Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distributed Estimation with Multiple Samples per User: Sharp Rates and Phase Transition

We obtain tight minimax rates for the problem of distributed estimation of discrete distributions under communication constraints, where n users observing m samples each can broadcast only ¸ bits. Our main result is a tight characterization (up to logarithmic factors) of the error rate as a function of m , ¸ , the domain size
A drug utilization study of antihyperglycemic agents in diabetes mellitus cases of a South Indian tertiary care hospital

Background: Polytherapy and comorbidities are a significant component of drug prescriptions in type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Irrational prescriptions and increased cost and number of drug therapies in T2DM put a considerable burden on patients as well as health authorities. Drug utilization studies are a very important tool in the evaluation of such prescriptions for logistical planning and medical audit of a health care setup. Aims and Objectives: To determine the drug utilization patterns of Antihyperglycaemic agents in diabetic patients attending medicine outpatient department and to assess average cost per prescription and to assess the economic implication. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational drug audit was carried out between January 2017 to June 2018 to determine drug utilization patterns of antihyperglycemic and other agents in T2DM patients attending medicine outpatient department of Konaseema Institute of Medical Science General Hospital, Amalapuram. The data were assessed using the World Health Organization indicators for drug utilization and analyzed using mean percentage and Chi-square tests. Value of P < 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: Metformin had highest Defined Daily Dose of 0.77 and was the most common drug prescribed both as monotherapy (14%) and in combination therapy with glimepiride (42.5%). Amlodipine (15.5%) was the most common non-diabetic drug prescribed in our patients. Average number of drugs per prescription was 3.05, while average number of antihyperglycemic agents per prescription was 1.81. Average cost per prescription was under rupees 50 in 30% of patients and all drugs were prescribed by their brand names. Conclusion: Metformin should be available in sufficient quantities in health care system for T2DM patients and drugs should be prescribed by generic names to reduce cost of drug treatment.
Effects of heat on seven endodontic sealers.

PURPOSE To examine the microscopic surface features, chemical composition, and thermodynamic profile of seven endodontic sealers (AH Plus, Adseal, MTA-Fillapex, RoekoSeal, GuttaFlow 2, GuttaFlow BioSeal, and EndoRez) exposed to high-temperature changes using an endodontic obturation device. METHODS The thermal properties were examined using scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Then, six disc-shaped specimens of each sealer were prepared and divided into two groups - a room temperature group and a heat exposure group - for analysis of surface and chemical changes using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). RESULTS DSC analysis showed that AH Plus had the highest exothermal signal (122.9°C), while TGA analysis showed that MTA-Fillapex was most affected by increased temperature (32.4% mass loss at 230ºC). SEM analysis showed that while AH Plus and GuttaFlow BioSeal maintained their surface integrity after heat exposure, the EDS profiles demonstrated changes in the chemical composition of the sealers after heat exposure for 5 s. High-temperature exposure had a negative impact on the properties of five of the sealers (Adseal, MTA-Fillapex, RoekoSeal, GuttaFlow 2, and EndoRez). CONCLUSION AH Plus and GuttaFlow BioSeal showed minimal changes upon high-temperature exposure, suggesting their suitability for thermal endodontic obturation techniques.
The Impact on Ecosystem Services and the Satisfaction Therewith of Community Forest Management in Northern Thailand

Forest ecosystems provide myriad services that are beneficial to local livelihoods. Successful community forest management (CFM) enhances the provision, overall benefit, and effectiveness of the regulation of ecosystem services and contributes to forest conservation efforts. The study area was a deciduous forest in the Ban Mae Chiang Rai Lum Community Forest, which is located in Pa Mae Phrik National Forest Reserve in Thailand’s northern province of Lampang. A systematic sampling of the forest area was conducted, and survey plots were established. A field survey documented 197 plant species from 62 families. A questionnaire that focused on CFM engagement behavior and ecosystem service satisfaction levels was used to interview household representatives. The study found that levels of engagement and the effectiveness of forest management were directly related; increased CFM effectiveness leads to improved ecosystem services. Participation in CFM can improve ecosystem services and enhance livelihoods. Specifically, participation in decision making, forest fire management, check dam construction, benefit sharing, and in forming effective forest regulations positively impacted ecosystem services. In contrast, employing forest patrols adversely affected those services. This knowledge is useful for identifying policies and practices that can maximize ecosystem services to enhance livelihoods and safeguard the forest’s vitality.
Topology Identification of Radial Distribution Networks Using Smart Meter Data

This article proposes a novel approach for identifying the topology of radial distribution networks. It uses smart meter measurements from loads (e.g., houses) of the network to estimate the voltage sensitivity coefficients with respect to changes in the loads currents. These coefficients are then used to reconstruct the network topology. An enhanced graph learning algorithm with backtracking is proposed to generate a cluster of graphs, from which the best fitting candidate is selected using a set of optimization criteria. The performance of the proposed method is first assessed using the European Low-Voltage IEEE test case, followed by an extensive performance evaluation in noisy conditions on randomly generated topologies. Finally, measurements from a real low-voltage network in Australia are used to validate the method.
Development of a coherent OTDR instrument

Optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) is a commonly used technique for characterization and fault location of optical fiber transmission systems. It involves measuring the fraction of a probe pulse that is scattered back (by Rayleigh scattering) from a silica fiber. Because of the very small levels of backscatter in single-mode fiber at long wavelengths, very sensitive optical detection is necessary to achieve adequate range performance. This paper gives the principles of operation and performance of a coherent OTDR system designed for use at 1.3 μm and its realization as a robust field-portable instrument with a specified performance of better than 24-dB one-way range, and 0.2-dB fault loss resolution. Coherent detection gives ultimate receiver sensitivity and also reduces the dynamic range requirements of the electronic signal processing. To realize these advantages, a novel technique is used to provide the necessary highly coherent source from a semiconductor laser. Sophisticated Signal processing techniques are employed both pre- and post-detection to integrate the signal out of the noise and also to reduce coherent fading effects. The various components of the system and their development into a robust instrument are described, and the performance of the system over long lengths of fiber both in the laboratory and more importantly on installed transmission links is presented in detail, showing achieved performance considerably better than this specified minimum.
Decision Models to Support Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction from Transportation Construction Projects

In this paper, an optimization-based methodology is proposed to permit a construction firm to assess its equipment needs while accounting for the GHG emissions resulting from equipment use and policy makers to set carbon price, caps, and penalties for noncompliance. Specifically, the problem of optimally selecting equipment for project tasks to simultaneously minimize emissions and project costs given project duration, workload, compatibility, working conditions, equipment availability, and regulatory constraints is formulated as a multiperiod, biobjective, mixed integer program (MIP). Two techniques are considered for its solution: a weighting technique, which seeks to create the Pareto-frontier, and a constraint approach whereby costs are minimized while maintaining an emissions cap. Off-the-shelf MIP solvers, such as CPLEX, can be used to provide solutions once the model input data and parameters are specified for a particular application. These techniques are applied on a case study involving construction of a roadway in Maryland. The developed approach is generic and can be applied over varying geographic locations, site elevations, soil properties, and other factors that affect equipment operation and productivity.
An analysis of the general benefits of a centralised VMI system based on the EOQ model

Within a vendor-managed inventory (VMI) agreement, the upstream supply chain member (the vendor) takes responsibility for managing the inventory of the downstream member (the customer) within specific levels previously agreed upon without the need of orders from the customer side to be placed. Therefore, the vendor can focus on optimising production efficiency and capacity planning, while the customer has to improve forecast accuracy. This paper analyses the benefits a VMI agreement could bring for a one-supplier, multiple-customer case through analysing two cases: a supply chain managed in a traditional manner and VMI when both the vendor and the customers belong to the same organisation. The analysis is based on the economic ordering quantity (EOQ) formula and its related total cost, and the novelty is captured by evaluating one vendor, multiple buyers, and multiple product situations. The modelling is done so as to capture the needs and factors which occur within the pharmaceutical industry and a numerical application will be executed with data from one of the main leaders within the pharmaceutical field.
Characterizing the Economic and Environmental Benefits of LNG Heavy-Duty Trucks: A Case Study in Shenzhen, China

Heavy-duty trucks (HDTs) in road freight are a primary contributor of PM2.5 and NOX emissions in many cities. Shenzhen, a megacity of China, has already made great efforts to promote the green transport transition, including via the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) HDTs program, which may be the largest alternative fuel vehicle promotion program in the world. In order to fully understand the actual efficiency of such program, the economic and environmental impacts of LNG HDTs were analyzed in this study. The results revealed that, while the capital cost of LNG HDTs is higher than that of diesel HDTs, the aggregated cost during the entire operation period of LNG HDTs is 10% to 17% lower than that of diesel HDTs. By replacing existing diesel HDTs mode (including China-I to China-V) with LNG HDTs (100%), environmental impact analysis showed that PM2.5 and NOX emissions could be reduced by 96.7% and 73.2% in the city level, respectively. Moreover, the environmental benefits of using purely LNG HDTs versus just China-V diesel HDTs were also compared, which indicated that LNG substitution is superior to China-V, with a reduction of 20.9% for PM2.5 and 35.4% for NOX, respectively. Overall, the effectiveness of the promotion of LNG HDTs is notable in Shenzhen, and these findings could provide references for other cities to promote LNG HDTs and beyond.
Near-AdS2 Spectroscopy: Classifying the Spectrum of Operators and Interactions in N=2 4D Supergravity

We describe holographic properties of near-AdS2 spacetimes that arise within spherically symmetric configurations of N=2 4D U(1)4 supergravity for both gauged and ungauged theories. These theories pose a rich space of AdS2×S2 backgrounds, and their responses in the near-AdS2 region are not universal. In particular, we show that the spectrum of operators is dual to the matter fields, and their cubic interactions are sensitive to properties of the background and the theory it is embedded in. The properties that have the most striking effect are whether the background is supersymmetric or not and if the theory is gauged or ungauged. Interesting effects are due to the appearance of operators with Δ<2, which depending on the background, can lead to, for instance, instabilities or extremal correlators. The resulting differences will have an imprint on the quantum nature of the microstates of near-extremal black holes, reflecting that not all extremal black holes respond equally when kicked away from extremality.
TQM and ISO 9000 Effects on Knowledge Transferability and Knowledge Transfers

The adequate management of knowledge transfers is considered a key factor for improving the organization’s performance and long-term survival. The relationship between the principles and practices considered appropriate in literature on quality management, as well as on knowledge management, do, to a great extent, coincide. This paper studies the importance that implementing both TQM and the ISO 9000 certification has on knowledge transfers. We, firstly, analyse the relevance of both on knowledge transferability. Secondly, we study the link between their implementation and knowledge transfers both among the firm’s groups and from customers and suppliers. The hypotheses proposed have been tested using a sample of 215 Spanish firms. The results confirm TQM’s importance regarding knowledge transfers. On the other hand, the relevance of implementing the ISO 9000 standards has not been confirmed, though it does have a positive impact on the organization’s knowledge transferability.
Ground Waste Tire Rubber as a Total Replacement of Natural Aggregates in Concrete Mixes: Application for Lightweight Paving Blocks

The use of waste materials as alternative aggregates in cementitious mixtures is one of the most investigated practices to enhance eco-sustainability in the civil and construction sectors. For specific applications, these secondary raw materials can ensure adequate technological performance, minimizing the exploitation of natural resources and encouraging the circular disposal of industrial or municipal waste. Aiming to design and develop lightweight paving blocks for pedestrian or very light-traffic purposes (parking area, garage, sidewalk, or sports surfaces), this paper presents the material characterization of rubberized cement mortars using ground waste tire rubber (0–1 mm rubber powder and 1–3 mm rubber granules) to totally replace the mineral aggregates. Considering recommended requirements for concrete paving members in terms of mechanical strength, water drainage performance, acoustic attenuation, and dynamic and energy absorption behavior, a comprehensive laboratory testing is proposed for five different formulations varying the sand-rubber replacement level and the proportion ratio between the two rubber fractions. Tests highlighted positive and promising results to convert laboratory samples into pre-cast members. The “hot” finding of the work was to prove the feasibility of obtaining totally rubberized mortars (0 v/v% of sand) with suitable engineering performance and enhanced eco-friendly features.
(Invited) Spatially Resolved Study of the EQE Droop in InGaN QW LEDs: Interplay of Point Defects, Extended Defects, and Carrier Localization

a Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, E ergy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC), University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA b Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, People’s Republic of China c Department of Electronic Science and Fujian Engineering Research Center for Solid State Lighting, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, People’s Republic of China d R&D Center for Semiconductor Lighting, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083, People’s Republic of China
The Roles of Working Memory Capacity, Visual Attention and Age in Driving Performance

Older adult drivers' disproportionate involvement in traffic fatalities coupled with growing population projections for this age group present a need for public policy that regulates the safety of our roadways. Before such a policy can be developed, a highly predictive model of the cognitive factors responsible for successful driving performance is necessary. The present study investigated the relationship between age and cognitive control on simulated driving performance to develop a predictive model for individual driving ability. Visual attention and working memory capacity of young adult college students and community dwelling older adults were tested using Useful Field of View® and Operation Span which are thought to measure aspects of attention. These scores were correlated with participants' simulated driving performance. Preliminary results indicated that attentional measures are important predictors of driving performance. Results are discussed in terms of implications for public policy related to driving and aging.
Reduction of off-current in self-aligned double-gate TFT with mask-free symmetric LDD

In this work, the lateral electric field distribution in the channel of a double-gate TFT is studied and compared with that of a conventional single-gate TFT. The double-gate TFT is predicted to suffer from a more severe anomalous off-current than the single-gate TFT. A smart double-gate TFT technology is proposed to decrease the off-current. The unique feature of the technology is the lithography independent formation of the self-aligned double-gate and the symmetric lightly doped drain (LDD) structures. With the LDD applied, the anomalous off-current of the fabricated double-gate TFT is reduced by three orders of magnitude from the range of 10/sup -9/ A//spl mu/m to 10/sup -12/ A//spl mu/m. The on/off current ratio is increased by three orders of magnitude accordingly from around 10/sup 4/ to 10/sup 7/.
Long-term body composition improvement in post-menopausal women following bariatric surgery: a cross-sectional and case–control study

Objective Bariatric surgery (BS) induces loss of body fat mass (FM) with an inexorable loss of lean mass (LM). Menopause leads to deleterious changes in body composition (BC) related to estrogen deficiency including LM loss and increase in total and visceral adipose tissue (VAT). This study aims to describe the long-term weight evolution of post-menopausal women after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and to compare the BC between BS patients vs post-menopausal non-operated women. Design Cross-sectional study of 60 post-menopausal women who underwent RYGB ≥2 years prior to the study with nested case–control design. Methods Post-menopausal BS women were matched for age and BMI with controls. Both groups underwent DXA scan, lipids and glucose metabolism markers assessment. Results Median follow-up was 7.5 (2–18) years. Percentage of total weight loss (TWL%) was 28.5 ± 10%. After RYGB, LM percentage of body weight (LM%) was positively associated with TWL% and negatively associated with nadir weight. Forty-one post-BS women were age- and BMI-matched with controls. Post-BS patients showed higher LM% (57.7% (±8%) vs 52.5% (±5%), P = 0.001), reduced FM% (39.4% (±8.4%) vs 45.9% (±5.4%), P < 0.01) and lower VAT (750.6 g (±496) vs 1295.3 g (±688), P < 0.01) with no difference in absolute LM compared to controls. While post-BS women showed a better lipid profile compared to controls, no difference was found in glucose markers. Conclusions Post-menopausal women after RYGB have a lower FM and VAT, preserved LM and a better lipid profile compared to controls. Weight loss after RYGB seems to have a persistent positive impact on metabolic health.
Trophic Niche Overlap between Invasive and Indigenous Fish in a Northwest Reservoir of China

The Kizil reservoir in the Tarim River basin is an important habitat for the native Schizothoracinae fish (including Aspiorhynchus laticeps, Schizothorax biddulphi, Schizothorax eurystomus, Schizothorax intermedius and Schizothorax barbatus). Unfortunately, these species are threatened by many exotic fish, such as Ctenopharyngodon idellus, Silurus asotus. As an isolated habitat, the Kizil reservoir is an ideal area for studying biological invasions. However, the impact of invasive species on indigenous species in this reservoir remains unknown. In this study, the niche width and niche overlap between invasive and indigenous species in Kizil reservoir were studied based on stable isotope analysis. The results showed that niche width of two invasive species, S. asotus and C. idellus, was larger than that of native fish species, which confirmed the hypotheses that successful invaders have larger niche width. The niche overlap analysis showed that the two invasive species had high niche overlap with native fish species, which meant that there might be intensive interspecific competitions between them. The invasion of non-native species could be the main reason for the decrease of native species in the Kizil reservoir.
A generalized structural subband decomposition of FIR filters and its application in efficient FIR filter design and implementation

It is shown that any FIR (finite-impulse-response) transfer function can be realized as a parallel connection of interpolated FIR (IFIR) sections consisting of a cascade of a subfilter with a sparse impulse response and an FIR interpolator which fills in the missing samples of the corresponding subfilter. The set of interpolators can be realized as a subband filter bank, and as a result, each IFIR section contributes to the overall frequency response essentially within a given band of frequencies. The proposed decomposition can be considered as a generalization of the polyphase decomposition. It results in a computationally efficient structure in sampling rate alteration applications and also leads to faster FIR filter design algorithms. Examples are included to demonstrate the improvements in the speed of least-squares and minimax design algorithms based on the suggested structure. >
A cryo-ET survey of microtubules and intracellular compartments in mammalian axons

Foster et al. use cryo-electron tomography to survey the mammalian axoplasm. Highlights include determination of microtubule polarity by classification, subtomogram averaging of microtubule inner proteins (MIPs), a description of tethers linking the ER to microtubules, and the observation of numerous virus-like capsids in the axoplasm.
Economic evaluation of dynamic thermal rating by adaptive forecasting

Dynamic thermal rating by adaptive forecasting (DTR-AF) is introduced for more effective utilization of overhead transmission line capability. DTR-AF is proposed for economic energy transfers, wheeling of power, accommodation of cogeneration, and outage conditions. A formulation of the optimal conduction operating temperature is provided, followed by a discussion of the various parameters that influence the selection of the economic conductor temperature. DTR-AF is proposed as an inexpensive alternative to reconductoring or new line construction. A specific case study showing the economy of using DTR-AF is presented. >