Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PRICING THE RISK OF A GENERAL INSURANCE PORTFOLIO USING SERIES EXPANSIONS FOR THE FINITE TIME MULTIVARIATE RUIN PROBABILITY IN A FINANCIAL-ACTUARIAL RISK PROCESS

The risk involved in a General Insurance portfolio can be priced using the related concepts Multivariate Ruin Probability-Annual Premium. In the present work, McLaurin expansion, with respect the arrival intensity of claims, for the finite time Multivariate Ruin Probability considering the surplus just before and deficit at ruin time is obtained in the context of a Financial-actuarial model for the risk process, and used to price a General Insurance portfolio in terms of its annual premium. Finally, the concept of Financial Autonomy Ratio, is introduced as a measure of the strength of the investments‘ yields to prevent ruin.
A P ] 2 D ec 2 01 9 GRADIENT BLOW-UP RATES AND SHARP GRADIENT ESTIMATES FOR DIFFUSIVE HAMILTON-JACOBI EQUATIONS

Consider the diffusive Hamilton-Jacobi equation ut −∆u = |∇u| p + h(x) in Ω× (0, T ) with Dirichlet conditions, which arises in stochastic control problems as well as in KPZ type models. We study the question of the gradient blowup rate for classical solutions with p > 2. We first consider the case of time-increasing solutions. For such solutions, the precise rate was obtained by Guo and Hu (2008) in one space dimension, but the higher dimensional case has remained an open question (except for radially symmetric solutions in a ball). Here, we partially answer this question by establishing the optimal estimate C1(T − t) −1/(p−2) ≤ ‖∇u(t)‖∞ ≤ C2(T − t) −1/(p−2) (1) for time-increasing gradient blowup solutions in any convex, smooth bounded domain Ω with 2 < p < 3. We also cover the case of (nonradial) solutions in a ball for p = 3. Moreover we obtain the almost sharp rate in general (nonconvex) domains for 2 < p ≤ 3. The proofs rely on suitable auxiliary functionals, combined with the following, new Bernstein-type gradient estimate with sharp constant: |∇u| ≤ d −1/(p−1) Ω (
Media anthropology in a world of states

This paper suggests that media anthropology should pay closer attention to the manifold nation-building uses of media technologies, especially in postcolonial and post-Soviet countries. Adopting an ethnological approach, it questions the present celebration of the creative appropriation of media forms, and argues that it is time to reintroduce diffusionist approaches that can complement the prevailing appropriationism. In the same ethnological vein, it also suggests that modern states are not imagined communities but rather the prime culture areas (Kulturkreise) or our era, and that modern media are indispensable in the making of these culture areas.
Macro-Scale Findings of the DebriSat Debris Field Obtained from X-Rays of the Catch Panels

The DebriSat project analyzes the debris from a hypervelocity impact test conducted on a 56 kg-simulated satellite target in 2014. Its purpose is to generate a comprehensive database of the size, mass, material, shape, and the radar and optical properties of fragments generated from orbital collisions of modern-built spacecraft. Three hundred ninety-one foam catch panels from the DebriSat test have been X-rayed to locate the particles within them for subsequent extraction and assessment. The data from the tens of thousands of extracted particles has heretofore been the focus of the debris assessment. The work presented here connects the X-ray sample location images to reconstruct the 3D distribution of the entire fragment cloud. Although some errors are inherent to the process, this 3D database is valuable for qualitative studies of size and energy distributions. Further, the 3D database can indicate the extent of bending or breaking of the fragments as they decelerated to full capture. By virtue of its full sphere perspective, the 3D database allows graphical insight to the physics of the collision and breakup. This 3D representation has been developed as a “point and click” graphical interface to retrieve the full data set on individual recovered and assessed fragments within the growing database. Overall, this macro-level screening technique has added enormous insight to the experiment in unexpected ways.
Impact of Workplace Spirituality on Organizational Commitment with Mediating Effect of Job Satisfaction: A Case Study on Higher Education Sector

The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of workplace spirituality on organizational commitment among university teachers with the mediating effect of job satisfaction. The adopted questionnaire was administered to a population of 1,655 faculty members working in universities situated in Karachi, and the valid sample size was 600. After normality, validity, and reliability were assessed, the overall model was tested through PLS SEM (partial least square structural equation modeling). A positive impact of workplace spirituality on organizational commitment (t= 39.221, p <. 05) was supported statistically. It was also found that job satisfaction (t = 8.166, p < .05) was the strongest predictor of workplace spirituality. Furthermore, an insignificant impact of job satisfaction on organizational commitment (t =0.738, p > .05) was found. Job satisfaction as a mediator showed no mediation effect between workplace spirituality and organizational commitment. In conclusion, this study contributes unique knowledge to the current body of literature that connects workplace spirituality with job satisfaction and organizational commitment among university faculty. It also provides critical recommendations for academics and human resource managers who seek ways to encourage job satisfaction and organizational commitment.
Advanced Practice Nursing in Nigerian Healthcare: Prospects and Challenges

This study explored the prospects and challenges of introducing advanced practice nursing (APN) in the Nigerian health system. It sought to address the following: career pathways for registered nurses and midwives, advanced duties performed by them and the circumstances, their views and willingness for autonomous practice, and doctors’ degree of acceptance. Research population composed of registered nurses, midwives and medical doctors in primary healthcare. The conceptual framework for this study was based on the scope of practice, standards and competencies of the APN established by the International Council of Nurses (2008). A 12-item checklist of typical duties of APN from the framework provided a guide for the design of eight main questions and 19 subquestions. Data was collected from 17 participants through in-depth interviews and group discussions and analyzed using Charmaz’s three simplified methods for qualitative data. Findings were that (a) registered nurses and midwives are constrained to perform advanced duties, (b) doctors delegate advanced roles to nurses and midwives, (c) nurses and midwives lacked pathways for advancement, (d) APN would substitute for doctor shortage, and (e) advocacy and lobbying has to done by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria to change the current policy. The social change implication is that it offers insight into the potentials for APN in healthcare delivery. Keywords: advanced practice
Learning to Walk Using Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning

We explore a hierarchy based meta learning solution to tackle complicated navigation environments, which traditionally trained flat policies find difficult to solve. By decomposing the task down to smaller components which are first learned independently by sub-policies and then using them in conjunction via a master, we show that we are able to successfully navigate to a given goal. Moreover, we present novel regularization techniques that ensure smooth transitions among the sub-policies. We test the proposed methods in various environments wherein a four-legged agent is rewarded for getting to a goal point and penalized for instability. We show that hierarchical policies are able to solve these complicated environments while the flat policies fail. We further show that our proposed regularization techniques produce significantly better performing hierarchical systems.
Clinical Effect of Periodontal Pocket Irrigation with H2O2

Statement of the problem: Subgingival irrigation with an antimicrobial agent after scaling and root planing (SRP) is assumed to be able to kill the bacteria left behind after mechanical debridement. 3% H2O2 is used in the treatment of periodontal disease and it has been shown effective in killing anaerobic pathogens. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effects of subgingival irrigation of periodontal pockets with 3% H2O2. Materials and methods: Thirty-five patients with probing depths of 3‒5 mm were selected for the study. All the oral cavity sites were scored at baseline and on days 21 and 35 for these periodontal indices: gingival bleeding on probing, probing depth, and attachment level. The pockets in various quadrants were randomly assigned to professionally performed subgingival irrigation with 3% H2O2 or saline or to non-irrigation groups on baseline and days 7 and 14 after the first step of therapy with SRP and oral hygiene instruction. Results: The results showed that subgingival irrigation with 3% H2O2 produced a significant reduction in gingival bleeding index compared to the control while there were no significant differences between the 3 groups in probing depth reduction. Irrigation with H2O2 also resulted in a significant reduction of attachment levels between the 3 groups on day 21. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that subgingival irrigation with 3% H2O2 plays a potential role in inflammation control and reduction of gingival bleeding.
A Fast-Transient All-Digital LDO with Adaptive Clock Technique

To get a better tradeoff between the transient performance and current efficiency of Digital Low-Dropout (DLDO) regulator, this paper proposes an all-digital Low-Dropout (LDO) regulator with adaptive clock technique. The sample clock is supplied by a proposed digital oscillator (DOSC) whose output frequency can be changed seamlessly. The frequency of sample clock and loop gain boost adaptively when the output voltage undershoot/overshoot is detected. Proposed DLDO integrates a ripple controller to eliminate steady-state supply ripple and reduce steady-state power. The proposed DLDO is simulated at Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) 55 nm with 5.03e-4 mm2 active area. The simulation results show that the operating voltage of proposed DLDO can be down to 0.5 V and the peak current efficiency is 99.99%. The measured voltage undershoot is 40 mV and transient response time is 500 ns with load step of 10 to 800 uA.
If Digitalization is the Solution, What is the Problem?

A range of policies on different levels of government (including EU, national, regional and local) concerns the use of digital technology. Drawing upon prior research that suggests that many e-Government policies contain myths and visionary images about technology, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the discourse on digitalization through an analysis of a Swedish digitalization policy. The research utilized a theoretical framework which describes four views on technology. The methodology used was interpretative, based on a "What’s the problem represented to be? " (WPR) approach. The findings suggest that the discourse on digitalization in the policy shifts between describing a serving, and a dictating technology. Digitalization is presented as a solution to external problems, based on the condition that we adapt to a future, data-driven society. The policy remains silent about groups and individuals that do not want take part in the digital society, since the proposed solution is that everyone should embrace the technology. The paper concludes with suggestions of alternative perspectives on technology. As such, this paper contributes to the current literature with critical reflections of how technology is represented in a digitalization policy.
OPEN SET FACE RECOGNITION USING ADABOOST AND GEOMETRIC TRANSFORMATION

This paper proposes a new method to address the problem of open set face recognition. Open set face recognition requires the system to recognize identities registered on the gallery (known) set and reject those not registered. Our method, combined the general Adaboost face recognition (GAFR) method with geometric transformation, can overcome the performance bottleneck when closed set recognition algorithms are used for open set task. Experimental results tested on the FERET database have impressively indicated the effectiveness of our method. An example is also provided to show how to expand the general closed set recognition method to the open set task.
The Role of Perceived Social Support in the Psychological Well-Being of Young Offenders: from Pretrial Detention to Correctional Camps

The present article aims at investigating the role of social support in the emotional well-being of young offenders. We hypothesized that perceived social support would be positively related to the emotional well-being of juvenile offenders. The methods were worked out to study perceived and received social support, psychological well-being and emotional state of the juvenile offenders. The entire sample consisted of 56 males aged from 15 to 18 years old (M = 16.5; SD = 0.8). 32 subjects (57%) were in pretrial detention and 24 participants (43%) were in a correctional camp located in the central region of Russia. The study detected that the level of psychological well-being of the respondents from the camp was correlated neither with perceived social support nor with the frequency of seeking assistance from the different sources of support. For the respondents in the pretrial detention, the level of psychological well-being was directly connected to the degree of the perceived support from the friends. The obtained differences might be associated with the influence of social environment in the pretrial detention and in the camps.
SPECIFIC TARGETED RESEARCH PROJECT Project Deliverable SUIT Doc Number SUIT _ 209 Project Number IST-4-028042 Project Acronym + Title SUIT-Scalable , Ultra-fast and Interoperable Interactive Television Deliverable Nature

This report features a discussion of the simulation results and an analysis of WLAN. Furthermore, the report outlines the developed simulator, the error pattern trace generation method and the error pattern format. In addition to the simulator generated trace, an error pattern trace file collected from a real network is also presented and documented. Based on the real observations, packet-level channel models have been developed. These models have been integrated into a packet-level simulator and allow the inclusion of the channel behaviour in the development of rate control strategies. Either error pattern trace file or the packet-level channel models can be used in WP3 for video performances study. Keyword list: WLAN, IEEE 802.11g, Wi-Fi, discrete packet level channel model, error pattern file
Abstracts

1 Mental Health Annual Conference Session no 1.1 Mental Health Paper Presentation Reflection on developing Occupational Therapy in a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit R Booth(1), Roseberry Park Hospital, Tees, Esk & Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, UK(1) This paper aims to reflect on the development of an Occupational Therapist’s role in a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
Spirometry in patients with COPD: focus on expiratory ànd inspiratory parameters

Background: In contrast to static inspiratory parameters such as vital capacity and inspiratory capacity, information on forced inspiratory volume in 1 s (FIV1) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is limited. Objectives: It was the aim of this study to investigate the influence of the preceding expiratory manoeuvre and the optimal number of manoeuvres on FIV1 values. Methods: In 169 patients with COPD, FIV1 manoeuvres were performed after a forced (FIV1-Fe) and a slow (FIV1-Se) expiration. To investigate the optimal number of the FIV1-Se manoeuvres, 8 attempts were performed. Results: The variability of FIV1-Fe was greater than that of FIV1-Se. The mean difference between FIV1-Se and FIV1-Fe was 0.21 litres (p < 0.01) and dependent on the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage. The higher the GOLD stage, the greater the difference between the 2 techniques. The correlation coefficient between FIV1-Se and FIV1-Fe was high (r = 0.89, p = 0.01), but there was a poor agreement between these parameters (limits of agreement -0.52 to 0.94 litres). Five manoeuvres were needed to obtain an optimal FIV1-Se. There was no association with the GOLD stage. Conclusions: In COPD patients, FIV1-Se are less variable than FIV1-Fe, the agreement between the 2 manoeuvres is poor, and at least 5 FIV1-Se manoeuvres are needed to get an acceptable FIV1. This holds for all GOLD stages.
Should Students Be Allowed to Miss?

ABSTRACT Many educational policymakers consider attendance as a tool to induce learning. Researchers also agree that attendance has a positive effect on learning; however, there are few empirical studies that measure the nature and significance of that effect. The authors analyzed the effect of class attendance on academic performance and evaluated the existence and importance of a minimum attendance requirement. Using student data from a sample of public primary schools in Chile, and considering for endogeneity and sample selection bias, they found two important results. First, attendance had a relevant and statistically significant effect on educational performance. Second, the existence of a threshold was identified, but educational performance did not continue to decrease after a certain number of absences, which seems to contradict policies that have a minimum attendance requirement.
The Health-Related Uses and Gratifications of YouTube: Motive, Cognitive Involvement, Online Activity, and Sense of Empowerment

ABSTRACT To better understand the utility of YouTube as a health communication medium, this study utilizes Uses and Gratifications Theory to examine a relationship among motives for health-related YouTube use, cognitive involvement with health information on YouTube, post-exposure online activity, and health-related sense of empowerment. Surveys were analyzed from 263 participants who reported using YouTube for health-related reasons. Results revealed specific motives for health-related YouTube use and a significant relationship among the variables. Implications for how health care professionals could use YouTube for communicating with users about health-related topics and empowering them in health care are discussed.
Examining the impact of family newsletters on the breakfast consumption habits of preschool children and families

CONSUMPTION HABITS OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN AND FAMILIES by SIENNA ANTOINETTE VANGELDER (Under the Direction of Diane Bales) ABSTRACT Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the United States. The negative consequences of childhood obesity have been well documented, and research has been conducted on the prevention, intervention, and treatment of this health issue. Eating breakfast is one indicator that has been associated with improved nutrition and protection against obesity. The current study sought to examine breakfast consumption among preschoolers and to evaluate the effectiveness of family newsletters in promoting eating a healthy breakfast. Before and after receiving newsletters about breakfast consumption, 36 families of preschool children completed preand post-surveys about breakfast frequency and quality. Data was analyzed to assess changes in breakfast consumption for the experimental group. The results indicated that just reading the newsletters did not have a significant effect on breakfast frequency or quality for preschool children and families. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.
Results From a Survey of U.S. American Evaluation Association Members

This paper presents the results of a cross-sectional survey on evaluation use completed by 1,140 U.S. American Evaluation Association members. This study had three foci: evaluators’ current attitudes, perceptions, and experiences related to evaluation use theory and practice, how these data are similar to those reported in a previous study conducted by Preskill and Caracelli (1997), and to identify characteristics that distinguish high endorsers of use items from others in the sample. Findings suggest a fair level of agreement on several dimensions of use including stakeholder involvement, factors that influence use, and the varied roles of the evaluator. Logistic regression results indicated that external evaluators were less likely to be high item endorsers while those who reported being members of the Evaluation Use Topical Interest Group of the American Evaluation Association were more likely to be high item endorsers.
Standardized patients versus simulated patients in medical education: are they the same or different

In order to equip medical students with all the necessary skills in dealing with patients to provide optimal treatment, the need for the use of real patients in educational settings has become prominent. But all the required skills cannot be practiced on real patients due to patients’ safety and well-being. Thus, the use of standardized patients (SPs) or simulated patients (SiPs) as a substitute for real patients signifies their importance in simulation-based medical education. One question raised in regard to using SPs or SiPs in order to enhance medical students’ tangible and intangible skills in a safe controlled environment is whether these two terminologies are the same or different? Various studies use these terms interchangeably and do not consider a difference between them. Based on our literature review, there seems to be differences between these two modalities. We also try to highlight the advantages of these modalities in clinical encounters.
Deficiency of Cardiac β-Adrenergic Receptor in Streptozocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

The number of β-adrenergic receptors in cardiac myocytes isolated from rats made diabetic with streptozocin (STZ) for 10 wk was measured by use of a hydrophilic nonselective antagonist [3H]CGP 12177 and was found to decrease to 59% of the number in control rats (P < .05), without any change in affinity. Similarly, using [125I]iodocyanopindolol as a ligand, we found a decrease in the β-adrenergic-receptor number on cardiac plasma membrane isolated from the diabetic rats [29% decrease (P < .05) at 1 wk, 50% (P < .01) at 3 wk, and 49% (P < .01) at 10 wk compared with control rats]. However, the serum triiodothyronine level that had been known to modulate the β-adrenergic-receptor-adenylate cyclase system was decreased in the 1-wk-diabetic rats but not in the 10-wk-diabetic rats compared with each control group. Furthermore, there was no difference in urinary catecholamine excretion between diabetic and control groups. In the 10-wk-diabetic rats, the response of adenylate cyclase to isoproterenol was significantly defective (56% decrease compared with control rats; P < .05), although both the basal and the forskolin-stimulated maximum adenylate cyclase activities and a half-maximum concentration of isoproterenol for the stimulation of adenylate cyclase were similar in control and diabetic rats. On the other hand, both cholera toxin-dependent and islet-activating protein-dependent [32P]NAD incorporations into cardiac plasma membrane were markedly increased in the diabetic rats. The 2-wk insulin treatment improved not only the number of β-adrenergic receptors but also the response of adenylate cyclase to 10 μM isoproterenol. These results indicate that cardiac unresponsiveness to a β-adrenergic agonist in STZ-induced diabetic rats is specifically associated with a deficiency in the β-adrenergic-receptor concentration in cardiac plasma membrane.