Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of a Texas tornado outbreak involving three modalities of enhanced tornadogenesis

A cold front moved southward across Oklahoma and into northern Texas on 29 March 2002, becoming quasi-stationary across southern portions of north central Texas as surface pressures fell across southwest and west Texas ahead of a tightly-wound midand upper-level low center moving eastward across southwestern Texas. Increasingly warm, moist, and unstable air pooled south of the front in Texas, setting the stage for an outbreak of 23 tornadoes on 30 March. The tornadoes, including two with damage rated F3 and path lengths of 30 to 50 miles, and one producing damage rated F2, occurred in three distinct clusters or zones (Fig. 1) and post-event analysis suggests that tornadogenesis was enhanced by different factors in each zone. (All F-scale references herein are to Fujita, 1981.) Fortuitously, no deaths were reported.
Power Load Forecasting Using BiLSTM-Attention

With the development of big data and artificial intelligence, the applications of smart grid have received extensive attention. Specifically, accurate power system load forecasting plays an important role in the safety and stability of the power system production scheduling process. Due to the limitations of traditional load forecasting methods in dealing with large scale nonlinear time series data, in this paper, we proposed an Attention-BiLSTM (Attention based Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory, Attention-BiLSTM) network to do the accurate short-term power load forecasting. This model is based on BiLSTM recurrent neural network which has high robustness on time series data modeling, and the Attention mechanism which can highlight the key features playing key roles in load forecasting in input data. The verification experiments with real data in a certain area show that the proposed model outperforms other models in terms of prediction accuracy and algorithm robustness.
Ternary DDCVSL: a combined dynamic logic style for standard ternary logic with single power source

Every logic style has certain advantages for a specific application. Therefore, it is essential to introduce and investigate different logic styles. Differential cascode voltage switch logic (DCVSL) with the inherent redundancy is known to be an ideal logic style for error detection applications. This study combines ternary static DCVSL (SDCVSL) with dynamic logic (DL) to realise ternary dynamic DCVSL (DDCVSL) by means of a single power source. At first, it is shown that why the same static-to-dynamic conversion method in binary logic fails to operate correctly in ternary logic. Then, two solutions are given. Static power dissipation and switching activity are particularly dealt with in the second proposed ternary DDCVSL to reduce power consumption. The new designs are simulated and tested by using HSPICE simulator and 32 nm Stanford carbon nanotube field effect transistor model. Simulation results and comparisons with a vast range of conventional and state-of-the-art competitors show prominence and great potential for the new ternary circuit methodology. For example, the authors second proposed ternary DDCVSL AND/NAND has 19.7, 37.4, and 60.5% higher performance than some famous static ternary logic styles such as CMOS-like, SDCVSL, and pseudo N-type, respectively, in terms of energy consumption.
TRENDS OF SMOKING AMONG THE PARENTS OF CONGENITAL TALIPES EQUINOVARUS PATIENTS

Background: Congenital Talipes Equino-Varus is one of the deformities of the lower limb that is most prevalent among males. Many epidemiological studies are in progress/going on to know the exact cause, even though it is suggested that genetic and environmental factors (smoking) play central role in causing the disorder. Objectives: To evaluate the trends of smoking, economic status, educational and ethnic background in parents of patients with Congenital Talipes Equino-Varus Methodology: The study was a descriptive cross section survey carried out at PIPOS Rehabilitation Services Program (PRSP), Peshawar from April 2014 to May 2014. A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from participants. Only the patients with clubfoot were included in the study. The data was analyzed by using SPSS V20. Results: Number of the participants included in the study were n=107 and Mean age was 8.22± 6.10 years. 70 (65 %) participants were having bilateral clubfeet and 37 (35%) were unilateral clubfeet. There was not even a single participant whose mother did smoke but there were 47 (44%) participants whose father used to smoke during pregnancy. 4 (4%) of participants were having household smoking and 56 (52%) participants’ parents were not smoker. Data revealed that 69 (64%) of mothers were illiterate, 48 (48%) families of the participants were having average economic income, 81 (76%) of respondents were from rural area and 83 (78%) of respondent parents married within the family while 24 (22%) of respondent parents married outside the family. Conclusion: This study clearly showed the trends of smoking among the family members of the clubfeet participants. Passive mother smoking, average income families, illiterate mothers and family marriages were common among clubfoot patients. Key words: Club Foot; Maternal Smoking; foot deformities
Achieving Social IT Alignment through the Orchestration of IT Assets: An Interpretive Case Study

ABSTRACT Adopting a qualitative approach, this exploratory case study analyzes the path to social IT alignment (SITA) of a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) that operates in the industrial services sector and is engaged in an organizational IT-enabled transformation. Based on three mechanisms, namely allocating, structuring, and coordinating IT resources, the findings of this study illuminate how a small, yet collaborative organization may achieve SITA through IT asset orchestration mechanisms that are better understood and managed.
Untangling emergent cortical dynamics: neurons from networks, noise from chaos

The way in which cortical microcircuit components—most importantly neurons—and their connectivity—the network—shape and constrain emergent dynamics is a long-standing question in neuroscience. Experimentally observed dynamical properties can often be explained by circuit models with different simplifying assumptions for the underlying neuron models and their network structure, such as deterministic synapse models describing stochastic synapses, or a uniform network structure describing heterogeneous synaptic connectivity. Intrinsic neural variability, for example, can emerge from both stochastic synaptic properties (noise) and deterministic network dynamics (chaos). It is therefore often not clear if models with ad hoc simplifying assumptions for various biological details provide correct explanations for the emergence of cortical dynamics. In this thesis, we set out to advance our understanding of how detailed biological properties of cortical neurons and their network structure shape emergent dynamics by studying a model of a prototypical neocortical microcircuit that was reconstructed using all relevant available biological data. To make our predictions as biologically accurate as possible, we used a “zero tweak” strategy wherein parameters in the model were not adjusted to replicate specific experimentally observed dynamical properties, but instead were constrained by biological data. This allowed us to characterize the effect of two biological properties that are often abstracted away in ad hoc simplifications: stochastic synaptic transmission and a heterogeneous network structure with complex higher-order connectivity. Studying the model, we made several important predictions: (1) Stochastic synaptic transmission, in an interplay with recurrent network dynamics, causes rapid chaotic divergence of spontaneous activity. (2) Synaptic noise overshadows other local cellular noise sources. (3) Amid the noise and chaos, neurons can reliably respond to external inputs with millisecond spike-time precision. (4) This reliable response goes beyond mere feedforward suppression of recurrent dynamics and is driven by the circuit at a near-critical excitation-inhibition balance. (5) An abundance of high-dimensional cliques of all-to-all connected neurons which shape correlations between neurons in a hierarchical manner. (6) This effect is strongly reduced when synaptic connectivity is replaced by a rejected null model with reduced higher-order network structure. We conclude that a detailed representation of cellular noise sources and high-dimensional network structure is imperative to accurately model emergent cortical network dynamics. Models that make ad hoc simplifying assumptions need to carefully justify the exclusion of such details.
Go See a Specialist? Predicting Cybercrime Sales on Online Anonymous Markets from Vendor and Product Characteristics

Many cybercriminal entrepreneurs lack the skills and techniques to provision certain parts of their business model, leading them to outsource these parts to specialized criminal vendors. Online anonymous markets, from Silk Road to AlphaBay, have been used to search for these products and contract with their criminal vendors. While one listing of a product generates high sales numbers, another identical listing fails to sell. In this paper, we investigate which factors determine the performance of cybercrime products. To answer this question, we analyze scraped data on the business-to-business cybercrime segments of AlphaBay (2015-2017), consisting of 7,543 listings from 1,339 vendors, sold at least 126,934 times. We construct new variables to capture product differentiators and price. We capture the influence of vendor characteristics by identifying five distinct vendor profiles based on latent profile analysis of six properties. We leverage these product and vendor characteristics to empirically predict the performance of cybercrime products, whilst controlling for the lifespan and type of solution. Consistent with earlier insights into carding forums, we identify prevalent product differentiators to be influencing the relative success of a product. While all these product differentiators do correlate significantly with product performance, their explanatory power is lower than that of vendor profiles. When outsourcing, the vendor seems to be of more importance to the buyers than product differentiators.
Role of regular physical activity in modifying cardiovascular disease risk factors among elderly Korean women.

Introduction This study examined physical activity (PA) participation rates and the role of PA in the modification of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors according to types of PA in elderly Korean women using data from 2007 to 2012 from a nationally representative South Korean database. Materials and Method In total, 3,456 elderly women aged ≥65 years, without CVD, were included in the study. CVD risk was evaluated using both the 10-year Framingham risk score (FRS) and atherogenic index (AI), as well as well-known CVD risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and hypercholesterolemia. Results The PA participation rates were 4.7%, 33.9%, and 61.4% for the regular PA, regular walking, and no PA groups, respectively. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that regular PA and regular walking were associated with a favorable lipid profile and lower AI, after controlling for socio-demographic factors and types of PA PA did not significantly affect the FRS. Conclusion This study suggests that regular PA and walking are important in the modification of CVD risk factors among elderly Korean women.
Transitional Care for Seniors: What do Care Partners and Seniors Really Experience?

Background: Current senior’s care provided within the Canadian health care system is not often person-centred; nor is it always in accordance with gerontological best practices. Furthermore, gaps also exist in access to and continuity of care services, leading to poor quality of care and avoidable readmissions or setbacks in seniors’ health or chronic care conditions. The impacts of these gaps are compounded when critical information is not transferred with seniors when they change care settings (i.e. transferring between hospital, home, retirement communities, etc.). Research suggests that seniors do not always receive resources required to support them through these transitions, and advocates for their needs. Methods: This qualitative study’s objective was to explore 35 seniors’ and 25 care partners’ care transition experiences in a suburban community, in Canada. This study is part of a larger project aimed at developing a better understanding of how to enhance care and transitions through identifying seniors’ and care partners’ perspectives of access to and continuity of quality care, and awareness and information availability during care transitions. Results: A situational analysis revealed that several factors impede successful transitions for seniors, including not being listened to; needs being ignored; task-focused and splintered care; neglect of the care context; and absence of care continuity. Conclusion: Transitional care is often not person-centred, does not follow best practices, and presents with several gaps in access to and continuity of health care services. These findings informed subsequent stages of the overall research project aimed at creating better transitions and care experiences for seniors.
Efficacy of SEBCLAIRA® Cream for Moderate Seborrhoeic Dermatitis on The Face as An Adjuvant Therapy (Randomised Clinical Trial, Double Blind)

Background: Seborrhoeic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic papulosquamous inflammatory disease which resistant to medical treatment. Various treatment such as topical corticosteroid, antifungal and calcineurin inhibitor has been widely practiced and gives varying results Objective: Our objective was to compare the efficacy of Sebclaira® and topical hydrocortisone 2,5% for management of moderate SD on the face Methods: A randomised clinical trial, controlled, double blind study was performed for four weeks. We assessed the efficacy and side effects of these topical treatment. The severity of SD was evaluated using Seborrhea Area Severity Index-Facial (SASI-F) score. The severity of pruritus was evaluated using Visual Analogue Scale. Demographic characteristics, baseline SASI-F and VAS were recorded in the medical record. Results: A 34 patients (14 males, 20 females) with moderate SD on the face completed the four weeks study. The mean of SASI T2 and VAS score of the Sebclaira® group was significantly lower than Hydrocortisone 2.5% group with p = 0.000 and p = 0.000 respectively. Tolerance between Sebclaira® and Hydrocortisone 2.5% showed insignificant results (p = 1.000) Conclusions: The longer application of Sebclaira® was significantly more effective to improve moderate SD
A comparison of various methods for estimating the parameters in mixtures of von Mises distributions

In this paper we compare five methods for estimating the unknown parameters in a mixture of two von Mises distributions. We propose a new method based on the characteristic function and compare it with the classical methods based on maximum likelihood and moments. Thus far these methods have been successfully applied only to linear data. Here we show that the application to circular data is reasonably straightforward and that convergence to the final estimates is fairly rapid. For various simulated known mixtures the results obtained are satisfactory. Finally, we introduce a modification of the method of moments which is considerably faster in CPU time than any of the other methods used and gives good results.
Using Convolution Filters for Energy Efficient Routing Algorithm in Sensor Networks

Several protocols and algorithms are used for energy efficient routing in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). These protocols enable not only to reduce communication latency in these networks but also to maximize the network lifetime that is directly related to energy sensors due to the constraint of the batteries. Some of these protocols use clustering or avoiding holes to reach this goal. We have proposed, in this paper, a new hybrid algorithm based on clustering and convolution filters for efficient routing in terms of energy. For this reason, we present the network as a grayscale image. Our algorithm happens in two steps, each of these steps uses a different convolution filter. One kernel filter is used to determine the nodes that participate in the routing by using the mean filter. Another kernel is to pass packets from a source to the destination by using the gradient to select the routes over the most efficient battery.
Functional Significance of Elevated Mitral Gradients After Repair for Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation

Background—We have observed that elevated mitral gradients can develop in some patients after mitral valve repair for degenerative mitral regurgitation. Methods and Results—We screened 275 patients who had mitral valve repair involving >1 leaflet scallop between October 2001 and July 2010. Mitral valve hemodynamics were assessed at rest and at peak exercise using the cycle ergometer. B-type natriuretic peptide levels were measured at rest and after exercise. The patients also performed a 6-minute walk test and short-form 36-Item Health Survey questionnaire. We enrolled 110 patients, with resting mean mitral diastolic gradient of ⩽3 mm Hg in 35 patients (group 1) and >3 mm Hg indicative of elevated mitral gradients in 75 patients (group 2). Posterior mitral leaflet plication (P=0.04) and the use of a complete mitral annuloplasty ring (P<0.0001) were associated with elevated mitral gradients. Group 2 patients had larger left atrial volume (P=0.02), higher mitral gradients at peak exercise and higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure at rest and at peak exercise, and lower exercise capacity (101±40 versus 122±51 W; P=0.02). Group 2 patients also had higher B-type natriuretic peptide levels and lower scores in 3 short-form 36-Item Health Survey health concepts. Multivariate regression analyses showed that mitral valve area was an independent predictor of maximum exercise capacity (P=0.003). Conclusions—After mitral valve repair for degenerative mitral regurgitation, elevated mitral gradients is not uncommon and is associated with worse intracardiac hemodynamics, higher B-type natriuretic peptide levels, lower exercise capacity, and poorer quality of life. Further refinement in the surgical technique may reduce the incidence of this complication.
Gluten-Related Disorders in a Population of Canadian Adults

Background: The prevalence of celiac disease (CD) in Canadian adults is unknown, and the extent of adverse health effects associated with undiagnosed CD remains unclear. Gluten sensitivity in the absence of CD is also thought to exist; however, the physiological effects of gluten intake in those without CD remain poorly understood. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of CD seropositivity in Canadian adults, investigate whether undiagnosed CD is associated with altered biomarkers of health, and examine associations of gluten intake with proteomic biomarkers and genetic variants in those without CD using a multi-omics approach. Methods: Subjects were 2,832 men and women from the Toronto Nutrigenomics and Health and Toronto Healthy Diet studies. Fasting blood samples were collected for CD screening, biomarker assessment and DNA isolation. CD was assessed using self-reported diagnoses and positive tissue transglutaminase (tTG) serology. Dietary gluten intake was estimated using a 196-item food-frequency questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of CD seropositivity was 1 in 114 (0.88%; 95% CI, 0.57-1.30%), with the majority of cases being undiagnosed (87%). The prevalence of CD seropositivity, predisposing human leukocyte antigen risk variants, and average gluten intake was highest in Caucasians. Undiagnosed CD was associated with lower circulating HDL-cholesterol (p=0.008),
Understanding the effectiveness of the PBL method in different regional contexts: the case of Colombia

ABSTRACT This study compared the effectiveness of the Project-Based Learning method (PBL) with the conventional teaching method in developing cross-curricular skills and improving academic performance among 1064 undergraduate students at the north coast of Colombia. A t–student test, Welch test, and the Tau Kendall correlation coefficient were used to analyse the PBL and non-PBL groups in 40 Economic Integration courses in three years. A pre-test, post-test, and achievement of academic objectives questionnaire was applied, as well as a verification test of previous knowledge and a focus group at the end of the courses. It was observed that the PBL method is superior in the development of problem-solving and teamwork skills only of five observed. The application of the PBL method was associated with the fulfilment of two of the five academic objectives analysed, which is confirmed by the feedback from the focus groups. This research contributes to the analysis of the usefulness of teaching methods in different geographical contexts.
Antioxidants and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Background: Tuberculosis (TB), is one of the major common air born infectious bacterial diseases which remains a major worldwide health problem with global mortality. Objective: To evaluate the efficiency of serum samples compared to sputum for the early diagnosis of TB, and to evaluate the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant status (TAS) and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Methods: One hundred patients with clinically suspected PTB and 25 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. According to the bacteriological results, 78 patients were diagnosed as having PTB infection. These cases were categorized into 69 culture positive cases [sputum and serum PCR positive patients (n=42), sputum PCR positive and serum PCR negative patients (n=16) and sputum and serum PCR negative patients (n=11)] and 9 culture negative and sputum PCR positive cases with radiological lung abnormalities suggestive for PTB. For these 78 cases, erythrocyte SOD, CAT, serum TAS and TNF- were determined. Twenty two patients were culture negative and negative for both sputum and serum PCR. They had no PTB and were not involved in biochemical studies. Results: In all 78 PTB patients, erythrocyte SOD, CAT and serum TAS levels were statistically lower than controls (p<0.05), while TNF- was highly significantly increased (p=0.001). There was a significant direct linear correlation between SOD and CAT and TAS (p<0.0001, r= 0.78; p<0.0001, r= 0.88; p<0.0001, r=0.80 respectively) and a significant reverse linear correlation between TNF- and SOD, CAT and TAS level (p<0.0001, r=-0.55; p<0.0001, r=-0.51; p<0.0001, r=-0.65 respectively). Conclusion: Although the sputum culture is still the gold standard for the diagnosis of patients with PTB, sputum PCR is an efficient method that could be used as an alternative to the culture for the rapid identification of PTB cases. The lower levels of SOD, CAT and TAS may be improved by the antioxidant therapy which may help in better prognosis. Anti TNF-α therapy may help in decreasing the elevated level of TNF-α shown in all PTB patients.