Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the nature and implications of starburst-driven galactic superwinds

Optical spectroscopic data are presented on the ionized nebulae associated with 14 galaxies that are strong far-IR emitters. It is found that the data provide both qualitative and quantitative support for the superwind model in which the kinetic energy provided by SNe and winds from massive stars in a central starburst drives a large-scale outflow that can shock heat and accelerate ambient interstellar and circumgalactic gas. Clear kinematic signatures of an outflow along the galaxy's minor axis are found for the three nearest far-IR galaxies (FIRGs). The FIRG nebulae are highly overpressured relative to the Galactic ISM, with the pressure dropping systematically with distance from the nucleus. Superwinds are energetically adequate to power both the observed optical and X-ray nebulae, and the relative emission-line intensities and their radial variations are consistent with ionization by wind-driven shocks, but not with photoionization by normal O stars or an AGN. The possible astrophysical implications of superwinds are discussed. 158 refs.
Factors Affecting Of Disputes Resolution in Workplace: UNRWA at Gaza as a Case Study

: UNRWA’s Mediation Process is a key element in the organization’s efforts to strengthen its internal justice system. The research aims to study the reality of mediator competencies, emotional intelligence and case characteristics variables, (UNRWA) Gaza. The research also aims at identifying the differences between respondents as attributed to their professional and personal traits of age, gender, educational level, distribution of department, dispute resolution experience and representation party. The researchers adopted mixed data collection methods; quantitative and qualitative. For qualitative, a semi-structured interview was conducted with (9) officials including management, staff unions and expert external mediators. (63) Questionnaires were distributed to a systematic random sample population; (56) were received, with a response rate 88.9%. The results proved that there are no significant differences among respondents attributed to personal and professional traits of age, academic background, gender, department, years’ of experience, educational degree and representation party. The research has presented some recommendations concerning the factors affecting the mediation outcomes of workplace disputes resolution. The recommendations include: UNRWA
Association between Dietary Hardness and Cognitive Dysfunction among Japanese Men in Their 60s: A Cross-Sectional Study

We aimed to examine the cross-sectional association between dietary hardness and cognitive dysfunction among Japanese men in their 60s. Participants were 1494 men aged 60–69 years from the baseline survey of Hitachi Health Study II (2017–2020). Dietary hardness was defined as an estimate of masticatory muscle activity involved in consuming solid foods. Habitual intake of these foods was assessed using a brief-type, self-administered diet history questionnaire. Cognitive dysfunction was defined as a score ≤ 13 points on the test battery for screening for Alzheimer’s disease (MSP-1100). The mean (SD) age of participants was 63.5 (3.5) years. The prevalence of cognitive dysfunction was 7.5%. The ORs (95% CIs) for cognitive dysfunction in the second and third tertiles were: 0.77 (0.47, 1.26) and 0.87 (0.54, 1.41), respectively, after adjustment for socio-demographic factors (p for trend = 0.73). After further adjustment for protective nutrient intake against cognitive dysfunction, the corresponding figures were 0.72 (0.43, 1.21) and 0.79 (0.43, 1.46), respectively (p for trend = 0.57). Dietary hardness was not associated with the prevalence of cognitive dysfunction among Japanese men in their 60s. Future prospective studies are necessary to investigate the association between dietary hardness estimated by a validated questionnaire and cognitive dysfunctions.
Learning Styles Applied: Harnessing Students’ Instructional Style Preferences

Current literature on the topic of styles as they pertain to learning and instruction testifies to the wide range of interpretations of the construct. Various models address personality traits, information-processing preferences, decision-making approaches, and a broad array of additional understandings and conceptions. The terminology relating to these theories is also diverse, including the labels learning styles, cognitive styles, thinking styles, and more. As there are no agreed-on definitions of these terms, we will refer to theories by the terminology preferred by the authors we discuss in this chapter. We will use the term “styles” when speaking generally about theories in this body of literature. In this chapter, we will explore various classification systems for organizing the styles literature, as well as some of the more influential theories in the field. Then we will look at research addressing attempts to match learning experiences to various student styles. Finally, we will present a theory that is concerned with what might be called applicative styles—that is, the issue of how styles are manifested in the classroom. Specifically, this model addresses students’ preferences for various instructional techniques. These techniques range from direct instruction to independent study and include methods such as simulations and peer teaching. By encouraging researchers and educators to consider the issue of students’ instructional style preferences, we hope to increase engagement, efficiency, and enjoyment in learning.
Mate preference in sympatric and allopatric darters (genus Etheostoma ): comparative evidence for a sex effect in reinforcement

Reinforcement is the strengthening of preference for conspecific mates as a byproduct of selection against hybrids. A hypothesis of reinforcement predicts that populations evolving in sympatry will have greater preferences for conspecific over heterospecific mates as compared to allopatric populations. In animals, this pattern was demonstrated across the genus Drosophila , however, most empirical evidence for reinforcement comes from studies of two or only a few species. To infer general patterns requires broader comparative analyses. We therefore compared mate preferences in sympatric and allopatric species of darters (genus Etheostoma). We performed a meta-analysis of 15 studies, encompassing 20 species. As expected, we found stronger preferences for conspecifics over heterospecifics across studies, species, and sexes. We further found the classic signature of reinforcement, with sympatric species showing on average stronger preferences for conspecifics than allopatric species. This was especially true for females, consistent with the idea that mate choice might be more costly for females than males.
UvA-DARE (Digital Academic Repository) Polarity particles revisited

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Genomic Epidemiology of Horizontal Plasmid Transfer Among Healthcare-Associated Bacterial Pathogens in a Tertiary Care Hospital by

Healthcare-associated bacterial pathogens frequently carry plasmids that contribute to antibiotic resistance and virulence. The horizontal transfer of plasmids between pathogens within hospitals has been previously documented, but the epidemiology and clinical burden of nosocomial plasmid transfer remains poorly understood. Our primary objective was to systematically resolve plasmids from whole-genome sequences of nosocomial bacterial isolates, using thresholds of sequence similarity that were indicative of horizontal transfer. Our secondary objective was to identify potential routes and assess the clinical burden of horizontal plasmid transfer. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on 3,074 nosocomial bacterial isolates from 2,322 hospitalizations of 1,960 patients, using the Illumina platform. Seventy-eight strains were also sequenced by long-read Oxford Nanopore technology, and hybrid genome assemblies were generated using Unicycler. Plasmids were resolved from Illumina-sequenced genomes by alignment using BLASTn. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified using Snippy. De-identified patient data associated with bacterial isolates – including length of hospital stay and Charlson comorbidity index – were collected using Theradoc. Ninety-five percent of analyzed strains maintained at least 95% of the sequence content of reference plasmids, with SNPs occurring at rates of fewer than 1 per 5000bp of reference
Application of Mobile Mapping System to a Cable-Stayed Bridge in Thailand

Infrastructures must be inspected regularly to ensure serviceability and public safety. In the case of the Thailand expressway, 200 km of an elevated structure must be inspected once a year. Thailand expressway is an elevated reinforced concrete structure. Visual inspection for defects and structural movements such as excessive deflections, transverse movements, or settlements is a cumbersome process. Therefore, a mobile mapping 3D laser scanning (MLS) which is a high-resolution 3D laser scanner (Trimble MX-8) equipped on a vehicle, was introduced. Scanning was performed on live traffic on the expressway. From MLS, both the structure geometry and pavement point cloud data were obtained. A good agreement between elevations of the Rama XI bridge in Bangkok measured by point cloud data using MLS and by a real-time kinematic survey was obtained. The effect of mesh size on the output by MLS was investigated. It was found that a mesh size of 10 cm reduced the computational effort by 75% when compared to a mesh size of 5 cm. However, the International Roughness Index was reduced by 5%. International Roughness Index (IRI) estimated by MLS was close to the IRI values measured by the profilometer. However, a significant overestimation in the case of rutting depth was observed.
Features of Growth and Development in Heifers of Holstein and Black-and-White Breeds

: The study of the characteristics of the growth and development of farm animals is of interest in breeding, as it will help to improve animal breeds, as well as serve for the organization of fast and economically rational raising of productive livestock. The research aims to study the characteristics of growth and development and indicators of reproduction of the Holstein and Black-and-White breeds. For research, three groups of 10-day-old heifers were formed. Body weight was considered by individual weighing at birth, at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months. The reproductive indices of heifers were studied according to the data of the log of inseminations and calving of cows: The age at the first insemination, the age at fertilization and the number of inseminations per 1 fruitful insemination were considered. The conducted studies led to a conclusion that the Holstein heifers had an advantage in live weight over the Black-and-White heifers at the age of 6 months by 19.5 kg and 15.5 kg (P≤0.001), at 12 months of age by 18.4 kg (P≤0.01) and 19.2 kg, at 18 months by 28.0 kg and 25.3 kg (P≤0.01), respectively and exceeded them in growth intensity during the entire study period. The Holstein animals matured faster and were inseminated 43.2-45.8 days earlier than the Black-and-White animals that were inseminated at 511 days. Profits from raising the Holstein heifers were higher by $48.79-54.79.
Difference between Afghan Male and Female Gossip

: Gossip, commonly known as idle talk or rumor about others personal or private affairs is the usual part of our daily communications. Gossip which is also known as dishing or tattling plays a significant role in the discourse of speech communities. This study which aims to investigate the difference between Afghan male and female gossip specifically about others appearance, achievements and social information is conducted at the University Technology MARA (UiTM), Malaysia. Totally 10 students; 5 male and 5 female postgraduate students participated in the study. Data was collected through a questionnaire and was analyzed and presented manually in tables using frequencies and percentages. The findings of the study revealed that female usually talk about others clothes and personal appearance compared to males. In part of the achievement, it is a male who talks most of the time about others’ achievements compared to female. Similarly, in the part of social information; male talked more about others’ failure, problems at work, colleagues and others’ love af fairs compared to female. Whereas, female talked more about friends, family members, and compatibility of couples and others who is dating compared to male.
Clinical profile of patients with inter vertebral disc disorders

Introduction: Intervertebral disc disorders (IDDs) are being commonly observed nowadays among the young and middle aged population. Objectives: This hospital record based study was done to study the risk factors, clinical presentation, imaging findings and management practices among patients with all types of IDDs. Methods: A validated proforma was used to obtain information of patients confirmed with IDDs over the past three years. Results: Mean age at onset of disc disorders among the 219 patients was 44.7±14.2 years. History of poor exercising habits were present among 72(32.9%) patients. The most common site of disc involvement was L4-L5 [
In-plane critical current density measurements of straight and curved tracks in RABiTS-MOD coated conductors

Depending on the temperature and the magnitude and orientation of an external magnetic field, the critical current density, Jc, of a coated conductor can be limited either by the properties of the grain boundaries or by those of the grains. In order to ascertain what governs Jc under different conditions, we have measured straight and curved tracks, patterned into RABiTS-MOD samples, while a magnetic field was swept in the plane of the films. Significantly different results were obtained at different field and temperature ranges, which we were able to attribute to Jc being limited by either grain boundaries or grains.
Perception of vowel-inherent spectral change

One family of theories regarding vowel perception suggests that onset and offset formant-frequencies are important for identification but that the shape of the transitions themselves is not perceptually important [e.g., Morrison and Nearey, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 122, EL15–EL22 (2007)]. The present study determined just-noticeable-differences in deviations for linear formant trajectories. Diphthong-like stimuli were manipulated by inserting a point of inflection into the otherwise linear transition. Several parameters were manipulated including vowel duration, location of the inflection point in time, direction of formant change, and fundamental frequency. Data from the first experiment indicate that listeners are largely insensitive to deviations from linearity of formant trajectory but that deviations that fell outside the range of frequencies spanned by the onset and offset were detectable. However, a second experiment in which only the first half of stimuli were presented gave different results. Results .
Topical Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids for the Treatment of Dry Eye – Results from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Masked-Observer Study

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of topical omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) as an innovative treatment of dry eye disease (DED). Patients and Methods: In a pilot, multicenter, masked-observer, randomized, active-controlled, non-inferiority study in Germany, patients self-treated their eyes with daily instillations of eye drops containing either omega-3 PUFA or povidone as major components for three months. At four and twelve weeks, efficacy was among others evaluated based on Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), ocular surface symptoms intensity, general clinical impression, tear break-up time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining using the Oxford grading scale, tear volume, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) concentration in the tear film. Safety evaluation included visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and the incidence of adverse events. Co-primary endpoints were the mean percent changes from baseline of TBUT and OSDI after four weeks. Results: In total 80 patients were included, of whom 37 in the PUFA group and 39 in the povidone group were evaluable for the co-primary endpoints. Patients had a mean age of 52 years and >80% were women. Both co-primary endpoints (TBUT and OSDI) significantly improved from baseline in both treatment groups, at Week 4 and Week 12 and the statistical analysis demonstrated topical omega-3 PUFA to be non-inferior to 2% povidone for these two parameters. Both treatments resulted in a significant improvement of most secondary efficacy endpoints as well, often with a slight difference in favor of PUFA, not reaching statistical significance though. One non-severe, treatment-related local AE was reported in each group. Conclusion: Omega-3 PUFA-based eye drops proved to be non-inferior to povidone-containing eye drops in the treatment of signs and symptoms of dry eye. This treatment may thus be an additional tool for the management of DED.
Potential Anti-obesity Effects of Costus ( Saussurea costus ) and Bitter Melon ( Citrullus colocynthis ( in Rats Fed on High Fat Diet

Costus and Bitter melon are medicinal plants that produce a variety of chemical compounds that are useful in the treatment of various diseases, including obesity. This study aims to determine the efficacy of Costus and Bitter melon in reducing obesity in obese rats. Forty-eight male albino rats weighing 150g±10g were divided into eight groups, each with six rats. To induce obesity in rats, a high-fat diet (20 % sheep fat) was fed to them. The research also measured glucose levels, liver functions {Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) & Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)}, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL-c), atherogenic index (AI) and kidney functions (urea, uric acid, and creatinine). The findings revealed that the treated groups exhibited lower glucose levels, liver functions, and kidney functions, especially when fed 5% Costus and Bitter melon, with significant differences (P<0.05), lowest TC and TG levels, as well as the lowest LDL-c, VLDL-c, and AI values, and vice versa in HDL-c levels. In conclusion, obese rats fed a 5% mixture of Costus, and Bitter melon powder showed improved lipid profiles, glucose levels, liver function, and renal function. Therefore, the study suggests using Costus and Bitter melon in the recommended proportions to reduce the levels of obesity in the body.
KPPR: Exploiting Momentum Contrast for Point Cloud-Based Place Recognition

Place recognition plays an important role in robot localization and SLAM. Being able to retrieve the current position in a given map allows, for instance, localizing without relying on GPS reception. In this letter, we address the problem of point cloud-based place recognition, we especially focus on reducing the often significant training time needed by learning-based approaches. We propose a novel neural network architecture that first extracts local features using a pre-trained encoder network plus a stem architecture. The local features are aggregated to a global descriptor, which allows us to compute the similarity between locations. In line with with several existing approaches, we target the generation of descriptors, which are similar for spatially near locations and dissimilar to other places. By exploiting the recent success of feature banks, we are able to bypass the computation of the negative examples, which enables faster training, bigger batch sizes, or the use of more sophisticated networks. As a key result, able to speed up the training process by a factor of 17 against the most common training procedure while increasing also the performance.
GLOBEM

There is a growing body of research revealing that longitudinal passive sensing data from smartphones and wearable devices can capture daily behavior signals for human behavior modeling, such as depression detection. Most prior studies build and evaluate machine learning models using data collected from a single population. However, to ensure that a behavior model can work for a larger group of users, its generalizability needs to be verified on multiple datasets from different populations. We present the first work evaluating cross-dataset generalizability of longitudinal behavior models, using depression detection as an application. We collect multiple longitudinal passive mobile sensing datasets with over 500 users from two institutes over a two-year span, leading to four institute-year datasets. Using the datasets, we closely re-implement and evaluated nine prior depression detection algorithms. Our experiment reveals the lack of model generalizability of these methods. We also implement eight recently popular domain generalization algorithms from the machine learning community. Our results indicate that these methods also do not generalize well on our datasets, with barely any advantage over the naive baseline of guessing the majority. We then present two new algorithms with better generalizability. Our new algorithm, Reorder, significantly and consistently outperforms existing methods on most cross-dataset generalization setups. However, the overall advantage is incremental and still has great room for improvement. Our analysis reveals that the individual differences (both within and between populations) may play the most important role in the cross-dataset generalization challenge. Finally, we provide an open-source benchmark platform GLOBEM- short for Generalization of Longitudinal BEhavior Modeling - to consolidate all 19 algorithms. GLOBEM can support researchers in using, developing, and evaluating different longitudinal behavior modeling methods. We call for researchers' attention to model generalizability evaluation for future longitudinal human behavior modeling studies.
Convergence rates in the Prokhorov metric for assessing uncertainty in ill-posed problems

In the convergence theory of regularization methods for ill-posed problems, so far deterministic error concepts have dominated, which leads to worst-case error estimates. Since this is sometimes not desirable, we aim at providing a framework for proving convergence rates in the Prokhorov metric for the regularization of ill-posed problems with stochastic noise. This allows us to assess uncertainty in the sense of a confidence region for the probability that the deviation between the exact and regularized solutions stays below a given bound with given probability. We exemplify this method for the special case of Tikhonov regularization for linear ill-posed problems and apply the result to the problem of deblurring an image contaminated by random blurring.