1.37, 1.11–1.68) and higher monthly household income (p for trend 0.001). Ever HTP users had higher educational attainment and monthly household income, and more were aged 30–39 and economically active (all p<0.003). In never HTP users, intention to use HTPs (7.3%, 4.9%–10.8%) were more prevalent in respondents with similar characteristics (all p<0.008). More current (vs never) smokers were aware of HTPs, intent to use HTPs and had ever used HTPs (all p<0.001). Conclusion Higher socioeconomic status was associated with HTP use and intention to use. Public health education on HTPs is needed especially for this high-risk group.
Riociguat for the treatment of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis: data from a named patient use program in Austria

Patients with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (TTR CA) suffer from impaired exercise capacity, have a poor quality of life (QoL), and approved treatments are lacking. Stimulators of the soluble guanylate cyclase are promising new pharmaceuticals in the treatment armamentarium of heart failure patients. The aim of the present study was to report on the safety and efficacy of riociguat administration in patients with TTR CA. TTR CA patients received riociguat for 4–6 months within the frames of a national named patient use (NPU) program. Parameters of interest included changes in submaximal exercise capacity, invasive hemodynamic parameters, and QoL. Between March 2012 and June 2017, 86 CA patients were screened for the NPU program, of whom 13 TTR CA patients were eligible for participation. In our study cohort, riociguat had an acceptable tolerability profile. At follow-up, we could detect slight improvements in median 6-min walk distance (396 m [interquartile range (IQR) = 340–518] vs. 400 m [IQR = 350–570], P = 0.045), New York Heart Association class ≥ III (n = 7 [53.9%] vs. n = 0 [0.0%], P = 0.031), cardiac output (4.3 L/min [IQR = 3.9–5.1] vs. 4.5 L/min [IQR = 4.2–5.1], P = 0.022), diastolic pressure gradient (1.0 mmHg [IQR = −1.5–3.0) vs. −1.0 mmHg [IQR = −3.0–1.0], P = 0.049), and QoL (50.0% [IQR = 40.0–58.0] vs. 60.0% [IQR = 50.0–75.0], P = 0.021). Pulmonary arterial pressures were not altered. The present case series of TTR CA patients indicates that riociguat administration was safe and associated with minor clinical as well as hemodynamic improvements.
Pediatric ovarian tumors, a challenge for pediatrician and gynecologist

Rationale: Ovarian or adnexal tumors are very rare in patients below the age of 18 years, most of them being functional cysts, only 10% being malignant. We report 3 cases of ovarian tumors with the aim of revealing the particularities regarding the diagnosis and management of benign and malignant ovarian tumors in pediatric patients. Patient concerns: The 1st case, a 9-year-old girl presented for diffuse abdominal pain, distended abdomen and rapid increase in abdominal volume. The 2nd case describes a 13-year-old female patient admitted for acute abdominal pain and nausea, and the 3rd one was an 18-year-old female teenager who presented for distended abdomen, intermittent diffuse abdominal pain and rapid increase in abdomen volume. Diagnoses: The abdominal ultrasound revealed in all 3 patients suggestive signs for ovarian tumors. Interventions: The 1st patient underwent laparotomy with adnexectomy, and the histopathological exam showed the diagnosis of dysgerminoma. The 2nd patient underwent laparoscopy with adnexectomy, and the histopathological exam revealed a borderline tumor. The 3rd patient benefited by a laparotomy with left ovariectomy, and the histopathological exam pointed out a mature teratoma. Outcomes: The outcome was favorable in all 3 cases, but the patients with dysgerminoma and mature teratoma were further referred to the oncologist for proper assessment. Lessons: Laparoscopy may represent the first choice for uncomplicated ovarian masses. The diagnosis and the therapeutic plan must be based on symptoms, pelvic ultrasound, the time of menarche and the potential serum markers.
CALCULATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF THE AERODYNAMIC DRAG OF AN OPEN-WHEEL RACE CAR

Aerodynamic drag reduction is one of the important factors to make a race car achieve a faster lap time. Additional drag is produced due to the air channel for radiator cooling of the student designed open-wheel race car. This paper presents the aerodynamic drag optimization of the race car through studying the effect of the angle of the radiator air channel numerically using ANSYS Fluent and experimentally using wind tunnel. A reduction of 12.7% in drag coefficient compared to the current setup is achieved by tilting the angle of cooling channel to 72.5 degree. Numerical results and experimental results show good agreement, a maximum deviation of 7.7% between numerical and experimental drag coefficient for case of the race car with driver included.
Reliability Based Optimum Design of Sheet Pile Wall Using a Simple Optimization Tool

Sheet pile walls are frequently used for retaining small height of soil in river protection walls, excavation and as temporary supports in foundation construction. Uncertainties in the geotechnical design exist in estimating in situ engineering soil properties and determining subsoil profile and boundary conditions. The traditional way of dealing with the uncertainties is to use conservative values of the uncertain quantities and/or safety factors. Owing to the uncertainties in the backfill soil and foundation soil properties, depth of the water table, the assessment of stability of sheet pile walls needs to consider uncertainties in design. Reliability based optimum analysis of sheet pile walls is useful in this context. The optimization tool based on spread sheet based method presented in this paper for steel sheet pile wall in sand or clay which is cost effective and yet does not compromise the reliability/ safety of the sheet pile wall. Indian Geotechnical Conference – 2010, GEOtrendz December 16–18, 2010 IGS Mumbai Chapter & IIT Bombay
investigationThe combined effects of sidestream smoke extracts and glycated serum albumin on endothelial cells and platelets

Background: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that sidestream tobacco smoke extracts would inhibit the culture of endothelial cells and enhance platelet aggregation under diabetic vascular conditions. Sidestream tobacco smoke and advanced glycation end products are known cardiovascular risk factors and we aimed to determine the combined interaction between these two risk factors to promote cardiovascular diseases associated
Mining and Economic Development: Did China's WTO Accession Affect African Local Economic Development?

This paper investigates China's influence on local economic development in 37 African countries between 1997 and 2007. The analysis compares the average changes in economic growth, migration, spatial inequality, and welfare for mineral-rich districts, pre- and post-accession, to the corresponding changes in districts without any mineral endowment. Using this exogenous variation, the paper shows that over 2002-07, mining activities in response to the global commodity price boom increased welfare as measured by spatial Sen Index but were insignificant for local economic growth, migration, and spatial inequality. The findings suggest that policy needs to do more to improve the local benefits of positive external shocks (such as China's World Trade Organization accession): it is not enough to assume, given Africa's high spatial inequality, that local economies will automatically benefit from higher national growth.
Determinants of Environmental Noncompliance by Public Water Systems

"Whereas a large number of empirical studies have been devoted to analyzing determinants of environmental compliance (EC) by firms, less attention has been paid to EC by "public water systems" (PWS). To address this gap in the literature, this article uses data on compliance with "maximum contaminant levels" (MCL) under the Safe Drinking Water Act for 971 PWS in Arizona and identifies the characteristics of PWS that are associated with violation of MCL standards. Three main findings emerge from the analysis. First, larger PWS are more likely to violate MCL standards than smaller PWS. Second, publicly owned PWS have slightly higher probability of violating MCL standards than privately owned systems. Finally, PWS serving residential areas are more likely to violate MCL standards, as opposed to PWS serving school districts or office buildings. The results suggest that for ensuring safe water for people, effectiveness of monitoring policy, and an efficient utilization of resources, the environmental agencies may focus their monitoring and enforcement efforts on these water systems. "("JEL" K32, Q53) Copyright (c) 2009 Western Economic Association International.
Temporal Analysis of Losing Possession of the Ball Leading to Conceding a Goal: A Study of the Incidence of Perturbation in Soccer

The aim of this study was to examine the temporal occurrence of losing possession of the ball in soccer and its association with conceding a goal. Thirty two senior national teams competing in the 2010 World-Cup in South Africa and twelve youth soccer clubs were selected for match analysis. The results of time distribution analysis showed a significant positive skewness (K-SZ =3, S=0.463, p=0.000) for losing possession of the ball, transition time in senior (K-SZ =1.82, S=1.57, p=0.003) and youth groups (K-SZ =2.85, S=1.29, p=0.002) and normal distribution for variability of time to losing the ball (K-SZ =1.07, S= −0.280, p=0.19). The results of an independent t test showed that there was a significant difference (t=2.71, p=0.008) in transition time between youth and senior groups. In conclusion, this study showed that the number of times that the ball was lost increased near to a goal being conceded and the duration of the most recent loss was very close to goal-conceding. Thus effective strategies that have been employed to destabilise opponents include increasing the number of perturbations through losing possession of the ball, speeding up the transition periods and the final strike after the opponents lose the ball.
Taking Control of SDN-based Cloud Systems via the Data Plane

Virtual switches are a crucial component of SDN-based cloud systems, enabling the interconnection of virtual machines in a flexible and "software-defined" manner. This paper raises the alarm on the security implications of virtual switches. In particular, we show that virtual switches not only increase the attack surface of the cloud, but virtual switch vulnerabilities can also lead to attacks of much higher impact compared to traditional switches. We present a systematic security analysis and identify four design decisions which introduce vulnerabilities. Our findings motivate us to revisit existing threat models for SDN-based cloud setups, and introduce a new attacker model for SDN-based cloud systems using virtual switches. We demonstrate the practical relevance of our analysis using a case study with Open vSwitch and OpenStack. Employing a fuzzing methodology, we find several exploitable vulnerabilities in Open vSwitch. Using just one vulnerability we were able to create a worm that can compromise hundreds of servers in a matter of minutes. Our findings are applicable beyond virtual switches: NFV and high-performance fast path implementations face similar issues. This paper also studies various mitigation techniques and discusses how to redesign virtual switches for their integration.
Reexamination of the role of the $\Delta ^{\ast}$ resonances in the $pp\rightarrow nK^{+}\Sigma ^{+}$ reaction

In this work, the role of the $\Delta ^{\ast }$ resonances in the process of $pp\rightarrow nK^{+}\Sigma ^{+}$ are systematically investigated with the effective Lagrangian approach and the isobar model. We find that a $P_{31}$ state, either $\Delta ^{\ast }(1750)$ or $\Delta ^{\ast }(1910)$, is favored by the data while the $P_{33}$ state, namely $\Delta ^{\ast }(1920)$, has small contribution. Besides, either sub-threshold $S_{31}$ $\Delta ^{\ast }(1620)$ resonance or strong $n\Sigma $ final state interaction or both have possible contribution at near threshold region, depending on the measured cross sections. We demonstrate the invariant mass distributions and the Dalitz Plots in order to investigate whether it is possible to distinguish the controversial $K\Sigma $ production mechanism in these observables.
What is in a Name? Information, Heterogeneity, and Quality in a Theory of Nested Names

&NA; Collective labels are widespread in food markets, and are either separated or nested with private brands—the latter are known as “nested names”. We propose a model to explain the rationale of nested names, with collective labels being effective in reaching unaware consumers, while individual brands help firms to reach aware consumers. We also incorporate decision‐making within the group of producers joining collective labels, taking into account their heterogeneity in providing quality. We show that nested names emerge when consumers become more aware of information on the label's quality, as well as when producers become more heterogeneous. Welfare may decrease, however, when the group switches to nested names because they may lead to lower quality incentives for the majority of producers. Our results also provide insights into the historical and recent trends in food industries, such as within‐label differentiation and label fragmentation, as well as their respective welfare implications.
Advanced Control Architectures for Intelligent Microgrids—Part I: Decentralized and Hierarchical Control

This paper presents a review of advanced control techniques for microgrids. This paper covers decentralized, distributed, and hierarchical control of grid-connected and islanded microgrids. At first, decentralized control techniques for microgrids are reviewed. Then, the recent developments in the stability analysis of decentralized controlled microgrids are discussed. Finally, hierarchical control for microgrids that mimic the behavior of the mains grid is reviewed.
„Gesundheit in Deutschland aktuell“ – Neue Daten für Deutschland und Europa Hintergrund und Studienmethodik von GEDA 2014/2015-EHIS

GEDA 2014/2015-EHIS ist eine aktuelle Gesundheitsbefragung des Robert Koch-Instituts (RKI) für Erwachsene und Teil des Gesundheitsmonitorings. Sie besteht aus dem europäische Fragebogen EHIS („European Health Interview Survey“) Welle 2 mit vier Modulen: Gesundheitszustand, Gesundheitsversorgung, Gesundheitsdeterminanten und sozioökonomische Variablen. Daneben wurden national relevante Themen erhoben. Mit Webund Papierfragebögen (Mixed-mode-Design) wurden 24.016 Personen ab 18 Jahren befragt. Die Responserate lag bei 26,9 %. Die aufbereiteten Daten aus 28 Mitgliedstaaten der Europäischen Union (sowie Norwegen und Island) werden vom Statistischen Amt der Europäischen Union (Eurostat) auf der Website angeboten. Nationale Auswertungen für Deutschland werden in Form von Fact sheets in der Gesundheitsberichterstattung (Journal of Health Monitoring) publiziert. STUDIENMETHODIK · EUROPA · ERWACHSENE · GESUNDHEITSSURVEY · GESUNDHEITSMONITORING
A New Strategy for Reducing Selection Bias in Nonexperimental Evaluations, and the Case of How Public Assistance Receipt Affects Charitable Giving

Prior work has analyzed the extent to which welfare recipients engage in giving money and time to charitable causes (Brooks, 2002, 2004; Author4 & Author1, 2009; Author1 & Author4, 2011), finding that public assistance is negatively associated with donating money with the relationship to volunteering being unclear. Nevertheless, sticky issues of selection bias compel more deliberate thinking about the strength of assertions about cause and effect. In response, we now conduct a multivariate cluster-based subgroup analysis approach to more confidently infer causality about the ways in which welfare receipt affects charitable activity. This approach to dealing with the problem of selection bias capitalizes on the known treatment-associated variance in the X matrix, transforming data to estimate unbiased treatment effects. We contribute to both the substantive and methodological literatures with this work.
Bullous pemphigoid in a 3-month-old infant: case report and literature review of this dermatosis in childhood*

Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune subepidermal blistering dermatosis that is uncommon in childhood. We report a case of a female infant, 3 months old, which presented clinical and laboratory data for the confirmatory diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid. The authors used immunohistochemical staining for collagen type IV that allowed the differentiation of bullous pemphigoid from other subepidermal bullous diseases. Opportunely we review the clinical, immunological, therapeutic and prognostic features of this pathology in children.
R&D, Corporate Governance and Profitability of Firms – a literature review

This paper aims to provide a summarize review of recent empirical research, in the field of corporate governance and its relation to performance of firms. Specifically, the focus is on the role of institutional owners in the conflict between controlling shareholders and minority owners. The paper also contributes to the literature on corporate governance and performance by providing some discussion on the statistical methods used in most empirical investigations. Summing up recent studies in the evaluation of firms’ investment performance has shown significant differences in the valuation of firms, depending on the market expectations and industry affiliation. Focusing on the role of institutional owners in relation to firms’ investment performance, the existing empirical evidence suggest that institutional owners have a positive influence on firms’ investment performance. Studies that looks at the role of institutional owners from the perspective of dividend policy has shown that institutional owners demand higher dividends to compensate for aggravated agency conflicts due to vote-differentiated shares. A large body of research investigates the performance of firms from a long run perspective. These studies demonstrate that profits converge over time, but the convergence is incomplete. Investment in R&D is often put forward as an explanation for persistent profits above the norm. Looking at individual mutual funds, and specifically how to measure risk-adjusted performance, investigations generally show that mutual funds underperform in relation to their market benchmark, even when risk-adjusted to the same level of risk.
The Effect of Therapeutic Adherence on the Effectiveness of a Digital Therapeutic Exercise Program: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Nonspecific back pain (NSBP) contributes greatly to the overall burden of disease from musculoskeletal conditions. Digital therapeutics (DTx) aims to address the excess demand for movement and exercise therapy resulting from this spectrum of conditions. This study aims to investigate the differential therapeutic response of NSBP to different use profiles of a digital home exercise program. Methods: This study used a PSM model to comparatively assess the achievement of a clinically relevant pain improvement among patients who exhibit a high use (HU), intermediate use (IU), low use (LU), or sub-LU use profile. Sensitivity analyses with commonly accepted thresholds for clinically relevant improvements were conducted. Results: Higher use profiles show a higher probability of achieving a clinically relevant improvement of self-reported pain intensities. Additionally, the achievement of any higher use level is associated with a significant increase in the probability of achieving a clinically relevant improvement. Conclusion: To enable the optimal effectiveness of DTx home exercise programs, an HU use profile should be pursued. This finding is in line with earlier guidance for the achievement of optimal therapeutic benefit from conventional movement and exercise therapy and underscores the importance of a cross-disciplinary effort from patients, healthcare professionals and system stakeholders alike to maximize the therapeutic effect from DTx.
Lecturer Turnover and Its Effect on the Performance of Students: A Case Study of Accra Polytechnic

Academic performance in institution of higher learning generally is thought to be falling in Ghana. One of the reasons that have been ascribed to the declining performance has been the high turnover rate among lecturers in these higher educational institutions. This study was therefore undertaken in Accra Polytechnic to determine effects of lecturer turnover on students’ performance. The study utilized a descriptive survey research approach, in which a well structured questionnaire was designed, comprising close ended questions was administered by randomly to 100 students in Accra Polytechnic to obtain the primary data, and using secondary data on lecturers and student information obtained from Accra Polytechnic Administration. Data were collected from the respondents, collated and summarized using statistical tools such as tables and figures. The study revealed that lecturer turnover adversely affected students’ preparation towards examination. 90 per cent of the students sampled stated that when lecturers resigned in the middle of the semester their preparation towards exams was adversely affected. The study found that turnover did not always result in the decline of students’ performance. It is therefore recommended that to effectively deal with turnover of lecturers when they occur, educational institutions must always find very efficient lecturers as replacement so the performance of the students is not adversely affected.