Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predictability of bitcoin returns

This paper comprehensively examines the performance of a host of popular variables to predict Bitcoin returns. We show that time-series momentum, economic policy uncertainty, and financial uncertainty outperform other predictors in all in-sample, out-of-sample, and asset allocation tests. Bitcoin returns have no exposure to common stock and bond market factors but rather are affected by Bitcoin-specific and external uncertainty factors.
Plastic yielding of soils based on stress Hausdorff derivative

Abstract To investigate the plastic yielding behaviour of soil, a new plasticity framework using stress Hausdorff derivative was developed in this study. Two hypotheses concerning the effect of scale transform on physical behaviours of soil were proposed, based on which the stress–strain relations in the scaled stress space were provided, and then mapped back to the ordinary stress space for describing the nonlinear strength characteristics of soil. As an alternative approach to the classic plasticity, two case studies on simulating a series of experimental results of sand and clay were made, where it was found that the proposed approach can capture the plastic yielding behaviour of soils.
A hybrid mathematical programming model and statistical approach for bidding price decision in construction projects

Bidding price decision is a key issue for the contractors and construction companies. The success/failure of the contractors in competitive biddings is directly dependent on their bidding strategy. This paper aims to develop a hybrid statistical and mathematical modeling approach for determining the optimum bidding price in construction projects. By statistical analysis of historical data, some uncertain parameters like the number of competitors and the cost of the project are estimated. Then, a scenario-based mathematical model for bidding price decision is proposed. In order to present a model in more accordance with the real-world situations, factors like risk, minimum acceptable rate of return (MARR) and opportunistic behavior are taken into account. In order to achieve an insensitive solution to the change in the realization of the input data from the scenarios, a robust mathematical model is used. The performance of the model is evaluated through some numerical problems. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis of the key parameters and robustness evaluation of the model against uncertain parameters are conducted. To evaluate the model's effectiveness in real-world situations, a case study is analyzed by the proposed approach. Numerical results show that the proposed approach reduces the cost estimation errors and increases the average expected profit, which validates the applicability of the model in a real-world situation.
Robust place recognition based on salient landmarks screening and convolutional neural network features

In this work, we propose a robust place recognition measurement in natural environments based on salient landmark screening and convolutional neural network (CNN) features. First, the salient objects in the image are segmented as candidate landmarks. Then, a category screening network is designed to remove specific object types that are not suitable for environmental modeling. Finally, a three-layer CNN is used to get highly representative features of the salient landmarks. In the similarity measurement, a Siamese network is chosen to calculate the similarity between images. Experiments were conducted on three challenging benchmark place recognition datasets and superior performance was achieved compared to other state-of-the-art methods, including FABMAP, SeqSLAM, SeqCNNSLAM, and PlaceCNN. Our method obtains the best results on the precision–recall curves, and the average precision reaches 78.43%, which is the best of the comparison methods. This demonstrates that the CNN features on the screened salient landmarks can be against a strong viewpoint and condition variations.
Governing dual objectives within single policy mixes: an empirical analysis of large carnivore policies in six European countries

ABSTRACT Policy mixes (i.e. the total structure of policy processes, strategies, and instruments) are complex constructs that can quickly become incoherent, inconsistent, and incomprehensive. This is amplified when the policy mix strives to meet multiple objectives simultaneously, such as in the case of large carnivore policy mixes. Building on Rogge and Reichardt's analytical framework for the analysis of policy mixes, we compare the policy mixes of Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany (specifically Saxony and Bavaria), and Spain (specifically Castilla y León). The study shows that the large carnivore policy mixes in the case countries show signs of lacking vertical and horizontal coherence in the design of policy processes, weak consistency between objectives and designated policy instruments, and, as a consequence, lacking comprehensiveness. We conclude that creating consistent, coherent, and comprehensive policy mixes that build on multiple objectives requires stepping away from sectorized policy development, toward a holistic, systemic approach, strong collaborative structures across policy boundaries and regions, the inclusion of diverse stakeholders, and constant care and attention to address all objectives simultaneously rather than in isolation.
The lag between the Hamiltonian and the system configuration in free energy perturbation calculations

The energetic response of two test systems to changes in the governing Hamiltonians (empirical potential energy functions) are examined. For these two systems—neon in water using periodic boundary conditions and partially solvated trypsin—a systematic lag is observed between changes in the Hamiltonian and changes in a component of the energetic trajectory which is relevant to free energy perturbation (FEP) calculations. This observation appears inconsistent with one of the underlying assumptions of a commonly used implementation of FEP simulations: ‘‘slow growth’’ or ‘‘thermodynamic integration. ’’ The calculations presented here suggest that the relevant component of the system energetics lags the Hamiltonian by a minimum of about 0.6 ps. Implications of this lag for designing reliable methodologies to use with various implementations of FEP calculations are discussed.
Comparison of body temperature using digital, infrared, and tympanic thermometry in healthy ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)

Abstract BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the comparative precision and accuracy of multiple methods of thermometry used to assess body temperature in healthy adult ferrets. METHODS Temperature was measured in 20 healthy ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) using noncontact infrared thermometry, digital thermometry in the rectal, inguinal, and axillary regions, and infrared contact-based thermometer in the ear (tympanic) and on the skin of the dorsal back between the shoulder blades. Temperatures were taken pre- and post-handling, evaluated across the set of ferrets for general precision and effect of handling, and compared to assess accuracy. Intraclass correlation analysis and Bland-Altman agreement analyses with rectal temperature being used as reference were conducted. RESULTS Sample time (before and after physical examination) and day (day #1 and day #2), were found to not to be significantly different with respect to temperature measurements (P>0.05). Reproducibility was not high for any of the temperature measurement methods, but was moderate for rectal and tympanic ear measures. The lowest mean difference with rectal temperature was found for tympanic thermometry on the dorsal skin when compared with rectal measurement (+0.05 °C), as opposed to the other four methods of temperature measurement which ranged in their mean differences when compared with rectal measurement (-7.4 to -0.58 °C). Agreement analyses showed constant error and proportional error only for the inguinal temperature method. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Temperature measurements due to tympanic thermometers applied on the dorsal skin have some agreement with respect to digital rectal thermometry in ferrets. Following further validating studies on hypothermic and hyperthermic contexts of usage, this less invasive approach may be a useful method for temperature measurement in clinical settings to reduce stress of the patient and increase efficiency without sacrificing accuracy.
DFT study on the influence of electric field on surface-enhanced Raman scattering from pyridine–metal complex

The influence of a static external electric field on surface-enhanced Raman scattering is investigated by calculating the Raman spectra and excited state properties of pyridine–Au20 complex with the density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory method. The external electric field with orientation parallel (positive) or antiparallel (negative) to the permanent dipole moment is respectively applied on the complex. This field slightly changes the equilibrium geometry and polarizabilities, which results in shifted vibration frequencies and selectively enhanced Raman intensities. The changes of charge transfer (CT) excited states in response to the electric field are visualized by employing the charge difference densities. Further, the energy of charge transfer transition is tuned by electric field to be resonant or not with the incident light, leading to the Raman intensities are enhanced or not enhanced. At the same time, the intensities of vibration modes are sensitive to the orientation of the field. The positive electric field enhances the totally symmetric ring breathing mode (~1009 cm−1) but suppresses the trigonal ring breathing mode (~1051 cm−1). On the contrary, the mode at 1051 cm−1 is more enhanced than the mode at 1009 cm−1 when the negative electric field is applied on the complex. The Raman spectra could be modulated by tuning the strength and direction of the electric field. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two Cases of Multiple Epidermolytic Acanthomas Mimicking Verruca Vulgaris

Epidermolytic acanthoma (EA) is a rare benign tumor, which usually appears as a solitary small papule. However, there are a few case reports of multiple EA, most of which occurs on the genital area. Cases of multiple EA may mimic verruca vulgaris, condyloma accuminatum, seborrheic keratosis, and bowenoid papulosis, and therefore, can be easily misdiagnosed. A 78-year-old male presented with a 2-week history of discrete, small skin-colored papules around the anus. The other case involved a 47-year-old male with a 5-year history of skin-colored papules on the scrotum. Skin biopsy of both cases revealed a well-demarcated papular lesion characterized by compact hyperkeratosis, perinuclear vacuolization, and reticular degeneration in the granular and upper spinous layer with coarse basophilic keratohyalin granules. Epidermal invagination was consistent with a cup-shaped type of EA. Both cases tested negative for human papillomavirus. We report typical cases of multiple EA, which should be considered as the differential diagnosis of small skin-colored papules in the anogenital area, to prevent the misdiagnosis.
Characterization of Fibres and Fibre Collectives with Common Laser Diffractometers

The method described utilises the effect that in many commercially available laser diffractometers a laminary flow of the suspension medium in the measurement cell exists. However, data analysis carried out using commercially available laser diffractometers is normally based upon the assumption that there is a statistical orientation of the particles in the measurement volume. The resulting diffraction patterns are, therefore, assumed to be centrosymmetric and ring-shaped. As a consequence, the detectors commonly used only record parts of the diffraction patterns. Based upon these assumptions, it is accepted that grain size analysis of fibrous particles gives an equivalent diameter between length and diameter. First experiments carried out using a Malvern Mastersizer X showed that fibres align in the flow direction. Analysis of the entire diffraction pattern should, therefore, provide information about the length and diameter of the fibres.
Investigation of the Sampling Representativeness With Different Probes in a Gas Turbine Combustor

Three types of 12-orifice mixing cruciform sampling probes, i.e. the sampling orifices with or without stub pipes and arranged in spiral form or on three radii, and one single orifice traversing probe were used to investigate the sampling representativeness in the measurement of gas turbine emissions. The results obtained in the experiment show that the distribution of carbon monoxide, CO, and smoke number, S.N. , may have certain relations with the distribution of fuel and air in the combustor, and the three types of probes mentioned, the angular position of the cruciform probe and the manner of extracting sample off the mixing probe can make a deviation of less than 1 S.N. for smoke and about 5% for carbon monoxide.Copyright © 1985 by ASME
The Relationship Among Anxiety, Depression, and Problematic Smartphone Use in University Students: The Mediating Effect of Psychological Inflexibility

Objective The number of studies that reveal the relationship between problematic smartphone use (PSU) and various health problems is increasing. In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship among PSU, depression, and anxiety and the mediating effect of psychological inflexibility (PI) in this relationship in university students. Methods This study was conducted with 412 university students aged between 18–35 years studying at a state university. All participants completed the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version. PROCESS macro in SPSS was used for mediation analysis. Results Our analyses showed that both depression and anxiety were independent predictors of PSU even after controlling for each other. Our findings show that PI is the mediator variable in the effect of depression and anxiety on PSU. Conclusion Mental health professionals working with problematic smartphone use among university students should consider psychological inflexibility as well as depression and anxiety.
Drivers for Non-Profits’ Success: Volunteer Engagement and Financial Sustainability Practices through the Resource Dependence Theory

The strategies that non-profit organizations choose for volunteer engagement and financial sustainability are of the utmost importance for successful work. The main purpose of this study was to investigate feasible strategies for volunteer engagement and financial sustainability. Interviews were conducted to obtain data on the experience of volunteer managers in dealing with volunteers and financial matters together. Qualitative data analysis methods were used to code and analyze the data. Significant themes emerged from the data gathered through interviews that highlighted the strategies for volunteer engagement and financial sustainability chosen by the managers of non-profit organizations. From the manager’s perspective, the following strategies were considered important for engaging volunteers at non-profit organizations (NPOs): ‘building the skill sets of volunteers’, ‘fulfilling ulterior motives’, and ‘administering a culture of administrative support’. Moreover, ‘local fundraising preference’, ‘transparency’, and ‘building trust’ were regarded as successful strategies for maintaining financial sustainability. The findings of this study showed that, to function smoothly, non-profit organizations need to follow certain strategies to be cautious about volunteers as well as finance. The findings provide fruitful implications for practitioners and policy makers, and these are discussed in the paper. Furthermore, the limitations addressed in the study suggest a future direction for research in terms of study design and more focus on study informants.
A Novel Light Harvesting System: Synthesis, Characterization, and Photophysical Properties of Covalently Porphyrin-Modified Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

We reported herein on the synthesis of covalently porphyrin-modified single-walled carbon nanotubes via in situ diazotization coupling. The product was fully characterized with Raman, FTIR, UV-Vis-NIR spectra, as well as TEM and TGA measurements. The solubility of modified SWNTs was significantly improved and the fluorescence of porphyrin was effectively quenched though electron transfer from photoexcited porphyrin to SWNTs.
Clusters of nonverbal behavior differentiate truths and lies about future malicious intent in checkpoint screening interviews

Recent research has shown that nonverbal behavior (NVB) assessed across multiple channels can differentiate truthtellers from liars. No study, however, has examined whether or not multiple NVBs can differentiate truths from lies about intent regarding future malicious behavior, or across multiple cultural/ethnic groups. We address this gap by examining truths and lies about intent to commit a malicious act in the future in brief, checkpoint-type security screening interviews. Data from four NVB channels producing twenty-one observable NVBs were coded and analyzed using different analytic strategies. Clusters of NVB were found to differentiate truthtellers from liars at statistically significant levels, and substantially beyond the ability of human observers. The findings showed that clusters of NVB can differentiate truthtellers from liars even in brief, checkpoint-type interviews.
Clinical and Electrophysiological Aspects of Charcot – Marie Tooth Disease- A Case Report of Two Patients

Aims/ Objectives: To study the importance of electrophysiological tests in diagnosing hereditary motor sensory neuropathy in absence of genetic studies. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Physiology, Pt. B.D. Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India. Methodology: The patients were referred from the Department of Medicine to the Department of Physiology for nerve conduction, F-wave, EMG, VEP & BERA studies. Results: On electrophysiological examination, there was symmetrical decreased motor conduction velocity of median nerve (less than 38 m/sec), ulnar, tibial and peroneal nerves except in the first patient where the left peroneal nerve conduction velocity was not recordable with decreased amplitude and increased distal motor latencies. Sensory conduction velocities for bilateral median nerves were also decreased with increased latency and decreased amplitude in both the patients. Sensory conduction velocity and amplitudes of bilateral sural nerves were decreased in the first Case Report Sharma; INDJ, 14(4): 71-78, 2020; Article no.INDJ. 61581 72 patient with increased latencies. However, sensory conduction velocity wasn’t recordable for bilateral sural nerves in the other patient. EMG shows decrease in recruitment of motor unit potentials, amplitude in bilateral tibial, peroneous, abductor digiti minimi & 1st dorsal interosseus muscle in the first patient. In proximal upper & lower limb muscles, EMG showed features of denervation. In the second patient, EMG was not advised. VEP in one patient had increased latency of P100 wave & other had normal VEP. Brainstem auditory evoked potential was normal in both patients. Conclusion: The paper highlights the importance of electrophysiological studies in diagnosis of motor sensory neuropathy in absence of genetic studies. Marked slowing of conduction velocity is the hallmark of CMDT1 [demylinating type].
Comparison of Different Dilution Methods for Measuring Diesel Particle Emissions

Particle emissions from a turbo-charged diesel off-road engine were characterized with DMA + CNC and electron microscopy for comparison of different sampling and dilution systems. Four different sampling methods were used: (1) two ejector diluters, (2) partial flow and ejector diluter, (3) porous tube and ejector diluter, and (4) porous tube diluter. Number size distributions for partial flow and ejector dilution had modes at 25–30 nm and at 45–50 nm independent of the dilution ratio. The mode at 25–30 nm indicated nucleation during dilution in these experiments and was clearly most significant for the partial flow and ejector diluter setup. This was attributed to the temperature difference between exhaust gas, sample line, and partial flow diluter and cold dilution air. For other dilution systems the main mode was at 45 nm and indications of a mode at 15–20 nm were observed depending on the dilution ratio. Especially for the porous tube diluter, the main mechanism for particle growth was condensation on the surfaces of the existing particles. According to this study the best dilution system for obtaining a number size distribution without any significant nucleation effects was the porous tube dilution setup.
Light scattering of spinnable, viscoelastic solutions of hexadecyltrimethylammonium salicylate

Static, dynamic, and electrophoretic light scattering were measured for spinnable, viscoelastic solutions of hexadecyltrimethylammonium salicylate with and without sodium salicylate (NaSal) at various temperatures. While short rodlike micelles are formed in aqueous solutions without NaSal, the length of rodlike micelles increases with an increase in NaSal concentration and reaches 200-3000 nm in 0.1 M NaSal. However, the size diminishes above 0.5 M NaSal, and small micelles exist in 1 M NaSal. The external interference effect indicating a strong intermicelIar correlation is quite apparent in aqueous solutions without NaSal, but it decreases with addition of NaSal and is imperceptible above 0.001 M NaSal
Isatuximab plus carfilzomib and dexamethasone versus carfilzomib and dexamethasone in relapsed multiple myeloma patients with renal impairment: IKEMA subgroup analysis

Renal impairment (RI) is common in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and new therapies that can improve renal function are needed. The phase III IKEMA study (clinicaltrials gov. Identifier: NCT03275285) investigated isatuximab (Isa) with carfilzomib and dexamethasone (Kd) versus Kd in relapsed MM. This subgroup analysis examined results from patients with RI, defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m². Addition of Isa prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with RI (hazard ratio: 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.11–0.66; median PFS not reached for Isa-Kd versus 13.4 months for Kd [20.8-month follow-up]). Complete renal responses occurred more frequently with Isa-Kd (52.0%) versus Kd (30.8%) and were durable in 32.0% versus 7.7% of patients, respectively. Treatment exposure was longer with Isa-Kd, with median number of started cycles and median duration of exposure of 20 versus 9 cycles and 81.0 versus 35.7 weeks for Isa-Kd versus Kd, respectively. Among patients with RI, the incidence of patients with grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events was similar between the two arms (79.1% in Isa-Kd vs. 77.8% in Kd). In summary, the addition of Isa to Kd improved clinical outcomes with a manageable safety profile in patients with RI, consistent with the benefit observed in the overall IKEMA study population.
Molecular symmetry and spectroscopy

Editorial Board: W. G. E. Caldwell, OC, FRSC (University of Western Ontario); K. G. Davey, OC, FRSC (York University); S. Gubins (Annual Reviews); B. K. Hall, FRSC (Dalhousie University); P. Jefferson (Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada); W. H. Lewis (Washington University); A. W. May, OC (Memorial University of Newfoundland); N. R. Morgenstern, CM, AOL, FRSC (University of Alberta); B. P. Dancik, Editor-in-Chief, NRC Research Press (University of Alberta)