Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Overview of Taguchi’ S T-Method as A Prediction Tool for Multivariate Analysis

Analysis of prediction has attracted considerable interest in various fields. Taguchi’s T-Method is a prediction method introduced by Genichi Taguchi in mid-year 2000, among several other Mahalanobis Taguchi system tools. It was explicitly created for the prediction of multivariate data. Taguchi's T-Method has shown that even with limited sample size, making a prediction based on historical data is possible. The key elements that have been adapted in reinforcing Taguchi’s TMethod robustness are by introducing the unit-space principle and adaptation of the signal to the noise ratio (SNR) as a weighting as well as a zero-proportional theory, as proposed by Genichi Taguchi in a robust model. Taguchi’s T-Method was widely practicing in Japan and began to be practiced by non-Japanese researchers due to its simplicity and simple understanding. Up to recent, various applications of Taguchi’s T-Method been applied, which prove to be beneficial to industrial needs. This research paper outlines the T-method procedures by applying it in a few benchmark datasets and compare the accuracy with the existing multiple linear regression method for an overview. The results show that Taguchi’s T-Method is better than multiple regression in dealing with limited sample data in which the sample size is smaller than the input variables. Taguchi’s TMethod proved to have the ability to predict output with an acceptable range of prediction accuracy.
Ternary chalcogenide Ta2NiS5 nanosheets for broadband pulse generation in ultrafast fiber lasers

Abstract In this article, a high-quality saturable absorber (SA) based on a two-dimensional ternary chalcogenide Ta2NiS5 nanosheet has been successfully fabricated and used in 1- and 1.5-μm spectral regions to generate ultrafast laser pulses. The Ta2NiS5-based SA is fabricated by mechanical exfoliation and sandwiched between two fiber ferrules to form a fiber-compatible SA. On the basis of the twin-detector technique, nonlinear optical absorption of the Ta2NiS5-SA is characterized by 64.7% and 11.95% modulation depths with 1.3 and 0.72 MW/cm2 saturation intensities at 1028 and 1570 nm, respectively. When Ta2NiS5-SA is integrated into Yb- and Er-doped fiber laser cavities, stable self-starting Q-switched pulses are observed. Furthermore, by adjusting the cavity structure and optimizing dispersion in the cavity, we obtain hybrid mode-locking and mode-locking fiber laser operation at 1029 and 1569 nm, respectively. These results validate the performance of Ta2NiS5 as a broadband SA for the generation of ultrafast laser pulses, offering new opportunities of ternary transition-metal dichalcogenide alloys in future photonic devices.
Agreement between postmortem endometrial cytology, biopsy and bacteriology in culled dairy cows

The objectives of this study were to determine: a) the agreement between postmortem endometrial cytology, uterine biopsy and presence of intrauterine fluid in apparently normal genital tracts collected from culled dairy cows; b) the agreement between results obtained from paired uterine horns using the different diagnosis methods; and c) the microorganisms isolated from uteri with cytological endometritis. One hundred grossly normal genital tracts from Holstein cows were collected at a local slaughterhouse. Samples for cytology, histopathology and bacteriology were obtained from both uterine horns, and presence of any intrauterine content was determined after opening the tracts. Cut-off values used for positive cytology were ≥5% PMN (polymorphonuclear neutrophils). Data were analyzed by ROC curve analysis, Cohen’s Kappa method and Chi-square tests. Presence of inflammatory infiltrate and its endometrial distribution were the only histological parameters significantly correlated with cytology results (AUC: 0.780 and 0.694, respectively). Agreement between histology and cytology was moderately high for presence of infiltrate (kappa = 0.55) and low for infiltrate distribution (kappa = 0.33). Other histological parameters (status of endometrial epithelium, endometrial glands or fibrosis), intrauterine content or bacteriology were not correlated with cytology. Presence of intrauterine content was significantly (P = 0.036) related with biopsy results. Moderately high agreement was observed between paired uterine horns for cytology (kappa = 0.65) and biopsy (kappa = 0.74). Bacteriology was not related with cytology or biopsy, but different bacteria were isolated from cytology negative or positive uteri. It was concluded that endometrial cytology, although less sensitive than biopsy, is a useful tool for diagnosing subclinical endometrial inflammation.
Overtransmission of Rossby Waves at a Lower-Layer Critical Latitude in the Two-Layer Model

Rossby waves, propagating from the midlatitudes toward the tropics, are typically absorbed by critical latitudes (CLs) in the upper troposphere. However, these waves typically encounter CLs in the lower troposphere first. We study a two-layer linear scattering problem to examine the effects of lower CLs on these waves. We begin with a review of the simpler barotropic case to orient the reader. We then progress to the baroclinic case using a two-layer quasigeostrophic model in which there is vertical shear in the mean flow on which the waves propagate, and in which the incident wave is assumed to be an external-mode Rossby wave. We use linearized equations and add small damping to remove the critical-latitude singularities. We consider cases in which either there is only one CL, in the lower layer, or there are CLs in both layers, with the lower-layer CL encountered first. If there is only a CL in the lower layer, the wave’s response depends on the sign of the mean potential vorticity gradient at this lower-layer CL: if the PV gradient is positive, then the CL partially absorbs the wave, as in the barotropic case, while for a negative PV gradient, the CL is a wave emitter, and can potentially produce overreflection and/or overtransmission. Our numerical results indicate that overtransmission is by far the dominant response in these cases. When an upper-layer absorbing CL is encountered, following the lower-layer encounter, one can still see the signature of overtransmission at the lower-layer CL.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE ACTUAL USE OF RIDE-HAILING SERVICES (GOJEK/GRAB) IN INDONESIA (JABODETABEK-REGION)

Ride-hailing is received great attention and considered a phenomenal means of transportation in Indonesia such as Jakarta Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi (JABODETABEK-Region). Understanding the effect of actual usage intention on ride-hailing service is very important to promote these services. In this study, the Acceptance Model Technology (TAM) became the model of our research framework, which was added 3 variables: personal innovativeness, perceived risk, and actual of use. This research model was empirically tested using questionnaire survey data with 100 participants in JABODETABEK-Region. In this study we used the SmartPLS (Partial Least Square) application, to process questionnaire survey data. The results show that perceived ease of use strong significant perceived usefulness. Perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and perceived risk support intention behavior, while perceived risk does not have a significant effect on perceived usefulness and personal innovativeness does not have a significant effect on perceived risk. The analysis shows that contrary to our expectations and previous researchers that’s negative personal innovativeness does not support perceived usefulness and intention behavior. This difference may occur due to different research areas with different cultures. Based on these results, we recommend further research.
Reproductive Epidemiology in Radiographers Exposed to Diagnostic X-rays

Abstract In the present study reproductive performance of 195 workers employed in various hospitals in Hyderabad was evaluated using standard questionnaire. The workers were exposed to X-rays while handling the patients for diagnostic purposes. 210 individuals belonging to same age and socioeconomic group but not exposed to radiation and toxic chemicals were studied for control data. Statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in the frequency of stillbirths and neonatal deaths in the offspring of the exposed group when compared to the controls. There was an increase in the incidence of congenital defects but the increase was not statistically significant. A decrease in the frequency of live births was observed in the offspring of the exposed group when compared to the data from controls. The increase in abortions among the wives of exposed workers was significant.
Examining Feminist Consciousness in LGBTQ University Constituencies

Abstract There is little data on the perception of LGBTQ constituencies toward feminism. We conducted focus groups on our campus and within the surrounding community on perspectives of LGBTQ students, university-employed gay men, community-based transgender individuals, and community-based gay men toward feminism. We analyzed findings using Bem’s gender schema and Ridgeway’s construct of individual, interactional, and institutional aspects of gender identity. Our results show the majority of our LGBTQ focus groups held positive views toward feminism, associating it with equality for all genders and social justice, with the exception of community-based gay men, who negatively associated feminism solely with women’s rights.
Annual Alcohol Screening and Brief Alcohol Interventions in the Veterans Health Administration

Annual Alcohol Screening and Brief Alcohol Interventions in the Veterans Health Administration Gwendolyn T. Lapham Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Affiliate Associate Professor, Katharine A. Bradley Public Health Health Services Background: Alcohol screening and brief alcohol interventions (SBI) are ranked the third highest prevention priority for US adults. Although the US Preventive Services Task recommends routine SBI, the optimal screening interval is unknown and brief alcohol interventions (BI) have been challenging to implement. Objectives: To 1) evaluate the yield of repeat annual alcohol screening for patients who initially screen negative on 1-4 prior negative alcohol screens in the population as a whole and in subgroups of patients; and 2) estimate the prevalence of BI with alcohol misuse before, during, and after implementation of a national performance measure (PM) and dissemination of an electronic clinical reminder (CR) for BI. Methods: 1) Using VA electronic medical record data for more than 360,000 outpatients (20042008) the probability of a positive final screen after 1 -4 prior negative screens was estimated using adjusted logistic transition regression models that included prior negative screen scores as explicit predictors. Results are also presented as the number needed to screen (NNS) for one patient to screen positive on the final screen. 2) Among 6,788 VA outpatients whose medical records were reviewed for quality improvement (7/06-9/08) the adjusted prevalence of documented BI (advice and feedback) across the 4 phases of BI implementation was estimated using a generalized log-linear regression. Results: Age, gender and prior negative screen scores were the strongest predictors of a positive final screen. As the number of prior negative screens increased from 1-4, the probability of a positive final screen decreased and those who consistently reported no drinking the past year had the lowest probabilities. Depending on prior negative screen scores, age, and gender, the NNS ranged from 3 – 159. Among patients with alcohol misuse, the prevalence of BI increased significantly over successive phases of BI implementation, from 5.5% during the baseline year to 29.0% after CR dissemination. Conclusions: Extending the screening interval beyond a year may be appropriate for some patient groups with a low likelihood of a positive screen in settings that lack the resources to screen and follow-up on all patients annually. The VA’s strategy of implementing BIs with a PM and CR meaningfully increased documentation over a 1-year period.
Medication adherence in type 2 diabetic patients : a study in Saudi Arabia

Objective: To assess the extent of antidiabetic drug adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and different factors affecting adherence in outpatient clinics in Alkharj city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methodology: Type 2 diabetic patients attending two outpatient clinics in Alkharj city, KSA, were randomly selected, and interviewed for information regarding their antidiabetic drug adherence. A six-item questionnaire was used to measure the level of adherence in study participants. Participants scoring six points are categorized as (high adherent), while scores of 4 to 5 puts the participants in the (medium adherence) category, and participants with scores less than 4 are of (Low adherence). Patient’s records were also, reviewed, for relevant lab and clinical data. Results: 68 type 2 diabetic patients participated in this study from April 2014 to September 2014. Majority of participants (73.5%) were of 40 to 60 years old. Hypertension and/or lipid disorders were encountered in majority of patients in this study. 26.5% of patients in this study were categorized as (high adherent), 55.9% as (medium adherent), and 17.6% as (low adherent). 72% of patients had an HbA1c level of ≥7% suggesting poor control of their disease. Patients with a longer history of diabetes, and patients with HbA1c level less than 7% found to achieve better adherence levels (p-value<0.05). Conclusion: Subjective information from patients suggested accepted level of adherence. Nevertheless, objective measurements of HbA1c, suggest poor glycemic control that possibly reflect poor adherence to antidiabetic medications.
Training Criteria of the Sports Specialty Volunteers for the Service Support during Winter Sports Competitions

We searched objective criteria to assess the quality of a volunteer’s training for service support at major sporting events. We considered the possibility of training volunteers in sports specialties for service support in winter sports competitions. We determined that the volunteer search should be carried out among students in higher schools. This social group has a significant interest in sports, and they can be trained to volunteer according to existing educational programs, and the students can take in-service training during the educational process. We determined that the organizers of the competition assess the main criteria of volunteer’s competence. These include practical experience with such activities and foreign communicative competence (the knowledge of foreign languages at a high level). Students matching these criteria are significantly more successful (p < 0.05), and they have a higher percentage of approved applications for voluntary activity in winter sports competitions (World Ski Orienteering Championships of 2017, Winter Student Games of 2019). Meanwhile, we determined that the competition organizers do not pay enough attention to the mental and physical health status of future volunteers and do not consider the level of a youth’s health as an important criterion for assessing a student’s degree of training for volunteer duty in the sports specialty.
The connection between drug use and crime in Western Australia

Despite decades of research, there is no consensus as to the factors that explain the association between drug use and criminal behaviour. While the evolving sophistication in research methodology has identified factors that are associated with involvement in both drug use and crime, exploration of the idiosyncratic factors that contribute to initiation, maintenance and desistence in drug use and criminal behaviour over time, across culture and social context remains unknown. In this research a grounded theory approach was used to develop an explanatory model based on the reported experiences of 22 non-Aboriginal and 11 Aboriginal adult male offenders, incarcerated in Western Australian prisons all of who have a history of involvement in drug use and crime . Using thematic text analysis, two distinct models emerged from the two cultural groups. While both models depicted involvement in both drug use and crime as a lifestyle based within a biopsycho-social framework, each pathway described a combination of person centred and context specific constructs as influential in the aetiology, persistence, desistence and re-engagement of the drugs-crime lifestyle. Specifically, each pathway differed with respect to the identified family, cultural and social factors that delay or influence early entry into the drugs-crime lifestyle, and those which continue to influence over the life course. The models were applied to case studies to compare and contrast the applicability of the pathway model to existing theories within the literature. The research showed that the connection between drug use and criminal behaviour comprises complex personal, cultural and social factors that underpin the drugs-crime lifestyle, rather than a simplistic causal model. Furthermore, existing theoretical models interact to partially account for
The space farming project: Space colonization, techno-agriculture and the future of extraterrestrial biopolitics

In order to sustain human life for extended periods of time in deep space one cannot solely rely on support from Earth. It'll be essential to become self-sustaining through a combination of in situ resource utilization, waste recycling, and space farming. The latter can provide astronauts and colonists with locally grown food and biogenic oxygen, and will be an indispensable component of any future outpost in deep space. The type of agriculture that will develop itself in outer space will be extremely technologically mediated because of limited resources and the hostile conditions in which crops have to be cultivated. From a biopolitics perspective, this will cause a significant shift in power relations. Because of the extreme dependence on technology, the lack of open reservoirs (e.g., no atmosphere), and an atomized commodification of life-supporting resources (every molecule is valuable), space colonists will live in a world in which they are potentially vulnerable to inequalities, power concentrations, and even coercion. Historically, colonization and agriculture have always worked with each other. But in the unparalleled conditions of space, this dialectic relationship is bound to take on new contours, with its own unique set of ideologies and ethical ramifications. The 'Space Farming Project' is an art project that specifically addresses these issues. It was initiated by the international SEAD collective, developed in collaboration with Gluon and Howest, and supported by the Flemish Government. Together with a diverse community of volunteering technologists, agricultural researchers, teachers, and students, different space biology prototypes have been developed: a centrifuge for plant cultivation in space, a microgravity simulator, and experiments with spirulina algae and edible callus tissue. These are the central components of a larger art installation that also features visual and discursive references to the history and future of colonization, and its entwinement with agriculture. In this paper, the conceptual background of the 'Space Farming Project' is described, together with its development process and the resulting prototypes. The future of the project, with potential experiments on board the ISS, is also discussed.
Accelerating Traffic Assignment with Customizable Contraction Hierarchies

In many algorithms for traffic assignment, the most time-consuming step is shortest path search between all O–D pairs. Almost unnoticed by the transport modeling community, there has been an enormous amount of research on acceleration techniques for the shortest path problem in road networks in the past decade. These techniques usually divide the problem into a relatively expensive preprocessing phase and a significantly accelerated search phase. In this paper, the recently developed customizable contraction hierarchies are used for both shortest path search and network loading in the bi-conjugate Frank–Wolfe algorithm. For the largest test network, this approach achieves a speedup by a factor of 42 compared with a straightforward implementation of Dijkstra’s algorithm.
Synthesis with Docking Studies of Novel Heterocycles as Antimicrobial Agents Utilizing 2-Cyano-N-arylacetamide.

2-Cyano-N-arylacetamide reagent is used in a straight forward synthesis of various interesting nitrogenous heterocycles such as iminocoumarine, thiazole, dihydropyridine and imidazole or benzoimidazole. Molecular docking studies are described to show the most active compounds as antimicrobial agents. Also, Biological testing of these compounds for their antimicrobial activities against some strains of Gram bacteria and strains of fungi has been carried out.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF THE GEOGRAPHIC RESEARCH OF A FAMILY: A CASE STUDY

Authors’ contribution Wkład autorów: A. Study design/planning zaplanowanie badań B. Data collection/entry zebranie danych C. Data analysis/statistics dane – analiza i statystyki D. Data interpretation interpretacja danych E. Preparation of manuscript przygotowanie artykułu F. Literature analysis/search wyszukiwanie i analiza literatury G. Funds collection zebranie funduszy Summary Background. A combined genetic and geographic analysis facilitates the discovery of one’s ethnic background by studying the closest ancestors and those who lived thousands of years ago. The following article describes a practical application of doing geographic research on a person’s history. The objective of the study is to demonstrate the capacity of genetic and geographic analysis in the identification of the ethnic background of one of the article’s coauthors. Material and methods. A combined analysis of genetic alleles and geographic location was performed. A buccal smear from the inside of the cheek was done for a further study that was performed in Medical Genomix laboratory, USA. The material was collected at Mother and Child laboratory, Kyiv. Results. The genetic profile of the examined person was presented. The available alleles, detected by markers, are specific enough to a particular historical group (nation), which enables determining the percentage of ancestors of an individual under study in a particular region. Conclusions. Combined genetic and geographic research may serve both as a source of information on the ethnic origin of a particular person and as a tool while studying some places and geographic locations.
Notes and Reflections on Impedance Spectroscopy

Fil: Frechero, Marisa Alejandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Bahia Blanca. Instituto de Quimica del Sur. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Quimica. Instituto de Quimica del Sur; Argentina
An interpreted language implementation of the Vaganov–Shashkin tree-ring proxy system model

Abstract We describe the implementation of the Vaganov–Shashkin tree-ring growth model (VSM) in MATLAB. VSM, originally written in Fortran, mimics subdaily and daily resolution processes of cambial growth as a function of soil moisture, air temperature, and insolation, with environmental forcing modeled as the principle of limiting factors. The re-implementation in a high level interpreted language, while sacrificing speed, provides opportunities to systematically evaluate model parameters, generate large ensembles of simulated tree-ring chronologies, and embed proxy system modeling within data assimilation approaches to climate reconstruction. We provide a versioned code repository and examples of model applications which permit process-level understanding of tree ring width variations in response to environmental variations and boundary conditions.