Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the Effect of Neighbourhood on Individuals: Challenges, Alternative Approaches, and Promising Directions

Six major challenges confront statistical researchers attempting to quantify accurately the independent effect of neighbourhood context on individuals: (1) defining the scale of neighbourhood; (2) identifying mechanisms of neighbourhood effect; (3) measuring appropriate neighbourhood characteristics; (4) measuring exposure to neighbourhood; (5) measuring appropriate individual characteristics; and (6) endogeneity. The paper describes these challenges, prior attempts to meet them, and their respective shortcomings. It notes several approaches on the horizon that offer the promise of surmounting these challenges: experiments with varied scales of bespoke neighbourhoods; databases with multi-domain measures of neighbourhood characteristics; statistical models testing for non-linear neighbourhood effects that are stratified by residential group, density of local social interactions, and duration of residency; and econometric devices involving instrumental variables and residuals. It argues that further progress can be made on this front if we take advantage of natural quasi-experiments and push toward fielding a major, new social survey employing a people/place panel design.
Philosophical antecendents to situated cognition

In this chapter I plan to situate the concept of situated cognition within the framework of antecedent philosophical work. My intention, however, is not to provide a simple historical guide but to suggest that there are still some untapped resources in these past philosophers that may serve to enrich current accounts of situated cognition. I will include embodied cognition as part of the concept of situated cognition. One often encounters these terms used togetherembodied cognition and situated cognition and it is clear that situated cognition cannot be disembodied, although some authors emphasize one over the other or provide principled distinctions between them.1 Philosophical thought experiments notwithstanding, however, the often-encountered brain in a vat is, to say the least, in a very odd and artificial situation. Given what seems to be an essential connection between embodiment and situation, I will take the more inclusive and holistic route and view them accordingly.
Boosting Reading Success

52 • THE COUNCIL FOR ExCEPTIONAL CHILDREN H ere is the story of Linda and Ben. Linda is a fourth-grade teacher, and Ben is one of 28 children in her class. Linda has taken advantage of abundant research on strategies for teaching reading comprehension; Ben, who is profoundly deaf, has particularly benefited-as have all the diverse learners in Linda's class. The fact is that we know how to help children achieve success in reading. Research from the 1960s to the present has provided teacher-tested, proven strategies that can be tailored to any child, any class. The names of some of these strategies may sound daunting, such as Concept-Text-Application, Semantic Maps, and Directed Reading Thinking Activity. Many of them, such as K-W-L (What I Know, What 1Want to Learn, and What 1Learned) (Ogle. 1986) are a result of an explosion of reading research in the 1980s and are old friends to many teachers and students. (See Samuels & Farstrup. 1992; Schirmer, 1994; Zakaluk &Samuels, 1988 for other reading resources.) No teaching strategy can enable children to understand aI/text material, regardless of the level of the material (see box, "Factors Contributing to Text Readability"); but teachers may use various strategies to provide children support in comprehending material that would appear to be considerably beyond their reading levels. These strategies can be used just as effectively by general education teachers with classrooms of diverse learners as by special education teachers with small, self-contained classrooms of deaf and hard-of-hearing children.
Societal costs of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.

AIM To estimate the societal costs of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) in New Zealand and develop a simulation tool to evaluate treatment options. METHOD Treatment profiles, availability, uptake, and costs were based on services in the Wellington Region, and were used to develop a decision analytic model with micro costing of each potential outcome. Sensitivity analyses were conducted with 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations randomly varying each model parameter between high and low estimates. RESULTS Total annual societal costs of OSAS for New Zealanders aged 30-60 years were estimated at $40 million (range $33-$90 million) or $419 per case, with accidents being the major contributor. This included 58% direct medical, 13% direct non-medical, 25% indirect, and 3% intangible costs. The estimated incremental net cost of treating OSAS was $389 per case treated (range $338-$427). The estimated incremental net direct medical cost per quality of life year (QALY) gained was $94 (range $56-$310). CONCLUSION The estimated incremental direct medical cost per QALY gained by OSAS treatment is well below the average QALY cost ($6865) for drugs selected by PHARMAC to receive government subsidy for use in the healthcare system. Thus, the analysis strongly supports the cost effectiveness of OSAS treatment.
High Prevalence of Subclinical Rheumatic Heart Disease in Pregnant Women in a Developing Country: An Echocardiographic Study

Objectives: Pregnant women with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) carry a high risk of morbidity and mortality. In this study the prevalence of subclinical RHD in pregnant women in Keren, Eritrea was assessed using echocardiography. Methods and results: A prospective cross sectional survey of pregnant women attending a midwife consultation was carried out by two specially trained medical students and an experienced cardiologist. The women were screened by the medical students using echocardiography. All recordings were reviewed and evaluated by the experienced cardiologist before a final diagnosis was given. Eight of the 348 screened women had definite RHD. This corresponds to a prevalence of 2.3%, 95% CI (0.7–3.9). Conclusion: 2.3% of the pregnant women in Keren were found to have subclinical RHD. (Echocardiography 2011;28:1049‐1053)
A double safety net ? Interactions between government and family assistance for the disabled

In this paper I investigate how government-provided disability insurance (DI) interacts with private transfers from grown children to their disabled parents. I examine changes in family-provided monetary and in-kind transfers after the onset of a disability and test whether DI increases or decreases these private family transfers. Theoretically, if families cannot perfectly observe the disability, admittance onto DI could provide information that allows families to adjust the level of transfers they provide. I take advantage of rich information on health, transfers and DI receipt in the Health and Retirement Study to analyze this question empirically. Using a fixed effects, difference in differences research design, I compare transfers between DI recipients and two control groups: rejected applicants and a propensityscore weighted sample of disabled individuals who do not apply for DI. I reject the hypothesis that DI reduces the probability of receiving a transfer by more than 3 percentage points, or 10 percent, and find that DI could increase the probability of receiving a transfer. Additional analysis reveals that the increase in transfers occurs in cases where children likely had limited information about the disability prior to DI receipt, suggesting that DI could send a welfare-improving information signal. ∗Department of Economics, University of Maryland. Email: rennane@econ.umd. edu. I am grateful to Lesley Turner, Judy Hellerstein, Melissa Kearney, Jessica Goldberg, Todd Honeycutt, Ken Ueda, researchers at the Center for Retirement Research, and participants at the Association for Public Policy Analysis 2014 Conference for very helpful comments.
Prognostic Value of Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity as Index of Arterial Stiffness in the General Population

Background— Few population studies addressed the prognostic significance of aortic pulse wave velocity (APWV) above and beyond other cardiovascular risk factors. Methods and Results— We studied a sex- and age-stratified random sample of 1678 Danes aged 40 to 70 years. We used Cox regression to investigate the prognostic value of APWV, office pulse pressure (PP), and 24-hour ambulatory PP while adjusting for mean arterial pressure (MAP) and other covariates. Over a median follow-up of 9.4 years, the incidence of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular end points, cardiovascular mortality, and fatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease amounted to 154, 62, and 101 cases, respectively. We adjusted for sex, age, body mass index, MAP measured in the office (conventional PP and APWV) or by ambulatory monitoring (24-hour PP), smoking, and alcohol intake. With these adjustments, APWV maintained its prognostic significance in relation to each end point (P<0.05), whereas office and 24-hour PP lost their predictive value (P>0.19), except for office PP in relation to coronary heart disease (P=0.02). For each 1-SD increment in APWV (3.4 m/s), the risk of an event increased by 16% to 20%. In sensitivity analyses, APWV still predicted all cardiovascular events after standardization to a heart rate of 60 beats per minute, after adjustment for 24-hour MAP instead of office MAP, and/or after additional adjustment for the ratio of total to HDL serum cholesterol and diabetes mellitus at baseline. Conclusions— In a general Danish population, APWV predicted a composite of cardiovascular outcomes above and beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors, including 24-hour MAP.
Using language models to generate whole-body multi-contact motions

We present a novel approach for generating sequences of whole-body poses with multi-contacts for humanoid robots, which is inspired by techniques from natural language processing. To this end, we propose a probabilistic n-gram language model learned from observation of human locomotion tasks. Human motion data is automatically segmented according to detected contacts of the body with the environment to provide support, that is, support poses, which are further subdivided with regard to whole-body configuration. These poses are subsequently used to train a language model, whose words are the poses, and whose sentences represent sequences of poses. Then, we propose a planning algorithm that, given the constraints imposed by a task, finds the sequence of transitions with the highest probability according to our language model. We have applied our approach to 140 motion capture recordings of locomotion tasks that involve using one or both hands for support. The evaluation demonstrates that our approach is able to generate complex sets of pose transitions, and shows promising results regarding its application to more complex tasks.
Operation Graph Oriented Correlation of ASIC Chip Internal Information for Hardware Debug

Preface This thesis presents a novel approach to operation-centric tracing for hardware debug with a retrospective analysis of traces which are distributed across a computer system. Therefore, these traces record entries about the operations at runtime, and a software tool correlates these entries after a problem occurred. This tool is based on a generic method using identifiers saved from operations. Because identifiers are changed along the path of an operation through the system and traces record different information, the entries are transformed to find matching entries in other traces. After the correlation, the method reconstructs the operation paths with help of an operation graph which describes for each type of operation the subtasks and their sequence. With these paths the designer gets a better overview about the chip or system activity, and can isolate the problem cause faster. The TRACE MATCHER implements the described method and it is evaluated with an example bridge chip. Therefore, the benefit for hardware debug, correctness of the reconstructed paths, the performance of the implementation, and the configuration effort are evaluated. At the end guidelines for trace and system design describe how matching can be improved by carefully designed identifiers at operations.
Glaucoma detection by using Pearson-R correlation filter

Glaucoma is the most common cause of vision loss and is apparently becoming more important. In this paper, the research is focused on development of novel automated classification system for Glaucoma, based on image features from eye fundus photographs. A study done already has revealed that the optic cup-to-disc ratio, Neuro-retinal rim thickness and Neuro-retinal rim area in eye fundus image are the key parameters used to assess the progression of the disease. These aspects have been used by us for the detection of possible Glaucoma. Pearson-R coefficients corresponding to the eye fundus image are used as features. Segmentation algorithm is used to segment optic cup and disc and their respective vertical diameters are calculated to determine cup-to-disc ratio. Neuro-retinal rim thickness and rim area are measured using segmented portions of optic cup and disc. Methodology developed is found out to be very accurate for classification of Glaucoma. These novel techniques resulted in an overall efficiency of 97%.
FibroTest and FibroScan for the Prediction of Hepatitis C-Related Fibrosis: A Systematic Review of Diagnostic Test Accuracy

BACKGROUND:The accurate diagnosis of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related fibrosis is crucial for prognostication and treatment decisions. Due to the limitations of biopsy, noninvasive alternatives including FibroTest and FibroScan have been developed. Our objective was to systematically review studies describing the accuracy of these tests for predicting HCV-related fibrosis.METHODS:Studies comparing FibroTest or FibroScan versus biopsy in HCV patients were identified via an electronic search. Random effects meta-analyses and areas under summary receiver operating characteristics curves (AUC) were examined to characterize test accuracy for significant fibrosis (F2-4) and cirrhosis. Heterogeneity was explored using meta-regression.RESULTS:Twelve studies were identified, 9 for FibroTest (N = 1,679) and 4 for FibroScan (N = 546). In heterogeneous analyses for significant fibrosis, the AUCs for FibroTest and FibroScan were 0.81 (95% CI 0.78–84) and 0.83 (0.03–1.00), respectively. At a threshold of ∼0.60, the sensitivity and specificity of the FibroTest were 47% (35–59%) and 90% (87–92%). For FibroScan (threshold ∼8 kPa), corresponding values were 64% (50–76%) and 87% (80–91%), respectively. Methodological quality, the length of liver biopsy specimens, and inclusion of special populations did not explain the observed heterogeneity. However, the diagnostic accuracy of both measures was associated with the prevalence of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in the study populations. For cirrhosis, the summary AUCs for FibroTest and FibroScan were 0.90 (95% CI not calculable) and 0.95 (0.87–0.99), respectively.CONCLUSIONS:FibroTest and FibroScan have excellent utility for the identification of HCV-related cirrhosis, but lesser accuracy for earlier stages. Refinements are necessary before these tests can replace liver biopsy.
Two-signal requirement for growth-promoting function of Yap in hepatocytes

The transcriptional coactivator Yes-associated protein (Yap) promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis, suggesting that Yap functions as an oncogene. Most oncogenes, however, require a combination of at least two signals to promote proliferation. In this study, we present evidence that Yap activation is insufficient to promote growth in the otherwise normal tissue. Using a mosaic mouse model, we demonstrate that Yap overexpression in a fraction of hepatocytes does not lead to their clonal expansion, as proliferation is counterbalanced by increased apoptosis. To shift the activity of Yap towards growth, a second signal provided by tissue damage or inflammation is required. In response to liver injury, Yap drives clonal expansion, suppresses hepatocyte differentiation, and promotes a progenitor phenotype. These results suggest that Yap activation is insufficient to promote growth in the absence of a second signal thus coordinating tissue homeostasis and repair. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.02948. 001
A Short Note on the Solution of the Prisoner's Dilemma

Here we reconsider the solution of the well-known Prisoner's Dilemma from a binary relation point of view. We identify the Nash equilibrium as single maximum element of a relation (we call it coordination relation) between the cells of a multidimensional payoff array. The comparison between reward vectors of cells is according to a preference relation of each player. This approach allows for an easier extension to cases of n players and m strategies, but also cases of varying preference relations among the players. This way we can judge on negotiable situations by analyzing maximum set sizes of the coordination relation. As an example, we study the prospect of players focusing on maximal total or least rewards (the latter one being a model for fair decision making). It appears as an apparent counter-intuitive result that such player preferences do not lead to Nash equilibria at all since they result in a strongly increasing number of maximal elements, thus hardening a joint decision making.
Terrain/clutter based location prediction by using multi-condition Bayesian decision theory

This research work is based on the location prediction of wireless nodes with the terrains/clutters considerations. Multi-condition Bayesian decision theory is applied for precision in selected locations. Currecnt research is the continution of our previous research work in which twelve terrains were proposed based on the atmospharic atteunation. In the first phase of paper, basic parameters such as receive signal strength and available signal strength are calculated by using terrain/clutter considerations. Secondly, geomatric approach is used to calculate angle of arrival. Finally, multi-condition bayesian decision theory is used to precise the calculated results. Three posterior probabilities, the angle error rate (e), overlapping coverage area (Ω) and the terrains/clutters error rate (Ć) are used with the Bayesian decision theory for the most probable location of wireless node. Results show that 60%- 80% accuracy could be achived if proper terrain defination and multi-condition bayesian decision theory is followed.
Magnetic field generated by short circuit current in the 110 kV power system

Electric fields within tissues induced by magnetic fields including transients or short-term peaks should not be time averaged and be regarded as instantaneous values as established in the ICNIRP (International Commission on Non - Ionizing Radiation Protection) guidelines. Measurements of power lines magnetic fields with regard to human beings exposure are carried out typically with maximum current load at current balance condition when fields from lines compensate each other. In the fault conditions, like current unbalance due to short circuit, magnetic field increases thus in that case field should be estimated and compared with limits. It is not easy to measure transients caused by short circuits because of its random character, however it could be calculated. In this paper authors show magnetic field generated by short circuit current and compare it with ICNIRP limits. Type of short circuit, earthing system and also current distribution through the tower and earth are discussed. Maximum magnetic field in the worst case conditions is estimated.
Changes in understory species occurrence of a secondary broadleaved forest after mass mortality of oak trees under deer foraging pressure

The epidemic of mass mortality of oak trees by Japanese oak wilt has affected secondary deciduous broadleaved forests that have been used as coppices in Japan. The dieback of oak trees formed gaps in the crown that would be expected to enhance the regeneration of shade-intolerant pioneer species. However, foraging by sika deer Cervus nippon has also affected forest vegetation, and the compound effects of both on forest regeneration should be considered when they simultaneously occur. A field study was conducted in Kyôto City, Japan to investigate how these compound effects affected the vegetation of the understory layer of these forests. The presence/absence of seedlings and saplings was observed for 200 quadrats sized 5 m ×5 m for each species in 1992, before the mass mortality and deer encroachment, and in 2014 after these effects. A hierarchical Bayesian model was constructed to explain the occurrence, survival, and colonization of each species with their responses to the gaps that were created, expanded, or affected by the mass mortality of Quercus serrata trees. The species that occurred most frequently in 1992, Eurya japonica, Quercus glauca, and Cleyera japonica, also had the highest survival probabilities. Deer-unpalatable species such as Symplocos prunifolia and Triadica sebifera had higher colonization rates in the gaps, while the deer-palatable species Aucuba japonica had the smallest survival probability. The gaps thus promoted the colonization of deer-unpalatable plant species such as Symplocos prunifolia and Triadica sebifera. In the future, such deer-unpalatable species may dominate gaps that were created, expanded, or affected by the mass mortality of oak trees.
Comparative digestibility of energy and ileal amino acids in yeast extract and spray-dried porcine plasma fed to pigs

ABSTRACT Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the digestible (DE) and metabolisable energy (ME), apparent (AID) and standardised ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in yeast extract (YE) and spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP). In Experiment 1, 18 barrows (25.1 ± 1.2 kg body weight [BW]) were randomly allotted to three treatments with six replicates per treatment. The DE and ME of YE was 20.64 and 19.31 MJ/kg, respectively, which were not significantly different with the DE and ME of SDPP (18.74 and 18.05 MJ/kg, respectively). In Experiment 2, six barrows (20.6 ± 2.6 kg BW) fitted with ileal T-cannulas were fed three diets in a repeated 3-period Latin square design. For Met and Glu, the AID tended to be, while the SID was significantly higher (p < 0.05), in YE than in SDPP. The AID of Cys tended to be lower in YE (p = 0.07), while the SID of Phe tended to be higher in YE than in SDPP (p = 0.06). Accordingly, YE could be a potential substitute for SDPP as a superior protein ingredient in diets for pigs in terms of the available energy and AA digestibility.