Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sector Spillovers in Credit Markets

Cross-sector volatility spillovers can both threaten the financial stability of credit markets and the diversification of a credit bond portfolio. In this article, we measure cross-sector volatility spillovers, casting light on their intensity in the US-denominated investment grade bond universe. We find that volatility spillovers are high in the US credit market and that the insurance, goods and energy sectors have been net contributors to these shocks over the 1996–2017 period. A structural analysis of the spillover history based on a three-regime multivariate VAR Markov Switching model is then proposed. It highlights that with different volatility regimes come different volatility spillover structures: the insurance and goods sectors are volatility spillover sources during crisis periods. However, according to our estimates a large portion of spillovers are non-recurring and therefore difficult to anticipate.
A ToF 3D database for hand gesture recognition

Although 3D information presents, in the context of hand gesture recognition (and not only), multiple advantages in comparison with the 2D counterpart, up-to-date there are very few 3D hand gesture databases. Recently, the Time-of-Flight (ToF) principle - employed in certain range imaging 3D cameras - became more and more attractive. According to it, the measurement distance is derived from the propagation time of the light pulse between the camera and the subject for each point of the image. In this paper, we describe the development of UPT ToF 3D Hand Gesture Database (UPT-ToF3D-HGDB). It represents, according to the best of our knowledge, the single database of this type which is publicly available.
Novel Approach to Position and Orientation Estimation in Vision-Based UAV Navigation

A novel approach to position and orientation estimation for vision-based UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) navigation is described. In this approach the position and orientation estimation problem is formulated as a tracking problem and solved by using an extended Kalman filter (EKF). The state and observation models of the EKF are established based on an analysis of the imaging geometry of the UAV's video camera in connection with a DEM (digital elevation map) of the area of flight, which helps to control estimation error accumulation. The efficacy of our approach is demonstrated by simulation experiment results.
Sleep quality in hospitalized patients.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare sleep quality of the hospitalized patients and matched healthy controls. BACKGROUND Although the functions of sleep are not clearly understood, it is generally accepted that it is necessary for the maintenance of good health. Hospitalized patients' sleep may not be refreshing or restorative. The reasons for this can be categorized into three groups: environmental, physiological and psychological. DESIGN AND METHODS This research was conducted at the Cumhuriyet University Hospital in Turkey. One hundred and fifty hospitalized patients (psychiatry = 50; orthopaedic + general surgery + cardiovascular surgery + urology = 50; internal medicine + chest diseases + infectious diseases + physical therapy and rehabilitation = 50) and 50 healthy controls constituted the sample. The researchers administered to the patient and control groups Sociodemographic Information Form and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. We compared sociodemographic and illness variables with sleep characteristics. The following statistical analyses were used in order to evaluate the data: variance analysis, Tukey HSD test, Student's t-test, Kruskall-Wallis test. RESULTS We found that patients in psychiatric ward experienced worse sleep quality than the other patients, worse in female patients than male patients, and worse sleep characteristics in patients than controls. CONCLUSIONS Health professionals must be educated about sleep and must provide intervention when needed. Relevance to clinical practice. The enhancing of sleep quality accelerates to the recovery from illness.
Tegaserod for the Treatment of Chronic Constipation: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Multinational Study

OBJECTIVES:Chronic constipation is a common, persistent disorder with limited effective treatment options. This study investigated the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of tegaserod in the treatment of chronic constipation.METHODS:After a 2-wk baseline period, patients were randomized to double-blind treatment of 12 wk with tegaserod (2 or 6 mg b.i.d.) or placebo. Response during weeks 1–4 (primary variable) was defined as an increase in complete spontaneous bowel movement (CSBM)/wk. Secondary variables included response during weeks 1–12, patient evaluation of individual symptoms, and global assessment of bowel habits and constipation.RESULTS:One thousand two hundred and sixty-four patients were randomized to tegaserod or placebo. Responder rates for the primary efficacy variable were 35.6% for tegaserod 2 mg b.i. d. (p = 0.0059 vs placebo), 40.2% for 6 mg b.i. d. (p < 0.0001 vs placebo) and 26.7% for placebo. The number needed to treat was 7.3 for the 6 mg b.i. d. dose compared with 11.1 for tegaserod 2 mg b.i. d. Tegaserod 6 mg b.i. d. reduced straining, abdominal bloating/distension, and abdominal pain/discomfort during the 12-wk treatment period compared with placebo (p < 0.05 for all symptoms). Significant improvements were also seen in stool form and in global assessment of bowel habits and constipation. The most common adverse events, headache and abdominal pain, were more frequent with placebo than with tegaserod.CONCLUSIONS:Tegaserod was efficacious in relieving symptoms of chronic constipation and was well tolerated.
The phenotypic spectrum of CADASIL: Clinical findings in 102 cases

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is an increasingly recognized autosomal dominant disorder that leads to cerebrovascular manifestations in early adulthood. This study delineates the phenotypic spectrum and the natural history of the disease in 102 affected individuals from 29 families with biopsy‐proven CADASIL. Recurrent ischemic episodes (transient ischemic attack [TIA] or stroke) were the most frequent presentation found in 71% of the cases (mean age at onset, 46.1 years; range, 30–66 years; SD, 9.0 years). Forty‐eight percent of the cases had developed cognitive deficits. Dementia (28%) was frequently accompanied by gait disturvance (90%), urinary incontinence (86%), and pseudobulbar palsy (52%). Thirty‐nine patients (38%) had a history of migraine (mean age at oneset, 26.0 years; SD, 8.2 years), which was classified as migraine with aura in 87% of the cases. Psychiatric disturbances were present in 30% of the cases, with adjustment disorder (24%) being the most frequent diagnosis. Ten patients (10%) had a history of epileptic seizures. To delineate the functional consequences of ischemic deficits, we studied the extent of disability in different age groups. The full spectrum of disability was seen in all groups older than age 45. Fifty‐five percent of the patients older than age 60 were unable to walk without assistance. However, 14% in this age group exhibited no disability at all. Kaplan‐Meier analysis disclosed median survival times of 64 years (males) and 69 years (females). An investigation of the 18 multiplex families revealed marked intrafamilial variations.
On the Day of Observation in Image Composites and Its Impact on Time Series

Many ecological and agricultural studies require accurate information about the phenological state of the vegetation such as the start, peak/plateau, and end of the growing season. This study investigates the impact of the day of observation in image composites on time-series generation and analysis. It employs daily Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) surface reflectance and 16-day vegetation index (VI) composites and combines data streams from Terra and Aqua. Results of a time series that take into account the day of observation and time series that assume the starting, ending, or middle day of the compositing period were compared to a reference of daily observations. A temporal shift of approximately 7.5 days with a high variation in error is introduced if the start of the compositing period is assumed. The middle day mitigates the mean error close to zero but cannot fully compensate for temporal delays. Only a time series that takes into account the actual day of observation can be used for the correct estimation of temporal characteristics. In addition, the study addresses that the day of observation for time-series generation from image composites is imperative when combining data of different data streams with phased production cycles such as MODIS VI composites from Terra and Aqua.
Reticulate Acropigmentation of Dohi: A Case Report with Insight into Genodermatoses with Mottled Pigmentation

Reticulate acropigmentation of Dohi also called dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria or symmetrical dyschromatosis of the extremities is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder. It is characterized by mottled pigmentation with patchy depigmentation commonly over the back of the hands and feet and sometimes on the arms and legs
A 12-Week Commercial Web-Based Weight-Loss Program for Overweight and Obese Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Basic Versus Enhanced Features

Background The development and use of Web-based programs for weight loss is increasing rapidly, yet they have rarely been evaluated using randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Interestingly, most people who attempt weight loss use commercially available programs, yet it is very uncommon for commercial programs to be evaluated independently or rigorously. Objective To compare the efficacy of a standard commercial Web-based weight-loss program (basic) versus an enhanced version of this Web program that provided additional personalized e-feedback and contact from the provider (enhanced) versus a wait-list control group (control) on weight outcomes in overweight and obese adults. Methods This purely Web-based trial using a closed online user group was an assessor-blinded RCT with participants randomly allocated to the basic or enhanced 12-week Web-based program, based on social cognitive theory, or the control, with body mass index (BMI) as the primary outcome. Results We enrolled 309 adults (129/309, 41.8% male, BMI mean 32.3, SD 4 kg/m2) with 84.1% (260/309) retention at 12 weeks. Intention-to-treat analysis showed that both intervention groups reduced their BMI compared with the controls (basic: –0.72, SD 1.1 kg/m2, enhanced: –1.0, SD 1.4, control: 0.15, SD 0.82; P < .001) and lost significant weight (basic: –2.1, SD 3.3 kg, enhanced: –3.0, SD 4.1, control: 0.4, SD 2.3; P < .001) with changes in waist circumference (basic: –2.0, SD 3.5 cm, enhanced: –3.2, SD 4.7, control: 0.5, SD 3.0; P < .001) and waist-to-height ratio (basic: –0.01, SD 0.02, enhanced: –0.02, SD 0.03, control: 0.0, SD 0.02; P < .001), but no differences were observed between the basic and enhanced groups. The addition of personalized e-feedback and contact provided limited additional benefits compared with the basic program. Conclusions A commercial Web-based weight-loss program can be efficacious across a range of weight-related outcomes and lifestyle behaviors and achieve clinically important weight loss. Although the provision of additional personalized feedback did not facilitate greater weight loss after 12 weeks, the impact of superior participant retention on longer-term outcomes requires further study. Further research is required to determine the optimal mix of program features that lead to the biggest treatment impact over time. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): 12610000197033; http://www.anzctr. org.au/trial_view. aspx? id=335159 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/66Wq0Yb7U)
An Automatic Assessment System of Diabetic Foot Ulcers Based on Wound Area Determination, Color Segmentation, and Healing Score Evaluation

Background: For individuals with type 2 diabetes, foot ulcers represent a significant health issue. The aim of this study is to design and evaluate a wound assessment system to help wound clinics assess patients with foot ulcers in a way that complements their current visual examination and manual measurements of their foot ulcers. Methods: The physical components of the system consist of an image capture box, a smartphone for wound image capture and a laptop for analyzing the wound image. The wound image assessment algorithms calculate the overall wound area, color segmented wound areas, and a healing score, to provide a quantitative assessment of the wound healing status both for a single wound image and comparisons of subsequent images to an initial wound image. Results: The system was evaluated by assessing foot ulcers for 12 patients in the Wound Clinic at University of Massachusetts Medical School. As performance measures, the Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) value for the wound area determination algorithm tested on 32 foot ulcer images was . 68. The clinical validity of our healing score algorithm relative to the experienced clinicians was measured by Krippendorff’s alpha coefficient (KAC) and ranged from . 42 to . 81. Conclusion: Our system provides a promising real-time method for wound assessment based on image analysis. Clinical comparisons indicate that the optimized mean-shift-based algorithm is well suited for wound area determination. Clinical evaluation of our healing score algorithm shows its potential to provide clinicians with a quantitative method for evaluating wound healing status.
It takes a village : exploring African American women's experiences with collective identity, racism, and well-being

This qualitative study sought to explore African American women’s understandings about collective identity in their lives and, specifically, in their encounters with racism that impacted their well-being. African American women hold rich traditions of healing that encompass their communities and are influenced by their early bonds of sisterhood. In the United States of America, these traditions of connectedness between Black folks have supported Black women, communities, and families against the pressures of racist domination. Ten self-identified African American women between the ages of 34 and 69 shared rich narratives about how they experienced a collective sense of self, racism, and well-being. This study’s findings were identified as they relate to participants’ lived experiences of and intersections between collective identity and the following: (a) racial pride and multiculturalism, (b) community as an important African American value that feels under threat, (c) protecting and proliferating Black female expression, (d) learning “racism at a distance,” and (e) the effects of bearing witness. IT TAKES A VILLAGE: EXPLORING AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH COLLECTIVE IDENTITY, RACISM, AND WELL-BEING A project based upon an independent investigation, submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work.
Duration dependence as an unemployment stigma: Evidence from a field experiment in Germany

Based on a correspondence experiment covering 3,124 fictitious job applications, the paper identifies and quantifies duration dependence in Germany, with a particular emphasis on company and vacancy characteristics as potential determinants. The experiment reveals that duration dependence manifests itself in a sharp decline of 26% to 35% in callbacks when an individual has been unemployed for 10 months, pointing to the existence of an unemployment stigma for Germany. The results are driven by labor market tightness, companies' access to applicants and screening behavior related to company size, with no evidence for an unemployment stigma determined by the contract type.
Building an online UMLS knowledge discovery platform using graph indexing

ii Dedication . iv Acknowledgments. v Vita . vi List of Tables . ix List of Figures . x Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 1.1 Related Work. 2 1.2 Thesis Organization. 6 Chapter 2: Indexing the UMLS. 7 2.1 Algorithm Framework . 8 2.2 Indexing Time Complexity Analysis . 10 Chapter 3: System Framework for Online Queries Using Indexing . 11 3.1 The Client-Server Framework . 11 3.2 Handling Concurrent Requests. 12 3.3 Query Types . 13 viii Chapter 4: onGrid Knowledge Discovery. 19 4.1 Disease-Gene . 19 4.2 Gene-Gene . 27 Chapter 5: Conclusion. 29 Bibliography . 30
Holistic Tourism: Motivations, Self-Image and Satisfaction

Holistic Tourism: Motivations, Self-Image and Satisfaction Holistic tourism has become a new and alternative form of tourism and an important trend among tourists who seek programs and experiences that would allow them to achieve balance between mind, body and soul. Choosing holistic tourism means that a tourist can enjoy a different and full experience which goes beyond the simple contact with cultures, people, places or landscapes. It focuses on self-transformation and on an attempt of people understanding more about themselves. It is crucial we understand each person´s view about this new type of tourism since this perspective will surely bring potential new investors to this product. Knowing what every tourist values, feels and needs- in terms of personal fulfillment- can turn this new type of tourism into a competitive one. This study includes an empirical research conducted through questionnaires to 300 holistic tourists in four different Portuguese destinations: Azores, Geres, Lisbon and Algarve. The results allowed a better understanding of the holistic tourists’ characteristics, their main motivations, self-image perception and satisfaction levels while taking part in holistic tourism.
Human rhinovirus recognition in non-immune cells is mediated by Toll-like receptors and MDA-5, which trigger a synergetic pro-inflammatory immune response

The early detection of invading viruses by the host depends on their identification by pathogen sensors. These include Toll-like receptors (TLRs) as well as cytoplasmic RNA helicases such as retinoic acid inducible protein I (RIG-I) and melanoma differentiation associated gene 5 (MDA-5). These pathogen sensors recognize specific molecular patterns found in viruses and trigger inflammatory and antiviral responses that result in the eradication of invading pathogens. In this study we investigated the specific recognition of Human rhinovirus 6 (HRV6) the common cold pathogen by the innate immune response in lung epithelial cells. Our experiments established that in the first stages on infection the TLRs play a crucial role in HRV recognition and that different constituents of HRV6 are recognized by different TLRs, while upon viral replication and generation of dsRNA the type I IFN inflammatory response is mediated by MDA-5. The HRV6 capsid is recognized via TLR2, whereas upon HRV6 ssRNA internalization the virus genome is recognized by TLR7 and TLR8. Upon generation of dsRNA the type I IFN response is mediated by MDA-5. The combined recognition by different TLRs and MDA5 and their upregulation concurs with the huge inflammatory response seen in the common cold caused by human rhinoviruses.
Structure and dynamics of nanofluids: theory and simulations to calculate viscosity

The simplified expression of the Pozhar-Gubbins (PG) rigorous, nonequilibrium statistical mechanical theory of dense, strongly inhomogeneous fluids is used to calculate the viscosity of model fluids confined in a slit pore of several molecular diameters in width in terms of the equilibrium structure factors (i.e., the number density and pair correlation functions) of these nanofluids obtained by means of the equilibrium molecular dynamic simulations. These results are compared to those obtained by means of the nonequilibrium molecular dynamic simulations of the planar Poiseuille flow of the model nanofluids, and to the results supplied by several heuristic expressions for the nanofluid viscosity. This comparison proves that the PG transport theory provides a reliable, quantitatively accurate description of the viscosity coefficients of the model nanofluids while all the heauristic approaches fail. This success of the PG prediction of the nanofluid viscosity is because the theoretical expression accounts accurately for the nanofluid structure.
The investigation of children and adolescents with abnormalities of pubertal timing

Concerns with pubertal development are common and can cause considerable distress to patients and their carers. Many presentations reflect normal variations of pubertal timing and primarily require reassurance, although patients may opt for interventions. Other presentations need active management to avoid significant adverse effects on growth and psychosocial development. All should undergo careful assessment, particularly as some children or adolescents presenting with abnormalities in pubertal timing may have serious pathology which requires urgent investigations and treatment. This review describes the appropriate investigations and their interpretation for young people presenting with disorders in pubertal timing.
It's still not the economy, stupid!: An examination of political party support for European integration

WILLIAM B. SMITH: It’s Still Not the Economy, Stupid! : An Examination of Political Party Support for European Integration (Under the direction of Liesbet Hooghe.) Since the early 1990s, there has undoubtedly been an increase in euroskepticism, both among national political parties and among the general public. The literature has identified two general causes—concerns over national identity and utilitarian cost/benefit analyses. Originally, utilitarian concerns were thought to be the primary motivator, but research post-Maastricht introduced the idea that citizens’ national identity may also be a driver. Recent research has concluded that, indeed, both are strong predictors of euroskepticism. But which offers more insight into the motivations behind euroskepticism? And in a broader sense, how does the issue of “Europe” relate to the more well-established cleavages along with political parties compete? Drawing on data from the 2010 Chapel Hill Expert Survey and utilizing OLS regression, I attempt to answer these questions. Overall, I find that national identity concerns—rather than socioeconomic concerns—are the more potent predictor of euroskeptic tendencies. But more importantly, I demonstrate that competition over European integration has been largely integrated into the broader cultural and economic cleavages that define domestic political competition.
In-Substrate Resonators and Bandpass Filters with Improved Insertion Loss in K-Band Utilizing Low Loss Glass Interposer Technology and Superlattice Conductors

In this work, we report on in-substrate passive components using a high performance glass interposer and through glass via (TGV) technology and a multi-layer superlattice conductor architecture. Minimal RF loss is achieved using low dielectric loss glass substrates and superlattice conductors featuring skin effect suppression. Half mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW) resonators and two-pole bandpass filters, embedded inside a glass interposer substrate, are used as test vehicles for the demonstration of insertion loss improvement in K-band. The utilized conductor is made of 20 layers of Cu/NiFe with each pair of 360 nm/30 nm, respectively, where NiFe layers with negative permeability in frequency range of interest are used for eddy current cancelling and improving the conductor loss. Control devices using the same glass substrate and conductor made of pure copper are fabricated for comparison purposes. The glass interposer substrate (SGW3, Corning Incorporated) has a thickness of 0.13 mm and the TGV's with a diameter of 0.08 mm. Up to 0.3 dB reduction in the insertion loss is achieved by using the proposed superlattice approach on glass substrates.