Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Optimization and Semiparametric Models with Applications to Assistive Technology

Bayesian Optimization and Semiparametric Models with Applications to Assistive Technology Jasper Snoek Doctor of Philosophy Graduate Department of Computer Science University of Toronto 2013 Advances in machine learning are having a profound impact on disciplines spanning the sciences. Assistive technology and health informatics are fields for which minor improvements achieved through leveraging more advanced machine learning algorithms can translate to major real world impact. However, successful application of machine learning currently requires broad domain knowledge to determine which model is appropriate for a given task, and model specific expertise to configure a model to a problem of interest. A major motivation for this thesis was: How can we make machine learning more accessible to assistive technology and health informatics researchers? Naturally, a complementary goal is to make machine learning more accessible in general. Specifically, in this thesis we explore how to automate the role of a machine learning expert through automatically adapting models and adjusting parameters to a given task of interest. This thesis consists of a number of contributions towards solving this challenging open problem in machine learning and these are empirically validated on four real-world applications. Through an interesting theoretical link between two seemingly disparate latent variable models, we create a hybrid model that allows one to flexibly interpolate over a parametric unsupervised neural network, a classification neural network and a non-parametric Gaussian process. We demonstrate empirically that this non-parametrically guided autoencoder allows one to learn a latent representation that is more useful for a given task of interest.
The Effect of Dividend Policy on Share Price Volatility of Some Selected Companies on the Nigerian Exchange

Share Price volatility has exhibited different patterns in different global exchange markets including the Nigerian exchange. Various attempts have been made to unravel the possible causes of this volatility and how they can be mitigated, but there have been fewer studies in this regard, especially in developing economies like Nigeria. Hence the study examined the effect of dividend policy on share price volatility of selected companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange. The study adopted ex-post facto research design and EGARCH for volatility measure. A sample of 49 companies out of 162 companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange during the study period (2010-2020) was randomly selected for the panel data. The study found that the dividend policy had significant relationship with share price volatility (SPV) with Adjusted R2 = 0.116, Wald (3, 2156) = 32.89, p = 0.000 < 0.05; Specifically, Dividend Payout Ratio (DPR) has significant effect on SPV (DPR = 0.0036, t(2156) = 4.7237, p < 0.05); dividend yield (DY), dividend per share (DPS) and financial leverage (LEV) had a negative and no significant effect on SPV (DY = -0.0003, t(2156) = -2.713, p > 0.05; DPS = -0.0508, t-test = -1.8952, p > 0.05; and LEV = -0.2066, t-test = -1.4742, p > 0.05 respectively). The study concluded that dividend policy have significant effect on share price volatility. The study recommended that companies should focus more on the payout while investors should go for corporate entities with constant payout ratio.
A Study on Ischemic Stroke Data Collected from Some Biochemical Analysis of Stroke Patients

Open Access Abstract The present study was to detect the effect of stroke on biochemical serum analysis including thyroid hormones. This study was conducted on 100 people (50 were normal control) + (50 were patients with ischemic cerebrovascular stroke based on clinical presentation and radiological findings) presented to Alexandria University Hospitals. circulation and memory and was purchased from (EMA Pharma pharmaceutical) from (Plaza building, Asma Fahmy st., Nozha, Nasr city, Cairo, Egypt). The present results of patients showed a statistical significance difference for SGPT, SGOT, Urea, Creatinine, Uric Acid, Cholesterol, Glucose, FT3, White Blood Cells, Red Blood Cells, Hct and Platelets count between patients and control humans. Results of patients showed a statistical significance difference for SGPT, SGOT, Urea, Creatinine, Uric Acid, Cholesterol, Glucose, FT3, White Blood Cells, Red Blood Cells, Hct and Platelets count between patients and control.
Program Mathematics Ethnic Learning untuk Meningkatan Minat Belajar Matematika Siswa SDN 1 Kauman

Kemampuan berbicara merupakan kemampuan yang wajib dikuasai oleh pelajar di era milenium ini. Kemampuan berbicara ini bisa diasah salah satunya melalui aktifitas belajar di dalam kelas. Akan tetapi, pembelajaran online yang diterapkan selama pandemi Covid-19 berlangsung ini menurunkan kesempatan dan semangat siswa untuk belajar berbicara melalui praktik berbicara dengan Guru. Tujuan diadakannya pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini adalah untuk meningkatkan kemampuan siswa – siswi Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan (SMK) dalam berpidato menggunakan bahasa Inggris. Metode pengabdian ini dilakukan melalui tanya jawab intensif untuk mengetahui kendala dan hambatan yang dirasakan oleh peserta didik dalam berbicara atau melakukan pidato berbahasa Inggris. Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat yang dilaksanakan secara online ini diikuti oleh 40 peserta dari berbagai kalangan, baik pelajar (siswa dan mahasiswa) maupun pengajar (dosen dan guru). Banyak peserta yang mulai berani untuk berbicara baik untuk bertanya maupun untuk menyampaikan pendapat. Hasil dari pelaksanaan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini dapat dilihat jika peserta didik membutuhkan suatu kegiatan pembelajaran tatap muka yang mana mereka bisa berbicara/ berkomunikasi secara langsung tanpa melalui perantara media seperti kegiatan pembelajaran online sekarang ini.
The Determinants of Mergers and Acquisitions in Ghana

Background: In this context of uncertainties and the unknown based on economic, financial, and health crises, one of the ways to save companies is the operations of mergers or acquisitions. But not all mergers bring the expected results. An Avalanche of literature has indicated several factors that promote the decision of mergers and acquisitions. Purpose: This paper aimed to investigate the determinants of mergers and acquisitions of listed firms on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Specifically, the study sought to identify and examine the relationship that exists between GDP, Inflation, FDI, Stock Returns, and interest rate on the mergers and acquisitions of listed firms, well as evaluate the failures of mergers and acquisitions in the country. Methodology: The study used an explanatory research design. The population for the study was all mergers and acquisitions between 2010-2018 totaling twenty-five (25). The study used secondary data from Ghana Stock Exchange. Using sample data spanning between 2010 and 2018, the study adopted the GMM estimation technique in its analyses. Findings: The findings from the study revealed that indeed GDP, FDI, and interest rate exhibit a positive and significant effect on mergers and acquisitions of listed firms, whilst stock returns was found to negatively impact merges and acquisitions. Inflation rate was found not significant in the analyses of the study. The study also showed that factors such as limited or no involvement from the owners, theoretical valuation vs. the practical proposition of future benefits, lack of clarity and execution of the integration process, cultural integration issues, actual cost of a difficult integration, and high cost of recovery and negotiations errors are the major causes of the failures of mergers and acquisitions in Ghana. Recommendation: The study recommends that the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of trade must put stringent policies to curb systematic risk, as well as create a conducive environment to promote the inflow of foreign investment into the country.
Association between Abnormalities of Serum Lipid Profile and The Aggressiveness Of HCV Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents about 90% of primary liver cancers. In Egypt, it represents the fourth common cancer. Main risk factor for HCC is cirrhosis of liver that caused by different causes including viral hepatitis, alcohol, NAFLD, metabolic (Wilson disease, hemochromatosis), autoimmune liver disease, and Aflatoxin. As many types of cancer aberrant lipid profile may be present in HCC patients which may be related to aggressiveness of the tumor. Aim : To evaluate the association between serum lipid profile abnormalities and the aggressiveness of HCC. Methods : 150 participant were included in the study, divided into 3 groups: sixty patients with HCC diagnosed by ultrasound and confirmed by Triphasic CT, sixty patients with HCV related chronic liver disease and thirty apparently healthy individuals as a control. All participants were subjected to: full history taking, full clinical examination, laboratory investigations (CBC, RBS, ESR, serum creatinine, liver profile and lipid profile “total cholesterol, TG, LDL, HDL, VLDL, HDL\ LDL ratio”) and radiological examination (ultrasound, Triphasic CT). Results: The results showed that HCC patients had low total cholesterol, HDL, LDL compared to normal group , LDL had weak positive correlation with the combination of all four tumor aggressiveness parameters together (the Tumor Aggressiveness Index) and mean HDL was significantly higher in those with PVT than those without. Conclusion: HCC patients had low levels of serum lipid profile (TC, HDL, and LDL), Plasma LDL had weak positive correlation with aggressiveness index of HCC, HDL was significantly higher in those with PVT.
Evapotranspiration dynamics and their drivers in a temperate mixed forest in northeast China

Evapotranspiration (ET) is a vital part of the global water cycle and is closely related to carbon sequestration. Analysing ET dynamics and their drivers would benefit for improving our understanding of the global water and carbon cycles. Using an eddy covariance (EC) approach, we analysed ET dynamics and their drivers in a temperate mixed forest over northeast China from 2016 to 2017. The results showed that 43.55% of our eddy covariance data passed the quality control. In addition, the energy balance ratio was 0.62, indicating that measurements were reliable. The measured ET showed clear single peak patterns with seasonal and diurnal variations. The daily ET ranged from 0 to 7.75 mm d−1 and the hourly ET ranged from 0 to 0.28 mm h−1. The ranges of hourly ET floated from 0 to 0.05 mm h−1 at non-growing season (November to April) while ranged from 0 to 0.28 mm h−1 at active growing season (May to October). The diurnal ET dynamics during the non-growing season were driven by air temperature (Ta), but were governed by global radiation (Rg) during the active growing season. Leaf area index (LAI) comprehensively reflected the variations of Ta and Rg, and was found to be the primary factor shaping the seasonal dynamics of ET. The annual ET rates were 501.91 ± 5.30 mm year−1 and 554.60 ± 11.24 mm year−1 for 2016 and 2017, respectively. Therefore, energy supply, represented by Ta and Rg, governed ET dynamics in our temperate mixed forest, while variables representing the energy supply affecting ET dynamics differed among seasons and time scales. ET dynamics indicated that a temperate mixed forest is important to the global water cycle. Our results improved our understanding of ET dynamics in the studied region.
The Relationship between Aged Patients’ Expectations and their Satisfaction with Health Service Quality in Outpatient’s Clinics .

Background: Assessing elderly expectations and satisfaction with care can help developing better PHC community services to them Aim of the study: to identify the relationship between patients’ expectations and their satisfaction with service quality in outpatient clinics. Methods: cross-sectional analytic study was conducted in the outpatient departments of the Health Insurance Hospitals in Beni-Suef and Al-Fayoum Governorates as a day-care services for old age on a consecutive non-probability sample of 195 elderly attending the settings. Data were collected using an interview questionnaire including the modified SERVQUAL tool to assess elderly expectations of and satisfaction with the day care services.The work was done from February to July 2020. Results: Elderly patients’ age was mostly <65 years (83.1%), with 56.4% females. In total, 55.9% of them had total high expectations, but only 28.2% had high total satisfaction with care. Overall, 41.0% of them had their satisfaction exceeding their expectations. Their satisfaction and expectations scores were significantly and positively correlated (r=0.714). In multivariate analysis, urban far residence and being married were positive predictors of the expectation score, while the duration of illness was a negative predictor. Satisfaction score being married and living in urban far residence were positive predictors, whereas duration of illness was a negative predictor. Conclusion aged patients have low expectations of the day-care services provided, their satisfaction with the care is even lower and these scores are positively correlated. A corrective actions particularly regarding service reliability and responsiveness. Training courses in gerontology are required for all categories of healthcare providers
Hochschild (co)homology and Koszul duality

In this article we discuss two different but related results on Hochschild (co)homology and the theory of Koszul duality. On the one hand, we prove essentially that the Tamarkin-Tsygan calculus of an Adams connected augmented dg algebra and of its Koszul dual are dual. This uses the fact that Hochschild cohomology and homology may be regarded as a twisted construction of some natural (augmented) dg algebras and dg modules over the former. In particular, from these constructions it follows that the computation of the cup product on Hochschild cohomology and cap product on Hochschild homology of a Koszul algebra is directly computed from the coalgebra structure of the Tor(k,k) group (the first of these results is proved differently by R.-O. Buchweitz, E. Green, N. Snashall and O. Solberg). We even generalize this situation by studying twisting theory of A_infinity-algebras to compute the algebra structure of Hochschild cohomology of more general algebras.
Insights into the structure and dynamics of the upper mantle beneath Bass Strait, southeast Australia, using shear wave splitting

We investigate the structure of the upper mantle using teleseismic shear wave splitting measurements obtained at 32 broadband seismic stations located in Bass Strait and the surrounding region of southeast Australia. Our dataset includes ∼366 individual splitting measurements from SKS and SKKS phases. The pattern of seismic anisotropy from shear wave splitting analysis beneath the study area is complex and does not always correlate with magnetic lineaments or current N-S absolute plate motion. In the eastern Lachlan Fold Belt, fast shear waves are polarized parallel to the structural trend (∼N25E). Further south, fast shear wave polarization directions trend on average N25–75E from the Western Tasmania Terrane through Bass Strait to southern Victoria, which is consistent with the presence of an exotic Precambrian microcontinent in this region as previously postulated. Stations located on and around the Neogene-Quaternary Newer Volcanics Province in southern Victoria display sizeable delay times (∼2.7 s). These values are among the largest in the world and hence require either an unusually large intrinsic anisotropy frozen within the lithosphere, or a contribution from both the lithospheric and asthenospheric mantle. In the Eastern Tasmania Terrane, nearly all observed fast directions are approximately NW-SE. Although part of our data set strongly favours anisotropy originating from “fabric” frozen in the lithospheric mantle, a contribution from the asthenospheric flow related to the present day plate motion is also required to explain the observed splitting parameters. We suggest that deviation of asthenospheric mantle flow around lithospheric roots could be occurring, and so variations in anisotropy related to mantle flow may be expected. Alternatively, the pattern of fast polarisation orientations observed around Bass Strait may be consistent with radial mantle flow associated with a plume linked to the recently discovered Cosgrove volcanic track. However, it is difficult to characterise the relative contributions to the observed splitting from the lithospheric vs. asthenospheric upper mantle due to poor backazimuthal coverage of the data.
Thy/Liv Progenitor Cells In Vitro and in SCID-hu Effects of IL-7 on Early Human Thymocyte

IL-7 is a critical component of thymopoiesis in animals and has recently been shown to play an important role in T cell homeostasis. Although there is increasing interest in the use of IL-7 for the treatment of lymphopenia caused by the HIV type 1, evidence that IL-7 may accelerate HIV replication has raised concerns regarding its use in this setting. We sought to identify the effects of IL-7 on human thymocyte survival and to determine the impact of IL-7 administration on in vivo HIV infection of the human thymus. Using in vitro analysis, we show that IL-7 provides potent anti-apoptotic and proliferative signals to early thymocyte progenitors. Analysis of CD34 (cid:1) subpopulations demonstrates that surface IL-7 receptor is expressed on most CD34 high CD5 (cid:1) CD1a (cid:2) thymocytes and that this subpopulation appears to be one of the earliest maturation stages responsive to the effects of IL-7. Thus, IL-7 provides survival signals to human thymocytes before surface expression of CD1a. CD4 (cid:1) CD8 (cid:1) thymocytes are relatively unresponsive to IL-7, although IL-7 protects these cells from dexamethasone-induced apoptosis. IL-7 has a predominantly proliferative effect on mature CD4 (cid:1) CD3 (cid:1) CD8 (cid:2) and CD8 (cid:1) CD3 (cid:1) CD4 (cid:2) thymocytes. In contrast to the in vitro ﬁndings, we observe that in vivo administration of IL-7 to SCID-hu Thy/Liv mice does not appear to enhance thymocyte survival nor does it appear to accelerate HIV infection. Given the growing interest in the use of IL-7 for the treatment of human immunodeﬁciency, these ﬁndings
RMHP_A_357606 1189..1201

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the risk of bias (ROB) and reporting quality of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) prediction models by assessing characteristics of these models. Methods: The development and/or validation of IPF prognostic models were identified via an electronic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science (from inception to 12 August, 2021). Two researchers independently assessed the risk of bias (ROB) and reporting quality of IPF prediction models based on the Prediction model Risk Of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) and Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prognostic model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) checklist. Results: Twenty prognostic model studies for IPF were included, including 7 (35%) model development and external validation studies, 8 (40%) development studies, and 5 (25%) external validation studies. According to PROBAST, all studies were appraised with high ROB, because of deficient reporting in the domains of participants (45.0%) and analysis (67.3%), and at least 55% studies were susceptible to 4 of 20 sources of bias. For the reporting quality, none of them completely adhered to the TRIPOD checklist, with the lowest mean reporting score for the methods and results domains (46.6% and 44.7%). For specific items, eight sub-items had a reporting rate ≥80% and adhered to the TRIPOD checklist, and nine sub-items had a very poor reporting rate, less than 30%. Conclusion: Studies adhering to PROBAST and TRIPOD checklists are recommended in the future. The reproducibility and transparency can be improved when studies completely adhere to PROBAST and TRIPOD checklists.
Trends in Mortality from Ischemic Heart Disease in Peru, 2005 to 2017

The highest proportion of deaths among patients with cardiovascular diseases is due to ischemic heart disease (IHD), which is the second most common cause of death in Peru. This study aims to measure and identify changes in the temporal trend in mortality from ischemic heart disease in the Peruvian population. An ecological study was carried out with data from individual death records from the Ministry of Health between 2005 and 2017. A death was considered attributable to IHD if it was registered with the codes I20 to I25 of the ICD-10. Crude and adjusted mortality rates for IHD were calculated for the general population by age and according to sex. A joinpoint regression analysis was performed to assess trends in IHD mortality. There were 61,524 deaths due to IHD (55.69% men) from 2005 to 2017. According to the ICD-10, acute myocardial infarction (I21) accounted for the highest proportion of deaths (88.16%), followed by chronic IHD (I25), with 6.53%. In general, a decrease in adjusted IHD mortality rates was found in the general population over time (45.34 in 2005; 22.18 in 2017). By sex, men possessed a 1.5-fold higher rate than women. The highest mortality rates from IHD were found in the natural coastal region (68.55%) and in urban areas (86.43%). A joinpoint regression analysis showed a reduction in the mortality trend over time due to IHD for both the general population and the population when grouped by sex. In conclusion, there was a continuous decrease in mortality rates due to IHD in the Peruvian population between 2005 and 2017. Strategies focused on mitigating the impact of this disease are required and should emphasize the subgroups most likely to die from this cause.
Analysis of Dietary Habits and Nutritional Status of Children with Down Syndrome in the Context of Lipid and Oxidative Stress Parameters

Introduction: The risk of obesity in children with Down syndrome is high. Undoubtedly, proper nutrition plays an important role in the prevention of excess body weight and is associated with a reduction of metabolic complications. The aim of the study was to assess the problem of disturbances in the nutritional status and eating habits of children with DS. Methods: A total of 39 patients were included in the study. The nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric tests and Dual X-ray Absorptiometry. Eating habits were assessed using the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire and the Food Frequency Questionnaire. Blood samples were taken to determine the oxidative stress and lipid parameters. Results: Obesity was recognized in 15% of subjects and 23% were overweight. Children that were overweight were characterized by higher levels of triglycerides, atherogenic index of plasma, and apoA2 and apoE levels. Fat mass, fat mass/height2 index, and visceral fat mass correlated with thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and advanced oxidative protein product level. The analysis of the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire showed that children struggling with being overweight were more interested in food compared to those with normal body weight. A positive correlation was identified between waist circumference and food interest categories. Insufficient consumption of dairy products, vegetables, whole grain products, as well as fruits, seeds, nuts, and fatty fish was noted. Patients were less likely to consume products that are a good source of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Conclusions: In children with Down syndrome and obesity, disturbances in lipid and oxidative stress parameters are observed. Abnormal eating habits in all children with Down syndrome regardless of their nutritional status were noted. Proper nutritional education, nutritional control, and management of metabolic problems are essential in this group of patients.