Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Reaction Drive Powered by External Dynamic Pressure

A new class of reaction drive is discussed, in which reaction mass is expelled from a vehicle using power extracted from the relative motion of the vehicle and the surrounding medium, such as the solar wind. The physics of this type of drive are reviewed and shown to permit high velocity changes with modest mass ratio while conserving energy and momentum according to well-established physical principles. A comparison to past propulsion methods and propulsion classification studies suggests new mission possibilities for this type of drive. An example of how this principle might be embodied in hardware suggests accelerations sufficient for outer solar system missions, with shorter trip times and lower mass ratios than chemical rockets. Keywords: Propulsion, Reaction drive, Solar wind, External power, Dynamic pressure
Improving DMF with Hybrid Loss Function and Applying CF-NADE to the MOOC Recommendation System

—Nowadays, with the strong development of platforms like Coursera, Edx, etc., Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is not too strange for most people. The number of online courses also increases day by day. One of the problems raised is how to recommend users to choose the appropriate course. To address the problem, we applied the Deep Matrix Factorization (DMF) model to build a user-item interaction matrix with explicit rating and zero implicit feedback. We then improved the loss function to yield more accurate results. In addition, we also used the Collaborative Filtering Neural Autoregressive Distribution Estimator (CF-NADE) model to MOOC Recommendation system. Our experiment shows that two proposed approaches achieve better results than the other methods.
Bitcoin Privacy - A Survey on Mixing Techniques

Blockchainisadisruptivetechnologythatpromisesamultitudeofbeneﬁtssuchastransparency, trace-ability, and immutability. However, this unique bundle of key characteristics rapidly proved to be a double-edged sword that can put user’s privacy at risk. Unlike traditional systems, Bitcoin transactions are publicly and permanently recorded, and anyone can access the full history of the records. Despite using pseudonymous identities, an adversary can undermine the ﬁnancial privacy of users and reveal their actual identities using advanced heuristics and techniques to identify eventual links between transactions, senders, receivers, and consumed services (e.g., online purchases). In this regard, a multitude of approaches has been proposed in an attempt to overcome ﬁnancial transparency and enhance user’s anonymity. These techniques range from using mixing services to oﬀ-chain trans-actions that address diﬀerent privacy issues. In this survey, we particularly focus on comparing and evaluating mixing techniques in the Bitcoin blockchain, present their limitations, and highlight the new challenges.
Predictors of 30-day Readmission among Ovarian Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgery

Background: Cytoreductive surgery in ovarian cancer remains a complex and invasive procedure with elevated risks of postoperative complications and readmission. We aimed to characterize the rate and predictors of 30-day readmission in patients undergoing ovarian cancer surgery. Methods: Women undergoing ovarian cancer surgery between 2010 and 2015 were identified in the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD). Baseline demographics and clinical features of patients readmitted within 30 days were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant perioperative factors associated with readmission. Results: Of 94,077 patients undergoing surgery for ovarian malignancy, 12,806 (13.6%) were readmitted within 30 days. The proportion of 30-day readmissions has significantly decreased from 15.2% in 2010 to 12.5% in 2015 (p<.001). Readmitted patients were more likely to have large bowel resection during initial surgery (18.9 vs. 11.5%, p<.001), and experience a postoperative complication, including bowel perforation and infection (11.2 vs. 7.7%, p<.001). The primary reasons for 30-day readmission included postoperative infection (10.6%) and gastrointestinal dysfunction or infection (9.0%). In multivariable analysis, Medicaid (OR 1.18 [95% Confidence Interval 1.04-1.35]), age < 50 years old (OR 1.35 [1.17-1.56]), large (OR 1.35 [1.20-1.51]) or small bowel (OR 1.34 [1.14-1.57]) resection, and discharge to a skilled nursing facility (SNF; OR 1.53 [1.34-1.75]) were significantly associated with 30-day readmission. For readmitted patients, index hospitalization cost was higher ($25,021 vs. $19,587, p<.001) and length of stay (LOS) was longer (8.7 vs 6.4 days, p<.001). Discussion: Rates of 30-day readmission are declining, however, continued optimization of perioperative pathways for patients at highest risk of readmission, including those undergoing bowel resections and those discharged to a SNF, is warranted.
Journal of Anxiety Disorders he contribution of attentional bias to worry: Distinguishing the roles of selective ngagement and disengagement

This study investigated the effect on worry of biased attentional engagement and disengagement. Variants of a novel attention modification paradigm were developed, designed to induce a group difference either in participants’ tendency to selectively engage with, or disengage from, threatening meanings. An index of threat bias, reflecting relative speeding to process threat word compared to non-threat word content, confirmed that both procedures were effective in inducing differential attentional bias. Importantly, when
Linear Models for fMRI with Varying Hemodynamics

In fMRI analysis, linear models are commonly used because of their explanatory power, statistical simplicity and computational efficiency. However, these models make an assumption of a constant hemodynamic response throughout the experiment. Many studies show relatively large variations and non-linearities in the brain hemodynamics, questioning the validity of inferences made with such models. In this paper we present a method which relaxes this assumption, without sacrificing the other advantages of linear models. This method provides estimates of not only the overall activation magnitude and delay, but also the variation in them with respect to experimental conditions. We also validate the statistical properties of our estimator with a simulation study, and show its application on a real fMRI study.
Hooi Lai WAN 2.1. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ORGANISATIONAL JUSTICE AND ORGANISATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOUR: EXAMINING THE MEDIATING ROLE OF JOB SATISFACTION

The relationship between organizational justice perceptions, job satisfaction, and Organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) from the responses of 267 employees in the manufacturing sector showed that interpersonal justice positively influenced all dimensions of OCB. Among the justice factors, informational justice had a greater influence on job satisfaction than distributive justice, procedural justice, or interpersonal justice. The effect of job satisfaction on OCB was most significant on civic virtue, followed by courtesy, altruism, conscientiousness, and sportsmanship. The mediation analysis showed that job satisfaction fully mediated the relationship between organizational justice and OCB. Therefore, job satisfaction is a stronger predictor of citizenship behaviours than justice perceptions.
The effect of supply chain integration on hotel performance through green supply chain management

Internal and external integration in hotel industries is essential to improve Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) to maintain hotel performance and sustainability. This research is to examine the impact of internal and external integration on GSCM and hotel performance. It is quantitative research with judgmental sampling. Questionnaires were distributed to 72 hotel employees from 62 hotels of three-star hotels and above, who understand GSCM and hotel performance in East Java. But 66 questionnaires were returned, and only 62 questionnaires were valid for data analysis. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is used to analyze with the help of Java Web Start software. The results show that all six hypotheses are supported, internal integration with Use technology to significantly determine plans and coordination capable of external integration and GSCM. External integration with Sharing knowledge with partners and Collaborating in solving problems can improve GSCM significantly. Supply chain integration, which consists of internal integration and external integration, impacts hotel performance by reducing hotel waste and Efficient use of resources. GSCM in implementing Eco green, green procurement and product life cycle have a significant impact on improving hotel performance.
Automatic Slouching Detection and Correction Utilizing Electrical Muscle Stimulation

Habitually poor posture can lead to repetitive strain injuries that lower an individual’s quality of life and productivity. Slouching over computer screens and smart phones are common examples that leads to soreness, and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, upper and lower back regions. To help cultivate good postural habits, researchers have proposed slouch detection systems which alert users when their posture requires attention. However, such notifications are disruptive and can be easily ignored. We address these issues with a new physiological feedback system that uses inertial measurement unit sensors to detect slouching, and electrical muscle stimulation to automatically correct posture. In a user study involving 36 participants, we compare our automatic approach against two alternative feedback systems and through two unique contexts-text entry and gaming. We find that our approach was perceived to be more accurate, interesting, and outperforms alternative techniques in the gaming but not text entry scenario.
Measuring Financial Well-being Over the Lifecourse

Financial well-being is a relatively new construct that attempts to measure subjective financial status and perceived future financial trajectory. Using a large public cross-sectional dataset, we find that a standardized financial well-being score generally tracks income, wealth, and participation in investment markets, as well as markers of positive and negative financial behaviour. However, financial well-being measures attributes that are distinct from general subjective well-being and financial literacy measures, especially over the life course. Financial well-being can be a useful construct to include in new surveys but can also be proxied in existing public datasets, as we demonstrate using separate survey data.
Bank Specific Determinants of Internal Audit Effectiveness: Evidence from Private Banks in Ethiopia

This study has examined factors that affect internal audit effectiveness in the Ethiopian private commercial banks. Five hypotheses were formulated based on a comprehensive review of past literature. The study used primary sources of data through questionnaires. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, purposive sampling method was used and data were collected using structured questionnaires, with total of 168 questionnaires were distributed to internal auditors of all Private commercial banks, and 147 (a 87.5% response rate) had collected. The data was analyzed through with SPSS version 20 and regression analyses were carried out to examine the attributes of internal audit effectiveness. All of independent variables are making 60% explained internal audit effectiveness. The study found that there are significant positive relationships between the factors (Independence and objectivity of internal auditors, Competency of internal audit staffs, Existence of audit committees) and internal audit effectiveness. However, Organizational Setting and Management support have no significant effect on internal audit effectiveness. But, private commercial banks should understand that the contributions of these variables were collectively significant to identify any non-compliance activities in their office and to add values for the internal audit effectiveness. This study provides useful information to practitioners and academics who are interested in identifying the determinants of internal auditing effectiveness.
Cardiac Output and Cerebral Oxygenation in Term Neonates during Neonatal Transition

The immediate transition from foetus to neonate includes substantial changes, especially concerning the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, the brain is one of the most vulnerable organs to hypoxia during this period. According to current guidelines for postnatal stabilization, the recommended parameters for monitoring are heart rate (HR) and arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2). Recently, there is a growing interest in advanced monitoring of the cardio-circulatory system and the brain to get further objective information about the neonate’s condition during the immediate postnatal transition after birth. The aim of the present study was to combine cardiac output (CO) and brain oxygenation monitoring in term neonates after caesarean section in order to analyse the potential influence of CO on cerebral oxygenation during neonatal transition. This was a monocentric, prospective, observational study. For non-invasive cardiac output measurements, the electrical velocimetry (EV) method (Aesculon Monitor, Osypka Medical, CA, USA) was used. The pulse oximeter probe for SpO2 and HR measurements was placed on the right hand or wrist. The cerebral tissue oxygen index (cTOI) was measured using a NIRO-200NX monitor with the near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) transducer on the right frontoparietal head. Monitoring started at minute 1 and was continued until minute 15 after birth. At minutes 5, 10, and 15 after birth, mean CO was calculated from six 10 s periods (with beat-to-beat analysis). During the study period, 99 term neonates were enrolled. Data from neonates with uncomplicated transitions were analysed. CO showed a tendency to decrease until minute 10. During the complete observational period, there was no significant correlation between CO and cTOI. The present study was the first to investigate a possible correlation between CO and cerebral oxygenation in term infants during the immediate neonatal transition. In term infants with uncomplicated neonatal transition after caesarean section, CO did not correlate with cerebral oxygenation.
dataquieR: assessment of data quality in epidemiological research

dataquieR is an R package to conduct data quality assessments in data collections designed for research. It makes strong use of metadata that specify the requirements of the study data. Spreadsheet tables can be used to collect this information in a standardized manner. dataquieR starts with checking the formal compliance of study data with expectations defined in the metadata, such as the data type, during integrity analyses. Depending on available metadata, further data quality assessments cover the dimensions completeness, consistency, and accuracy as proposed by the framework of Schmidt et al. (2020). Three dataquieR functions investigate the completeness of data within and across observational units. Consistency-related analysis comprises two aspects. First, depending on the data type, the compliance of data elements with either user-defined limits or the adherence to expected value lists is investigated. Second, contradictions between data values of two data elements can be identified by using one of eleven logical comparisons, e.g., if systolic blood pressure is lower than diastolic blood pressure whereas the opposite is expected. Eight dataquieR functions support accuracy-related analyses by aiming at unexpected distributions of single or multiple data elements. Particular focus is placed on the influence of observers, examiners, and devices on the measurement process.
Mixture Toxicity: Linking Approaches from Ecological and Human Toxicology

In the last decade and a half, great progress has been made in the development of concepts and models for mixture toxicity, both in human and environmental toxicology. However, due to their different protection goals, developments have often progressed in parallel but with little integration. Arguably the first book to clearly link ecotoxicology and classic human toxicology, Mixture Toxicity: Linking Approaches from Ecological and Human Toxicology incorporates extensive reviews of exposure to toxicants, toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics, toxicity of mixtures, and risk assessment. The book examines developments in both fields, compares and contrasts their current state of the art, and identifies where one field can learn from the other. Each chapter provides an essential overview of the state of the art in both human and ecotoxicological mixture risk assessment, focusing on the work published in the last fifteen years. The coverage progresses from exposure to risk assessment, at each step identifying the special complications typically raised by mixtures. Based on in-depth discussions among specialists representing different disciplines and approaches, the chapters each address: Exposure - how to quantify the amounts of chemicals that may enter the living organism. Kinetics, dynamics, and metabolism - how the chemicals enter an organism, travel within the organism, how they are metabolized and reach the target site, and explain development of toxicity with time. Toxicity - what are the chemicals' detrimental effects on the organism. Test design and complex mixture characterization - how chemicals interact, how to measure effects of mixtures, and how to identify responsible chemicals. Risk assessment - how to assess for risks in humans and the environment. An unusual combination of different points of view on exposure to and risk assessment of chemical mixtures, this book summarizes current knowledge on combined effects of toxicant mixtures, information that is generally only available in a very fragmented form as individual journal papers. It identifies possible crosslinks and includes recommendations for mutual developments that can improve the state of knowledge on mixture toxicity and ultimately lead to better and more integrated risk assessment.
Prioritizing disease-causing metabolic genes by integrating metabolomics with whole exome sequencing data

Abstract: The integration of metabolomics data with sequencing data is a key step towards improving the diagnostic process for finding the disease-causing gene(s) in patients suspected of having an inborn error of metabolism (IEM). The measured metabolite levels could provide additional phenotypical evidence to elucidate the degree of pathogenicity for variants found in metabolic genes. We present a computational approach, called Reafect, that calculates for each reaction in a metabolic pathway a score indicating whether that reaction is being deficient or not. When calculating this score, Reafect takes multiple factors into account: the magnitude and sign of alterations in the metabolite levels, the reaction distances between metabolites and reactions in the pathway, and the biochemical directionality of the reactions. We applied Reafect to untargeted metabolomics data of 72 patient samples with a known IEM and found that in 80% of the cases the correct deficient enzyme was ranked within the top 5% of all considered enzyme deficiencies. Next, we integrated Reafect with CADD scores (a measure for variant deleteriousness) and ranked the potential disease-causing genes of 27 IEM patients. We observed that this integrated approach significantly improved the prioritization of the disease-causing genes when compared with the two approaches individually. For 15/27 IEM patients the correct disease-causing gene was ranked within the top 0.2% of the set of potential disease-causing genes. Together, our findings suggest that metabolomics data improves the identification of disease-causing genetic variants in patients suffering from IEM.
Design Study of Microstrip Reflectarray Antenna Using Different Lengths of the patches

A microstrip reflectarray is a flat reflector antenna that can be mounted conformally on to a spacecraft's outside structure. The antenna's reflecting surface, being flat, can be more easily and reliably deployed than a curved parabolic reflector. This paper presents the design study of microstrip reflectarray, theoretical analysis of the antenna performance parameters, such as radiation pattern, gain, and bandwidth are also presented. A comparison between microstrip reflector array and parabolic reflector are presented.
Improved “Oxazole” Method for the Practical and Efficient Preparation of Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)

Vitamin B6, a well-studied vitamin B, has been synthesized using an oxazole method for the past 20 years. The oxazole method provided 56.2% overall yield but also generated safety, environmental, and health problems, such as using toxic benzene as solvent and unstable, corrosive, and pollutive HCl and POCl3 as reagents. To use the same equipment but the least amount of toxic agents, we developed new reaction conditions for the early steps. For example, we successfully replaced toxic HCl/benzene conditions with NaHSO4/PhCH3 conditions and also developed a novel and efficient dehydrating agent trichloroisocyanuric acid/Ph3P/Et3N to synthesize the key intermediate 5-butoxy-4-methyl oxazole, instead of using phosphorus oxychloride. These improvements resolved safety, waste avoidance, and workup issues that plagued the previous methodologies. Our process comprised six easy synthetic steps and generated vitamin B6 with 99.4% purity in 56.4% overall yield.
EVALUATION OF DIURETIC AND ANTIUROLITHIATIC PROPERTIES OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF SIDA ACUTA BURM. F. IN WISTAR ALBINO RATS

Objective: To evaluate the diuretic and antiurolithiatic properties of ethanolic extract of Sida acuta Burm. f. in albino rats. Methods: Three different doses of Sida acuta (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg) were tested for diuretic activity and compared with furosemide (25 mg/kg) and control group. 24 hr urine output and urinary concentrations of sodium (Na + ), potassium (K + ) and chloride (Cl - ) ions were the parameters measured. Prophylactic and curative antiurolithiatic activity was tested for three doses (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg & 400 mg/kg) of Sida acuta and compared with control group and animals treated with standard herbal preparation Cystone (750 mg/kg) using zinc disc implantation model. Results: Sida acuta (400 mg/kg) significantly increased the urine output (p<0.001), which was almost equivalent to furosemide. Sida acuta also caused a significant increase in the excretion of K + and Cl - at higher doses (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg). Effects on Na + excretion were not significant for all three doses of the test drug. Sida acuta (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg) showed statistically significant (p<0.05) reduction in depositions around zinc discs as compared to control when tested in prophylactically treated rats, but not in rats treated post-urolithiasis induction. Conclusion: Sida acuta produced a dose-dependent increase in urine output, with no effect on sodium excretion. This probably indicates that the diuresis produced could be due to its aquarectic action. It also showed significant prophylactic antiurolithiatic activity, but further studies are necessary to evaluate fully its therapeutic potential. Keywords: Zinc disc implantation, Calculi, Diuretic index, Cystone