Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Barriers to Improved Capability for Low-income Canadians

This article examines barriers to improved well-being for low-income Canadians. It uses the capability approach to explore how personal, institutional and banking factors interact to create obstacles to improved capability. It does this by relying on financial life histories from 15 low-income people living in inner-cities in Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg. The financial life histories are a qualitative method in which respondents were recruited using a snowball sampling method, and asked to share personal stories about their life and financial goals. Respondents are, by Canadian standards, acutely poor and several faced multiple personal barriers including mental illness and substance abuse. The results indicate that participants experienced many more periods of declining, as compared with improving, capability. Respondents identified a series of personal (e.g., illness and addiction), structural (e.g., poorly funded education and low-levels of social assistance support), and banking (e.g., high banking fees and limited appropriate services) obstacles to their improved capability. Most respondents noted that they faced several obstacles at once that created powerful unfreedoms to improved capability. Weak banking services in the neighbourhoods was an important factor in limiting the capability of the respondents.
Predictive thermal modeling for loss distribution method of 3-level active NPC inverter

In this paper, 3-level Active NPC inverter of predictive thermal modeling controls losses through the predictive thermal modeling. In the advantage of conventional 3-Level NPC, the generated thermal in each switch is unbalanced. Also, utilization of designed system has decreased. Thus, in order to compensate, 3-Level Active NPC inverter can distribute switch loss in accordance with operation of active switch. Therefore, 3-level Active NPC inverter is controlled with the loss distribution method by using predictive thermal modeling and Active NPC inverter is verified by simulation results.
Agnostic active learning

We state and analyze the first active learning algorithm which works in the presence of arbitrary forms of noise. The algorithm, A2 (for Agnostic Active), relies only upon the assumption that the samples are drawn i.i. d. from a fixed distribution. We show that A2 achieves an exponential improvement (i.e., requires only O (ln 1/ε) samples to find an ε-optimal classifier) over the usual sample complexity of supervised learning, for several settings considered before in the realizable case. These include learning threshold classifiers and learning homogeneous linear separators with respect to an input distribution which is uniform over the unit sphere.
Non-invasive method for measuring local pulse wave velocity in arteries: part II

Several mathematical and experimental approaches have been proposed to evaluate pulse wave velocity (PWV). The first approach provides a global PWV which is the speed by which the wave travels between two sites at a known distanceapart: c 1⁄4 dx=dt. This method is commonly referred to as the foot-to-foot (f-t-f) method. Early works which used this method were invasive, using the simultaneous measurement of pressure waveforms (Latham et al. 1985). Recent work applied this method using non-invasive measurement of pressure (Doppler ultrasound Hartley et al. 1997) and magnetic resonance (Dumoulin et al. 1992). PWV can also be derived from the propagation coefficient c 1⁄4 v=lmðyÞ obtained by twoor three-point method (Abdessalem et al. 2007). However, these methods provide an average wave velocity that does not take into account the variability of arterial wall properties. In addition, the pulse wave produced by the heart is of low frequency. The aim of this study was to present a non-invasive method for the assessment of local PWV and to compare the results of this method with those obtained using the f-tf method using in vitro experiments.
Value-Based Risk Management: Costs and Benefits

Abstract Purpose The goal of this paper is to develop a model which may be used to demonstrate costs and benefits of risk management investments in the context of value-based management. Approach This paper answers the question of how to quantify changes in company value caused by risk management measures on a theoretical basis. First, a review of empirical studies allowing assertions about the cost and utility of risk management investments is presented. The results of these studies point to a nonlinear shape of the curve and form a basis for the development of a seemingly plausible cost/utility correlation. Findings In this paper, a model will be developed which can be used to demonstrate costs and benefits of risk management investments in the context of value-based management. It is assumed that at first, risk management expenditures without measurable monetary utility will have to be made. Furthermore, it is assumed to increase more than proportionally, then less than proportionally, until further investments in risk management activities yield only minimal increases in utility and cannot improve company value any further. Practical implications By inserting the yet-to-be-determined actual cost/benefit relationship for a company or industry sector into the EVA equation, it is possible to display the effects of risk management measures on the company value. This procedure is principally combinable with the analysis of other value-based control parameters, that is, the Discounted Cash Flow concept or the Cash Value Added methodology. Originality Risk management is increasingly gaining scientific and public interest, especially since the global financial crisis. Scientists and practical users espouse the benefits of risk management systems in this context. However, the extent to which investments in risk management systems can improve the value of a company remains still unclear. We could determine that at first risk management expenditures will not result in a monetarily measurable benefit. The remaining slope of the curve is derived as increasing more than proportionally at first, then less than proportionally, until further investments into risk management activities yield almost no additional increase in benefits. In this paper, three different functions are offered to describe the shape of the curve identified. They differ in regard to their free parameters and hence in their flexibility of application. The higher flexibility of functions #2 and #3 is balanced by the disadvantage of increasing formal complexity, possibly leading to an increased effort for implementation and application. Research limitations To harness the relationships developed in this paper for practical use, further research should target the identification and empirical verification of dependencies between the parameters and principal company index values.
Posterolateral Structures of the Knee in Posterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency

Background In vitro data suggest that injury to the posterior cruciate ligament stresses the posterolateral structures of the knee, placing them at greater risk of secondary injury. However, it is not known how isolated posterior cruciate ligament deficiency affects these soft tissue stabilizers of the knee joint in vivo. Hypothesis Posterior cruciate ligament deficiency will alter the apparent length patterns of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and popliteus. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods The apparent length changes in the lateral collateral ligament and popliteus muscle-tendon unit during weightbearing knee flexion were studied in 14 patients with isolated, unilateral posterior cruciate ligament deficiency using magnetic resonance imaging, dual-orthogonal fluoroscopy, and 3-dimensional modeling. Data of the injured and uninjured contralateral sides were compared. Results Posterior cruciate ligament deficiency caused significant increases in the apparent length of both posterolateral structures (P <. 05). The differences between injured and uninjured contralateral side were greatest at 120° of knee flexion in the lateral collateral ligament (48.2 ± 6.1 mm and 51.6 ± 6.1 mm, respectively) and at 30° of knee flexion in the popliteus (101.2 ± 9.3 mm and 110.4 ± 10.2 mm, respectively). Conclusion Deficiency of the posterior cruciate ligament alters the length patterns of posterolateral structures in vivo and might place them at greater risk of secondary injury. Clinical Relevance Reestablishment of normal kinematics after posterior cruciate ligament injury is critical for restoring normal function of posterolateral structures of the knee.
AMP-activated Protein Kinase Inhibits the Glucose-activated Expression of Fatty Acid Synthase Gene in Rat Hepatocytes*

Although it is now clearly established that a number of genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism are up-regulated by high glucose concentrations in both liver and adipose tissue, the signaling pathway arising from glucose to the transcriptional machinery is still poorly understood. We have analyzed the regulation of fatty acid synthase gene expression by glucose in cultured rat hepatocytes. Glucose (25 mm) induces an activation of the transcription of the fatty acid synthase gene, and this effect is markedly reduced by incubation of the cells with okadaic acid, an inhibitor of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A. A similar reduction in glucose-activated fatty acid synthase gene expression is obtained by incubation with 5-amino-imidazolecarboxamide riboside, a cell-permeable activator of the AMP-activated protein kinase. Taken together, these results indicate that the glucose-induced expression of the fatty acid synthase gene involves a phosphorylation/dephosphorylation mechanism and suggest that the AMP-activated protein kinase plays an important role in this process. This is the first evidence that implicates the AMP-activated protein kinase in the regulation of gene expression. AMP-activated protein kinase is the mammalian analog of SNF1, a kinase involved in yeast in the transcriptional regulation of genes by glucose.
Fusion of airborne polarimetric and interferometric SAR for classification of coastal environments

AIRSAR and TOPSAR data were acquired over the wetlands of Bolivar Peninsula along the Gulf coast of Texas for mapping land cover types and topographic features such as beach ridges, dunes, and relict storm features. Classification of land cover over this wetlands and uplands environment is difficult because of the similarity of spectral signatures of the vegetation types. In addition, because the distribution of vegetation communities in coastal marshes is strongly related to salinity, which in turn is largely dictated by frequency and duration of inundation, surface topography is critical to determination of the vegetation characteristics at any location. The potential advantages of multisensor classification, including, in particular, topographic information from a TOPSAR DEM are investigated. An approach which employs a class dependent feature selection procedure in conjunction with pairwise Bayesian classifiers is proposed and applied to the polarimetric and interferometric SAR data.
Conventional and indirect digital radiographic interpretation of oral unilocular radiolucent lesions.

OBJECTIVES To compare the diagnostic processes for the main unilocular radiolucent lesions of the mandible in the presence of the following variables: conventional and digital radiography, specialization of the examiner and type of lesion. METHODS Twenty-four panoramic radiographs were selected from the archives of the AC Camargo Hospital (São Paulo, Brazil), aiming at comparing the diagnostic processes for similar unilocular radiolucent lesions of the mandible, with the following histopathological diagnosis: six ameloblastomas, six dentigerous cysts, six keratocysts and six traumatic bone cysts. The radiographs were scanned and processed using the Trophy 2000 software. Three specialists, each from four related areas (pathologists, stomatologists, radiologists and oral surgeons), randomly evaluated the radiographs before and after digitalization. RESULTS The kappa statistic showed a high level of agreement between results obtained using the two radiographic techniques. This means that, in general, the examiners diagnosed the same cases correctly or incorrectly regardless of the method used. CONCLUSIONS Based on generalized estimating equations, it was concluded that the probability of correct diagnosis does not depend on the kind of lesion, on the radiographic technique or on the specialization of the examiner. In view of the differing opinions of the specialists regarding the diagnostic validity of some software features available and of the results obtained in indirect digital technique, it may be reasonable to reconsider its use for diagnosis of bone pathology.
Design and quantitative evaluation of a stance-phase controlled prosthetic knee joint for children

The aims of this study were to demonstrate a theoretical basis for the design of a stance-phase controlled paediatric prosthetic knee joint, clinically test prototypes of the knee, and use a questionnaire to evaluate its efficacy. Biomechanical models were used to analyze the stance-phase control characteristics of the proposed knee, and those of three other commonly prescribed paediatric knee joint mechanisms, which were also the conventional knee joints used by the six participants of this study (mean age 10.8 years). A questionnaire pertaining to stance-phase control was designed and administered twice to each child; once for the evaluation of the prototype knee joint and once for the conventional knee joint. Stance-phase modeling results indicated decreased zones of instability for the new knee as compared to other paediatric knee joints. Questionnaire results revealed a decrease in the frequency of falls with the prototype compared to other knees, especially in highly active children. The children also reported worrying less about the knee collapsing during walking. No differences were evident for stance-phase stability during running, walking on uneven terrain, ambulating up and down stairs and inclines, fatigue, and types of activities performed.
Estimation of the non-tratable value of Xinjang Tianchi wetland ecosystem service function bassced on the CVM

There are many environmental resources in the Xinjiang Tianchi ecosystem.Because these resources can be used by market exchange,so we can estimate the value of these resources into the currency.The contingent valuation method is a direct approach that can be used to provide non-tratable value of natural resources.In this paper,based on the contingent valuation method,450 questionnaires had been sent out with 412 fed back.The willingness to pay for the protection of Xinjiang Tianchi wetland sustainable development was investigated.The estimated value of the ecosystem services was about 52 million Yuan per year.The research showed that:(1)The mean value of WTP to the ecosystem services of Xinjan Tanchi Wetland was 91.205Yuan(RMB) per person annually;(2) Statistical sample showed the female's willingness to pay was higher than male's.The willingness to pay increased with the education degree,and decreased along with the age and income growth. (3)The age,the monthly income,the level of the education,profession and the level of the understanding to Xinjan Tanchi Wetland were the major factors influencing the willingness to pay.The conclusion would provide beneficial reference for restoring the ecosystem services of Xinjan Tanchi Wetland.
Identification of a multidrug efflux pump in Mycobacterium smegmatis.

Cell wall impermeability and active efflux of drugs are among the primary reasons for drug resistance in mycobacteria. Efflux pumps are tripartite membrane localized transport proteins that expel drug molecules outside the cells. Several of such efflux pumps are annotated in mycobacteria, but few have been characterized, like MSMEG_2991, a putative efflux pump permease of Mycobacterium smegmatis To substantiate this, we overexpressed MSMEG_2991 protein in Escherichia coli 2443. Expression of MSMEG_2991 elevated the resistance towards structurally unrelated groups of antibiotics. An active antibiotic efflux pump nature of MSMEG_2991 was revealed by assessing the acquisition of ciprofloxacin in the absence and presence of the efflux pump inhibitor, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone, indicating the involvement of proton-motive force (pmf) during the efflux activity. MSMEG_2991 expression elevated biofilm formation in E. coli by 4-fold, keeping parity to some of the earlier reported efflux pumps. In silico analysis suggested the presence of 12 transmembrane helices in MSMEG_2991 resembling EmrD efflux pump of E. coli Based on in vivo and in silico analyses, MSMEG_2991 may be designated as a pmf-mediated multidrug efflux pump protein that expels diverse groups of antibiotics and might as well be involved in the biofilm enhancement.
Primitive based biomechanical simulations predict feedback gating

Sensorimotor integration during spinal reflexes is discontinuous and context based unlike previously proposed continuous feedback models. Cutaneous and proprioceptive modalities play a key role in planning and execution of the hindlimb wipe reflex in adult spinal bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana). However the temporal dynamics of this integration is still unclear. Studies have suggested that intrinsic musculoskeletal properties can correct for path deviations caused by pulsed force perturbations, without the need for active corrections. In this study, we test the efficacy of these intrinsic properties throughout the physiological workspace of the frog by employing a computational biomechanical simulation paradigm built in Opensim. Our results suggest that although viscoelastic effects lead to better convergence in trajectories, they are not as effective throughout the workspace. However targeting performance is significantly improved by contextually gating the proprioceptive feedback. These results are in agreement with observed activity in the frogs and suggest that reflex gating may be an important component of spinal sensorimotor reflex control.
A Study of the Adsorption and Diffusion Behavior of a Single Polydimethylsiloxane Chain on a Silicon Surface by Molecular Dynamics Simulation

The adsorption and diffusion of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with different chain lengths on a silicon (111) surface were studied by molecular dynamics simulations. The relative dielectric constant was selected to be 1 to mimic a vacuum. The chains were all present as two dimensional (2D) adsorption conformation on the surface but different conformations and dynamic properties were found in the two absolutely different environments. The relationship between the adsorption energy of the different chain lengths and the degree of polymerization follows a linear function and the average adsorption energy per segment is -0.42 kcal/mol. In addition, the diffusion coefficient (D) of these chains scales with the degree of polymerization (N) as N-3/2.
Home care for children with multiple complex chronic conditions at the end of life: The choice of hospice versus home health

ABSTRACT Families desire to bring their children home at end of life, and this creates a variety of unique care needs at home. This study analyzed the child and family factors associated with hospice versus home health care use in the last year of life among children with multiple complex chronic conditions. Using the Andersen Behavioral Healthcare Utilization Model, the predisposing, enabling, and need factors of the child and family were shown to be significant predictors of hospice and home health care use. Hospice and home health care have advantages, and families may wish to use the service that best fits their needs.
A Hybrid Framework for Evolutionary Multi-Objective Optimization

Evolutionary multi-objective optimization algorithms are widely used for solving optimization problems with multiple conflicting objectives. However, basic evolutionary multi-objective optimization algorithms have shortcomings, such as slow convergence to the Pareto optimal front, no efficient termination criterion, and a lack of a theoretical convergence proof. A hybrid evolutionary multi-objective optimization algorithm involving a local search module is often used to overcome these shortcomings. But there are many issues that affect the performance of hybrid evolutionary multi-objective optimization algorithms, such as the type of scalarization function used in a local search and frequency of a local search. In this paper, we address some of these issues and propose a hybrid evolutionary multi-objective optimization framework. The proposed hybrid evolutionary multi-objective optimization framework has a modular structure, which can be used for implementing a hybrid evolutionary multi-objective optimization algorithm. A sample implementation of this framework considering NSGA-II, MOEA/D, and MOEA/D-DRA as evolutionary multi-objective optimization algorithms is presented. A gradient-based sequential quadratic programming method as a single objective optimization method for solving a scalarizing function used in a local search is implemented. Hence, only continuously differentiable functions were considered for numerical experiments. The numerical experiments demonstrate the usefulness of our proposed framework.
Referral to an Acute Child and Adolescent Inpatient Unit: The Experiences and Views of Community Mental Health Referrers

Admission to an acute mental health inpatient unit is a significant event for a young person. The interface between inpatient and community teams negotiating the admission and later discharge can be fraught. To understand how to improve the transition between inpatient and community care, we interviewed 48 community clinicians about their experiences of engaging with an acute child and adolescent mental health inpatient unit. Through thematic analysis, we identified management of risk was a central issue. Participants wanted more time in hospital, and more communication and collaboration. They expressed appreciation, but some gave intense descriptions of dissatisfaction. The analysis suggests avenues to improve communication and experience, recognizing the (felt) power differential between inpatient and referring community clinicians. Managing the power dynamics requires inpatient clinicians to use active inquiry to bring forward community clinicians’ views and be mindful of the risk of community clinicians experiencing communication as criticism.
Vehicular Communications Using DSRC: Challenges, Enhancements, and Evolution

Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) has been designed to support vehicular communications. In the U.S., DSRC operates in the 5.9 GHz licensed spectrum band. Its physical (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layers, defined in the IEEE 802.11p standard, are based on the IEEE 802.11 family of Wi-Fi standards. Vehicular communication environments differ significantly from the sparse and low-velocity nomadic use cases of a typical Wi-Fi deployment. Thus, there are many challenges to adapt Wi-Fi technologies to support the unique requirements of vehicular communications such as achieving high and reliable performance in highly mobile, often densely populated, and frequently non-line-of-sight environments. The automotive and the communications industries, academia, and governments around the world have been devoting tremendous efforts to address these challenges, and significant achievements have been made. Remaining challenges can be addressed by the future versions of DSRC. In this paper, we investigate the current technologies used by DSRC to support vehicle safety communications, analyze existing and possible DSRC performance enhancements that can be realized in the near term, and provide a few initial thoughts on the DSRC evolution path.