Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the PLCOM2012 Risk Prediction Model and National Lung Screening Trial Criteria for Selecting Individuals for Lung Cancer Screening

Background: Lung Cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer death in North America. Cancer screening trials, such as the PLCO (Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian) and NLST (National Lung screening trial) evaluate LC mortality. There has been a growing interest in risk prediction modelling for selecting high-risk individuals for LC screening. Increased risk for developing LC is however associated with greater risk of dying from non-LC (competing) causes; the presence of coexisting illnesses may negate the net benefit of LC screening. Purpose: The focus of this study was to compare the two selection criteria methods, the NLST criteria and the PLCOM2012 model (at 1.5% and 2% 6-year risk), for selecting smokers age of 55 to 75 for screening who may develop LC, and to evaluate which risk factors are strongly associated with competing causes of death (CCoD). Methods: Contingency table and logistic regression analysis, using STATA software, were used to analyze the results of applying both criteria on the PLCO ever-smokers population (N= 74 207). A CCoD logistic regression model was developed using 5-year follow-up data to assess the association between each PLCOM2012 model predictor and non-LC death. Predictor variables were ranked by their ability to predict 6-year LC incidence and 5-year non-LC death. Predictive performance, discrimination (area under the receiving-operating-characteristic curve [ROC-AUC]) and calibration were assessed. Results: Significantly higher LC proportions were found using the PLCOM2012 model than the NLST criteria in various individual characteristics. Increasing the model threshold resulted in less false positives, higher positive predictive value and probability of 6-year LC incidence. The PLCOM2012 model was also shown to be significantly associated with 5-year non-LC death (p<0.001). The CCoD model demonstrated fair discrimination (AUC=0.7114) and good calibration. There was an overall agreement in the rank order of variables predicting LC incidence and non-LC death, with the top four variables being age, smoking intensity and duration, and body mass index (BMI), however the effects were opposite in nature for the latter. Conclusion: Findings show that the PLCOM2012 risk prediction model accurately identifies higher proportions of LC cases compared to the NLST criteria, however it also selects individuals for LC screening who are at risk of dying from competing causes who will not benefit from screening. Decisions on LC screening among individuals at high-risk of developing LC should be based on an appropriate assessment of each person’s health status and life expectancy, in order to maximize the benefit-harm ratio from LC screening.
Float, the next generation hydrofoil

This project focusses on the creation of a hydrofoil specifically for the windsurfing market. The assigment was created for PWsurfsport. PWsurfsport is a windsurfing company based in Leiden. The company has two subsidiary companies called Tribal and KA. Sails. Tribal produces windsurfing fins and KA produces windsurf sails. Tribal wanted to add a new product to its product portfolio. In this case, the key objective for this project was to create a windsurfing hydrofoil, fitting the current product portfolio of the company and the future windsurfing market.
Stewardship Code, Institutional Investors, and Firm Value: International Evidence

This study investigates whether the stewardship code mitigates the free-rider problem of institutional investors. We construct panel data of listed firms in 56 countries and examine the effects of the introduction of stewardship codes in 13 countries using a difference-in-differences approach. Our results show that the introduction of the stewardship code in a country increases the value of firms with high institutional ownership. It also mitigates the free cash flow problem of the portfolio firms with low investment opportunities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that provides international evidence that stewardship codes are effective in enhancing monitoring by institutional investors.
Automated Pose Measurement Method Based on Multivision and Sensor Collaboration for Slice Microdevice

In this article, an automated method based on the multivision and sensor collaboration is proposed to achieve the precision pose measurement of microdevice with a slice micropart embedded inside. This method consists of three modules. First, the invisible attitude component measurement module based on a laser range sensor and the top view is designed to acquire the initial attitude component determined by the inside slice micropart. Second, the attitude component measurement module based on the contour primitives of interest extraction method abbreviated as contour primitives of interest extraction (CPIE) is utilized to obtain the other attitude components by extracting features from images directly. Third, an attitude controller based on the multivision is presented to achieve automated attitude component restriction ensuring that an exact attitude can be obtained when occlusion occurred. A series of experiments including entire assembly experiments are conducted and experimental results reveal that the proposed methods are effective and the attitude error is less than 0.6° meeting the requirement of assembly.
QUANTIFYING OPTIMAL POLICY IN AN ENDOGENOUS MODEL: A THEORETICAL ANALYSIS

The subject matter of research is the examination of the optimal public policy in an R&D-based endogenous growth model with monopolistic supply of intermediate goods. The goal of the work is to study whether an adequate government intervention can provide the required incentives to correct market inefficiencies and make the decentralized economy to replicate the optimal solutions attainable by a social planner. The article solves the following tasks: finding the model economy’s decentralized equilibrium and social optimal solution, comparison of the welfare effects of different fiscal variables, consideration of the different market distortions and the choice of the appropriate policy variables that allow the decentralized economy to achieve sustainable optimal growth. Methods of mathematical formulation, theoretical analysis and economic interpretations have been used. The following results were obtained: the first-best optimum can be decentralized by means of a tax on capital income at a constant rate combined with equality between the share of public spending in the total expenditure on education and the tax on labor income and a time-varying subsidy to R&D. Conclusions. Investments in knowledge-capital are the principal determinants of economic development. Our model incorporates three sources of inefficiency: monopolistic competition in the intermediate-goods sector, duplication externalities and spillovers in R&D. To correct these imperfections and achieve sustainable optimal growth, the intervention of the state by an effective fiscal policy is necessary.
Dental radiology: an adjunctive aid in age estimation

The concept of using radiographic methods for age estimation has kindled so much interest in the field of forensic dentistry in past few decades. Aim and Objectives: To evaluate the different dental radiographic methods for age estimation and their significance in the field of forensic dentistry. Methodology:- 64articles were collected after an extensive literature review. Literature survey of these articles was done.Conclusion:-Radiographic methods play an indispensible role in age estimation specifically in living persons because of their non-invasive and non-destructive nature. This review paper focus on different radiographic methods and new developments available for radiological dental age estimation and their effective aid in identification and crime investigation.
A 681 GOPS/W~3.59 TOPS/W CNN Accelerator Based on Novel Data Flow Scheduling Scheme

This paper proposes a deep convolutional neural network(CNN) accelerator for image recognition applications based on a novel data flow scheduling scheme. To accelerate the CNN with high energy efficient, we propose two optimization approaches including: the execution time prediction model based on data balance scheduling, and the dynamic voltage control mechanism. The proposed voltage control mechanism can dynamically configure the working frequency of CNN computing and data accessing respectively. To solve the data imbalance between memory and computing, we optimized the architecture based on approximate computing and data scheduling, and implement a data scheduling scheme by optimizing and adjusting the supply voltage of computing arrays. Implemented under TSMC 45nm process, the proposed accelerator for different CNNs can realize 4/8/16bit data bit width computation. Compared with the state-of-the-art CNN accelerators, it performs 2.70~2.83 times better in energy efficiency.
POPULATION DENSITY OF Crypturellus noctivagus noctivagus (AVES, TINAMIDAE) IN THE PAMPA BIOME, SOUTHERN BRAZIL

Crypturellus noctivagus noctivagus is a forest bird endemic to Brazil. In the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the species is considered Critically Endangered, and is known for one relictual population in Pampa Biome. In this study, we estimated the population density of this relictual population using the Distance Sampling method. Samplings occurred from September to February, thus comprising three reproductive periods of the species (2012 to 2017). In total, 58 contacts were recorded with C. n. noctivagus individuals in the three reproductive periods. In each reproductive period 81.600 m were covered in trails. We found a density of 0.04 individuals/km², with an average probability of 18 adult individuals. Our results represent the first efforts for density estimation of this relictual population of C. n. noctivagus , which we suggest is composed by the last individuals in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, highlighting the need of local conservation.
Daily Report Cards: A Recommended Intervention in the Schools

The purpose of this paper was to review and evaluate the available and current literature regarding the use of daily report cards. Literature was gathered using computer searches of the ERIC, Psych Info, and Google Scholar databases. Also, the reference sections found in the articles from the computer searches were also searched. The overview, history, summary of components, sample models, and issues surrounding daily report cards were provided. Sample outcome studies using daily report cards were reviewed. These studies and others reported daily report cards to be an effective intervention for both elementary and middle school students. This was also found across both social and academic behaviors. The limitations and concerns regarding the use of daily report cards were discussed
Incorporating finer acoustic phonetic features in lexicon for Hindi language speech recognition

Abstract Lexicon, used in speech recognition, is the list of words and corresponding pronunciation using a standard acoustic notation. Currently ILSL12 phone-set is widely used for Indian Language speech recognition. However, it has limitations to represent features of the speech like, voicing, fricatives, etc. that are found in Indian Languages. This paper addresses this limitation by considering the voiced and unvoiced features for Hindi speech recognition by incorporating finer representations at the time of lexicon expansion. The approach is tested for Hindi word recognition and has shown significant improvement in WER.
Graduate and Professional Education for Students with Disabilities: Examining Access to STEM, Legal, and Health Fields in the United States

ABSTRACT People with disabilities have been historically marginalised and consistently underrepresented at all levels of education. In the U.S., the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) in the 1970s changed the landscape for primary and secondary education, increasing access for many students. In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed, and since that time students with disabilities have entered postsecondary institutions at greater rates. While in 2001, only about 5% of college students identified as having a disability, more recent estimates put the proportion of undergraduate students with disabilities at approximately 11%. Despite this growth, only 5% of post-baccalaureate students report having a disability relative to undergraduate students. This raises the question of how accessible graduate and professional education is for students with disabilities.
Overfunding and Signaling Effects of Herding Behavior in Crowdfunding

The paper employs a dynamic market-wide herding behavior measure of 117,166 lending-based campaigns in 119 online platforms in 37 countries that explores whether lenders follow each other in the whole crowdfunding market, within the groups of top platforms, within the specific category or platform, and within the specific category in the specific platform. We show that herding behavior plays an important signaling role in reducing opportunity costs if the auction does not receive enough monetary bids. Additionally, our threshold models identify significant herding behavior after funding goals are raised and highlight the controversial effects of signaling mechanisms on adverse selection in crowdfunding markets.
Research and Application of Machine Vision Technology in Workpiece Detection and Recognition

—This paper adopt image recognition to realize the defect detection of small probability defect parts in cluster mode. In this mode, parts with small probability of defects were identified one by one to be recognized. Different lighting conditions were tried to determine what kind of lighting should be used for auxiliary lighting. By means of steps such as gray scale stretching and threshold segmentation, the collected image could be used as binary graph suitable for defect detection after preprocessing. The characteristics of the bolt itself were used as the identification condition to match the measured item with the template. Then the difference information between the matching result and the template was calculated by difference shadow method. And according to this information, whether the product to be tested is qualified is determined.
Entry diversion: Deterrence by diverting submarket entry

Funding information MCIU, Grant/Award Number: PGC2018-094418-B-I00; FWO, Grant/ Award Number: G071417N Abstract Research Summary: Going back to Bain (1956), strategy scholars have long recognized the importance of deterring entry for sustaining incumbents' profits in an industry. We introduce a new mechanism, entry diversion, to better understand the empirical phenomenon of persistent firm entry in spite of investments in entry deterrence by incumbents in some industries. Entry diversion happens when preemptive strategic investments by incumbents decrease the expected future profits from a target submarket such that entrants choose to enter another submarket within the same industry. Empirical evidence from the global semiconductor manufacturing industry suggests that incumbents expand their capacities beyond demand growth, and that these investments effectively divert entry into other submarkets. Greenfield entrants are more responsive to entry diversion than incumbents.
Mathematic and Numerical analysis of Droplet-based Electricity Generator

In the past decades, many studies have been devoted to harvest energy from water droplets efficiently, and many droplet-based electricity generator (DEG) devices have been proposed, which based on the contact electrification between water droplet and polymer film. However, there is no unified and convincing model to explain the principles of these power generation devices, which will be helpful for further research and improving the efficiency of power generation devices. Here we build an equivalent circuit model to demonstrate the working mechanism of the DEG device. In addition, we proposed a method to improve the device performance and optimize our model by simulating the spreading process of droplets at different velocities.
Evaluation of the short-term effects of recovery tools in the rehabilitation of chronic back pain: a feasibility study

Abstract Background: Recovery represents an individualised, psychological construct serving as a buffer for health complaints and back pain. Recovery might also help in reducing chronic back pain (CBP) but has not been examined within CBP rehabilitation. Aim: Testing the acute effects of recovery tools to reduce CBP and stress and to improve recovery. Methods: A longitudinal, quasi-randomised pilot study with 55 individuals on sick leave caused by CBP was conducted. The acute effects of a multimodal out-patient rehabilitation programme were evaluated, while recovery tools were conveyed within the intervention group. The control group received regular treatment. Validated psychometric questionnaires to measure CBP, stress and recovery were used. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA indicated significant reductions for Pain Intensity (p < .001, ηp2 = 0.39), Disability (p < .001, ηp2 = 0.55), Overall Stress (p = .001, ηp2 = 0.19), and a significant improvement for Overall Recovery (p = .010, ηp2 = 0.12) in both groups. A more pronounced increase for recovery was registered in the intervention group considering the descriptive values. Conclusions: Both groups displayed significant short-term improvements for CBP, stress and recovery, while the intervention group did not show statistically superior effects. Long-term intervention effects should be monitored within the programme to assess the sustainable efficacy and feasibility of the recovery tools.
Adaptive Multi-objective Particle Swarm optimization Based on Competitive Learning

In the evolutionary process of multi-objective optimization algorithm, the selection of the guide has a great influence on the flying state of particles. A more accurate guide selection strategy can enhance the convergence faculty and maintain the population’s diversity. This article introduces an improved multi-objective optimization algorithm (AMPSO). Its core innovation is the introduction of competition. Firstly, the evolution process is divided into three states according to the different flight conditions of particles: convergence state, exploration state, and stagnation state. At the same time, the traditional g-best algorithm is divided into three kinds: c-gbst, d-gbest, and s-gbest. Then, according to the evolution state of particles, different leaders are selected. When the particles are in convergence state, c-gbest is selected as the leader to improve the convergence ability of the population. When the particles are in exploration state, d-gbest is selected as the leader to improve the diversity of particles. When the particles are in stagnation state, s-gbest is selected as the leader to guide the population out of the local area optimal. Compared with the other four modified multi-objective algorithms, we have carried out a series of experimental simulations of 10 benchmark functions. Experimental results reveal that the algorithm in this paper performs better.
Effects of Toll-like Receptor Ligands on the Expression of Proinflammatory Cytokines and Avian β-defensins in Cultured Chick Intestine

Few studies have focused on the regulation of cytokine and avian β-defensin (AvBDs) expression for promoting immune defense in the avian intestine. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands (bacterial patterns) on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6) and AvBDs (AvBD1, AvBD4, and AvBD7) in the chick intestine. The ileum and cecum of 3-day-old chicks were collected and examined histologically to identity the cells present in the intestinal mucosa. Other tissues were cultured with or without the TLR2, TLR4, and TLR21 ligands—Pam3CSK4, LPS, and CpG-ODN—for 1 or 3 h. The gene expression profiles of proinflammatory cytokines and AvBDs were determined in these tissues using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The mucosa of the ileum and cecum contained leukocytes, luminal and crypt epithelial cells, and other enterocytes. Pam3CSK4 tended to downregulate the expression of IL-1β, AvBD1, and AvBD7 in the ileum but upregulated their expression in the cecum. LPS downregulated the expression of IL-1β and IL-6 in both the ileum and the cecum, whereas it upregulated the expression of AvBD1, AvBD4, and AvBD7 in the cecum. CpG-ODN upregulated the expression of IL-6 and AvBD7 in the ileum and IL-1β in the cecum, and downregulated the expression of IL-1β and AvBDs in the ileum. We suggested that the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines and AvBDs in the chick intestine are affected by TLR2, TLR4, and TLR21 ligands. Thus, these innate immune factors may be modulated by the luminal microbe complex in the intestine.
The complete chloroplast genome of Aristolochia kwangsiensi

Abstract Aristolochia kwangsiensis belongs to Aristolochiaceae family that has many genotoxic plants. Here, we sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of A. kwangsiensis. The genome is 159,849 bp in size with a pair of inverted repeats of 25,570 bp, a large single-copy region of 70,457 bp, and a small single copy region of 19,315 bp. The genome encodes 106 unique genes, including 76 protein-coding, three rRNA, and 27 tRNA genes. Phylogenomic analysis shows that A. kwangsiensis and A. kunmingensis and A. moupinensis form a sister clade. These results will help further studies on taxonomy, phylogeny and evolution of Aristolochiaceae family.
Behind Migrant and Non‐Migrant Worktime Inequality in Europe: Institutional and Cultural Factors Explaining Differences

Migrants often work longer hours than their non&#8208;migrant counterparts. In this article, we examine reasons behind this inequality, arguing that institutional working time configurations at the country level have impact on worktime inequality. Our cross&#8208;country comparative study uses data from the European Labour Force Survey. We focus on France, Sweden, Austria and the UK as archetypal examples of working time configurations and breadwinner models in Europe. Our findings indicate that institutional and cultural factors play a role in working hour differences between migrants and non&#8208;migrants. We conclude that more centralized worktime regulation and bargaining foster equality, and we suggest several avenues for future research.
Genetic variability in a population of Astyanax scabripinnis: recent bottleneck and the possible influence of individuals with B chromosomes

Access the genetic variability of endangered and isolated populations has become an important conservation tool. Astyanax scabripinnis is a well-known fish model for genetic studies, forming very isolated populations in headwaters. Besides that, this species frequently presents supernumerary chromosomes, which elevates the interest on genetic studies. Genetic diversity of an Astyanax scabripinnis population from the Atlantic Forest (Serra da Mantiqueira region, Brazil) was assessed with microsatellite markers for the first time. Since microsatellite markers are not described for this species, we tested markers described for a related species for transferability to A. scabripinnis. Six polymorphic loci were sufficiently reliable for population genetic analysis. We found that this population passed through a recent bottleneck because of the presence of an excess of heterozygotes, low allelic diversity, heterozygosity excess, and small effective population size. Individuals with and without B chromosomes were previously identified in this population and our study found private alleles in the individuals without B chromosomes. Furthermore, when individuals without B chromosomes were removed from the analysis, the population did not present heterozygosity excess, suggesting that the bottleneck event was driven by individuals with B chromosomes. Our results provide an insight into the value of microsatellite markers as molecular tools and is the first genetic study using molecular data of A. scabripinnis from this area.