Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Certainty of Lifestyle: Contrasting a Simulation Over a Fixed Period versus Multiple Period Models

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the differences between the commonly used Monte Carlo simulations that assume a static withdrawal based on a fixed mortality period and initial capital, versus the use of Monte Carlo simulations that re-estimate withdrawal amounts utilizing period life tables for longevity, in addition to the variable remaining capital of each simulation, both for each individual year within the model. Such models may be called Conditionally Adjusted Sequential Retirement Periods models (CASRP). The model approach demonstrates that, although a fixed period simulation has a failure rate at some future age, the multiple period model doesn’t run out of funds unless catastrophically spent. This paper explains why funds are available at superannuated ages and demonstrates methods that remove the fear of failure (running out of money before life) to give more control and insight to retirees over the future of their funds. The authors find there is a difference between a single fixed period Monte Carlo simulation, and a model made up of a series of connected simulations.The model approach results in a series of solutions at each age, rather than a series of computations that result in a single solution from a traditional fixed period Monte Carlo simulation.
Inside Shan-Shui: A Case Study of Parametric Optimization Design based on Reception Aesthetics of Eastern Art

This paper explored the quantitative research methods of visual and aesthetic optimizing design through a parametric exhibition design case study, taking the eastern art (Chinese painting and Japanese Zen garden) as the source of aesthetic principles. It is difficult to optimize a visual problem because aesthetic qualities mostly involve subjective making decisions and intuitive judgments, in which there exist a huge design space with little restrictions. In our study, we firstly investigated the natural scientific essences behind the aesthetic problem, through literature review, to find out the principles of aesthetic quantitative computing: narrowing the scope of design space based on the figure-ground perception; constructing the optimization rule system through the medial axis transformation (MAT) model; defining the optimal objects by the dynamics analysis of Shannon information energy. And thus, we utilized the shape grammar exploring the figure design subspace and getting optimal seven foam sculptures, and in the ground design subspace exploration, applied the genetic algorithm conducting the multi-objective optimization and getting the optimal exhibition layout. Finally, we got the exhibition design with the essence of reception aesthetics of eastern art and implemented it.
QoE-Aware Cross-Layer Adaptation for D2D Video Communication in Cooperative Cognitive Radio Networks

In this article, a cross-layer parameter optimization is considered for H.264 scalable video transmission in cognitive radio enabled device-to-device networks. Adaptive modulation and coding is considered at the physical layer along with video layer aware automatic repeat request (VLA-ARQ) at the link layer. The VLA-ARQ scheme is aware of video characteristics. Scalable video coding (SVC) based video streaming is carried out at the application layer. A novel cognitive radio network frame structure is proposed accommodating cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS), relaying primary user’s (PU) transmission, and secondary users’ (SU) opportunistic transmission to maximize quality of experience (QoE) and to minimize total power consumption. In SVC-based video streaming, successful reception of a particular video layer is dependent upon the successful reception of its higher layers, which influences the eventual QoE at the user end. A set of optimal values of CSS time duration, sensing decision threshold, cooperation, and transmission power control are obtained under the constraints of detection reliability, PU spectrum efficiency, and SU power budget. Extensive simulation results with respect to the system parameters show the efficacy of the proposed system. The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed technique offers more than 14% gain in overall utility with the proposed CSS and cross-layer parameter optimization strategy.
Single-cell multi-region dissection of brain vasculature in Alzheimer’s Disease

Cerebrovascular breakdown occurs early in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), but its cell-type-specific molecular basis remains uncharacterized. Here, we characterize single-cell transcriptomic differences in human cerebrovasculature across 220 AD and 208 control individuals and across 6 brain regions. We annotate 22,514 cerebrovascular cells in 11 subtypes of endothelial, pericyte, smooth muscle, perivascular fibroblast, and ependymal cells, and how they differ in abundance and gene expression between brain regions. We identify 2,676 AD-differential genes, including lower expression of PDGFRB in pericytes, and ABCB1 and ATP10A in endothelial cells. These AD-differential genes reveal common upstream regulators, including MECOM, EP300, and KLF4, whose targeting may help restore vasculature function. We find coordinated vasculature-glial-neuronal co-expressed gene modules supported by ligand-receptor pairs, involved in axon growth/degeneration and neurogenesis, suggesting mechanistic mediators of neurovascular unit dysregulation in AD. Integration with AD genetics reveals 125 AD-differential genes directly linked to AD-associated genetic variants (through vasculature-specific eQTLs, Hi-C, and correlation-based evidence), 559 targeted by AD-associated regulators, and 661 targeted by AD-associated ligand-receptor signaling. Lastly, we show that APOE4-genotype associated differences are significantly enriched among AD-associated genes in capillary and venule endothelial cells, and subsets of pericytes and fibroblasts, which underlie the vascular dysregulation in APOE4-associated cognitive decline. Overall, our multi-region molecular atlas of differential human cerebrovasculature genes and pathways in AD can help guide early-stage AD therapeutics.
An Analysis of Backward and Forward Linkages of Pharmaceutical Sector in India Based on an Input- Output Model

Aims: The paper study about the inter-linkages between pharmaceutical sector and other sectors of Indian economy. The paper also measures the effects of growth in pharmaceutical sector on other sector’s growth. Study Design: The study is mainly a static analysis based on secondary data concentrated in studying the production structure of Indian pharmaceutical sector. Duration of Study: The time taken for the research to be completed is for a period of four months. Methodology: We have used the latest input-output table available for the period of 2015-16 to conduct the analysis. First, we converted the input-output table from 131 sectors structure to a 60 sectors structure by aggregation of most related sectors. Then, technical coefficient matrix and Leontief inverse matrix for the 60 sectors included in the table has been calculated to analyze the forward and backward linkages of the industry. In addition to that we have calculated output multiplier of pharmaceutical industry to know the effects of changes in the growth of pharmaceutical sectors on all other sectors of the economy. Results: The input-output analysis reveals that both forward linked indicator and backward linked indicator are greater than one. The forward linked indicator is of value 1.12 and backward linked indicator is of value 1.50. These results indicated that pharmaceutical sector is strongly inter-linked both backwardly and forwardly with other industries in the Indian economy. The value of output multiplier of the industry is 2.34; it indicates positive contribution of the pharmaceutical sectors both directly and indirectly to the Indian economy. Conclusion: The study finds that pharmaceutical industry is a key industry in stimulating the production activities of other industries. Thus with proper planning and execution of pharmaceutical industry it can help in promoting other sectors growth.
Breaking assumptions: distinguishing between seemingly identical items using cheap sensors

Intuitively, we understand that physical items are distinct — we are able to pick up and manipulate them. Yet, we often treat similar items as if they are indistinguishable from one another. Undue reliance on the assumption that seemingly identical items can be treated as if they are identical can lead to unintended, negative consequences. Conversely, the ability to distinguish between seemingly identical objects often enables new applications. This thesis examines three artifacts that carry with them false assumptions about their indistinguishability: blank sheets of paper, 'anonymous' bubble forms, and loudspeakers. Blank sheets of paper, e.g. those in a ream of copy paper, are often treated as if they are identical to one another. We develop a new method to identify sheets of paper by measuring their inherently unique surface texture using commodity equipment. This permits a number of applications, e.g. counterfeit currency detection, and has important implications for paper-based elections, which are discussed in detail. Next, we turn to optical-scan bubble-forms which often rely on the assumption that they do not reveal the respondent's identity. We demonstrate that individuals tend to mark bubbles in distinctive ways, unintentionally conveying their identity. This has important implications for anonymous surveys and the publication of completed ballots after an election. We describe a number of mitigation techniques and procedural changes to limit the risk of accidentally revealing identifying information. The final artifact, loudspeakers, are increasingly ubiquitous devices designed to accurately reproduce an audio signal. It is commonly assumed that multiple instances of 'identical' loudspeakers will generate the same output given identical inputs. This assumption is false. We demonstrate that individual loudspeakers, even those of the same make and model, induce unique distortions on the generated sound, identifying the individual loudspeaker. We develop methods to identify loudspeakers, enabling a new method of device authentication. By examining the common underlying assumptions of each artifact, we develop a common methodology used in identifying distinguishing features. This general framework is successfully applied to each artifact, suggesting that other seemingly identical objects may become distinguishable in the future.
Chitosan Nanoparticles Containing Lipoic Acid with Antioxidant Properties as a Potential Nutritional Supplement

Simple Summary Alfa-lipoic acid (ALA) is an important antioxidant that could be added to animal feed as a nutritional supplement. To improve its stability in the digestive system, ALA was encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles. The nanoparticles containing ALA were stable in stomach-like conditions and were able to cross the intestinal barrier. Chitosan-based nanoparticles seem to be an attractive administration method for antioxidants, or other sensible additives, in food. Abstract The addition of the antioxidant α-lipoic acid (ALA) to a balanced diet might be crucial for the prevention of comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity. Due to its low half-life and instability under stomach-like conditions, α-lipoic acid was encapsulated into chitosan nanoparticles (Ch-NPs). The resulting chitosan nanoparticles containing 20% w/w ALA (Ch-ALA-NPs) with an average diameter of 44 nm demonstrated antioxidant activity and stability under stomach-like conditions for up to 3 h. Furthermore, fluorescent Ch-ALA-NPs were effectively internalized into 3T3-L1 fibroblasts and were able to cross the intestinal barrier, as evidenced by everted intestine in vitro experiments. Thus, chitosan-based nanoparticles seem to be an attractive administration method for antioxidants, or other sensible additives, in food.
Impact of Common Reflecting and Absorbing Building Materials on THz Multipath Channels

THz band communication has the potential to meet the high data rate demands of many current and future applications. However, before these networks are realized, extensive channel measurements are needed in order to characterize the wireless channel at these frequencies, in order to inform system design and deployment. In the current paper, we present a set of double‐directional channel measurements that are conducted in several relevant indoor and outdoor scenarios. Our aim is to see the effect of common building materials that might be particularly reflective or absorptive (such as energy‐saving glass, window blinds, or metallic reflectors), and how their presence changes the channel characteristics. Among other effects we find that ‐ depending on the considered dynamic range ‐ presence/absence of these materials can increase the required equalizer length by an order of magnitude.
Environmental degradation effect on agricultural development: an aggregate and a sectoral evidence of carbon dioxide emissions from Ghana

PurposeQuality environment is argued to be essential for ensuring food security. The effect of environmental degradation on agriculture has thus gained the attention of researchers. However, the analyses of aggregate and sectoral effect of carbon dioxide emissions on agricultural development are limited in the literature. Consequently, this study examines the effect of aggregate and sectoral carbon emissions on Ghana's agricultural development.Design/methodology/approachTime-series data from 1971 to 2017 are employed for the study. Regression analysis and a variance decomposition analysis are employed in the study.FindingsThe results show that the country's agricultural development is negatively affected by aggregate carbon emission while financial development, labour and capital increases agricultural development. Further, industrial development and emissions from transport sector, industrial sector and other sectors adversely affect Ghana's agriculture development. The contribution of carbon emission together with other explanatory variables to the changes in agricultural development generally increases over the period.Originality/valueThis study analyses the aggregate and sectoral carbon dioxide emission effect on Ghana's agricultural development.
Sexual Behaviour Risk Among Male Regular Partners of Female Sex Workers

We assessed HIV prevalence and associated sexual behaviour risks among male regular partners (MRPs) of female sex workers (FSWs) attending a peri-urban clinic in Kampala, Uganda. Between June 2012 and June 2017, we conducted a mixed-methods cross-sectional study among MRPs (aged ≥ 18 years old). Eligible and interested men were consented and offered HIV counselling and testing. Data on socio-demographic, sexual behaviour and clinical characteristics were collected. Multivariable Poisson regression with robust variance was used to identify factors associated with HIV prevalence. In-depth interviews were conducted to elicit information on participants’ knowledge of HIV and its prevention as well as sexual risk practices. Qualitative data were analysed using a thematic content approach. One hundred and sixty-two men were included in the analysis; mean age was 35 years (standard deviation ± 8.43), and most (73%) reported not using a condom during the last sexual intercourse. Overall HIV prevalence was 65 of 162 (40%). Absence of sexually transmitted infection symptoms in the last 12 months adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.37, 0.85] and condom use at last sexual intercourse (aPR = 0.63, 95% CI = [0.45, 0.88]) were associated with a lower HIV prevalence. Being uncircumcised (aPR = 1.83, 95% CI = [1.22, 2.74]) and having ≥2 sexual partners in the last 12 months (aPR = 1.91, 95% CI = [1.27, 2.85]) were associated with higher HIV prevalence. Qualitative data showed that most participants reported not consistently using condoms with their FSW partners because of the emotional connections, desire to have children and trust. HIV prevalence among MRPs was high compared to the national average. HIV prevalence among MRPs was associated with high-risk sexual behaviour and circumcision status. Interventions are needed to address the high sexual behaviour risks among MRPs of FSWs as well as supporting them to access safe voluntary medical male circumcision, HIV care and support services.
Relationship dynamics of review skepticism using latent growth curve modeling in the hospitality industry

ABSTRACT Although the extant hospitality literature tends to view review skepticism from a cross-sectional perspective, online reviews and their perceptions evolve. This study examines how the trajectory of review skepticism is dynamic through the initial and repeat purchasing phases during subsequent restaurant visits. Using a longitudinal survey method of a six-month time lag, latent growth curve modelling reveals that both the initial score and rate of change of review skepticism on behavioural intentions negatively increase over time. This study’s findings also show that the rate of change in review skepticism on brand trust and brand love negatively increases; however, these direct effects are insignificant, indicating that such effects remain the same as time passed. The significance of the relationship between the initial score of review skepticism and brand trust only appears when restaurant consumption experience increases over time. Finally, our findings advance knowledge on changes in review skepticism and its outcomes during subsequent restaurant visits.
A Comprehensive Assessment of Fundamental Overcurrent Relay Operation Optimization Function and Its Constraints

The optimization of overcurrent relays’ operation is a topic associated with protection coordination of distribution networks. Usually, this refers to medium-voltage networks, since they are protected by numerical relay devices, as opposed to low-voltage networks, where utility operators allocate fuses. Correct setting of relays and optimal coordination is becoming a serious challenge to Distribution Network Operators around the world, since their networks’ passive operation has been greatly altered in the past two decades. Distributed generation units, a growing liberalized electricity market and more stringent legislation for distribution network planning and operation by state regulatory bodies have all indirectly affected the evolving of protection philosophy for distribution networks. In this paper the traditional optimization problem of overcurrent relay operation will be addressed and critically examined from both a theoretical and practical point of view. Optimization function, constraints and relay parameters will all be observed and compared with solutions used in distribution networks, and their modifications and improvements will be proposed and elaborated in detail.
Sen1 is a key regulator of transcription-driven conflicts

Cellular homeostasis requires the coordination of several machineries concurrently engaged on the DNA. Wide-spread transcription can interfere with other processes and transcription-replication conflicts (TRCs) threaten genome stability. The conserved Sen1 helicase terminates non-coding transcription, but also interacts with the replisome and reportedly resolves genotoxic R-loops. Sen1 prevents genomic instability but how this relates to its molecular functions remains unclear. We generated high-resolution, genome-wide maps of transcription-dependent conflicts and R-loops using a Sen1 mutant that has lost interaction with the replisome but is termination proficient. We show that Sen1 removes RNA polymerase II at TRCs within genes and the rDNA, but also at sites of transcription-transcription conflicts under physiological conditions, thus qualifying as a “key regulator of conflicts”. We demonstrate that genomic stability is only affected by Sen1 mutation when, in addition to its role at the replisome, termination of non-coding transcription or R-loop removal are additionally compromised.
Heart Failure Care: Testing Dyadic Dynamics Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM)—A Scoping Review

Self-care behaviors are essential for the effective treatment of heart failure (HF), and poor self-care may lead to adverse clinical events in patients with HF. A growing body of literature addresses the need to analyze the characteristics of both patient and caregiver since they are in mutual, long-term interaction, and their reactions to events are dependent on each other. One of the most common approaches for analyzing data on HF self-care dyads is the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM). The purpose of this study was to conduct a scoping review to answer the following question: what did we learn from HF dyadic studies based on the APIM approach? Medline, Academic Search Ultimate, and CINAHL Complete databases were searched, using the terms “dyad,” “dyadic,” and “heart failure,” for studies published between 2009 and April 2021. Fifteen studies were reviewed from a pool of 106 papers. Studies using the APIM approach revealed interrelated patient and caregiver characteristics that influence self-care and explain many complex dyadic behaviors. Our analysis provided evidence that (1) APIM is a useful analytical approach; (2) a family-oriented approach can improve the functioning of a patient with HF; and (3) social support from caregivers significantly enhances patients’ adaptation to illness.
Impact of Climate Change on Drinking Water Resources in Nzoia River Basin, Kenya

Climate change is one of the greatest threats to mankind’s survival in the twenty-first century, and has a number of consequences for the Nzoia River Basin's drinking water resources, including increased dry spells, flooding associated with heavy rainfall events, degraded water quality, and changes in water demand. This study examines the impact of climate change on drinking water resources in Nzoia River Basin, Kenya. A cross-sectional survey design was used in this study. Busia (lower), Kakamega (middle) and Trans Nzoia (upper) were the three counties chosen randomly for survey in the basin. The research was conducted from May to September of 2017. The 400 households surveyed by questionnaires were chosen using multistage random sampling. The Author conducted the questionnaire survey with the help of trained University students. The interviewers also utilized observation checklists to gather information on the households and the community. The study results revealed the climate change drivers affecting drinking water resources in the basin as changes in rainfall patterns, increasing temperatures and seasonal Lake Victoria level risings. These drivers have been reviewed and ranked in order of severity across the basin by a team of water and climate change experts through in-depth interviews and brainstorming sessions. The influence of climate change on infrastructure investment initiatives is becoming increasingly important at County and National Government levels in the basin. National and County governments in the basin should begin re-evaluating drinking water development initiatives by including climate change into infrastructure design, capital investment, service provision planning, and operation and maintenance. Most water utilities face climate change variability and uncertainty in their daily operations and long-term planning. Most utilities are starting to consider the impact of climate change on their water supplies, as well as the technical, financial, operational, and institutional ramifications. These difficulties are exacerbated by the fact that utilities have more pressing needs, such as increasing coverage and dealing with high levels of non-revenue water, all of which compete with the development of climate change adaptation solutions.