Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Longitudinal Evaluation of Food Safety Discussion-Based Exercises : Tool Development and Initial Validation

This study was undertaken for three major purposes: first, to provide initial validation data on an assessment tool designed to provide evidence supporting the following two purposes; second, to analyze the lessons learned process from exercise conduct through subsequent organizational action; and third, to investigate the long-term impact of discussion-based exercises associated with improving food safety preparedness. The major hypothesis forming the basis of the investigation was a logic model containing five sets of variables selected from relevant literature on emergency/ disaster preparedness, training evaluation, and instructional design. One variable set, Organizational Actions, served as the criterion of interest. The other four variables served as predictor variables; these were: a) Exercises Outcomes; b) Exercise Design Features; c) Organizational and Personal Characteristics, and d) Demographic Characteristics. The target exercises selected for investigation and evaluation were a class of discussion-based activities conducted for various audiences of food safety personnel from government, industry, public health, and academia. The four exercise sessions from which participants were selected had occurred between two years and six months previously. There were two stages of data collection—personal interviews to assure data relevance and an online survey. Fourteen participants were interviewed and 47 complete responses were obtained from the survey. Data analysis provided considerable support for assessment tool validity. First, it would appear that discussion-based exercises can have some positive long-term impact on organizational change, a finding that heretofore, has not been demonstrated in the relevant research literature. Second, empirical evidence was found for the logic model, with almost 60% of the variance in the criterion variable accounted for by the other measures. Third, given that the exercises were designed to promote coordination and collaboration across agencies and industry sectors, it was found that by tailoring the exercise to participant backgrounds and designing activities to promote long-term learning, the potential for cross-organizational action can be increased. Other conclusions highlighted specific recommendations that could improve exercise design.
Real-time mental stress detection technique using neural networks towards a wearable health monitor

In recent times, detection of mental stress using physiological signals has received widespread attention from technology researchers. Although many interesting research works have been reported in this area, evidence of hardware implementation is occasional. The main challenge in stress detection research is use of the optimum number of physiological signals and real-time detection with low-complexity algorithms. In this work, a real-time stress detection technique is presented which utilizes only a photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal to achieve improved accuracy over multi-signal-based mental stress detection techniques. A short 5 s segment of a PPG signal was used for feature extraction with an autoencoder (AE), and features were minimized using recursive feature elimination (RFE) integrated with a multi-class support vector machine (SVM) classifier. The proposed AE-RFE-SVM-based mental stress detection technique was tested with the WeSAD dataset to detect four levels of mental state, namely baseline, amusement, meditation and stress, and achieved an overall accuracy, F1 score and sensitivity of 99%, 0.99 and 98%, respectively, for 5 s PPG data. The technique provided improved performance over discrete wavelet transformation-based feature extraction followed by classification with either of the five types of classifiers, namely SVM, random forest, k-nearest neighbor, linear regression and decision tree. The technique was translated into quad-core-based standalone hardware (1.2 GHz, 1 GB RAM). The resultant hardware prototype achieved low latency (∼0.4 s) and had a low memory requirement (∼1.7 MB). The present technique can be extended to develop a remote healthcare system using wearable sensors.
Aquatic Risks of Pesticides, Ecological Protection Goals, and Common Aims in European Union Legislation

Abstract This discussion paper presents a framework for spatiotemporal differentiation in ecological protection goals to assess the risks of pesticides in surface waters. It also provides a proposal to harmonize the different scientific approaches for ecotoxicological effect assessment adopted in guidance documents that support different legislative directives in the European Union (Water Framework Directive and Uniform Principles). Decision schemes to derive maximum permissible concentrations in surface water are presented. These schemes are based on approaches recommended in regulatory guidance documents and are scientifically underpinned by critical review papers concerning the impact of pesticides on freshwater organisms and communities. Special attention is given to the approaches based on standard test species, species sensitivity distribution curves, and model ecosystem experiments. The decision schemes presented here may play a role in the “acceptability” debate and can be used as options in the process of communication between risk assessors and risk managers as well as between these risk experts and other stakeholders.
Cigarette Smoking and Competing Risks for Fatal and Nonfatal Cardiovascular Disease Subtypes Across the Life Course

Background Cigarette smoking is significantly associated with premature death related and not related to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Whether risk associated with smoking is similar across CVD subtypes and how this translates into years of life lost is not known. Methods and Results We pooled and harmonized individual‐level data from 9 population‐based cohorts in the United States. All participants were free of clinical CVD at baseline with available data on current smoking status, covariates, and CVD outcomes. We examined the association between smoking status and total CVD and CVD subtypes, including fatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, and other CVD deaths. We performed (1) modified Kaplan–Meier analysis to estimate long‐term risks, (2) adjusted competing Cox models to estimate joint cumulative risks for CVD or noncardiovascular death, and (3) Irwin’s restricted mean to estimate years lived free from and with CVD. Of 106 165 adults, 50.4% were women. Overall long‐term risks for CVD events were 46.0% (95% CI, 44.7–47.3) and 34.7% (95% CI, 33.3–36.0) in middle‐aged men and women, respectively. In middle‐aged men who reported smoking compared with those who did not smoke, competing hazard ratios (HRs) were higher for the first presentation being a fatal CVD event (HR, 1.79 [95% CI, 1.68–1.92]), with a similar pattern among women (HR,1.82 [95% CI, 1.68–1.98]). Smoking was associated with earlier CVD onset by 5.1 and 3.8 years in men and women. Similar patterns were observed in younger and older adults. Conclusions Current smoking was associated with a fatal event as the first manifestation of clinical CVD.
New Ti-SALICIDE process using Sb and Ge preamorphization for sub-0.2 /spl mu/m CMOS technology

A new process for thin titanium self-aligned silicide (Ti-SALICIDE) on narrow n/sup +/ poly-Si lines and n/sup +/ diffusion layers using preamorphization implantation (PAI) with heavy ions of antimony (Sb) and germanium (Ge) has been demonstrated for application to 0.2-/spl mu/m CMOS devices and beyond. Preamorphization enhances the phase transformation from C/sub 49/Ti/sub x/Si/sub x/ to C/sub 54/TiSi/sub 2/ and lowers the transformation temperature by 80/spl deg/C so that it occurs before conglomeration in narrow lines. Preamorphization by Sb and Ge implantation yields better results than that by As. The sheet resistance of TiSi/sub 2/ on heavily As doped poly-Si lines are 3.7 /spl Omega///spl square/ and 3.8 /spl Omega///spl square/ for the samples preamorphized by Ge and Sb implantations even with line width down to 0.2 /spl mu/m. There is less leakage in the Ti-SALICIDE diode with preamorphization than without it. The probable reasons and mechanisms are discussed.
Role of Epigallocatechin Gallate in Glucose, Lipid, and Protein Metabolism and L-Theanine in the Metabolism-Regulatory Effects of Epigallocatechin Gallate

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and L-theanine (LTA) are important bioactive components in tea that have shown promising effects on nutrient metabolism. However, whether EGCG alone or combined with LTA can regulate the glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism of healthy rats remains unclear. Therefore, we treated healthy rats with EGCG or the combination of EGCG and LTA (EGCG+LTA) to investigate the effects of EGCG on nutrient metabolism and the role of LTA in the metabolism-regulatory effects of EGCG. The results showed that compared with the control group, EGCG activated insulin and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signals, thus regulating glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism. Compared with EGCG, EGCG+LTA enhanced hepatic and muscle glycogen levels and suppressed phosphorylation of AMPK, glycogen synthase 2, mammalian target of rapamycin, and ribosomal protein S6 kinase. In addition, EGCG+LTA inhibited the expression of liver kinase B1, insulin receptor and insulin receptor substrate, and promoted the phosphorylation level of acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Furthermore, both EGCG and EGCG+LTA were harmless for young rats. In conclusion, EGCG activated AMPK and insulin pathways, thereby promoting glycolysis, glycogen, and protein synthesis and inhibiting fatty acid (FA) and cholesterol synthesis. However, LTA cooperated with EGCG to promote glycogen metabolism and suppressed the effect EGCG on FA and protein synthesis via AMPK signals.
Unequal dual-frequency Wilkinson power divider including series resistor-inductor-capacitor isolation structure

A novel Wilkinson power divider operating at arbitrary dual-frequency (namely dual band) with unequal power dividing ratio is proposed here. The asymmetric structure that consists of seven sections transmission lines with different characteristics impedances is given to satisfy the unequal and matching characteristic. To obtain the ideal isolation, a series resistor-inductor-capacitor (RLC) structure is applied. Furthermore, the closed-form design equations of the proposed dual-frequency power divider are derived based on circuit theory and ideal transmission line theory. Finally, calculation, simulation and measurement results of an example indicate that all the theoretical features of the unequal power divider can be fulfilled at the desired dual-frequency simultaneously.
Accurate prediction of high-frequency power-transformer losses and temperature rise

The high-frequency power-transformer design equations for winding and core losses and temperature rise were reviewed from literature and formulated for spreadsheet calculations using material (Steinmetz loss coefficients, ferrite resistivity, copper resistivity), geometry (core area, core length, winding area, winding length), winding (number of primary turns, copper fill factor, primary to secondary area ratio) and excitation (input voltage, switching frequency, duty cycle, current harmonic components) parameters. The accuracy of each design issue was first validated and quantified separately using regression analysis. Calculated core losses, winding AC-resistance equations and heat transfer capacity calculations were compared with the results from calibrated heat sink measurements, finite-element method (FEM) analysis and measurements using thermal test blocks, respectively. Finally three EFD20 type transformers (solid wire, noninterleaved foil and interleaved foil winding) were fitted into an active clamp forward converter (100-300 kHz switching frequency, 0-78 W throughput power) for comparison between the theory and experiments. Standard error of predicted core losses and heat transfer capacity were determined to be 0.0581 and 0.15 W, respectively. The results of the in circuit tests suggests that the transformer total losses can be predicted with the average standard error below 0.2 W with datasheet type information only. The most significant uncertainty was heat conduction through and losses generated in the interconnecting wires between the test transformer and other converter components.
Television-based bistatic radar

The paper discusses the use of `illuminators of opportunity' for bistatic radar systems. Experiments in the London area using the Crystal Palace transmitters are reported, including the use of TV pictures designed to make the transmission more closely resemble a pulsed radar signal. It is shown that the separation of targets from the direct signal and clutter requires extensive signal processing under all but the most favourable conditions.
Telerehabilitation’s Safety, Feasibility, and Exercise Uptake in Cancer Survivors: Process Evaluation

Background Access to exercise for cancer survivors is poor despite global recognition of its benefits. Telerehabilitation may overcome barriers to exercise for cancer survivors but is not routinely offered. Objective Following the rapid implementation of an exercise-based telerehabilitation program in response to COVID-19, a process evaluation was conducted to understand the impact on patients, staff, and the health service with the aim of informing future program development. Methods A mixed methods evaluation was completed for a telerehabilitation program for cancer survivors admitted between March and December 2020. Interviews were conducted with patients and staff involved in implementation. Routinely collected hospital data (adverse events, referrals, admissions, wait time, attendance, physical activity, and quality of life) were also assessed. Patients received an 8-week telerehabilitation intervention including one-on-one health coaching via telehealth, online group exercise and education, information portal, and home exercise prescription. Quantitative data were reported descriptively, and qualitative interview data were coded and mapped to the Proctor model for implementation research. Results The telerehabilitation program received 175 new referrals over 8 months. Of those eligible, 123 of 150 (82%) commenced the study. There were no major adverse events. Adherence to health coaching was high (674/843, 80% of scheduled sessions), but participation in online group exercise classes was low (n=36, 29%). Patients improved their self-reported physical activity levels by a median of 110 minutes per week (IQR 90-401) by program completion. Patients were satisfied with telerehabilitation, but clinicians reported a mixed experience of pride in rapid care delivery contrasting with loss of personal connections. The average health service cost per patient was Aus $1104 (US $790). Conclusions Telerehabilitation is safe, feasible, and improved outcomes for cancer survivors. Learnings from this study may inform the ongoing implementation of cancer telerehabilitation.
Death by Robots? Automation and Working-Age Mortality in the United States.

The decline of manufacturing employment is frequently invoked as a key cause of worsening U.S. population health trends, including rising mortality due to "deaths of despair. " Increasing automation-the use of industrial robots to perform tasks previously done by human workers-is one structural force driving the decline of manufacturing jobs and wages. In this study, we examine the impact of automation on age- and sex-specific mortality. Using exogenous variation in automation to support causal inference, we find that increases in automation over the period 1993-2007 led to substantive increases in all-cause mortality for both men and women aged 45-54. Disaggregating by cause, we find evidence that automation is associated with increases in drug overdose deaths, suicide, homicide, and cardiovascular mortality, although patterns differ by age and sex. We further examine heterogeneity in effects by safety net program generosity, labor market policies, and the supply of prescription opioids.
Gigahertz-gated InGaAs/InP single-photon detector with detection efficiency exceeding 55% at 1550 nm

We report on a gated single-photon detector based on InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiodes (APDs) with a single-photon detection efficiency exceeding 55% at 1550 nm. Our detector is gated at 1 GHz and employs the self-differencing technique for gate transient suppression. It can operate nearly dead time free, except for the one clock cycle dead time intrinsic to self-differencing, and we demonstrate a count rate of 500 Mcps. We present a careful analysis of the optimal driving conditions of the APD measured with a dead time free detector characterization setup. It is found that a shortened gate width of 360 ps together with an increased driving signal amplitude and operation at higher temperatures leads to improved performance of the detector. We achieve an afterpulse probability of 7% at 50% detection efficiency with dead time free measurement and a record efficiency for InGaAs/InP APDs of 55% at an afterpulse probability of only 10.2% with a moderate dead time of 10 ns.
Housing Policy with Home-Biased Landlords: Evidence from French Rental Markets*

Tax incentives are widely used to encourage the construction of rental dwellings, and reduce housing costs for low-income households. This paper examines an important source of local variation in the impact of these policies: the home-biased supply of capital from potential landlords. Building upon administrative data covering the universe of dwellings in France, I document that private investors own undiversified and lumpy amounts of rental housing, face substantial return frictions across projects and locations, and strongly prefer properties close to their own home. A spatial equilibrium framework combined with a frictional portfolio choice rationalizes these features. Because spatial frictions reduce the private return to more remote rental investments, mobile agents, who tend to be renters, agglomerate near the residence of affluent and immobile owners. The model also predicts that home bias in the supply of capital regulates the heterogeneity in housing market responses to place-based subsidies. Exploiting quasi-experimental evidence from a location-specific investment tax credit targeted at individual landlords in France, the Pinel law, I evidence its substantial causal impact on dwelling sales and new construction. In the medium-run, subsidies expand the local housing stock with limited crowding-out, inducing substantial in-migration of renters and population growth. Out-of-town individual investor involvement rises in treated cities, and the policy has stronger effects in locations more open to outside capital. The incomplete capitalization of the incentive in new unit prices confirms that under imperfect capital mobility, landlords bear part of the incidence of local subsidies in the form of higher net returns. Therefore, landlord home bias is a key factor in the allocation of capital and people across space, and determines the efficiency and distributional effects of place-based policies. JEL codes: E22, G11, H31, R31, R38.
The Effects of using Cooperative Learning on EFL learners' performance.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of cooperative learning on EFL learners' performance in Saudi Arabia . The sample consisted of 32 students who were selected randomly from two classes of the second year secondary school students in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia . The experimental class was taught through cooperative learning for one semester with the methods of Student Teams-Achievement Divisions (STAD). The control class was taught in the traditional method of Grammar Translation with some of the Audio- Lingual approach. Data were collected via observation and tests(pre-test and post-test). The researcher found that students taught through cooperative learning achieved better academic performance inside the classroom and in the final year exam; the researcher found that the use of cooperative learning method has positive effects on EFL learners' performance and cooperative learning approach is more effective than the other non-cooperative learning approaches.
Dynamic voltage stability reserve studies for deregulated environment

This paper first analyzes why voltage instability occurs in mature yet competitive power systems, and then investigates diverse voltage stability issues in deregulated power markets using the EUROSTAG commercial transient simulation program. Dynamic behaviors of major power system components, i.e., speed governor, excitation element, inductive motor, ULTC and mechanically switched shunt capacitor etc., are thoroughly examined by a small yet typical equivalent system. The presented simulation results help better understand the mechanism of the voltage collapse phenomena, and highlight the importance of dynamic reactive reserves, like generators, in dynamic voltage stability enhancement.
Laminar Heat Transfer Between a Series of Parallel Plates With Surface-Mounted Discrete Heat Sources

Two-dimensional laminar heat transfer between a series of parallel plates with surface mounted block heat sources was numerically studied. These channels resemble cooling passages of electronic equipment. Consideration was given only to periodically fully developed flow (PDF) and heat transfer. The computational domain was subjected to periodic condition in the streamwise direction and repeated condition in the cross-stream direction (double cyclic). The governing equations were solved by a finite volume technique. Calculations were made for a wide range of independent parameters (Re, ks /kf , s/w, d/w, H/w, and t/H). Consideration was given only to airflow (Pr=0.7). The friction factor was found to be a strong function of channel height and a weak function of block spacing. The thermal performance was studied in terms of the average Nusselt number and overall thermal resistance. For the most part, the thermal performance was independent of the Reynolds number, however, it deteriorated drastically for Re ≤ 500. The thermal resistance was found to decrease with an increase in substrate conductivity up to a particular value of ks /kf , and beyond this value thermal resistance did not decrease further. This value of ks /kf is a function of geometric parameters and occurs between 1 and 10. Correlations in terms of independent parameters were developed for friction factor, average Nusselt number, and thermal resistance.