Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Carbon nanofillers used in epoxy polymeric composites: a brief review

The paper discusses scientific publications regarding polymer composites based on epoxy resins, which are the main competitor of many traditional structural materials. The review on carbon nanofillers for composite materials, such as graphene, graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, etc., is given. Methods for introducing these nanomaterials into different binders are considered, and comparative results of improving the strength characteristics of nanocomposites are presented.
Optimal Smart Contracts with Costly Verification

We study optimal smart contract design for monitoring an exchange of an item performed offline. There are two parties, a seller and a buyer. Exchange happens off-chain, but the status update takes place on-chain. The exchange can be verified but with a cost. To guarantee self-enforcement of the smart contract, both parties make a deposit, and the deposits must cover payments made in all possible final states. Both parties have an (opportunity) cost of making deposits. We discuss two classes of contract: In the first, the mechanism only interacts with the seller, while in the second, the mechanism can also interact with the buyer. In both cases, we derive optimal contracts specifying optimal deposits and verification policies. The gains from trade of the first contract are dominated by the second contract, on the whole domain of parameters. However, the first type of contract has the advantage of less communication and, therefore, more flexibility.
Full report on challenges with learning to program and problem solve: an analysis of first year undergraduate Open University distance learning students' online discussions

Students who study problem solving and programming (in a language such as Python) at University level encounter a range of challenges, from low-level issues with code that won't compile to misconceptions about the threshold concepts and skills. The current study complements existing findings on errors, misconceptions, difficulties and challenges obtained from students after-the-fact through instruments such as questionnaires and interviews. In our study, we analysed the posts from students of a large cohort (1500) of first-year University distance learning students to an online 'Python help forum' - recording issues and discussions as the students encountered specific challenges. Posts were coded in terms of topics, and subsequently thematically grouped into python-related, problem solving/generic programming related, and module specific. This report documents the full set of topics and the statistics for each of them. We also provide examples from the forum discussions which illustrate the topics that were identified.
Food Deserts Debunked and Decentered: From Deficit to Relational Mapping for Food Justice in Worcester, MA

The mapping of food deserts has become a standardized component of food and health policy work concerned with expanding food access. These maps often follow a similar format of spatially identifying where grocery stores are absent in communities, thus suggesting a straightforward problem diagnosis and intervention blueprint. This paper questions the overemphasis among many food and health policy practitioners on these technically engineered policy stories, specifically for their obstruction of histories of white supremacy and capitalism within the US food system and urban landscapes. A mixed-methods approach is applied to a case study of Worcester, MA which appropriates GIS to ask different food access questions informed by the history and social context in which food systems exists and the work of local community development and food access practitioners. Centering a critical examination of social relations and power dynamics by challenging notions of which actors matter, what factors shape food access, and the relevance of certain interventions can reveal a robust pathway towards community food autonomy.
État des lieux des haies de la plaine de Crau

Un des paysages dominants de la plaine de la Crau est constitue de prairies. Des haies y sont associees mais sont l’objet d’arrachage et leur nombre diminue malgre la volonte europeenne de preserver les haies. Afin d’entamer un processus de conservation de ces haies, nous avons voulu identifier les types de haies associes a ces prairies ; connaitre la perception qu’en ont leurs gestionnaires et proposer des actions a realiser, adaptees aux gestionnaires et aux haies etudiees. Nous avons mis au point une typologie des haies basee sur leurs caracteristiques structurales et floristiques. La composition floristique de chaque haie a ete reduite a une essence caracteristique et nous avons cherche les microhabitats. En parallele, nous avons questionne dix-sept gestionnaires sur leur vision et gestion des haies via des entretiens semi-directifs. Cinq types de haies ont ete identifies avec des interets pour la biodiversite variant selon leur structure et/ou composition. Les entretiens ont montre que les gestionnaires voient plus d’inconvenients que d’atouts aux haies. Sauf pour une minorite, la gestion est realisee pour limiter l’impact des haies sur la rentabilite de l’exploitation. L’amelioration des connaissances concernant les atouts des haies (ex : l’effet coupe-vent) peut etre benefique aux haies et aux gestionnaires. Des actions de sensibilisation et de communication seront donc necessaires et formeront le premier pas vers la conservation des haies associees aux prairies de la plaine de la Crau.
A review on embedded field programmable gate array architectures and configuration tools

: Nowadays, systems-on-chip have reached a level where nonrecurring engineering costs have become a great challenge due to the increase of design complexity and postfabrication errors. Embedded field programmable gate arrays (eFPGAs) represent a viable alternative to overcome these issues since they provide postmanufacturing flexibility that can reduce the number of chip redesigns and amortize chip fabrication cost. In this paper, we present an overview on eFPGAs and their architectures, computer aided design (CAD) tools, and design challenges. An eFPGA must be well-designed and accompanied by an optimized CAD tool suite to respond to target application’s requirements in terms of power consumption, area, and performance. In this survey, we studied coarse-grained eFPGAs with customized blocks which are used for domain-specific applications and fine-grained eFPGAs that are used for general purposes but have lower performance.
An infection age-space-structured SIR epidemic model with Dirichlet boundary condition

In this paper, we are concerned with the global asymptotic behavior of an SIR epidemic model with infection age-space structure. Under the homogeneous Dirichlet boundary condition, we first reformulate the model into the coupled reaction-diffusion and difference system by using the method of characteristics. We then obtain the spatially heterogeneous disease-free steady state and define the basic reproduction number ℛ0 by the spectral radius of the next generation operator. We then show the existence and uniqueness of the global classical solution by constructing suitable upper and lower solutions. As a threshold result, we establish that the disease-free steady state is globally attractive if ℛ0 < 1, whereas the system is uniformly weakly persistent in norm if ℛ0 > 1. Finally, numerical simulations are exhibited to illustrate our theoretical results together with how to compute ℛ0.
Event-Triggered Fuzzy Filtering for Networked Systems With Application to Sensor Fault Detection

This article concerns the event-triggered fault detection filtering problem for nonlinear networked control systems. First, an event-triggered scheme with two trigger matrices is proposed by considering limited network resources; a fuzzy fault detection filter with a general structure is chosen as the residual generator. Then, we introduce a new event-based residual system by taking into consideration the interval time-varying delays. Sufficient conditions are obtained to guarantee that the event-based residual system is asymptotically stable and satisfies a prescribed $\mathcal {H}_{\infty }$ performance with the help of a reciprocally convex technique. Furthermore, some new relaxation matrices are introduced such that the corresponding solvability conditions can be established by means of a linearization procedure. Finally, examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed new fault detection filtering techniques.
Experiencias reales de aula invertida como estrategia Metodológica en la Educación Universitaria española

El modelo educativo está en constante evolución, prestándose a un cambio de paradigma. Se busca un enfoque educativo, en el que se fomente el trabajo cooperativo y colaborativo, la participación del alumnado, la adaptación a distintos ritmos de aprendizaje, clases más prácticas y experimentales, que impulsen la autonomía, y la autorregulación en el aprendizaje. Nuevas metodologías, como la flipped classroom o aula invertida, pueden dar respuesta a algunas de estas necesidades. Este artículo presenta resultados de una investigación llevada a cabo en el Grado en Educación Primaria de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación de la Universidad de Málaga. El objetivo marcado ha sido analizar y conocer los resultados obtenidos, tras haber realizado la inversión de aulas, de dos asignaturas distintas en diferentes cursos, Didáctica de la Medida y Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación para la Educación. Se ha llevado a cabo la triangulación de resultados mediante un exhaustivo análisis cualitativo y cuantitativo, a partir de los datos obtenidos de entrevistas y cuestionarios. De esta forma, se pretende conseguir una imagen completa de la propuesta a estudio, mediante la comprensión de dos planteamientos metodológicos. Los resultados obtenidos concluyen que, el alumnado ve con satisfacción la introducción de una metodología que le proporciona mayor participación en el aula, que le facilita el acceso a contenidos didácticos en un formato más cercano, que puede consultar cuándo y cómo quiera, adaptándose a sus necesidades y ritmos de aprendizaje. Consideran que el tiempo en el aula es más eficaz, estiman que realizan un mejor aprovechamiento del tiempo y que además mejora su aprendizaje y la compresión de contenidos. Estos resultados, se suman a diversos estudios realizados por otros investigadores, en distintas etapas educativas.
Fast Encoding Algorithms for Reed–Solomon Codes With Between Four and Seven Parity Symbols

This article describes a fast Reed–Solomon encoding algorithm with four and seven parity symbols in between. First, we show that the syndrome of Reed–Solomon codes can be computed via the Reed–Muller transform. Based on this result, the fast encoding algorithm is then derived. Analysis shows that the proposed approach asymptotically requires 3 XORs per data bit, representing an improvement over previous algorithms. The simulation demonstrates that the performance of the proposed approach improves with the increase of code length and is superior to other methods. In particular, when the parity number is 5, the proposed approach is about two times faster than other cutting-edge methods.
Recurrent rheumaticactivity in rheumatic heart disease

Introduction:Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is caused by autoimmune effect of group A streptococcal infection (GAS). Cardiac involvement is typically pancarditis. Valvular damage persists after the improvement of acute episode of ARF, the persistent valvular defect and its sequel is called rheumatic heart disease (RHD). People with previous episode of ARF are at increased risk of developing newer episodes of ARF and it increases the severity of valvular damage. Thus RHD gradually worsens in patients with recurrent attacks of ARF. Frequent episodes of ARF can be prevented by secondary prophylaxis.Methods and Materials:All diagnosed cases of RHD were includedand non RHD patients were excluded from this study. Proper history, detailed physical examination, routine laboratory test, ECG and echocardiography were done in all patients. Recurrent rheumatic activity was diagnosed on the basis of modified Jones criteria’1992 and who criteria of 2004.Results:Among 100 patients studied, 45 cases were hospitalised because of heart failure due to poor compliance of medications, 38 had acute attack of rheumatic fever, and 17 cases were having lower respiratory tract infection. Thus the incidence of acute rheumatic activity in established RHD was 38%. 50% patients were on penicillin prophylaxis and 10% were on oral tablets of penicillin or azithromycin for secondary prophylaxis. It means 60% of the patient population was on secondary prophylaxis. Conclusion: Recurrent rheumatic activity is a hidden cause of morbidity and mortality in established cases of RHD as penicillin prophylaxis is not adequate because of poor compliance to the drug.
A Combined Method of r-NPS and t-NPS Evaluations for Identification of Negative Triggers of Detractors’ Experience

User experience has garnered increasing interest from researchers in the field of sustainable human–computer interaction (HCI) design. One of the key pillars to building sustainable user experience for digital applications is to be able to identify powerful triggers of detracting behavior and especially those of radical detraction. In the past, traditional methods of user experience analysis have often led to the assumption that pragmatic aspects constitute the priority issues for user experience improvement given the prevalence of these aspects in user feedback surveys. However, our econometric analysis based on net promoter score (NPS) survey results defeats this assumption and reveals that the most powerful degraders of the detractors’ experience are in fact the emotive aspects of experience such as transparency of transactions and customer service interaction. Based on our analysis, we arrive at several insights regarding the building of a sustainable HCI strategy. First, hedonic aspects of user experience are the most significant determinants of the degree of user detraction among the detractors. Second, membership cannot be taken for granted as a token of customer loyalty. Building on the theoretical framework of Hassenzahl, Haines-Gadd, and others, we generate new evidence for the importance of servicing hedonic aspects of user experience for digital applications businesses to form a sustainable customer relation and product strategy.
Editorial on “The long-term effect of acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis: a randomized clinical trial”

Migraine is a common and disabling headache disorder. This Editorial examines the role of acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis. In particular, the results from a recently published randomized sham-controlled trial on acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis in migraine without aura are discussed in the context of previous literature. Acupuncture appears to be a safe and efficacious treatment for migraine prophylaxis, although the optimal frequency of treatment is unclear.
What Types of Challenges are Teachers Facing with 21st Century Professional Development

This study aimed to identify the challenges facing teachers in their professional development across the primary, post-primary and tertiary educational sectors. Through the literature six main areas of investigation were identified: motivation, 21st century competencies, peer coaching, knowledge-sharing, professional learning communities and measurement/ assessment. The data was collected through 12 semi-structured interviews with teachers across the three sectors. A thematic analysis of the data was conducted. A number of themes were extracted, for example: environment, systems, culture and time. The findings of the study are discussed through interpretation of teacher’s experiences. The results identified challenges around individualistic work cultures, lack of purposeful systems of measurement, trust and fear issues, all of which were underpinned by time constraints. It was observed that there were more organisational structures at tertiary level. There was more commonality between primary and post-primary sectors. Despite the differences all three sectors have common challenges, such as effective knowledge-sharing and timely measurement to inform effective 21st century professional development.
Vascular Neurologists’ Involvement in the Care of Medicare Patients With Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose: We sought to determine the proportion of patients with ischemic stroke evaluated by vascular neurologists in the United States. Methods: Using 2009 to 2015 claims from a 5% nationally representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries, we identified patients ≥65 years of age who were hospitalized for ischemic stroke. We ascertained the proportion of patients evaluated during the hospitalization or within 90 days of discharge by nonvascular and vascular neurologists. We assessed the relationship between county-level socioeconomic status and the likelihood of neurologist evaluation and between neurologist evaluation and diagnostic testing. Results: Among 66 989 patients with ischemic stroke, 37 820 (56.5%) were evaluated by a nonvascular neurologist and 11 700 (17.5%) by a board-certified vascular neurologist. Across increasing quartiles of county socioeconomic advantage, the proportion of patients evaluated by a vascular neurologist was 12.2%, 16.5%, 19.8%, and 23.0%. Relative to evaluation by a nonvascular neurologist, evaluation by a vascular neurologist was associated with a higher likelihood of postdischarge heart rhythm monitoring (odds ratio [OR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-1.9), echocardiography (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.3-1.4), cervical vessel imaging (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.2-1.3), and intracranial vessel imaging (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 2.0-2.2). Conclusions: In a nationally representative cohort of Medicare beneficiaries, we found that about three quarters of patients with ischemic stroke were evaluated by a neurologist, and about one-sixth were evaluated by a vascular neurologist. Patients who were evaluated by a vascular neurologist were significantly more likely to undergo diagnostic testing.
The Intellectual Capital Role in Market Growth of Companies in Developed and Emerging Markets

The modern economy became increasingly dependent on intellectual capital, whose role is steadily growing in comparison with other types of capital. On the one hand it happens due to the objective trend of the world economy innovative development on the eve of the sixth technological mode beginning; on the other hand, to increased competition between companies from different countries in an increasingly globalized world market. The growing importance in the overall system of companies’ competitiveness factors in the new century is played by specific knowledge and information, which is commonly understood as intellectual capital. However, accounting systems used in the modern economy practically ignore the components of intellectual capital. Another problem that hinders the accounting assessment of intellectual capital is the multiplicity of approaches to its quantitative measurement. The growing interest of researchers in further development of the intellectual capital concept is explained by the fact that the developed intellectual capital of the company leads to more effective management, to more stable relations with contractors, and in general – to a competitive advantage, which immanently affects the financial, economic and market results of the
Analysis of co-regulated abundance of genes associated with arsenic and phosphate metabolism in Andean Microbial Ecosystems

Phosphate and arsenate are very similar compounds, and there is great interest in studying their relationship and their interaction with biological systems. Despite having no apparent biological function, specific genes regulate arsenic interaction with cells and can be located in regions of the genome called arsenic islands, where phosphate metabolism genes are also present. Although they are neighboring genes, the nature of their relationship and how they have been selected is still unknown. In this work, we analyzed the metagenomes of the four microbial ecosystems inhabiting hypersaline lakes of the Argentine Puna and the Atacama salt flat in Chile and have evaluated the presence and abundance of both arsenic and phosphate metabolism genes. The samples analyzed included microbialites, biofilms and microbial mats; all of them established under high arsenic concentrations, high UV radiation and high temperature fluctuation, among others. The results show great differences in the dispersion and abundance of genes related to both phosphate and arsenic metabolism in the analyzed samples. The main difference is given in the Diamante Lake, located in the crater of the Galan volcano characterized by being one of the lakes with the highest arsenic concentration (2.34 mM). Correlating genes abundance with the physicochemical parameters of the lakes studied, our results suggest that arsenic and phosphate metabolism are intricately co-regulated in environmental conditions.
Substance use, anxiety, and self-management efficacy in HIV-positive individuals: A mediation analysis

ABSTRACT Context: In China, the social stigma of both substance use and HIV remains major barrier. HIV-positive individuals have been demonstrated to have higher psychosocial distress in the literature. To ensure quality of life among HIV-positive Chinese individuals, self-efficacy in HIV-related management including substance use and anxiety is the key to suppress viral load and maintain healthy lives. Objectives: We examine the mediation relationship among substance use, anxiety, and self-management efficacy. Method: A cross-sectional study design was used. In total, 137 HIV-positive individuals were recruited from two premier Chinese hospitals: Beijing’s Ditan Hospital and Shanghai’s Public Health Clinic Center (SPHCC). Results: HIV-positive substance users had significantly lower HIV-management efficacy and higher anxiety scores. About a third of the relations between substance use and anxiety were mediated by HIV-management self-efficacy. Those who used substances in the previous week had higher anxiety levels suggesting the presence of a recency effect. Their higher levels of anxiety could be largely explained by their lower HIV-management efficacy. Conclusion: It is useful for healthcare providers to assess substance use behaviors in HIV-positive individuals as well as provide support in managing anxiety in this population. Meanwhile, enhancing self-management efficacy to ensure healthy lifestyles may support achieving optimal lives with HIV.