Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A randomized trial of a wearable UV dosimeter for skin cancer prevention

Background Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most prevalent cancer in the United States. Despite guidelines on ultraviolet (UV) avoidance, it remains difficult for people to assess their exposure, as UV is invisible and the onset of UV-induced symptoms is delayed. Methods In a prospective randomized trial, 97 elderly patients with a history of actinic keratoses (AK) were followed over 6 months. Fifty patients received UV counseling from a dermatologist and a wearable UV dosimeter that provided real-time and cumulative UV exposure. Forty-seven patients received only UV counseling from a dermatologist. Results Over 75% of participants recorded UV exposure at least once a week during the summer. After 6 months of intervention, when comparing the device group to the control group, we observed a non-significant 20% lower ratio of incidence rates of AKs (95% CI = [−41, 55%], p-value = 0.44) and a significant 95% lower ratio of incidence rates of NMSCs (95% CI = [33, 99.6%], p-value = 0.024). Surveys demonstrated that the control group’s score in self-perceived ability to participate in social activities significantly increased by 1.2 (p-value = 0.04), while in the device group, this score non-significantly decreased by 0.9 (p-value = 0.1). We did not observe changes, or between-group differences, in anxiety and depression surveys. Conclusion This pilot clinical trial has a short duration and a small sample size. However, device adherence and quality of life questionnaires suggest a smartphone-connected wearable UV dosimeter is well accepted by an elderly population. This trial also indicates that a wearable UV dosimeter may be an effective behavioral change tool to reduce NMSC incidence in an elderly population with a prior history of AKs. Clinical trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT03315286.
Shock-Turbulence Interactions at High Turbulence Intensities: Theory and Direct Numerical Simulations

The interaction of turbulence with shock waves, while very common in nature and engineered systems, is a very difficult problem from a theoretical, numerical and experimental perspective. A main challenge comes from the two-way coupling between the shock and turbulence which occurs over a wide range of scales in time and space. As a result, many investigations have resorted to strong simplifications such as the linearization of the governing equations or the assumption of mean conditions across the shock independent of turbulent fluctuations. When the interaction is strong, a condition that is realized when turbulence is relatively intense, much less is known about the behavior of both the shock and turbulence. The focus of this work, thus, is on shock-turbulence interactions (STI) at high turbulent intensities using high-fidelity direct numerical simulations (DNS) that fully resolve the shock. Highly accurate methods are developed to simulate a stationary normal shock as the turbulent flow passes through the domain and used to generate a massive highly resolved database at a wide range of conditions. The numerical study is guided by novel theoretical work that result in analytical expressions for thermodynamic jumps across the shock that, unlike previous results in the literature, depend on turbulence characteristics. Comparison with DNS data shows that these expressions can indeed predict quantitatively a number of statistical variables of interest. The theory also predicts the emergence of new regimes of the interaction which results in distinct amplification or attenuation of different variables depending on governing parameters. This previously unseen behavior is verified against DNS as well. Results on the
A CPT-based method for monotonic loading of large diameter monopiles in sand

: A joint academia-industry project, the Pile Soil Analysis (PISA) project, resulted in an empir­ ical method for assessing the monotonic lateral loading response of large diameter monopiles. The method predicts four soil reactions, namely the distributed load and the distributed moment along the pile shaft, the pile base shear and the pile base moment. The method considers pile load test data and 3D numerical modelling. A 1D framework allows prediction of the four soil reactions. In this paper, a CPT-based approach is proposed to derive the four soil reaction components for use in a 1D model for conceptual design of mono-piles in sand subject to monotonic lateral loading. The approach relies on results from 3D ﬁ nite element ana­ lyses that were performed considering soil conditions for a sand site used in the PISA project (Dunkirk site). The results are compared to pile load test data from the PISA project, showing good agreement, particularly for load levels related to the serviceability limit state.
Literacy skill development of children with familial risk for dyslexia through grades 2, 3, and 8

This study followed the development of reading speed, reading accuracy, and spelling in transparent Finnish orthography in children through Grades 2, 3, and 8. We compared 2 groups of children with familial risk for dyslexia—1 group with dyslexia (Dys_FR, n = 35) and 1 group without (NoDys_FR, n = 66) in Grade 2—with a group of children without familial risk for dyslexia (controls, n = 72). The Dys_FR group showed persistent deficiency, especially in reading speed, and, to a minor extent, in reading and spelling accuracy. The Dys_FR children, contrary to the other 2 groups, relied heavily on letter-by-letter decoding in Grades 2 and 3. In children not fulfilling the criteria for dyslexia in Grade 2, the familial risk did not substantially affect the subsequent development of literacy skills.
Low incidence of daily active tobacco smoking in patients with symptomatic COVID-19 infection

Importance: As the pandemic of COVID-19 is still under progression, identification of prognostic factors is a global challenge. Among epidemiological risk factors, the role of smoking, to date, is unclear. Objective: To accurately evaluate a possible correlation of daily smoking with an increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants: We estimated the rates of daily current smokers in COVID-19-infected patients in a large French university hospital between February 28th 2020 and March 30th 2020 for outpatients and from March 23rd till April 9th 2020 for inpatients. Design: The rates from both groups were compared to those of daily current smokers in the 2018 French general population, established in 2018, after standardization of the data for sex and age. Results: The inpatient group was composed of 343 patients, median age 65 yr: 206 men (60.1%, median age 66 yr) and 137 women (39.9%, median age 65 yr) with a rate of daily smokers of 4.4% (5.4% of men and 2.9% of women). The outpatient group was composed of 139 patients, median age 44 yr: 62 men (44.6 %, median age 43 yr, and 77 women (55.4 %, median age 44). The daily smokers rate was 5.3% (5.1% of men and 5.5 % of women). In the French population, the daily smokers rate is 25.4% (28.2% of men and 22.9% of women). The rate of current daily smokers was significantly lower in COVID-19 outpatients and inpatients (80.3% and 75.4%, respectively), as compared to that in the French general population with standardized incidence ratios according to sex and age of 0.197 [0.094 - 0.41] and 0.246 [0.148 - 0.408]. These ratios did not significantly differ between the two groups (P=0.63). Conclusions and relevance: Our study highlights for the first time a dramatic decreased prevalence of daily current smokers both in COVID-19 outpatients and inpatients as compared to the general population.
AN ANALYTICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF ROTATING, NON-CAPILLARY HEAT PIPES.

Abstract : An analytical review of the operation of rotating, non-capillary heat pipes is presented, including a discussion of film condensation on the inside of a rotating, truncated cone. Predicted results so far obtained indicate that the heat transfer capability of rotating, non-capillary heat pipes depends upon condenser performance and is substantially higher than the capability of conventional, wick-limited heat pipes. The design and manufacture of an experimental rotating heat pipe apparatus is also described. (Author)
The division of visual attention affects the transition point from level walking to stair descent in healthy, active elderly adults.

Background : Stair descent is a frequent daily activity that poses great risks for injury due to falling. Very little is understood about the attentional demands of stair descent and their changes with aging. The present study compared combined locomotor and cognitive functioning during different phases of stair descent between healthy young and older individuals. Methods : Sixteen young and sixteen healthy older subjects walked down a 5-step staircase, performing a simultaneous visual Stroop task during the approach, transition and steady state descent phases of stair descent (i.e., a dual task) in some trials. Three dimensional kinematics of trunk and foot motion were recorded along with the accuracy and dual task costs (DTCs) for responses to the Stroop stimuli. Results : Dual tasking influenced both gait and cognitive performance for all subjects, and older adults generally walking slower with higher foot clearances and had greater DTCs. Specific age differences were found at stair transition where older adults showed more attentional affects. Conclusions : Healthy, active older adults showed changes to attention and planning due to normal aging specifically associated with a crucial point of fall risk for stair descent.
Understanding varieties of flexibility and security in multinationals: Product markets, institutions variation and local bargaining

Most studies of flexicurity have focused on formal institutions within distinctive national labour market systems. However, the level and types of flexibility and security in a national labour market are to an important extent influenced by company-level processes, relationships and policies. This article argues that a micro-perspective should be integrated into the study of flexibility and security. Little is known however about the factors that influence decentralized rule-making and the links between the macro and micro levels. This article advances understanding of these issues by drawing on case study research in four multinational companies, each with subsidiaries in Germany, Belgium, Italy and the UK. It shows that there are major differences in terms of flexibility and security between the companies operating in the same country, and major similarities between the subsidiaries of the same multinational. It argues that product market characteristics affect the local autonomy to define HRM policies. National institutions and local circumstances then affect the local capabilities of trade unions and works councils to negotiate on and influence local flexibility-security trade-offs.
Anatomy of an Upper Triassic continental to marginal‐marine system: the mixed siliciclastic–carbonate Travenanzes Formation (Dolomites, Northern Italy)

The Travenanzes Formation is a terrestrial to shallow‐marine, siliciclastic–carbonate succession (200 m thick) that was deposited in the eastern Southern Alps during the Late Triassic. Sedimentary environments and depositional architecture have been reconstructed in the Dolomites, along a 60 km south–north transect. Facies alternations in the field suggest interfingering between alluvial‐plain, flood‐basin and shallow‐lagoon deposits, with a transition from terrestrial to marine facies belts from south to north. The terrestrial portion of the Travenanzes Formation consists of a dryland river system, characterized by multicoloured floodplain mudstones with scattered conglomeratic fluvial channels, merging downslope into small ephemeral streams and sheet‐flood sandstones, and losing their entire discharge subaerially before the shoreline. Calcic and vertic palaeosols indicate an arid/semi‐arid climate with strong seasonality and intermittent discharge. The terrestrial/marine transition shows a coastal mudflat, the flood basin, which is usually exposed, but at times is inundated by both major river floods and sea‐water storm surges. Locally coastal sabkha deposits occur. The marine portion of the Travenanzes Formation comprises carbonate tidal‐flat and shallow‐lagoon deposits, characterized by metre‐scale shallowing‐upward peritidal cycles and subordinate intercalations of dark clays from the continent. The depositional architecture of the Travenanzes Formation suggests an overall transgressive pattern organized in three carbonate–siliciclastic cycles, corresponding to transgressive–regressive sequences with internal higher‐frequency sedimentary cycles. The metre‐scale sedimentary cyclicity of the Travenanzes Formation continues without a break in sedimentation into the overlying Dolomia Principale. The onset of the Dolomia Principale epicontinental platform is marked by the exhaustion of continental sediment supply.
Ancient DNA in Archaeologically Charred Zea Mays L: Prospects and Limitations

Plant remains are an integral part of any archaeological investigation given the large role they play in ancient subsistence economies, medicinal practices, technologies and folklore. However, despite new developments in ancient genetics, research in plant ancient DNA (aDNA) is a relatively young and untouched discipline accounting for less than 7% of all aDNA analyses published in academic literature. As a result, paleoethnobotanists, archaeologists and geneticists have not understood the feasibility and limitations of each other’s field. Few are aware that DNA extraction from charred plant remains is rare and without any kind of standard or working protocol. The possibilities of retrieving aDNA from charred Zea mays L. is considered in this study using modern maize for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) optimization and combining purification methods on ancient samples (1150-1250 AD), resolving the question of whether or not archaeologically charred plants are a viable source for genetic material. The confirmed positive results generate questions about the added-value of maize and how knowledge of genetic attributes can contribute to the growing field of archaeology and ethnobiology while demonstrating the value of these findings as they pertain to the treatment of charred floral remains by archaeologists and First Nation communities.
An integrated, landscape-based approach to model the formation and hydrological functioning of wetlands in semiarid headwater catchments of the Umzimvubu River, South Africa

Wetlands are very important elements of the landscape in almost every environment. Addressing the continued loss of wetland area worldwide, wetlands are recognized as highly vulnerable with regard to natural and anthropogenic system changes. Consequently, the research of their natural and socio-economical functions, importance for the water and nutrient cycles and their role as wildlife habitats received increasing scientific and public awareness in the past decades. The landscape of the semi-arid Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, is characterized by the occurrence of different types of palustrine wetlands. Intensive afforestation in the headwaters of the Umzimvubu catchment since 1989 has changed downstream wetland characteristics, but little attention was given to evaluate and quantify these impacts. Addressing this research deficit, the main objectives of this dissertation are the development of an integrated, landscape-based research approach to improve the understanding of the formation, functioning and dynamics of wetlands and the prognostic modeling and assessment of afforestation impacts on these wetland systems. The conceptual and methodological approach of this dissertation is based on three individual aspects: i) observation and data mining; ii) integrated system analysis; and iii) system modeling and assessment integrating empirical field studies, laboratory analysis, GIS and remote sensing techniques, system analysis and process-oriented, plant growth and hydrological modeling, This integrated research approach provides information regarding a generalized understanding of dominant environmental processes at wetland and catchment scale and the impact of afforestation on wetland and basin hydrology. By means of this effort three main wetland types, being different in terms of landscape position, extent and size of the tributary catchment, soils, vegetation composition and hydrological dynamics, could be identified. The hydrodynamics of plateau and slope wetlands are mainly controlled by recharge mechanisms, while larger valley bottom wetlands are driven by interlinked ground-/surface water dynamics, discharge/recharge processes and direct rainfall input. Coupling plant growth and hydrological modeling, it was found that wetland dynamics and their landscape functions will be influenced by afforestation in terms of altered recharge/discharge mechanisms; reduced base flows addressed to increased interception losses and reduced water retention capability as a result of net loss of wetland area. In addition, such changes will affect environmental functions and biodiversity due to habitat loss and alterations. Integrating the results and information of the present study, an integrated landscape model was developed aiming to characterize wetland formation and emphasizing impacts of human activities on past and recent wetland and landscape dynamics.
Deep Learning-based Instance Segmentation for Indoor Fire Load Recognition

Accurate fire load (combustible objects) information is crucial for safety design and resilience assessment of buildings. Traditional fire load acquisition methods, such as fire load survey, which are timeconsuming, tedious, and error-prone, failed to adapt to dynamic changed indoor scenes. As a starting point of automatic fire load estimation, fast recognition and detection of indoor fire load are important. Thus, this research proposes a computer vision-based method to automatically detect indoor fire loads using deep learning-based instance segmentation. First, indoor elements are classified into different categories according to their material composition. Next, an image dataset of indoor scenes with instance annotations is developed. Finally, a deep learning model, based on Mask R-CNN, is developed and trained using transfer learning to detect fire loads in images. Experimental results show that our model achieves promising accuracy, as measured by an average precision (AP) of 40.5% and AP50 of 59.2%, for instance segmentation on the dataset. A comparison with manual detection demonstrates the method’s high efficiency as it can detect fire load 1200 times faster than humans. This research contributes to the body of knowledge 1) a novel method of high accuracy and efficiency for automated fire load recognition in indoor environments based on instance segmentation; 2) training techniques for a deep learning model in a relatively small dataset of indoor images which includes complex scenes and a variety of instances; and 3) an image dataset with annotations of indoor fire loads. Although instance segmentation has been applied for several years, this is pioneering research on using it for automated indoor fire load recognition, which paves the foundation to automatic fire load estimation and resilience assessment for the built environment.
Effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist rosiglitazone on the induction of endometriosis in an experimental rat model.

OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonist rosiglitazone on the induction of endometriosis in a rat model. METHODS Endometriosis was surgically induced in 28 rats by transplanting an autologous fragment of endometrial tissue onto the inner surface of the abdominal wall. Group I was assigned as control and no medication was administered. Starting 3 days before the operation and continuing for 4 weeks, 0.2 mg/kg/d rosiglitazone was administered to the study group orally. Four weeks later rats were killed and ectopic uterine tissues were evaluated morphologically and histologically. Scoring systems were used to evaluate preservation of epithelia. RESULTS Four rats in the study group and one rat in the control group died of complications related to surgery. There was a significant difference in post-treatment spherical volumes (64.00 mm3 [interquartile range (IQR): 354.42] vs 41.60 mm3 [IQR: 37.87], P = . 018) and explant weights (77.97 mg [IQR: 431.27] vs 47.24 mg [IQR: 43.01], P = .005) between control and rosiglitazone-treated groups. The epithelia were found to be preserved significantly better in the control group when compared with the roziglitazone-treated group (2.00 [IQR:2.00] vs 0.00 [IQR:2.25], P = .014). CONCLUSIONS Rosiglitazone was found to affect the induction of endometriosis negatively in this experimental rat model and seemed to interfere with the growth and maintenance of the uterine explant.
" -3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine Mdma, 'ecstasy' Increases Social Interaction in Rats

Ž. Ž. A series of experiments administered a low dose range 0, 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mgrkg of "-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine Ž. MDMA, 'Ecstasy' to rats and assessed them in a variety of standard tests of anxiety. These tests included the emergence and elevated plus-maze tests, social interaction, cat odor avoidance and footshock-induced ultrasonic vocalizations. MDMA increased anxiety-related behaviours in the emergence and elevated plus-maze tests at all dose levels. A 5 mgrkg dose of MDMA also significantly reduced the time spent in close proximity to an anxiogenic cat odor stimulus. The 5 mgrkg dose also significantly reduced footshock-induced ultrasonic vocalizations. In the social interaction test, MDMA decreased aggressive behaviours at all doses tested, while the highest dose Ž. 5 mgrkg also significantly increased the duration of social interaction. These results indicate that MDMA has both anxiogenic and anxiolytic effects depending upon the test situation employed. The facilitation of social interaction produced by MDMA in rats concurs with human experience of MDMA as a uniquely prosocial drug. q 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. ŽŽ.
Credit Supply : Are there negative spillovers from banks ’ proprietary trading ? This version : January 31 , 2019

Do banks that heavily engage in proprietary trading reduce credit supply relative to their non-trading peers? We answer this question by looking at credit provided by the 135 leading banks in the global corporate loan market between 2003 and 2016. We find that banks with greater trading expertise supply less credit during economically stable times than their non-trading peers and even less during crisis times. This double effect can be attributed to US banks. International banks only reduce their credit supply during crises. We show that these spillovers from trading to credit supply have adverse consequences for the real economy as firms’ ability to invest in capital and expand their workforce is reduced. During a crisis, firms that rely on banks with high trading expertise are most severely affected. Overall, our results suggest that the mandates by global regulators to separate trading from commercial banking are well advised.