Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Can Insurance Reduce Catastrophic Out-of-Pocket Health Expenditure

In India, the out-of-pocket health expenditure by households accounts for around 70 percent of the total expenditure on health. Large out-of-pocket payments may reduce consumption expenditure on other goods and services and push households into poverty. Recently, health insurance has been considered as one of the possible instruments in reducing impoverishing effects of large out-of-pocket health expenditure. In India, health insurance has limited coverage and the present paper studies whether it has been effective so far. Literature defines out-of-pocket health expenditure as catastrophic if its share in the household budget is more than some arbitrary threshold level. In the present paper, we argue that for households below poverty line any expenditure on health is catastrophic as they are unable to attain the subsistence level of consumption. Thus, we take zero percent as a threshold level to define catastrophic health expenditure and examine the impact of health insurance on probability of incurring catastrophic health expenditure.
STEREOLOGY OF NANO-MATERIALS

Nano-structured materials attract a growing attention due to their superior mechanical and physical properties. Such properties are inherently related to the unique structure which is controlled at the nano-scale. In the early stage of their development, the structural characterization of nano-materials was limited to the average grain/particle size. However, nano-grains/particles form stochastic populations with diverse size and shape. The recent experimental and theoretical results show that in addition to the average size, size diversity of grains/particles has a significant effect on the properties of nano-materials. This rationalizes more advanced description of the structures of nano-materials. Advanced microscopic methods are now available to image microstructure of nano-materials, e.g., HRSTEM and AFM. The ultra-high resolution images can be efficiently processed to obtain quantitative description of the nano-grains/particles. Examples are shown how such a description can be used for optimizing the microstructures of modern engineering nano-materials.
A New Error Correction Coding Approach

The wide variety of applications of embedded systems has resulted in these systems permeating human life as well as where their proper functioning is crucial. The computing tasks could be faulty due to various causes. Faulty tasks may compromise the safety and performance of the system and even cause disastrous consequences. So the error detection and correction is becoming important day by day. This paper proposes a new error detection and correction method. Experimental studies show that the proposed method outperforms existing dominant approaches.
Dividend payout and corporate governance in emerging markets: which governance provisions matter?

In this paper I examine the relationship between individual corporate governance provisions and corporate dividend payout. Using a sample of 220 firms from 21 emerging market countries, I show that dividend payout is an outcome of strong corporate governance. On closer inspection, I find that dividend payouts tend to be greater in firms which score highly in measures of board independence and accountability. I find some evidence which suggests that dividends substitute for a lack of transparency in emerging market firms.
Multiscale Analysis of Masculinity – An Exploratory Study

In the present study we investigated the connection between male dominance and masculinity. We used questionnaires to discover how self-rated dominance, identification with masculinity ideologies, aggression, and attitudes towards women, are related. Our analyses revealed that the two different gender role questionnaires we used (Bem’s Sex Role Inventory, Multicultural Masculine Ideology Scale) may focus on different aspects of masculinity, which was also reflected in their different relations to other variables – aggression, dominance, and sexism. We briefly review the main concepts related to gender roles, and discuss the results of the analyses within the frames of Social Role Theory.
Oxidation-induced strength behavior of Ti 3 SiC 2

Oxidation behavior and subsequent mechanical properties of Ti3SiC2 were studied. The oxide scale has significant effect on strength and hardness, which is mainly attributed due to the mismatch of coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of substrate and oxide phases. The improved flexural strength ( 650 MPa) could be noticed at 1000 °C; however, at elevated temperature the ductility of Ti3SiC2 was predominant and reduced the strength.
HOME : PUBLIC RESOURCE COMPUTING FOR DISTRIBUTED DATA MINING

Several kinds of scientific and commercial applications require the exec ution of a large number of independent tasks. One highly successful and lo w cost mechanism for acquiring the necessary compute power for these applic ations is the “public-resource computing”, or “desktop Grid” paradigm, which exploits the computational power of private computers. So far, this paradigm ha s not been applied to data mining applications for two main reasons. First, it is not trivial to decompose a data mining algorithm into truly independent sub-tasks. Sec ond, the large volume of data involved makes it difficult to handle the communicatio n costs of a parallel paradigm. In this paper, we focus on one of the main d ata mining problem: the extraction of closed frequent itemsets from transactional databases. We show that is possible to decompose this problem into indepen dent tasks, which however need to share a large volume of data. We thus introd uce a data-intensive computing network , which adopts a P2P topology based on super peers with caching capabilities, aiming to support the dissemination of large amounts of information. Finally, we evaluate the execution of our data mining job on such network.
Testing predictions of small brood models using parasitoid wasps

Question: How is variation in offspring size (between broods) related to brood size? Hypotheses: Variance in offspring size (between broods) should decrease with increasing brood size as predicted by Charnov and colleagues’ (Charnov and Downhower, 1995; Charnov et al., 1995) small brood invariant. The range in resources put towards reproduction (for mothers producing a certain brood size) should be invariant over brood size (Downhower and Charnov, 1998). We also test assumptions underlying these predictions. Data studied: We use previously collected data on six parasitoid wasp species. Conclusions: As predicted, variance in offspring size among broods decreased with increasing brood size. However, this decrease did not follow closely the quantitative predictions of Charnov and colleagues (Charnov and Downhower, 1995; Charnov et al., 1995). We found some support for the prediction that the range in resources invested in reproduction is invariant over brood size. The assumption that mean offspring size is constant over brood size was violated in three of six species. The assumption that resources are shared equally between individuals within a brood generally held.
Fabrication and characterization of manganese ferrite nanospheres as a magnetic adsorbent of chromium

Manganese ferrite nanospheres constructed by nanoparticles were synthesized in high yield via a general, one-step, and templatefree solvothermal method. The product was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). BJH pore-size distribution shows that the sphere-like manganese ferrite particle was a porous structure with a narrow pore-size distribution. The investigation of magnetic property of manganese ferrite nanospheres reveals that the saturation magnetization is high, which showes an excellent ability for magnetic removal of chromiumin wastewater.
Complex Relationships among Water Use Efficiency-Related Traits, Yield, and Maturity in Tomato Lines Subjected to Deficit Irrigation in the Field

Cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is susceptible to abiotic stresses, including water stress. In contrast, a wild tomato relative, S. habrochaites S. Knapp & D.M. Spooner, is highly tolerant to abiotic stresses. Previously, we used a set of 18 sub-near-isogenic tomato lines (subNILs) containing chromosome 9 introgressions from S. habrochaites to investigate the genetic basis of tolerance to rapid-onset water stress imposed by root chilling. In the present study, this same set of 18 sub-NILs was subjected to slow-onset water stress imposed by deficit irrigation in field experiments conducted for 2 yr. Trait data were analyzed with principal component analysis, ANOVA, and MANOVA to investigate the underlying relationships among proxy traits for water-use efficiency (WUE) including carbon isotope discrimination (D13C) and specific leaf area (SLA) with horticultural traits including maturity and yield. The majority of total phenotypic variation among the subNILs was accounted for by D13C and SLA, with minor contribution from the horticultural traits. While many trait QTL were coincident or overlapping, our analyses suggest that the genes controlling QTL for D13C and SLA in this chromosome 9 region are distinct from each other and also from genes controlling maturity and yield. This introgressed region contains potentially valuable wild alleles for breeding cultivated tomatoes with improved WUE while selecting for yield maintenance. E.M. Arms, J.K. Lounsbery, A.J. Bloom, and D.A. St. Clair, Univ. of California Davis, Plant Sciences Dep. , Asmundson Hall, Mail Stop 3, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616. Received 30 Oct. 2015. Accepted 4 Feb. 2016. Assigned to Associate Editor Steve Larson. *Corresponding author (dastclair@ucdavis.edu). Abbreviations: D13C, carbon isotope discrimination; d13C, carbon isotope ratio (13C/12C); DAPG, days after planting to first green fruit; DAPR, days after planting to first ripe fruit; ETc, crop evapotranspiration rate; ETo, reference evapotranspiration; NIL, near-isogenic line; QTL, quantitative trait loci; RYLD, ripe fruit yield; SDW, shoot dry weight; SLA, specific leaf area; TYLD, total fruit yield; WUE, water use efficiency. Published in Crop Sci. 56:1698–1710 (2016). doi: 10.2135/cropsci2015.10. 0661 © Crop Science Society of America | 5585 Guilford Rd., Madison, WI 53711 USA This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Published May 13, 2016
Fluctuating hydrodynamics based on extended thermodynamics

We summarize the recent theory of fluctuating hydrodynamics based on extended thermodynamics, which is developed through the study of the 13-variable theory for a monatomic rarefied gas as a representative case. The relationship between the present theory and the Landau-Lifshitz theory is shown, and the hierarchy structure of the hydrodynamic fluctuations is discussed. The Landau-Lifshitz theory is included in the present theory as a limiting case.
Quark mass dependent collective excitations and quark number susceptibilities within the hard thermal loop approximation

We calculate all those QCD $N$-point functions which are relevant for three-loop QCD thermodynamics calculation with finite quark masses within the hard the thermal loop approximation. Using the effective quark propagator, we also calculate second order quark and baryon number susceptibilities within the hard thermal loop approximation and compare the results with available lattice data.
Land Productivity and Economic Development: Caloric Suitability vs. Agricultural Suitability

This paper establishes that the Caloric Suitability Index (CSI) dominates the commonly used measure of agricultural suitability in the examination of the effect of land productivity on comparative economic development. The analysis demonstrates that the agricultural suitability index does not capture the large variation in the potential caloric yield across equally suitable land, reflecting the fact that land suitable for agriculture is not necessarily suitable for the most caloric-intensive crops. Hence, in light of the instrumental role played by caloric yield in sustaining and supporting population growth, and given importance of pre-industrial population density for the subsequent course of economic development, the Caloric Suitability Index dominates the conventional measure in capturing the effect of land productivity on pre-colonial population density and the subsequent course of economic development.
Surface and pseudo-surface acoustic waves piezoelectrically excited in diamond-based structures

Surface and pseudo-surface acoustic plane waves generated in two- and three-layer AlN/Diamond and AlN/Diamond/γ-TiAl structures by a point electric source are analyzed in the mathematical framework based on the Green's matrix integral representation and guided wave asymptotics derived using the residue technique. The attention is focused on the effect of pseudo-surface-to-surface wave degeneration at certain discrete values of h/λ (h is the thickness of the piezoelectric layer and λ is the wave-length). Earlier such optimal ratios were discovered and experimentally verified for the first pseudo-surface (Sezawa) wave mode in the AlN/Diamond structure. The present research reveals this effect for higher modes as well as examines its manifestation for three-layer structures with different diamond-to-AlN thickness ratios H/h.
Translation, reliability and validity of Iranian version of the Smoking Consequences Questionnaire (SCQ) among smokers

Abstract Background: Smoking poses varions adverse effects on human health. Unfortunately, there is still a large population of smokers worldwide. Well understanding the potential consequences of smoking by the general public may prevent the initiation of smoking behavior and help the smokers to quit. Aims: The aim of this study was to cross-culturally translate and validate the Persian version of Smoking Consequences Questionnaire (SCQ). Design and methods: The backward–forward translation technique was used to setup the scales among 40 smokers. Using a convenient sampling method, 400 smokers were recruited from a smoking cessation department in Qazvin city. Internal consistency and test–retest method was used to assess reliability. Cronbach’s Alpha and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) were used to assess Internal Consistency and Test–retest reliability. Predictive validity of Nicotine Dependence was measured by correlation between SCQ and Fagerstrom Test. The scale construction was verified by Factor Analysis (explanatory and confirmatory). Data are expressed as mean ± SD, which were analyzed by SPSS. Results: The average age of participants was 40 ± 0.6 (376 male, 24 female). More than half of the participants smoked between 11 and 20 cigarettes per day. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients test showed an acceptable internal consistency (ranged from 0.70 to 0.93). All items of the SCQ were significantly correlated with each other at two assessments with 2-week interval (r ranged from 0.76 to 0.93). The ICC ranged from 0.73 to 0.89 for all factors (p < 0.05). The scale well fitted the data (GFI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.064). There were 10 factors on the scale which explained ∼78% of the variance. Conclusion: Our results suggest that Persian SCQ is a valid and reliable application among Iranian smokers. The scales can nicely recognize the smokers’ views on health consequences across different languages and cultures, which is highly recommended in general public education.
Evaluation of the phytochemical constituents in ADJ6, an anti-diabetic polyherbal formulation by GC-MS

Background: According to WHO guidelines, standardization and evaluation of herbal drug are very essential to elucidate various properties such as key phytoactive components. Thus it is very vital for the herbal drug preparations to undergo stringent evaluation procedures in order to develop it in to a viable product for the global market. Objective: Our present study focuses on screening of the polyherbal formulation ADJ6 for the presence phytochemical constituents using GC-MS. Materials and Methods: Initially, Phytochemistry of ADJ6 ethanol and diethyl ether extract was determined using TLC plates and sprayer reagents. GC-MS analysis of ADJ6 was performed on GC system coupled with mass spectrometry. Results: The phytochemical analysis showed presence of phenols, aminoacids/proteins, anthrones, tannins and terpenes in ethanolic extract while diethyl extract showed presence of terpenes and sugars. GC-MS Analysis of both the extracts revealed the presence of key phytochemical constituents. A total of 17 compounds were identified 10 and 7 compounds in ethanol & diethyl ether extract respectively. Conclusion: From our present study, it is evident that ADJ6 contains various phytochemical components which possess Antihyperglycemic property. However further studies should be conducted to elucidate the anti-hyperglycemic property of ADJ6.
Random Effects to Calculate Unbiased HIV Prevalence Estimates in the Presence of Non-Response : a Bayesian Approach Preliminary Draft September 2012

Consent rates for HIV testing in population surveys are often low, which may cause a bias in prevalence estimates if refusal to test is correlated with HIV status. Interviewer identity represents a plausible variable that affects testing, but not HIV status, and can be used in a Heckman-type selection model that provides consistent prevalence estimates. We innovate by adopting an interviewer random effects estimator which improves on the existing interviewer fixed effect approach in three respects. Firstly, using our model allows the effects of interviewer identity to be estimated even for those whose interviewers conducted a small number of interviews. Secondly, this methodology facilitates the use of bootstrapped standard errors which are necessary to correct for regression parameter uncertainty in the correlation between consent and HIV status. Thirdly, we propose a Bayesian model averaging approach that gives estimates that are consistent and unbiased. We report results for Zambia and Ghana. For Zambia we estimate a prevalence rate of 32% among males who refuse consent compared with 12 % among those who agree to test, substantially increasing the estimated population prevalence rate.
TITLE SPONS AGENCY PUB DATE GRANT NOTE PUB TYPE EDRS PRICE DESCRIPTORS DOCUMENT RESUME CG 018 116

Although there is consensus in the mental health literature that women report more distress and depressive symptoms than men, it is not clear if this applies to all age groups. To examine the relationship of gender and distress among older adults, two methods were employed. First, a review was conducted of all random community surveys conducted since 1950, which included older adults and reported prevelance rates by age and ceLder. Results showed almost as many studies (9) providing evid. :. e of no differences or more mall distress, as studies ve:ifying more reported female distress (10). In the second approach, interviews were conducted with a random probability sample of 476 older adults living in Middlesex County, New Jersey, including 163 bereaved persons whose spouse died 6 to 24 months prior to the interview, and 313 persons with no known recent stressful life events. Psychological distress was measured by the Johns Hopkins Symptom Checklist and a modified verecn of the General Well Being Scale. Data analysis revealed that on five measures of distress, gender generally was not related to either moderate or severe distress symptoms or bereaved or non-bereaved respondents. For community respondents, there were no significant gender differences for individual symptoms, nor was gender significantly correlated with any of the symptom scales. The data did not support the view that older women are more distressed than older men. (Appendix A provides detailed information on the 13 studies reviewed for the first section of the research. A three-page list of references is included. (NRB) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ***********************************************************************
Fractional Fourier transform based key exchange for optical asymmetric key cryptography

Recently several optical encryption techniques have been proposed for two-dimensional data. These techniques use random phase masks, jigsaw transforms, digital signatures, and linear transforms like the Fourier transforms, the fractional Fourier transform and the Fresnel transform. The strength of these encryption techniques is dependent on the size of the key but is strongly limited by the security linked with the exchange of the secret key. We propose a new technique, based on the Diffie-Hellman protocol, in which the key can be exchanged with high security. The Diffie-Hellman protocol allows two users to exchange a secret key over an insecure channel without any prior secrets. Fractional Fourier transforms have been used for the secure key transfer. Results of computer simulation are presented to verify the proposed idea and analyse the robustness of the proposed technique.
New data mining technique for multidimensional aircraft trajectories analysis

Under conditions of growing airport workload, airspace sectorization is necessary for accidents prevention. Sectorization should be performed taking into account regular traffic of aircrafts. A new data mining technique, solving the problem, is described. It allows to fulfill stable partition of aircraft intent trajectory sample into the groups (asymptotically converged beams), corresponding to the same runway approaches. Method is taking into account special geometric characteristics (curvature, torsion and multiple intersections) of multidimensional space trajectories of aircrafts.
Solving high order nonholonomic systems using Gibbs-Appell method

In this paper we present a new formulation, based on Gibbs- Appell method, for solving a large group of high order nonholonomic con- strained systems. High order nonholonomic constraints (HONC) are a por- tion of constraints that happen in variety of dynamics applications such as robotics and control. The majority of the methods, which have been in- troduced in nonholonomic mechanics, deal with flrst order nonholonomic systems, and use a group of new variables called \Lagrange multipliers". Using Lagrange multipliers results in higher amount of needed calcula- tion. The presented method can solve a vast group of high order non- holonomic systems without using Lagrange multipliers. The introduced method makes dealing with high order nonholonomic systems very easy.
Double resonant Raman spectra in graphene and graphite : A two-dimensional explanation of the Raman amplitude

We report calculated Raman spectra of the D and 2D modes in graphene and graphite. Evaluating the Raman amplitude in the two-dimensional Brillouin zone, we reproduce the splitting of the modes when going from single-layer graphene to graphite. The energy dependence of the D mode in graphene is 24%\char21{}32% smaller than in graphite. We discuss the intensity of the D line and show that the double resonant phonons originate from the low-symmetry parts of the Brillouin zone.