Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Developing sport expertise in youth sport: a decision training program in basketball

Background This study has analyzed the impact of applying a decision training program, in which video-feedback and questioning were used, on the development of decision-making, skill execution and procedural knowledge in basketball players. Methods Participants were eleven male players aged between 12 and 13 years old (Mage = 12.75, SDage = .65), who were assigned to an experimental or control group within a pre-test/intervention test/retention test quasi-experimental design. The decision training program was applied over 11 weeks. Throughout this intervention, players had to analyze the causes and reasons for the decision made, using video feedback and questioning to this end. Decision-making and skill execution variables were analyzed using the French & Thomas (1987) observation instrument, while a validated questionnaire was used to assess procedural knowledge in basketball. Results The results reported that sport expertise improved in players from the experimental group, who had significantly higher intervention test scores for successful decisions and skill executions when compared to players in the control group. In the intra-group analysis, the experimental group significantly improved in the intervention test compared to the pre-test, in terms of some of the variables of decision-making, skill execution and procedural knowledge. Discussion These results reinforce the idea of including cognitive tools in training, such as video-feedback and questioning, to improve sport expertise in players’ formative stages, and presumably to improve their performance whilst maintaining decision training throughout time.
Context-Aware Machine Learning for Intelligent Transportation Systems: A Survey

Context awareness adds intelligence to and enriches data for applications, services and systems while enabling underlying algorithms to sense dynamic changes in incoming data streams. Context-aware machine learning is often adopted in intelligent services by endowing meaning to Internet of Things(IoT)/ubiquitous data. Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) are at the forefront of applying context awareness with marked success. In contrast to non-context-aware machine learning models, context-aware machine learning models often perform better in traffic prediction/classification and are capable of supporting complex and more intelligent ITS decision-making. This paper presents a comprehensive review of recent studies in context-aware machine learning for intelligent transportation, especially focusing on road transportation systems. State-of-the-art techniques are discussed from several perspectives, including contextual data (e.g., location, time, weather, road condition and events), applications (i.e., traffic prediction and decision making), modes (i.e., specialised and general), learning methods (e.g., supervised, unsupervised, semi-supervised and transfer learning). Two main frameworks of context-aware machine learning models are summarised. In addition, open challenges and future research directions of developing context-aware machine learning models for ITS are discussed, and a novel context-aware machine learning layered engine (CAMILLE) architecture is proposed as a potential solution to address identified gaps in the studied body of knowledge.
Identifying In-Group and Out-Group Effects in the Trust Game

This paper presents an experiment measuring how lab-induced group identity affects trust and trustworthiness in a repeated trust game with random matching. Identity had positive in-group and negative out-group effects on trust. However, the in-group effect was small and statistically insignificant, while the out-group effect was large. Trustworthiness was determined mainly by reciprocity effects.
Effects of mechanical stimulus on mesenchymal stem cells differentiation toward cardiomyocytes

Abstract Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) known to be sensitive to mechanical stimulus. This type of stimulus plays a role in cellular differentiation, so that it might affect MSCs differentiation toward cardiomyocytes. Objectives: Investigate the effect of mechanical stimulus on MSCs differentiation toward cardiomyocytes. Methods: The adipose tissue-derived MSCs were induced to differentiate with 5-azacytidine, and stimulated by one Hz mechanical stretching up to 8%. After 10 days, the cell’s cardiac markers and cardiogenesis-related genes were detected by immumohistochemistrical staining and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and the cell’s ATPase activity was detected. Results: The cyclic mechanical stretching enhanced the expression of cardiogenesis-related genes and cardiac markers, and stimulated the activity of Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase in the MSCs treated with 5-azacytidine. Without 5-azacytidine pre-treatment, cyclic mechanical stretch alone has little effect. Conclusion: Mechanical stretch combined with 5-azacytidine treatment could accelerate MSCs differentiation toward cardiomyocytes.
The Individual-Institutional-Opportunity Nexus: An Integrated Framework for Analyzing Entrepreneurship Development

Recent advancements in the theory of entrepreneurship include a range of discussions about the dynamic interactions of entrepreneurs and the nature and perception of entrepreneurial opportunity. To substantively capture both of these theoretical strains, we revisit and extend a conceptual framework first proposed by Busenitz et al. (2003), stating that the unique domain of entrepreneurship research rests at the nexus of individuals, modes of organizing, and opportunity. Utilizing institutions as modes of organizing, this article discusses ways that this framework can be applied to research on entrepreneurship development that leads to a rich, robust understanding of the processes by which entrepreneurs and related institutions interact to identify, exploit, and/or create opportunity. A series of testable hypotheses are proposed as well as several potential avenues for entrepreneurship development research using this framework.
Do Smart Growth Strategies Have a Role in Curbing Vehicle Miles Traveled? A Further Assessment Using Household Level Survey Data

This paper draws on McFadden’s location choice theory and incorporates households’ residential choice decisions as a hierarchical process in a structural travel demand model. The paper argues that such an approach can effectively tackle the problems of self-selection and multicollinearity. Contrary to previous findings, empirical results based on OLS and 3SLS reveal that travel demand is highly elastic to certain smart-growth features, if they are measured at different spatial scales. The results are robust against alternative sequencing of the hierarchical choice process. An analysis of the quantitative impact of a change in the smart-growth and fuel-tax policies reveals significant returns under both policies. Finally, a simulation based on California suggests that smart growth policies substantially reduce household travel demand.
A brief review on fabrication and applications of auto-organized TiO2 nanotube arrays

Abstract Fabrication and applications of self-organized TiO2 nanotube arrays is briefly reviewed. This nanoscale material has attracted considerable attention owing to its potential in gas sensing, photo-thermal and photovoltaic conversion devices, photoelectrolysis and photocatalysis, etc. TiO2 in nanowire form, nanotube form and other nanoporous structures is desirable because of its high surface–volume ratio, high surface activity and superior sensitivity. TiO2 nanotubes and nanofibers have been developed by diverse techniques such as sol-gel, electrodeposition and anodization. In recent years, there has been significant progress in nano-structured TiO2 fabrication using the anodization method. This consists of oxidation (corrosion) of titanium foils or titanium thin films deposited onto substrates (e.g., silicon), immersed in acid or neutral F-containing solutions. Significant interest has arisen in anodization parameters, such as applied potential, concentration and type of corrosive solutions, anodization time length and temperature. This parameters influence mechanical-structural, chemical and electrical features of porous TiO2. Recent work concerning fabrication, applications and growth models is described in this review paper.
A step forward into respiratory genetics: overview contribution of genetics in respiratory diseases

Abstract Background: In developing countries, especially in Southeast Asia, there is a misconception that genetics is only relevant to dysmorphology and prenatal obstetrics. Respiratory diseases, which are the most prevalent, range from simple Mendelian (single gene) diseases to complex (polygenic) disorders, surely have genetic determinants. Now, even in this “post-genomic era” many clinicians are not aware of advances in genetics available for prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of respiratory diseases. Objective: The aim of this study is not to serve as a comprehensive review of genetics or genomics but to highlight genetic information relevant to clinical practice. Here, we describe genetic information pertaining to some of the most frequently encountered respiratory diseases. Methods: The present review was prepared by reviewing the current literature using PubMed and Web of Science searches. Results: Knowledge of the basic principles and genetic terms is important in clinical practice. Based on that knowledge, we can now recognize much progress in the respiratory field. The single gene and complex diseases have been identified. Translating genetic information into prevention, diagnosis, or therapy of such diseases can have great potential benefit for patients. Conclusion: Genomics and molecular genetics could be integrated in the clinical setting. Ultimately, genomic knowledge and approaches will become increasingly important in the clinical setting for many respiratory diseases.
A Patent System with a Contingent Delegation Fee under Asymmetric Information

Under the framework of a two-stage innovation process in which the first-stage innovation is commercialized by multiple firms at the second stage, this study proposes an optimal patent system for efficient commercialization by a lower cost firm when the R&D costs are private information. Under the existing patent system of granting patents sequentially to successful innovators, the commercialization can be achieved by an inefficient firm (called control loss) and duplicative R&D efforts may occur through competitive innovation race. This study shows that the problems of control loss and duplicative R&D efforts can be prevented if the patent office grants a patent with a mandatory contingent delegation fee only to the first innovator. A carefully designed contingent fee function can induce the first innovator to internalize the patent office’s objective function, leading to efficient commercialization by a lower cost firm.
The International Journal of Biostatistics An Alternative to Pooling Kaplan-Meier Curves in Time-to-Event Meta-Analysis

A meta-analysis that uses individual-level data instead of study-level data is widely considered to be a gold standard approach, in part because it allows a time-to-event analysis. Unfortunately, with the common practice of presenting Kaplan-Meier survival curves after pooling subjects across randomized trials, using individual-level data can actually be a step backwards; a Simpson's paradox can occur in which pooling incorrectly reverses the direction of an association. We introduce a nonparametric procedure for synthesizing survival curves across studies that is designed to avoid this difficulty and preserve the integrity of randomization. The technique is based on a counterfactual formulation in which we ask what pooled survival curves would look like if all subjects in all studies had been assigned treatment, or if all subjects had been assigned to control arms. The method is related to a Kaplan-Meier adjustment proposed in 2005 by Xie and Liu to correct for confounding in nonrandomized studies, but is formulated for the meta-analysis setting. The procedure is discussed in the context of examining rosiglitazone and cardiovascular adverse events.
Performance Analysis of SSC/SC Combiner at Two Time Instants in the Presence of Rayleigh Fading

Abstract In this paper, the performances of the Switch and Stay Combining/Selection Combining (SSC/SC) combiner output signal at two time instants is determined. The SSC and SC combiners with two branches are considered. The presence of the Rayleigh fading at the input is observed. The probability density function (PDF) at the output of the combiner is obtained. The outage probability is numerically calculated using PDF. The results are shown graphically to emphasize better performances of the SSC/SC combiner apropos classical SSC and SC combiners at one time instant.
Substrate Integrated Circuits (SICs) for Terahertz Electronics and Photonics: Current Status and Future Outlook

Abstract This paper attempts to provide a panoramic picture of research and development of substrate integrated circuits (SICs), presumably the next generation of integrated circuits for GHz and THz electronics and photonics. Current status and future outlook of SICs-related research and development are briefly discussed with focus on THz. WITH interest in low-cost and matured cmos and si-related technologies, we examine the possibility of developing innovative SICs within such platforms. This may be enabled by rapid deployment of through-silicon via (TSV) processes and related 3-D silicon stacking techniques as well as material research progress such as nanostructured techniques in this way, SICs may allow us to anticipate and extrapolate the trends of their applications towards the THz frequency range where no tangible integrated circuits technology is available yet to date. Challenging issues and future directions are considered, pointing to a potentially cost-effective and performance-promising ICs solution for mass commercial applications.
Modeling the Volatility-Return Trade-Off When Volatility May Be Nonstationary

In this paper, a new GARCH-M type model, denoted as GARCH-AR, is proposed. In particular, it is shown that it is possible to generate a volatility-return trade-off in a regression model simply by introducing dynamics in the standardized disturbance process. Importantly, the volatility in the GARCH-AR model enters the return function in terms of relative volatility, implying that the risk term can be stationary even if the volatility process is nonstationary. We provide a complete characterization of the stationarity properties of the GARCH-AR process by generalizing the results of Bougerol and Picard (1992b). Furthermore, allowing for nonstationary volatility, the asymptotic properties of the estimated parameters by quasi-maximum likelihood in the GARCH-AR process are established. Finally, we stress the importance of being able to choose correctly between AR-GARCH and GARCH-AR processes. We provide an empirical illustration showing the empirical relevance of the GARCH-AR model based on modeling a wide range of leading U.S. stock return series.
The Tennis Coach Problem: A Game-Theoretic and Experimental Study

The paper introduces a new allocation game, related to Blotto games: each tennis coach assigns his four different skilled players to four positions, and then each team plays all other teams in the tournament. The winning team is the one with the highest total score. The set of equilibria is characterized and experimental behavior in variants of the game is analyzed in light of an adapted level-k model which is based on an appealing specification of the starting point (Level-0). The results exhibit a systematic patterna majority of the subjects used a small number of strategies. However, although level-k thinking is naturally specified in this context, only a limited use of (low) level-k thinking was found. These findings differ from those obtained in previous studies, which found high frequencies of level-k reasoning among subjects in various games. Thus, the results illuminate some bounds of the level-k approach.
Assessing the Value of International Workers: A Case of Shell Petroleum Development Company in Nigeria

Abstract As a result of globalization, many companies, be it corporate, public or international operates on a global scale. With the rise of companies operating in a global village, many companies are also expanding internationally. Mostly, international organizations operating abroad are faced with employees of foreign cultures with an entirely different perspective. Oftentimes, cross-cultural issues arise in the management of the company's human resources (HR). According to Laroche (1998), the rapid globalization of the world's economy has brought forth several changes. In view of this, it is the intention of this non-empirical article to investigate how to assess the international workers, by adopting the latest management trend.
Limit of sensitivity for melting curve screening for α-thalassemia

Background: Thalassemia is a major inherited disease in Thailand, with a large number of people being either directly affected or carrying the trait. The Southeast Asian α-thalassemia 1 deletion (--) is the most common α-thalassemia 1 type, with a high number of carriers in Thai population. Individuals who carry the deletion have the potential for having offspring with Hb Bart’s hydrops fetalis, the most severe thalassemia syndrome. Given the incidence of this disease, screening for thalassemia is an important tool in diagnosis and many methods have been developed. Objectives: A single tube real-time PCR methodology with a melting curve analysis method has been recently developed, and this work sought to determine the limit of sensitivity of this technique to determine whether it is possible to optimize this methodology and apply it to the single cell level for application in preimplantation genetic diagnosis screening programs. Methods: DNA was extracted from whole blood or isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells of normal volunteers as well as α-thalassemia 1 (--) carriers. Sensitivity of the melting curve analysis was established with serial dilutions of DNA down to the picogram (pg) level. Results: The melting curve analysis as previously established was sensitive down to 2 ng of DNA. Further optimization increased sensitivity down to 200 pg, but discrimination of a normal allele from an α-thalassemia 1 (--) allele below this level of DNA was not achieved. Conclusion: While advantageous in routine screening programs, real time PCR coupled with a melting curve analysis is not currently suitable for adaptation to pre-implantation diagnosis for alpha thalassemia.
Type I collagen extracted from rat-tail and bovine Achilles tendon for dental application: a comparative study

Abstract Background: Collagen has attracted great interest as a biomaterial for various dental and medical uses. Objective: Investigate the characteristics and biocompatibility of type I collagen extracted from rat-tail tendon and bovine Achilles tendon for dental application. Materials and methods: Type-I collagen was extracted from rat-tail and bovine Achilles tendon using pepsin. The purity of collagen extracts was examined using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The biocompatibility with human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and human oral keratinocytes (HOKs) was examined using an MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) illustrations of purified collagen alone and collagen with HGFs and HOKs were presented. A three-dimensional wound-healing model of fibroblast populated collagen lattice (FPCL) was used to determine the capability of both sources of collagen to induce wound healing in vitro. Cellular collagen lattices were fabricated to examine the contraction rate of these collagens. Results: The average yield of collagen extracted from rat-tail and bovine Achilles tendon were 21.8±14.9% and 5.4±0.4%, respectively. The SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the extracts were composed of alpha 1, alpha 2 and beta chains with little contamination of other small proteins. The MTT assay showed good proliferation of cells cultured with each collagen extract, indicating that collagen extracts were non-toxic to the cells. SEM and the FPCL analysis showed that both types of collagen were biocompatible with both HGFs and HOKs, inducing good contraction in the in vitro model. Conclusion: Type-I collagen extracted from rat-tail and bovine Achilles tendon appeared to be biocompatible with HGFs and HOKs. Both biomaterials may be of use in dental practice.
Testing for Adverse Selection in China's Auto Insurance Market

This paper empirically examines the adverse selection models by using the data from Chinas personal automobile insurance market through the standard positive-correlation test. Results show that higher-risk insurance policyholders do tend to buy insurance with a lower coinsurance rate, which supports the existence of adverse selection in China's automobile insurance market. This is quite a contrast to the findings in mature insurance markets.
Thermochromic behavior of yttrium substituted bismuth oxides.

High-temperature thermochromic materials are poorly explored in fundamental research, let alone applied research, alt-hough these materials may be used as low-cost, intuitively usable sensing materials in an industrial environment. Yet, only few of these materials have been described systematically. We describe a series of yttrium substituted bismuth oxides (Bi1-xYx)2O3 (0.05 <= x <= 0.25) that show thermochromic behavior with a color change from yellow at low temperatures to various brown hues at high temperatures. The compounds were analyzed between 293 K and 1050 K by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), UV/Vis spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A combination of derived absorption spectral fitting (DASF) and Tauc methods were applied to determine the band gap energies and band gap types from the diffuse UV/Vis spectra, respectively. Two types of materials were found: one, with x = 0.05 that exhibits the tetragonal β-phase at room temperature, and the defect fluorite-type cubic δ-phase at temperatures above 920 K. This phase showed a reversible, grad-ual color change upon heating, followed by an abrupt color change at the phase-transformation temperature. The second type of material had higher yttrium contents (x > 0.10); these samples were cubic at room temperature and showed a contin-uous color change upon heating and cooling. In contrast to the material with x = 0.05, these latter phases show a reduced cycle stability and were gradually annealed to the hexagonal phase-I. The samples with x = 0.10 provided a mixture of the β- and δ-phase, showing both, the reversible behavior for the β- to δ-phase transition and the irreversible behavior concerning the β2-phase. This points the way towards smart materials that can not only sense the actual thermal stress, but also monitor cumulative thermal stresses over a certain material lifetime.