Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How Does the General Public Evaluate Risk Information? The Impact of Associations with Other Risks

There is a considerable body of knowledge about the way people perceive risks using heuristics and qualitative characteristics, and about how risk information should be communicated to the public. However, little is known about the way people use the perception of known risks (associated risks) to judge an unknown risk. In a first, qualitative study, six different risks were discussed in in‐depth interviews and focus group interviews. The interviews showed that risk associations played a prominent role in forming risk perceptions. Associated risks were often mentioned spontaneously. Second, a survey study was conducted to confirm the importance of risk associations quantitatively. This study investigated whether people related unknown risks to known risks. This was indeed confirmed. Furthermore, some insight was gained into how and why people form risk associations. Results showed that the semantic category of the unknown risks was more important in forming associations than the perceived level of risk or specific risk characteristics. These findings were in line with the semantic network theory. Based on these two studies, we recommend using the mental models approach in developing new risk communications.
A novel biometrie recognition system based on ground reaction force measurements of continuous gait

A novel biométrie recognition system is designed in this paper, using ground reaction force (GRF) measurements of continuous gai t. Original GRF signals are combined in three directions Respectively. Waveform interpolation and align ment are performed to meet th e demand of feature extraction ba sed on wavelet packet (WP) decomposition, re-sampling approach is utilized to expand valid training sets. Features are s elected u sing a fuzzy set-based features election criterion. Classification is accomplished using a kernel-based support vector machine (SVM). The parameter tuning of the S VM classifier is performed using a grid searching method. The approach is tested on a database comprising GRF records obtained from 103 subjects. Comparative results demonstrate that re-sampling approach and waveform interpolation and alignment can improve the recognition accuracy.
Assessing Bikeway Networks around Public Schools: A Tool for Transportation Planning in Washoe County, Nevada

Land-use patterns and school planning decisions influence transportation options for students. Because cycling continues to be a transportation option for many students, assessing existing bikeway networks can be an important first step towards making schools more accessible. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications are used in this study to evaluate factors relating to bikeway infrastructure around schools for a case study of three middle schools in Washoe County, Nevada. In addition to the absolute length of bikeways, important determinants of bicycle use were connections of bikeways to the schools (connectivity) and ratios between roadways, bikeways, and student capacity of a school. Since World War II, the characteristics of public schools in the United States have significantly changed. Small neighborhood schools are being replaced by large campuses on urban fringes that may include more than one school (Schlossberg et al., 2005). These land-use pattern changes directly affect how students get to school. Because these schools have larger student capacities, their attendance boundaries are larger, resulting in more students traveling farther. The Abstract
Economies of Scale in Household Consumption: With Application to Australia

This paper presents a general framework for defining the economies of scale in household consumption. It allows commodity specific economies of scale (taking into account the substitution effects). The chief contribution of the paper is to show how one can estimate economies of scale from cross section budget data without price information. The problem of identification that is inherent in these models is overcome by making use of some assumptions about the nature of goods and services employed in the estimation. The methodology developed in the paper is applied to Australian Household Expenditure Survey for 1984 to calculate item wise and overall economies of scale.
The American Way of Poverty: How the Other Half Still Lives

A New York Times Notable Book of the Year Fifty years after Michael Harrington published his groundbreaking book The Other America, in which he chronicled the lives of people excluded from the Age of Affluence, poverty in America is back with a vengeance. It is made up of both the long-term chronically poor and new working poor--the tens of millions of victims of a broken economy and an ever more dysfunctional political system. In many ways, for the majority of Americans, financial insecurity has become the new norm. The American Way of Poverty shines a light on this travesty. Sasha Abramsky brings the effects of economic inequality out of the shadows and, ultimately, suggests ways for moving toward a fairer and more equitable social contract. Exploring everything from housing policy to wage protections and affordable higher education, Abramsky lays out a panoramic blueprint for a reinvigorated political process that, in turn, will pave the way for a renewed War on Poverty. It is, Harrington believed, a moral outrage that in a country as wealthy as America, so many people could be so poor. Written in the wake of the 2008 financial collapse, in an era of grotesque economic extremes, The American Way of Poverty brings that same powerful indignation to the topic.
SILAC‐based proteomic analysis to investigate the impact of amyloid precursor protein expression in neuronal‐like B103 cells

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia in the elderly. Amyloid plaque formation through aggregation of the amyloid beta peptide derived from amyloid precursor protein (APP) is considered one of the hallmark processes leading to AD pathology; however, the precise role of APP in plaque formation and AD pathogenesis is yet to be determined. Using stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) and MS, protein expression profiles of APP null, rat neuronal‐like B103 cells were compared to B103–695 cells that express the APP isoform, APP‐695. A total of 2979 unique protein groups were identified among three biological replicates and significant protein expression changes were identified in a total of 102 nonredundant proteins. Some of the top biological functions associated with the differentially expressed proteins identified include cellular assembly, organization and morphology, cell cycle, lipid metabolism, protein folding, and PTMs. We report several novel biological pathways influenced by APP‐695 expression in neuronal‐like cells and provide additional framework for investigating altered molecular mechanisms associated with APP expression and processing and contribution to AD pathology.
Financial Intermediation and the Costs of Trading in an Opaque Market

Municipal bonds trade in opaque, decentralized broker-dealer markets in which price information is costly to gather. Whether dealers in such a market operate competitively is an empirical issue, but a difficult one to study. Data in such markets is generally not centrally recorded. We analyze a comprehensive database of all trades between broker-dealers in municipal bonds and their customers. The data is only released to the public with a substancial lag, and thus the market was relativela opaque to the traders themselves during our sample period. We find that dealers earn lower average markups on larger trades, even though larger trades lead the dealers to bear more risk of losses. We formulate and estimate a simple structural bargaining model that allows us to estimate mesures of dealer bargaining power and it relate it to the characteristics of the trades. The results suggest dealers exercise substancial market power. Our mesures of market power decrease in trade size and increase in variables that indicate the complexity of the trade for the dealer.
Numerical calculation of the air gap flux density distribution in rotary electrical machines

The subject of this paper is the definition of basic parameters important to the creation of a tool or programme to numerical calculation of the real air gap flux density distribution in electrical machines. This programme will include all parameters affecting the flux density distribution like stator winding distribution, iron saturation, dimensions of the stator slots and teeth, dimensions of the rotor slots and teeth (by induction machines) and dimensions and position of permanent magnets (by PM machines). All of these parameters cannot be included in the analytical design of the electric machine and the creation and calculation of the FEM model is time-consuming. This paper includes a description of different approaches of the numerical calculations based on analytical methods. The effects on the air gap flux density distribution are calculated separately and compared with the normal component of the flux density obtained through no load FEM models. In the future, the final distribution given by the combination on mentioned effects will be calculated. The next steps to improve the programme will be calculation of the back electromotive force or the torque of the machine for which in necessary to know not only distribution of the normal component but also distribution of the tangential component of the flux density.
Modulation of a presynaptic hyperpolarization‐activated cationic current (Ih) at an excitatory synaptic terminal in the rat auditory brainstem

1 A hyperpolarization‐activated non‐specific cation current, Ih, was examined in bushy cell bodies and their giant presynaptic terminals (calyx of Held). Whole‐cell patch clamp recordings were made using an in vitro brain slice preparation of the cochlear nucleus and the superior olivary complex. The aim was to characterise Ih in identified cell bodies and synaptic terminals, to examine modulation by presynaptic cAMP and to test for modulatory effects of Ih activation on synaptic transmission. 2 Presynaptic Ih was activated by hyperpolarizing voltage‐steps, with half‐activation (V1/2) at –94 mV. Activation time constants were voltage dependent, showing an e‐fold acceleration for hyperpolarizations of –32 mV (time constant of 78 ms at –130 mV). The reversal potential of Ih was –29 mV. It was blocked by external perfusion of 1 mm CsCl but was unaffected by BaCl2. 3 Application of internal cAMP shifted the activation curve to more positive potentials, giving a V1/2 of –74 mV; hence around half of the current was activated at resting membrane potentials. This shift in half‐activation was mimicked by external perfusion of a membrane‐permeant analogue, 8‐bromo‐cAMP. 4 The bushy cell body Ih showed similar properties to those of the synaptic terminal; V1/2 was –94 mV and the reversal potential was –33 mV. Somatic Ih was blocked by CsCl (1 mm) and was partially sensitive to BaCl2. Somatic Ih current density increased with postnatal age from 5 to 16 days old, suggesting that Ih is functionally relevant during maturation of the auditory pathway. 5 The function of Ih in regulating presynaptic excitability is subtle. Ih had little influence on EPSC amplitude at the calyx of Held, but may be associated with propagation of the action potential at branch points. Presynaptic Ih shares properties with both HCN1 and HCN2 recombinant channel subunits, in that it gates relatively rapidly and is modulated by internal cAMP.
Organisational intentions and responses: presenting the risk of Lyme disease to countryside users

With more people working or recreating in the countryside, there is a need for land-based organisations to manage potential risks. We explore the role of risk communication as a tool for preventing staff or the wider publics contracting Lyme disease. Through interviews with representatives of land-based organisations and content analysis of information they provide, we focus on the relationship between organisational attitudes towards Lyme disease and the information they provide. While there is an appetite for a consistent approach to communicating about Lyme disease, we found that there is currently no clear agreement over the level of information that should be communicated, how and to whom. Moreover, how organisations approach risk communication in practice is variable. A potential solution would be an accessible resource base which provides accurate and consistent information that can be tailored to different audiences.
Cancer incidence among US Medicare ESRD patients receiving hemodialysis, 1996-2009.

BACKGROUND Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving dialysis have been reported to have increased risk of cancer. However, contemporary cancer burden estimates in this population are sparse and do not account for the high competing risk of death characteristic of dialysis patients. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS US adult patients enrolled in Medicare's ESRD program who received in-center hemodialysis. FACTORS Demographic/clinical characteristics. OUTCOMES For overall and site-specific cancers identified using claims-based definitions, we calculated annual incidence rates (1996-2009). We estimated 5-year cumulative incidence since dialysis therapy initiation using competing-risk methods. RESULTS We observed a constant rate of incident cancers for all sites combined, from 3,923 to 3,860 cases per 100,000 person-years (annual percentage change, 0.1; 95% CI, -0.4 to 0.6). Rates for some common site-specific cancers increased (ie, kidney/renal pelvis) and decreased (ie, colon/rectum, lung/bronchus, pancreas, and other sites). Of 482,510 incident hemodialysis patients, cancer was diagnosed in 37,128 within 5 years after dialysis therapy initiation. The 5-year cumulative incidence of any cancer was 9.48% (95% CI, 9.39%-9.57%) and was higher for certain subgroups: older age, males, nonwhites, non-Hispanics, nondiabetes primary ESRD cause, recent dialysis therapy initiation, and history of transplantation evaluation. Among blacks and whites, we observed 35,767 cases compared with 25,194 expected cases if the study population had experienced rates observed in the US general population (standardized incidence ratio [SIR], 1.42; 95% CI, 1.41-1.43). Risk was most elevated for cancers of the kidney/renal pelvis (SIR, 4.03; 95% CI, 3.88-4.19) and bladder (SIR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.51-1.64). LIMITATIONS Claims-based cancer definitions have not been validated in the ESRD population. Information for cancer risk factors was not available in our data source. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest a high burden of cancer in the dialysis population compared to the US general population, with varying patterns of cancer incidence in subgroups.
The dynamics of consumer behaviour to beverage consumption in a harsh economic environment : a case study of Zimbabwe.

Living Standards Measures (LSMs) are a way of segmenting or classifying the adult population of a country based on access to and use of a wide range of goods and services. LSMs are a very strong tool for grouping people for the purposes of target marketing rather than demographic segmentation. In any country with third world characteristics where a large portion of the economy is informal rather than formal, understanding consumer behaviour for the purpose of targeting consumers effectively becomes a formidable challenge. A research has been conducted, centered on LSM3-10 consumer behaviour with regard to purchase and consumption of non-alcoholic beverages in Zimbabwe. Beverage consumption patterns are revolving since Zimbabwe started experiencing an economic downturn from 1992 and subsequently went into recession. Beverage consumption patterns continue to change as the economic climate changes, and hence, the need to understand consumer beverage consumption patterns to Zimbabwe's changing harsh economic conditions. A hypothesis has been put to test, that is, "LSM3 to LSM 10 will maintain their beverage consumption irrespective of the country's economic conditions". The methodology used in this survey is quantitative and descriptive with use of observation data, desk research and a survey instrument, the questionnaire which was designed for the purpose of the study. The research findings show that the motivation goal for a shopping trip have evolved from obligatory motive to circumstantial. On the cultural factors, life styles and social influences have also changed hence affecting shopping behaviour across all LSMs. It is empirically concluded that the hypothesis is false given the fact that the research findings show a shift in shopping behaviour as outlined above. It is therefore recommended that from a product development perspective, marketers develop products and services that are aligned to socio-economic changes in a country whether positive or negative. Dissertation The Dynamics Of Consumer Behaviour In A Harsh Economic Environment A Case study ofZimbabwe v ITABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE CHAPTER
Analysis of Fractalkine Receptor CX3CR1 Function by Targeted Deletion and Green Fluorescent Protein Reporter Gene Insertion

ABSTRACT The seven-transmembrane receptor CX3CR1 is a specific receptor for the novel CX3C chemokine fractalkine (FKN) (neurotactin). In vitro data suggest that membrane anchoring of FKN, and the existence of a shed, soluble FKN isoform allow for both adhesive and chemoattractive properties. Expression on activated endothelium and neurons defines FKN as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in inflammatory conditions, particularly central nervous system diseases. To investigate the physiological function of CX3CR1-FKN interactions, we generated a mouse strain in which the CX3CR1 gene was replaced by a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene. In addition to the creation of a mutant CX3CR1 locus, this approach enabled us to assign murine CX3CR1 expression to monocytes, subsets of NK and dendritic cells, and the brain microglia. Analysis of CX3CR1-deficient mice indicates that CX3CR1 is the only murine FKN receptor. Yet, defying anticipated FKN functions, absence of CX3CR1 interferes neither with monocyte extravasation in a peritonitis model nor with DC migration and differentiation in response to microbial antigens or contact sensitizers. Furthermore, a prominent response of CX3CR1-deficient microglia to peripheral nerve injury indicates unimpaired neuronal-glial cross talk in the absence of CX3CR1.
Approaches and principles of fall detection for elderly and patient

Fall detection for elderly and patient has been an active research topic due to that the healthcare industry has a big demand for products and technology of fall detection. This paper gives a survey of fall detection for elderly and patient, focusing on identifying approaches and principles of the existing fall detection methods. To properly build the classification tree of the methods of fall detection we first study the characteristics of fall. Then according to what sensors and how sensors are used we first divide the methods of fall detection into three approaches: wearable device, ambience device, and camera-based. Further we divide each approach into two to three classes according to the used principles. For each class of algorithm we analyze their merits and demerits. We also give comments on how we can improve some algorithms.
Variations in template protection by the RNA polymerase II transcription complex during the initiation process

Preinitiation complexes (complex 0) or complexes which either made 2 or an average of 10 phosphodiester bonds (complexes 2 and 10, respectively) were assembled in vitro on the adenovirus 2 major late promoter. Each of the complexes was digested extensively with DNase I; the protected DNAs were purified and hybridized in a series of end-labeled oligonucleotides homologous to sequences on the coding or noncoding strands near the initiation site. The hybrids were then extended with reverse transcriptase to map the extent of template protection conferred by proteins in the complex. The downstream protection edge revealed by this approach was approximately +30, +25, and +35 for complexes 0, 2, and 10, respectively. We subsequently found that the apparent inward movement of the downstream protection boundary on initiation could be produced by satisfying the energy requirement for transcription initiation (i.e., by treating with ATP or dATP). The downstream boundary change occurred as rapidly as we could perform the test (less than 60 s) and was not blocked by alpha-amanitin. DNAs from trimmed complexes 0, 2, or 10 all supported extension to a single upstream edge at about position -42. Upstream protection was stable in the preinitiation complex, but when postinitiation complexes were incubated for extended periods, protection of the entire upstream region was lost. This decay of upstream protection, like the movement of the downstream boundary, was found to result from exposure to ATP or dATP. Unlike the downstream boundary movement, however, the upstream change was relatively slow; about 15 min was required to lose one-half of the protection.
Vaporization, photoacoustic and acoustic characterization of PLGA/PFH particles loaded with optically absorbing materials

Poly (lactide-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is an FDA approved biocompatible and biodegradable material that is commonly used in implantation and drug delivery applications. It can be used as a carrier for various chemotherapeutic drugs, imaging agents and targeting moieties. Perfluorocarbon (PFC) liquids have been used in various biomedical applications, and can be activated (i.e. the liquid core converted to gas) via laser irradiation through the incorporation of optically absorbing nanoparticles or dyes within the emulsions. PLGA particles were synthesized with nanoparticles (gold or iron oxide) or dyes (DiI or rhodamine) within the PLGA shell and perfluorohexane (PFH) in the core. The photoacoustic signals and vaporization threshold of individual micron-sized particles were examined to optimize the dye and nanoparticle combination. The PLGA/PFH particles containing gold nanoparticles and DiI had the lowest vaporization threshold, with each particle consistently requiring less than 100 mJ/cm2 for vaporization. The effects of vaporization were then tested in cell culture. The particles were internalized by MDA breast cancer cells, and then irradiated with a laser. Once the particle was vaporized, a bubble formed within the cell which destroyed the cell. This work presents a first study of using a solid-shell PLGA particle encapsulating PFH liquid as a theragnostic agent.
Mathematical Programming Methods for Logistics Planning.

Abstract : This project was concerned with the application of mathematical programming models and techniques to logistics planning problems. Basic research was performed on a new approach, called inverse optimization, to the parametric analysis of mixed integer programming models. The approach was implemented and tested for the capacitated plant location problem. Basic research was also performed on three other logistics planning models with cyclic structures; namely, lot-size problems when demand and costs are cyclic, vehicle routing and cyclic staffing. A final research effort, partially suggested by the contract, was the construction and optimization, using decomposition methods, of a model of the U.S. coal supply and demand markets.