Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PriVDT: An Efficient Two-Party Cryptographic Framework for Vertical Decision Trees

Privacy-preserving decision trees (DTs) in vertical federated learning are one of the most effective tools to facilitate various privacy-critical applications in reality. However, the main bottleneck of current solutions is their huge overhead, mainly due to the adoption of communication-heavy bit decomposition to realize complex non-linear operations, such as comparison and division. In this paper, we present <monospace>PriVDT</monospace>, an efficient two-party framework for private vertical DT training and inference in the offline/online paradigm. Specifically, we customize several cryptographic building blocks based on an advanced primitive, Function Secret Sharing (FSS). First, we construct an optimized comparison protocol to improve the efficiency via reducing the invocation of FSS evaluations. Second, we devise an efficient and privacy-enhanced division protocol without revealing the range of divisors, which utilizes the above comparison protocol and more importantly new designed FSS-based secure range and digital decomposition protocols. Besides, we further reduce the overhead of linear operations by employing lightweight pseudorandom function-based Beaver’s triple techniques. Building on the above efficient components, we implement the <monospace>PriVDT</monospace> framework and evaluate it on 5 real-world datasets on both LAN and WAN. Experimental results show that the end-to-end runtime of <monospace>PriVDT</monospace> outperforms the prior art by <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$42 \sim 510\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> on LAN and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$16 \sim 70\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> on WAN. Moreover, <monospace>PriVDT</monospace> provides comparable accuracy to the non-private setting.
Optical emission diagnostics with electric probe measurements of inductively coupled Ar/O2/Ar-O2 plasmas

Physical properties of low-pressure inductively coupled argon, oxygen, and Ar-O2 mixture plasmas are investigated using optical emission spectroscopy (OES) combined with an rf-compensated Langmuir probe measurement. In each gas discharge, the electron density and the electron temperature were obtained by using the probe. The electron temperature was also obtained by OES models and compared with that measured by the probe. The electron temperature was observed to decrease with increasing power and pressure and also observed to decrease with increasing Ar content. Argon metastable densities were calculated based on an optical transition model. In Ar-O2 discharges, the dissociation fraction of O2 molecules was estimated using optical emission actinometry. The dissociation fraction was observed to increase with increasing power and Ar content.
SOME GENERAL EFFECTS OF STRONG HIGH-FREQUENCY EXCITATION: STIFFENING, BIASING AND SMOOTHENING

Abstract Mechanical high-frequency (HF) excitation provides a working principle behind many industrial and natural applications and phenomena. This paper concerns three particular effects of HF excitation, that may change the apparent characteristics of mechanical systems: (1) stiffening, by which the apparent linear stiffness associated with an equilibrium is changed, along with derived quantities such as stability and natural frequencies; (2) biasing by which the system is biased towards a particular state, static or dynamic, which does not exist or is unstable in the absence of the HF excitation; and (3) smoothening, referring to a tendency for discontinuities to be effectively “smeared out” by HF excitation. Illustrating first these effects for a few specific systems, analytical results are provided that quantify them for a quite general class of mechanical systems. This class covers systems that can be modelled by a finite number of second order ordinary differential equations, generally non-linear, with periodically oscillating excitation terms of high frequency and small amplitude. The results should be useful for understanding the effects in question in a broader perspective than is possible with specific systems, for calculating effects for specific systems using well-defined formulas, and for possibly designing systems that display prescribed characteristics in the presence of HF excitation.
Growth, Oscillation and Comparison Theorems for Second Order Linear Difference Equations

This paper studies homogeneous and nonhomogeneous second order linear difference equations. Comparison theorems based on the coefficients are proven for the homogeneous equation. Existence of so called r-type solutions for the forced equation is established. Oscillation and nonoscillation properties of the forced equation based on the forcing term and the associated homogeneous equation are discussed.
Visible and Infrared Photometry of Fourteen Kuiper Belt Objects

Abstract We present V–J colors of 14 Kuiper Belt objects using new infrared (J) data combined, in most cases, with simultaneous visible (V) data. We confirm the V–J vs absolute magnitude relation reported by Jewitt and Luu (1998) for the five objects in their data set but demonstrate that the relationship does not hold for a larger sample. Kuiper Belt objects exhibit a wide range of V–J colors, but there is no correlation with heliocentric distance or orbital class. The bimodality seen in BVR colors by Tegler and Romanishin (1998) is not present in optical–infrared colors.
Relation between Electrical Impulse Breakdown Strength and Rate of Drawing in Polyethylene

The relation between electrical impulse breakdown strength and rate of drawing in films of low-density polyethylene is investigated. The rate of drawing is changed to cover the range from 2 mm/min to 60 mm/min, and the drawing temperature is from 20 to 60°C. The impulse breakdown strength is measured at ca.20°C after drawing at various drawing temperatures. The draw ratio is kept at 200%. The breakdown strength has a min. value at a certain rate of drawing which increases with drawing temperature. The rate of drawing which has a min. breakdown strength is proportional to exp (ϕ/kT), where ϕ is the activation energy, T is the absolute temperature, and k is Boltzmann's constant. The value of ϕ is estimated as ca.0. 57 eV. In drawing at 40, 50 and 60°C, another min. of breakdown strength can be found at another rate of drawing, for which the value of ϕ is quoted as ca.1. 98 eV.
Epidemiology of Aeromonas Species Bloodstream Infection in Queensland, Australia: Association with Regional and Climate Zones

Aeromonas species can cause severe bloodstream infection (BSI) however, few studies have examined their epidemiology in non-selected populations. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence and determinants of Aeromonas species BSI in Queensland, Australia. A retrospective population-based cohort study was conducted during 2000–2019. Aeromonas species BSI were identified by laboratory surveillance and clinical and outcome information through data linkages to statewide databases. A total of 407 incident Aeromonas species BSI were identified with an age- and sex-standardized incidence of 5.2 per million residents annually. No trend in annual incidence rate during two decades of surveillance was demonstrated. Significant variable monthly occurrences were observed with highest rates during warmer, wetter months, and lowest rates during winter and dry periods. There was significant variability in incidence accordingly to region and climate zones, with higher rates observed in tropical north regions and lowest in southeastern corner. The highest incidence was observed in very remote and hot areas in Queensland. Cases were infrequent in children and risk was highest in elderly and males. Seventy-eight patients died within 30 days with a case-fatality rate of 19%. Older age, non-focal infection, higher Charlson score, and monomicrobial bacteremia were independent risk factors for death. Demographic and climatic changes may increase the burden of these infections in future years.
Effect of varying resistance exercises on the skill of smash serve in volleyball

The present study analyzed the effect of varying resistance exercises on the skill of smash serve in volleyball. The study had an experimental design. Young players, of age group between 16-18 years, were recruited from the specialized center for volleyball in Shatrah district as the participants of the study. A total of 14 players were selected for the primary experiment and 6 players constituted the sample for the pilot trial of the study. The participants were allocated in two groups, i.e. experimental group and control group, with 7 players in each group. The present study was conducted in the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences of the University of Dhi Qar. Exercise sessions were performed by the players of the experimental group for a period of eight weeks, with three training units per week (Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday). The curriculum focused on developing and improving abilities related to the lower extremities. The total number of training units was 24. Control group participants performed traditional training. Based on the findings of the present study, it was concluded that resistance exercises produced a significant effect in developing the values of the strength-time curve of the experimental group.
EVALUATION OF MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE OPIATES TOXICITY IN PATIENTS ADMITTED TO NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY AND RESEARCH CENTER: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background: Opioids are fundamental agents for managing pain. However, they are always linked to significant hazards to patients and society, such as misuse, abuse, addiction, diversion, and overdose deaths. Aim of Work : This study aims to improve the outcome of patients admitted with acute opiate toxicity and recognize the magnitude of the problem on a statistical basis. The objective of the study: is to evaluate the management, sociodemographic factors and substance abuse among patients admitted with acute opiate toxicity to National Environmental and Clinical Toxicology and Research Center (NECTR) Cairo University. Subjects and Methods: This prospective cohort study included 98 cases admitted to NECTR from October 2020 to March 2021. They were classified into 3 age groups; (less than 20 years), (20-40 years) and (more than 40 years). Data were analyzed for sociodemographic data of the patients, substance of abuse, manner of intake, history of addiction, clinical presentation, management and outcome. Results: The most common age group was those between 20-40 years (67.3%), followed by those above 40 years (22.4%), with male dominance (82.7%). The most common substance of abuse was opiates 63.3% (62 patients). The most common manner of overdose was accidental (95.9%) and the mortality rate was (11.7%). Conclusions: Males were more common than females. The most common substance of abuse was opiates.
On the macroscopic equivalence of descriptions of fluctuations for chemical reactions

Three descriptions of spontaneous fluctuations in macroscopic systems have been proposed: One uses generalized Fokker–Planck equations and treats fluctuations as a stochastic diffusion process; another uses a connection between fluctuations and dissipation and generalizes the Langevin method; the third is the master equation theory which treats fluctuations as arising from a birth and death process. For a variety of systems it is known that the master equation theory is identical to the fluctuation–dissipation theory in the macroscopic limit. For chemical reactions it is shown here that the appropriate diffusion process also becomes identical with the fluctuation–dissipation theory in the macroscopic limit.
International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS)

Received Mar 1, 2022 Revised Oct 31, 2022 Accepted Nov 20, 2022 Providing proper knowledge on the rational use of antibiotics plays a role in the success of the treatment process of infectious diseases and the prevention of antibiotic resistance. In this modern digital era, healthcare professionals can utilize video as a medium for patient education. This study was meant to determine the efficacy of a video-based educational intervention in improving the levels of knowledge on the rational use of antibiotics. The study used a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest with a control group design and involved 140 participants. Data collection utilized a questionnaire that was carried out from July to December 2021 at the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The intervention was conducted for four weeks with a lecture and group discussion using video as educational media. The results of this study found that educational videos significantly improved the levels of knowledge on the rational use of antibiotics, known by an increase in the mean value of the treatment group by 2.590 with a p-value of 0.001, and a difference in the mean value of posttest scores of both groups by 1.900 with a p-value of 0.001. It could be concluded that video could be utilized as an effective medium of patient education, notably the use of antibiotics.
Kesulitan Siswa Sekolah Menengah Pertama dalam Menyelesaikan Soal Matematika PISA-Like

Abstrak PISA merupakan program internasional yang diselenggarakan oleh OECD dengan tujuan mengevaluasi kemampuan anak usia 15 tahun pada membaca, matematika, dan sains. Penelitian termasuk dalam penelitian kualitatif dengan tujuan untuk mendeskripsikan kesulitan siswa dalam menyelesaikan soal matematika PISA-Like. Sampel penelitian sebanyak 46 siswa SMP di Kota Surakarta yang dipilih dengan teknik simple random sampling. Instrumen penelitian terdiri dari tes berupa soal matematika PISA-Like dan nontes berupa angket. Analisis data dilakukan melalui reduksi data, penyajian data, verifikasi, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa siswa mengalami kesulitan dalam menyelesaikan soal PISA-Like. Beberapa hal yang menyebabkan kesulitan siswa dalam menyelesaikan soal PISA-Like, yaitu: kurangnya pemahaman siswa terhadap soal yang diberikan; stimulus soal yang panjang dan rumit; serta tidak mengetahui konsep matematika yang akan digunakan. Kurangnya pemahaman siswa terhadap soal karena belum terbiasa menghadapi soal PISA sehingga mengalami kebingungan menggunakan konsep matematika. AbstractPISA is an international program organized by OECD aiming at evaluating the reading, mathematical, and science skills of students 15 years of age. This qualitative research attempted to describe students’ difficulty in solving PISA mathematic questions. To this end, forty-six junior high school students in Surakarta were involved with simple random sampling. The instruments in this research consisted of test instruments in the form of PISA-Like math problems and nontest instruments in the form of questionnaires. Data analysis was carried out through data reduction, data presentation, verification, and drawing conclusions. The results showed that students had difficulty solving PISA-Like questions. Several factors were found to account for students’ difficulty in solving Pisa-Like questions, including their poor understanding of the question; the long and complex stimulus of the question; and their lack of knowledge of the mathematical concept to be used. Students’ poor understanding of the question was particularly attributed to their unfamiliarity with questions, causing them to be confused about the mathematical concept to use.
The dynamics of the emission spectrum of an Er: YLF laser in the pulsed-periodic operating regime

The lasing of an Er:YLF laser has been theoretically and experimentally investigated at wavelengths 2.66, 2.71, and 2. 81μm in the pulsed-periodic regime under selective pumping by laser-diode radiation at 0. 98μm. A substantial variation of the delays of the beginning of lasing at the individual wavelengths is observed, depending on the pump-pulse-repetition rate, along with loss of the lasing at wavelengths 2.66 and 2.71μm as the pulse-repetition rate increases.
Surgical and Oncological Outcomes of En-Bloc Resection for Malignancies Invading the Thoracic Spine

Objective(s): There is still limited data in the literature concerning the survival of patients with tumors of the thoracic spine. In this study, we analyzed clinical features, perioperative and long-term outcomes in patients who underwent vertebrectomy for cancer. Furthermore, we evaluated the survival and surgical complications. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all cases of thoracic spinal tumors treated by the same team between 1998 and 2018. We divided them into three groups according to type of tumor (primary vertebral, primary lung and metastases) and compared outcomes. For each patient, Overall Survival (OS) and Cumulative Incidence of Relapse (CIR) were estimated. Complications and survival were analyzed using a logistic model. Results: Seventy-two patients underwent thoracic spine surgery (40 in group 1, 16 in each group 2 and 3). Thirty patients died at the end of the observation at a mean follow up time of 60 months (41%). The 5-year overall survival was 72% (95% CI: 0.52–0.84), 20% (95% CI: 0.05–0.43) and 27% (95% CI: 0.05–0.56) for each group, respectively. CIR of group 3 was higher (HR 2.57, 95% CI: 1.22–5.45, p = 0.013). The logistic model revealed that age was related to complications (p = 0.04), while surgery for a type 3 tumor was related to mortality (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Although the cohort size was limited, primary vertebral tumors displayed the best 5-y-OS with an acceptable complications rate. The indication of surgery should be advised by a multidisciplinary team and only for selected cases. Finally, the use of a combined approach does not increase the risk of complications.
Laminar–turbulent transition in Poiseuille pipe flow subjected to periodic perturbation emanating from the wall

Transition in fully developed circular pipe flow was investigated experimentally by the introduction of periodic perturbations. The simultaneous excitation of the azimuthal periodic modes m=+2 and m=−2 was chosen for detailed analysis. The experiments were carried out at three amplitudes. At the smallest amplitude the disturbances decayed in the direction of streaming. At intermediate input amplitude the disturbances amplified initially but then decayed with increasing distance downstream. Their growth was accompanied by the appearance of higher harmonics. At still higher amplitudes transition occurred. A mean velocity distortion corresponding to an azimuthal index of m=4 was observed at the intermediate and at the higher levels of forcing. When four stationary jets were introduced through the wall to emulate a similar mean velocity distortion, transition was observed at smaller amplitudes of forcing at modes ±2. Thus, weak longitudinal vortices provide an added instability needed to generate a secondary disturbance which, in turn, amplifies the steady vortical structures introduced by the jets. Such vortices may also be generated through the interaction of time-periodic helical modes.
Discretized LKF method for stability of coupled differential‐difference equations with multiple discrete and distributed delays

Time‐delay systems described by coupled differential‐functional equations include as special cases many types of time‐delay systems and coupled differential‐difference systems with time delays. This article discusses the discretized Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF) method for the stability problem of coupled differential‐difference equations with multiple discrete and distributed delays. Through independently dividing every delay region that the plane regions consists in two delays to discretize LKF, the exponential stability conditions for coupled systems with multiple discrete and distributed delays are established based on a linear matrix inequality (LMI). The numerical examples show that the analysis limit of delay bound in which the systems are stable may be approached by our result. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discrimination among some parametric models

SUMMARY Linear models, with errors that follow the distribution of the logarithm of an F statistic, are shown to include a number of common statistical models as special cases. The error model is transformed and reparameterized to induce regular estimation on the boundary with one or both degrees of freedom infinite. This leads to bivariate score tests for normal, extreme value and logistic special cases as well as an evaluation of these models within a more general framework. In particular, the test for normality is found to reduce to the usual tests based on sample skewness and kurtosis. Sample sizes are given for pairwise discrimination among some specific models. Applications are indicated.
Diagnosis and Emerging Treatment Strategies for Mucopolysaccharidosis VII (Sly Syndrome)

Abstract Mucopolysaccharidosis VII (MPS VII, Sly syndrome) is an ultra-rare lysosomal disease caused by a deficiency of the enzyme β-glucuronidase (GUS). The diagnosis is suspected based on a range of symptoms that are common to many other MPS types, and it is confirmed through biochemical and molecular studies. Besides supportive treatment, current and emerging treatments include enzyme replacement therapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and gene therapy. This review summarizes the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and emerging treatments for MPS VII.
Finite Reynolds number effects in the Bretherton problem

In this paper we investigate the effect of fluid inertia in the classical Bretherton problem in which a semi-infinite air finger displaces viscous fluid in a two-dimensional channel. The governing free-surface Navier–Stokes equations are discretized by a finite element method and the system’s behavior is studied for capillary and Reynolds numbers in the ranges 0.05<Ca<5 and 0<Re<280, respectively. It is shown that at a finite Reynolds number, a sequence of closed vortices develops in the recirculating flow region ahead of the bubble tip. The largest of these vortices is located near the bubble tip where it significantly affects the pressure distribution and leads to a noticeable increase in the overall pressure rise across the bubble tip. The underlying physical mechanisms are discussed in detail.
Deformation of a free surface as a result of vortical flows

The deformation of a free surface caused by the roll up of a vortex sheet below the surface is studied. The large amplitude motion depends on both the strength and depth of the vortex sheet. A distinction is made between three different scenarios of the free‐surface motion: a breaking wave, entrainment of air, and the generation of relatively short surface waves.
Use of the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) Intervention to Improve Social Skills and Peer Relationships among Adolescent Adoptees

Abstract The present study evaluated the efficacy of the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) among 45 adolescent adoptees who were struggling with peer relationships. Results revealed improvements in adolescent social knowledge, friendship quality, satisfaction with social relationships, and self-concept, an increased number of peer get-togethers, and reductions in social anxiety and depression. Parents reported improvements in their child’s social skills and empathy as well as reduced social anxiety symptoms in their child. Teacher measures also revealed improved social skills within the school context. The PEERS intervention may be helpful for adoptees who are experiencing difficulties with social skills and developing peer relationships.