Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the optimization of piezoelectrically actuated MEMS resonators

We address the numerical analysis of piezo MEMS square extensional resonators and show that interfacial losses are dominant. These are formulated in terms of the stress jump across the interface yielding a viscous type of dissipation. The model developed is then employed to perform an optimization of the pattern of the piezo-layer so as to excite selected mechanical modes.
Jury Deliberation in a Complex Case: Havner v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals

For more than a decade, there has been debate about the ability ofjurors to decide complex civil cases fairly. The debate has been hampered by the relatively small number of useful reports about actual jury deliberations in such cases. I review these reports and s~mmarizeth eir key findings. I then discuss the jury deliberation in a recent case that included a substantial body of scientific evidence as to whether a drug given to pregnant women caused birth defects. I conclude that in this case, as in other complex cases, jury instructions, defense lawyer decisions, and the adversary presentation of scientific data combined to make it difficultfor the jury to understand and assess the scientific evidence. As a result, the jury reached a verdict that was mistaken in important respects. It is important, however, to distinguish mistaken verdicts from irrational ones. The jury did its best under drfficult circumstances. In the conclusion, I discuss ways we might alter trials to increase the probability that ju.
Repair of bilateral cleft lip and its variants

The surgeon who lifts a scalpel to repair a bilateral cleft lip and nasal deformity is accountable for: 1) precise craftsmanship based on three-dimensional features and four-dimensional changes; 2) periodic assessment throughout the child's growth; and 3) technical modifications during primary closure based on knowledge gained from long-term follow-up evaluation. These children should not have to endure the stares prompted by nasolabial stigmata that result from outdated concepts and technical misadventures. The principles for repair of bilateral complete cleft lip have evolved to such a level that the child's appearance should be equivalent to, or surpass, that of a unilateral complete cleft lip. These same principles also apply to the repair of the variants of bilateral cleft lip, although strategies and execution differ slightly.
Spatial Scale and Population Assignment Choices in Environmental Justice Analyses 1

Abstract Environmental justice laws protect certain populations against discriminatory actions that may result from a myriad of enterprises, including transportation activities. Previous environmental equity studies examining the effects of transportation-engendered externalities have been criticized on several points, including (1) that the choice of a reference population for comparison to the criterion variable may influence the outcome of research results and (2) that the selection and use of inappropriate methodologies intended to identify and characterize populations may foreordain research outcomes. This article examines the potentially confounding effects of selected spatial scale and population assignment strategies as applied to a study of excessive noise levels at a large Midwestern airport, finding that reported outcomes can vary significantly as a function of methodological choices.
Teaching Shared Decision Making to Family Medicine Residents: A Descriptive Study of a Web-Based Tutorial

Background DECISION+2, a Web-based tutorial, was designed to train family physicians in shared decision making (SDM) regarding the use of antibiotics for acute respiratory infections (ARIs). It is currently mandatory for second-year family medicine residents at Université Laval, Quebec, Canada. However, little is known about how such tutorials are used, their effect on knowledge scores, or how best to assess resident participation. Objective The objective of our study was to describe the usage of this Web-based training platform by family medicine residents over time, evaluate its effect on their knowledge scores, and identify what kinds of data are needed for a more comprehensive analysis of usage and knowledge acquisition. Methods We identified, collected, and analyzed all available data about participation in and current usage of the tutorial and its before-and-after 10-item knowledge test. Residents were separated into 3 log-in periods (2012-2013, 2013-2014, and 2014-2015) depending on the day of their first connection. We compared residents’ participation rates between entry periods (Cochran-Armitage test), assessed the mean rank of the difference in total scores and category scores between pre- and posttest (Wilcoxon signed-rank test), and compared frequencies of each. Subsequent to analyses, we identified types of data that would have provided a more complete picture of the usage of the program and its effect on knowledge scores. Results The tutorial addresses 3 knowledge categories: diagnosing ARIs, treating ARIs, and SDM regarding the use of antibiotics for treating ARIs. From July 2012 to July 2015, all 387 second-year family medicine residents were eligible to take the Web-based tutorial. Out of the 387 eligible residents, 247 (63.8%) logged in at least once. Their participation rates varied between entry periods, most significantly between the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 cohorts (P=.006). For the 109 out of 387 (28.2%) residents who completed the tutorial and both tests, total and category scores significantly improved between pre- and posttest (all P values <.001). However, the frequencies of those answering correctly on 2 of the 3 SDM questions did not increase significantly (P>.99, P=.25). Distribution of pre- or posttest total and category scores did not increase between entry periods (all P values >.1). Available data were inadequate for evaluating the associations between the tutorial and its impact on the residents’ scores and therefore could tell us little about its effect on increasing their knowledge. Conclusion Residents’ use of this Web-based tutorial appeared to increase between entry periods following the changes to the SDM program, and the tutorial seemed less effective for increasing SDM knowledge scores than for diagnosis or treatment scores. However, our results also highlight the need to improve data availability before participation in Web-based SDM tutorials can be properly evaluated or knowledge scores improved.
New perspectives on the causes of franchising conflict in Australia

Purpose – Although Australian franchising sector regulation promotes system disclosure and provides for mandatory conflict mediation, there is some concern that inequities exist within the conflict management process. From 2006 to 2008 no less than four government inquiries into franchising took place in Australia in an attempt to resolve problems occurring in the sector. A major issue was that of the perceived imbalance of power in the franchisor‐franchisee relationship, which often results in conflict between the two parties. The purpose of this paper is to extend the conflict literature in dyadic exchange relationships through investigating the causes of conflict from the franchisor and franchisee perspectives.Design/methodology/approach – Exploratory research is undertaken to identify the major causes of franchising conflict. Face‐to‐face interviews are conducted with 24 franchising experts, such as lawyers and mediators, to draw upon their considerable experience in the sector.Findings – The key find.
Dual-modality PET/ultrasound imaging of the prostate

Functional imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) will detect malignant tumors in the prostate and/or prostate bed, as well as possibly help determine tumor "aggressiveness. " However, the relative uptake in a prostate tumor can be so great that few other anatomical landmarks are visible in a PET image. Ultrasound imaging with a transrectal probe provides anatomical detail in the prostate region that can be co-registered with the sensitive functional information from the PET imaging. Imaging the prostate with both PET and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) will help determine the location of any cancer within the prostate region. This dual-modality imaging should help provide better detection and treatment of prostate cancer. LBNL has built a high performance positron emission tomograph optimized to image the prostate. Compared to a standard whole-body PET camera, our prostate-optimized PET camera has the same sensitivity and resolution, less backgrounds and lower cost. We plan to develop the hardware and software tools needed for a validated dual PET/TRUS prostate imaging system. We also plan to develop dual prostate imaging with PET and external transabdominal ultrasound, in case the TRUS system is too uncomfortable for some patients. We present the design and intended clinical uses for these dual imaging systems.
From small fullerenes to the graphene limit: A harmonic force‐field method for fullerenes and a comparison to density functional calculations for Goldberg–Coxeter fullerenes up to C980

We introduce a simple but computationally very efficient harmonic force field, which works for all fullerene structures and includes bond stretching, bending, and torsional motions as implemented into our open‐source code Fullerene. This gives accurate geometries and reasonably accurate vibrational frequencies with root mean square deviations of up to 0.05 Å for bond distances and 45.5 cm−1 for vibrational frequencies compared with more elaborate density functional calculations. The structures obtained were used for density functional calculations of Goldberg–Coxeter fullerenes up to C980. This gives a rather large range of fullerenes making it possible to extrapolate to the graphene limit. Periodic boundary condition calculations using density functional theory (DFT) within the projector augmented wave method gave an energy difference between −8.6 and −8.8 kcal/mol at various levels of DFT for the reaction C60→graphene (per carbon atom) in excellent agreement with the linear extrapolation to the graphene limit (−8.6 kcal/mol at the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof level of theory). © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developing Mathematics Teachers: The Transition From Preservice to Experienced Teacher

ABSTRACT This longitudinal study documents the development of mathematics teachers as they make the transition from preservice to experienced teachers. Collaborative learning environments were created for these teachers in their field-based classrooms during their last year in the teacher-education program. The authors anticipated that these learning environments would prepare more effective novice teachers. A comparison of baseline data with end-of-project data indicated that the participants' beliefs about the teaching and learning of mathematics, as well as their epistemological views, had changed; however, many participants did not base their instructional decisions on a careful analysis of their students' thinking processes. A follow-up study revealed a more accurate picture of the change in participants' beliefs and practices, as some of them, now experienced teachers, exceeded project expectations and had become effective teachers. Factors that either hindered or contributed to the development of teachers' practice are also identified.
Pseudo roots and the effects of model order overestimation on the ESPRIT algorithm

The work studies the distribution of the ESPRIT roots in the complex z plane. The real source roots are tightly clustered about their true values, while the pseudo roots corresponding to overestimated non-existing sources are distributed broadly with a definite phase angle bias away from the real source roots. The ESPRIT roots distributions can be coupled with Neyman-Pearson tests for CFAR source detection/system model order estimation. The work includes a mathematical derivation of the asymptotic distribution of the pseudo roots. <<ETX>>
LMI ROBUSTLY DECENTRALIZED H OUTPUT FEEDBACK CONTROLLER DESIGN FOR STOCHASTIC LARGE-SCALE UNCERTAIN SYSTEMS WITH TIME-DELAYS

The present paper investigates the problem of robustly decentralized H∞ output feedback controller design for a class of stochastic large-scale uncertain systems with time-delays. The considered time-delay parameters appear in the interconnections between individual subsystems and uncertainties are allowed to be unstructured but time-varying and norm-bounded. The sufficient conditions of the desired output feedback controller are based on the Lyapunov-Krasovskii stability theory and utilizing the decentralized scheme to be derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The effectiveness of the proposed approach is illustrated by a numerical example.
Recognizing and Raising Spiritual and Religious Issues in Therapy

Abstract Religious and spiritual experiences and practices comprise some of the most important aspects of many people's lives. Yet, for various reasons, mental health practitioners have been hesitant to bring these issues into overt discussions in therapy. This article proposes a four-part framework to assist therapists in addressing religion and spirituality in therapy. The four areas include spiritual issues raised by either the client or therapist, and religious issues raised by either the client or therapist. Guidelines for therapeutic conversation and clinical examples are offered for each of the four areas.
STriDER: Self-Excited Tripedal Dynamic Experimental Robot

STriDER (Self-Excited Tripedal Dynamic Experimental Robot) is a novel three-legged walking machine that exploits the concept of actuated passive dynamic locomotion to dynamically walk with high energy efficiency and minimal control. Unlike other passive dynamic walking machines, this unique tripedal locomotion robot is inherently stable with its tripod stance, can change directions, and is relatively easy to implement, making it practical to be used for real life applications. STriDER begins its step with a stable stance like a camera tripod. As the center of gravity of the robot shifts forward pass the "pivot line" defined by the two feet of the stance legs, the robot begins to fall in the direction perpendicular to the pivot line. The middle leg naturally swings between the two stance legs using the concept of actuated passive dynamic locomotion. The swing leg then catches the fall and the robot resets to its original tripod posture in preparation for its next step. STriDER can easily change its direction of walking, simply by changing the sequence of choice of the swing leg and the stance legs. In this video, we present the concept of this novel walking machine and the mechanical design of the first prototype. The results from the dynamic simulation and a simple experiment for a single step are presented for comparison
Use of intercostal nerves for neurotization of the musculocutaneous nerve in infants with birth-related brachial plexus palsy.

OBJECT The use of intercostal nerves (ICNs) for the neurotization of the musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) in adult patients with traumatic brachial plexus palsy has been well described. However, its use for brachial plexus palsy in infants has rarely been reported. The authors surgically created 31 ICN-MCN communications for birth-related brachial plexus palsy and present the surgical results. METHODS Thirty-one neurotizations of the MCN, performed using ICNs, were conducted in 30 patients with birth-related brachial plexus palsy. In most cases other procedures were combined to reconstruct all upper-extremity function. The mean patient age at surgery was 5.8 months and the mean follow-up period was 5.2 years. Intercostal nerves were transected 1 cm distal to the mammary line and their stumps were transferred to the axilla, where they were coapted directly to the MCN. Two ICNs were used in 26 cases and three ICNs in five cases. The power of the biceps muscle of the arm was rated Grade M4 in 26 (84%) of 31 patients. In the 12 patients who underwent surgery when they were younger than 5 months of age, all exhibited a grade of M4 (100%) in their biceps muscle power. These results are better than those previously reported in adults. CONCLUSIONS Neurotization of the MCN by surgically connecting ICNs is a safe, reliable, and effective procedure for reconstruction of the brachial plexus in patients suffering from birth-related palsy.
cut Mutant Drosophila Auditory Organs Differentiate Abnormally and Degenerate

The Drosophila antenna is a sophisticated structure that functions in both olfaction and audition. Previous studies have identified Homothorax, Extradenticle, and Distal-less, three homeodomain transcription factors, as required for specification of antennal identity. Antennal expression of cut is activated by Homothorax and Extradenticle, and repressed by Distal-less. cut encodes the Drosophila homolog of human CAAT-displacement protein, a cell cycle-regulated homeodomain transcription factor. Cut is required for normal development of external mechanosensory structures and Malphigian tubules (kidney analogs). The role of cut in the Drosophila auditory organ, Johnston's organ, has not been characterized. We have employed the FLP/FRT system to generate cut null clones in developing Johnston's organ. In cut mutants, the scolopidial subunits that constitute Johnston's organ differentiate abnormally and subsequently degenerate. Electrophysiological experiments confirm that adult Drosophila with cut null antennae are deaf. We find that cut acts in parallel to atonal, spalt-major, and spalt-related, which encode other transcription factors required for Johnston's organ differentiation. We speculate that Cut functions in conjunction with these factors to regulate transcription of as yet unidentified targets.
Qualitative tools and experimental philosophy

Abstract Experimental philosophy brings empirical methods to philosophy. These methods are used to probe how people think about philosophically interesting things such as knowledge, morality, and freedom. This paper explores the contribution that qualitative methods have to make in this enterprise. I argue that qualitative methods have the potential to make a much greater contribution than they have so far. Along the way, I acknowledge a few types of resistance that proponents of qualitative methods in experimental philosophy might encounter, and provide reasons to think they are ill-founded.
Response to Comment on "The Brain of LB1, Homo floresiensis"

Martin et al. claim that they have two endocasts from microcephalics that appear similar to that of LB1, Homo floresiensis. However, the line drawings they present as evidence lack details about the transverse sinuses, cerebellum, and cerebral poles. Comparative measurements, actual photographs, and sketches that identify key features are needed to draw meaningful conclusions about Martin et al.'s assertions.
What is a mechanism

After a decade of intense debate about mechanisms, there is still no consensus characterization. In this paper we argue for a characterization that applies widely to mechanisms across the sciences. We examine and defend our disagreements with the major current contenders for characterizations of mechanisms. Ultimately, we indicate that the major contenders can all sign up to our characterization.
On diagnosis of forwarding plane via static forwarding rules in Software Defined Networks

Software Defined Networks (SDN) decouple the forwarding and control planes from each other. The control plane is assumed to have a global knowledge of the underlying physical and/or logical network topology so that it can monitor, abstract and control the forwarding plane. When parts of the control plane become unavailable or unreliable, individual controllers should still be able to monitor the forwarding plane and run diagnostics to take the correct routing actions. In our paper, we present solutions that install an optimal or near-optimal number of static forwarding rules on switches/routers for any controller to be able to verify the topology connectivity and detect/locate link failures at data plane speeds without relying on state updates from forwarding plane nodes and other controllers while requiring reachability to only one (arbitrary) forwarding node. Our upper bounds on performance indicate that sub-second link failure localization is possible even at data-center scale networks. For networks with hundreds or few thousand links, tens of milliseconds of latency is achievable.
School children's stigmatising attitude towards peers with epilepsy in Nigeria

Very few studies have examined stigmatising attitudes towards epilepsy by school children in Africa. We explored attitude towards epilepsy among 205 secondary school students in Lagos, Nigeria. Stigmatising attitude was measured by a modified Bogardus Social Distance Scale. A significant proportion of the students endorsed negative attitudes towards peers with epilepsy. For example, only 24% thought most students would invite an affected person to their birthday party and only 31% thought most students would like to study together with a person with epilepsy. Whereas 40% believed that epilepsy is caused by evil spirits, 24% believed it is infectious. Also, 37% believe their families consider epilepsy shameful, and 29% believe their families would not approve of friendship with a peer with epilepsy. Regression analysis identified significant predictors of increased stigmatising attitude as follows: perceived negative family attitude, limited familiarity with epilepsy and belief that epilepsy is caused by evil spirits. Our finding that the children's perception of their family's negative attitude predicted their own stigmatising attitude towards epilepsy is unique. It suggests that interventions to reduce negative attitudes towards epilepsy by school children in this region may be more effective if the strategies include their families. Such intervention should include provision of accurate information on epilepsy.
Oral administration of bovine lactoferrin for treatment of intractable stomatitis in feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-positive and FIV-negative cats.

OBJECTIVE To study the effects of oral administration of bovine lactoferrin (LF) on intractable stomatitis in feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-positive and FIV-negative cats, and phagocytosis of neutrophils in healthy and ill cats, simultaneously. ANIMALS 7 ill cats with diagnosis of intractable stomatitis (4 FIV positive and 3 FIV negative) and 7 healthy, FIV-negative cats. PROCEDURE LF (40 mg/kg ot body weight) was applied topically to the oral mucosa of cats with intractable stomatitis daily for 14 days and improvement of clinical signs of disease (pain-related response, salivation, appetite, and oral inflammation), expressed by scoring from 1 to 4, were evaluated. Assay of neutrophil phagocytosis was examined before and 2 weeks after starting LF treatment, using nonopsonized hydrophilic polymer particles (2 microns). RESULTS Oral administration of LF improved intractable stomatitis in all 4 respects. Phagocytic activity of neutrophils increased after LF treatment. This effect was observed in healthy and ill (FIV positive and FIV negative) cats. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Oral administration of LF improved intractable stomatitis and concurrently enhanced the host defense system. Topical application of LF to oral mucous membrane is useful as a treatment for intractable stomatitis even in FIV-positive cats.
Recovery of shape and scale of an object using a CCD camera and an acceleration-gyro sensor

Shape recovery methods from an image sequence have been studied by many researchers. Theoretically, these methods are perfect, but they are sensitive to noise, so that, in many practical situations, we could not obtain satisfactory results. In addition, we could not obtain the scale of the recovered object because of the image-projection property. For solving these problems, we propose a method for shape and scale recovery which uses an acceleration-gyro sensor attached on a CCD camera for compensating images.