Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An effective method for blocking performance analysis of WDM all-optical networks

We propose a rational approximation (RA)-based algorithm to perform the blocking analysis of circuit-switched all-optical networks. Our algorithm can be applied to large networks with various topologies and routing and wavelength assignment algorithms. It can be applied to optical networks with either full, sparse, or no wavelength conversion. We also propose fixed-path wavelength assignment algorithms for networks with balanced and unbalanced traffic.
Empowering Women in Finance through Developing Girls’ Financial Literacy Skills in the United States

This study examines the effectiveness of a financial literacy program, Invest in Girls (IIG), in promoting financial capability among high school girls. Using a quasi-experimental separate-samples pretest-posttest design and a longitudinal qualitative study, the study aims to assess the program efficacy and investigate the perspectives of the female students on its impact on their knowledge, behavior, and future goals and aspirations. The results indicated that the participants had significantly higher confidence for engaging in financial literacy after the program. The findings from the longitudinal study also suggested that that the program was influencing the students in positive ways, increasing their financial capability and leading them to consider wide occupational pathways available in finance. Given the lack of female leaders in the world of finance, the IIG program aims to address gender disparity in financial knowledge and highlight the importance of building financial literacy skills among girls.
Choice of Information Learning: Evidence from Revisiting Price Discovery during the 2006 Dual Listing Craze in China

Extant studies have proposed information choice models to explain the home bias puzzle. In this paper, we explore information asymmetries among local and non-local investors which are captured by market microstructure variables to explain the repercussions of their information choices. We examine the short-run price dynamics, co-integrating relations, and price discovery processes of cross-listed Chinese firms. Using high-frequency data over the year 2006 of dual listing craze in history, we find that the local A-share market contributes to the price discovery for 68% to 75% of the firms, which is far more than the contribution of the non-local H-share market. Our results support the learning choice model and suggest that local Chinese investors may be endowed with a small home information advantage and their learning choices magnify information asymmetry. As such, the local stock market incorporates new information faster and contributes more to the price discovery of dual-listed firms in mainland China.
Minimization of a Short Computer-Based Test in Reading

Formative tests and assessments have high potential in supporting learning, especially for students with special educational needs. One approach to gain assessment information on student learning is to monitor learning progress. For that, multiple repeated tests are often performed by practitioners. In order to be useful in practice, tests must meet various interdependent quality criteria. A property of tests that touches various criteria as the utility and economy is the length. A test has to be long enough to give a meaningful, reliable and comparable measure but short enough to be usable in classroom situations. An approach to evaluate and minimize the length of a computer-based test on sentence comprehension is introduced. It is shown that the test can be shortened from eight to 5 min while the estimation of the student´s abilities remains relatively stable for a random item order and a fixed item order variant. The consequences of test development of progress monitoring and the procedure for test time reduction for the different quality criteria are outlined. An approach to evaluate and minimize the length of a computer-based test by using a one parameter logistic model on a test of sentence comprehension (N = 761) is introduced. The data and the syntax is published in the OSF project https://osf.io/hnbs8/.
The Old and the New Reform of Chile’s Power Industry

Chile’s regulatory framework introduced in 1981 remained unchanged for more than 20 years. The reform had a positive effect but several warning signals appeared by the end of the 90s indicating the need to introduce changes. The most important problems were the lack of competition in the generation segment and the reluctance to expand capacity. These problems were appropriately faced by two amendments to the law (2004 -2005). Knowing the experience of Chile is relevant because the lessons learnt can be applied to other countries which have adopted the same model. In addition it illustrates that the power industry can work reasonably well under a “regulated” competition framework, different from the de-regulation model currently being discussed in other countries.
Effect of Postoperative Coffee Consumption on Postoperative Ileus after Abdominal Surgery: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Previous systematic reviews have not clarified the effect of postoperative coffee consumption on the incidence of postoperative ileus (POI) and the length of hospital stay (LOS). We aimed to assess its effect on these postoperative outcomes. Methods: Studies evaluating postoperative coffee consumption were searched using electronic databases until September 2021 to perform random-effect meta-analysis. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee were also compared. Results: Thirteen trials (1246 patients) and nine ongoing trials were included. Of the 13 trials, 6 were on colorectal surgery, 5 on caesarean section, and 2 on gynecological surgery. Coffee reduced the time to first defecation (mean difference (MD) −10.1 min; 95% confidence interval (CI) = −14.5 to −5.6), POI (risk ratio 0.42; 95% CI = 0.26 to 0.69); and LOS (MD −1.5; 95% CI = −2.7 to −0.3). This trend was similar in colorectal and gynecological surgeries. Coffee had no adverse effects. There was no difference in POI or LOS between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee (p > 0.05). The certainty of evidence was low to moderate. Conclusion: This review showed that postoperative coffee consumption, regardless of caffeine content, likely reduces POI and LOS after colorectal and gynecological surgery.
Ground Motion And Structural Vibration Reduction Using Periodic Wave Barrier As A Passive Isolation

Seismic waves, machine foundation, traffic or blasting generates waves that adversely affect nearby structures and the operation of sensitive equipment. Various countermeasures have been advised to reduce the ground-transmitted vibration. conventionally the installation of trench. base isolation or active mass driver. In this study, the periodic wave barrier is introduced as a passive isolation to reduce the ground transmitted wave and the structural vibration. A one-dimensional soil model is first investigated for incident shear wave. The propagation and the attenuation zone of the periodic element are discussed. The effect of barrier's numbering, contrast, width and spacing are parametrically studied. A more realistic two-dimensional model is made based on this result. The reduction of the ground and structure response due to ground-transmitted wave by using the proposed device is investigated. It is concluded that periodic wave barrier can reduce transmitted waves in the range of attenuation zone of the periodic element.
DIFFERENCES IN GAIT DYNAMICS AMONG VARIOUS TYPES OF SHOE

INTRODUCTION: The foot provides an important source of feedback for locomotion (Nurse et al., 2005). The healthy locomotor system integrates input from the neuronal system as well as feedback from visual, vestibular and proprioceptive sensors (Hausdorff, 2007). Shoe constructions can support altering gait mechanics and/or stability training (Nigg et al., 2006). Particularly, feedback from the feet may be influenced by changing the types of shoe. According to recent studies, gait variability, such as stride-to-stride fluctuation, may be a biomechanical marker for changes of gait mechanics (Hausdorff, 2007; Peng et al., 1995). The study of gait variability offers a complementary way of quantifying locomotion and its changes with aging and disease as well as a means of monitoring the effects of therapeutic interventions and rehabilitation (Hausdorff, 2007). Then, usually temporal (stride interval time, swing interval time, stance interval time, step interval time, double support time) and spatial (stride length, step length, step width) variables were used for variability analysis. Thus, analyses for gait variability were so-called “gait dynamics“. And types of shoe may cause changes of gait performance during walking. In present study we would like to identify differences of gait dynamics (from variability point of views) between shoe types during treadmill walking.
Conductive Bioimprint Using Soft Lithography Technique Based on PEDOT:PSS for Biosensing

Culture platform surface topography plays an important role in the regulation of biological cell behaviour. Understanding the mechanisms behind the roles of surface topography in cell response are central to many developments in a Lab on a Chip, medical implants and biosensors. In this work, we report on a novel development of a biocompatible conductive hydrogel (CH) made of poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and gelatin with bioimprinted surface features. The bioimprinted CH offers high conductivity, biocompatibility and high replication fidelity suitable for cell culture applications. The bioimprinted conductive hydrogel is developed to investigate biological cells’ response to their morphological footprint and study their growth, adhesion, cell–cell interactions and proliferation as a function of conductivity. Moreover, optimization of the conductive hydrogel mixture plays an important role in achieving high imprinting resolution and conductivity. The reason behind choosing a conducive hydrogel with high resolution surface bioimprints is to improve cell monitoring while mimicking cells’ natural physical environment. Bioimprints which are a 3D replication of cellular morphology have previously been shown to promote cell attachment, proliferation, differentiation and even cell response to drugs. The conductive substrate, on the other hand, enables cell impedance to be measured and monitored, which is indicative of cell viability and spread. Two dimensional profiles of the cross section of a single cell taken via Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) from the fixed cell on glass, and its replicas on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and conductive hydrogel (CH) show unprecedented replication of cellular features with an average replication fidelity of more than 90%. Furthermore, crosslinking CH films demonstrated a significant increase in electrical conductivity from 10−6 S/cm to 1 S/cm. Conductive bioimprints can provide a suitable platform for biosensing applications and potentially for monitoring implant-tissue reactions in medical devices.
Vision-based estimation and robot control

The conception of full autonomous robotic systems is an enduring ambition for humankind. Nowadays theoretical and technological advances have allowed engineers to conceive complex systems that can replace humans in many tedious or dangerous applications. However, in order to considerably enlarge the flexibility and the domain of applications of such autonomous systems we still need to face several scientific problems at the crossroad of many domains like for example artificial intelligence, signal processing and non-linear systems control. Amidst these challenges, the perception of the environment and the interaction of the robotic systems with the environment are fundamental problems in the design of such autonomous systems. Indeed, the performance of an autonomous robot not only depends on the accuracy, duration and reliability of its perception but also on the ability to use the perceived information in automatic control loops to interact safely with the environment despite unavoidable modeling and measurement errors. Thus, automatic environment sensing and modeling, and robust sensor-based robot control are central scientific issues in robotics. Several exteroceptive sensors are commonly used in robotics: contact sensors (e.g. force sensors, tactile sensors), GPS, sonars, laser telemeters, vision sensors, and even olfactory sensors. However, artificial vision is of particular importance and interest, mainly due to its versatility and extended range of applicability. It can be used both for the perception and modeling of the robot's environment and for the control of the robot itself. In this context, the spectrum of research is vast. In this presentation, I will focus on my research work on vision-based estimation and vision-based control problems. Vision-based estimation refers to the methods and techniques dedicated to the extraction of the information that can be useful not only for the modeling of the environment but also for robot control. In the case of robotic applications, major challenges are to increase the efficiency, the accuracy and the robustness of the estimation from visual data. Vision-based control refers to the methods and techniques dedicated to the use of visual information in automatic control loops. The challenges are to choose the appropriate visual information and to design stable control laws that are robust to modeling and measurement errors.
RADIONUCLIDE ABSORBERS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW OFFICE OF CIVILIAN RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT (OCRWM), SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

The proposed Yucca Mountain repository is anticipated to be the first facility for long-term disposal of commercial spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste in the United States. The facility, located in the southern Nevada desert, is currently in the planning stages with initial exploratory excavations completed. It is an underground facility mined into the tuffaceous volcanic rocks that sit above the local water table. The focus of the work described in this paper is the development of radionuclide absorbers or “getter” materials for neptunium (Np), iodine (I), and technetium (Tc) for consideration for potential deployment in the proposed repository. “Getter” materials retard the migration of radionuclides through sorption, reduction, or other chemical and physical processes, thereby slowing or preventing the release and transport of radionuclides. An overview of the objectives and approaches utilized in this work with respect to materials selection and modeling of ion “getters” is presented. The potential benefits of the “getter” development program to the United States Department of Energy (US DOE) are outlined.
A Topology Guided Method for Rail-Track Detection

Rail-track detection is a core function for automated rail transit perception. However, existing methods cannot effectively detect the rail-tracks in a complex environment, especially in turnout scenarios. In this study, we propose a topology guided method to detect rail-tracks which includes the following four parts: Firstly, a neural network is used to obtain the pixels of the rail-lanes, and the geometric relationship between rail-lanes is mined by inverse perspective transformation. Secondly, the rail-lanes’ pixels are converted to rail-lanes’ key points and the topological relationship between the key points. Thirdly, the rail-lanes are reconnected through topological relationships between key points. Finally, the rail-track geometry features are used to match the rail-lanes. Experimental results show that the rail-track level F1 score of the proposed method reached 91.62%, which is state-of-the-art (SOTA) in this field. Furthermore, the proposed method has been tested and applied on the Hong Kong Metro Tsuen Wan Line.
The complete mitogenome of Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty (Poaceae), with its phylogenetic analysis

Abstract Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides), is a perennial and tussock C4 grass from the genus Chrysopogon of Poaceae, which has been widely used as a natural and inexpensive resource for multifarious environmental applications. The complete mitogenome of C. zizanioides was 551,622 bp in length, containing 40 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 19 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and six ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs). All PCGs started with ATG and stopped with TNN (TAA, TAG, and TGA). The overall nucleotide composition is: 28.2% A, 28.2% T, 21.7% G, and 21.9% C, with a biased A + T content of 56.4%. Phylogenetic analysis using 14 PCGs of 22 species showed that C. zizanioides display a close relationship with Saccharum officinarum (LC107874) and Sorghum bicolor (DQ984518) in Poaceae.
Oral Bioavailability of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Carotenoids from the Microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum in Healthy Young Adults

The microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum (PT) contains valuable nutrients such as proteins, polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and some docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), carotenoids such as fucoxanthin (FX), and beta-glucans, which may confer health benefits. In a randomized intervention trial involving 22 healthy individuals, we administered for two weeks in a crossover manner the whole biomass of PT (5.3 g/day), or fish oil (FO) containing equal amounts of EPA and DHA (together 300 mg/day). In an additional experiment, sea fish at 185 g/week resulting in a similar EPA and DHA intake was administered in nine individuals. We determined the bioavailability of fatty acids and carotenoids and assessed safety parameters. The intake of PT resulted in a similar increase in the n-3 PUFA and EPA content and a decrease in the PUFA n-6:n-3 ratio in plasma. PT intake caused an uptake of FX that is metabolized to fucoxanthinol (FXOH) and amarouciaxanthin A (AxA). No relevant adverse effects occurred following PT consumption. The study shows that PT is a safe and effective source of EPA and FX—and likely other nutrients—and therefore should be considered as a future sustainable food item.
Prescribing-Assessment Tools for Long-Term Care Pharmacy Practice: Reaching Consensus through a Modified RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method

Medicines are the most used health technology in Long-Term Care. The prevalence of potentially inappropriate medicines amongst Long-Term Care patients is high. Pharmacists, assisted by prescribing-assessment tools, can play an important role in optimizing medication use at this level of care. Through a modified RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method, 13 long-term care and hospital pharmacists assessed as ‘appropriate’, ‘uncertain’, or ‘inappropriate’ a collection of commonly used prescribing-assessment tools as to its suitability in assisting pharmacy practice in institutional long-term care settings. A qualitative analysis of written or transcribed comments of participants was pursued to identify relevant characteristics of prescribing-assessment tools and potential hinders in their use. From 24 different tools, pharmacists classified 9 as ‘appropriate’ for pharmacy practice targeted to long-term care patients, while 3 were classified as ‘inappropriate’. The tools feature most appreciated by study participants was the indication of alternatives to potentially inappropriate medication. Lack of time and/or pharmacists and limited access to clinical information seems to be the most relevant hinders for prescribing-assessment tools used in daily practice.
The dual role of earwigs (Dermaptera) in winter grain crops in Australia

Earwigs have been observed as an irregular pest of increasing concern to farmers growing canola and other winter grain crops in Australia over the past decade. In this study, we tested how abiotic and biotic factors influence the feeding behaviour of earwigs. Studies were conducted with two Australian native species, Labidura truncata and Nala lividipes, and the introduced European earwig, Forficula auricularia. We constructed field‐based exclusion plots that prevented F. auricularia from moving in or out of a small area of canola. We monitored F. auricularia activity and the feeding damage to canola plants throughout the winter growing season. In the laboratory, we established microcosms containing crop seedlings, as well as aphids as an alternate food source, to examine the feeding behaviour of all three species. The native earwigs L. truncata and N. lividipes did not cause feeding damage to canola or wheat but were found to actively consume aphids when present. We conclude that these species are unlikely to cause significant (economic levels) of pest damage in a field environment. In the microcosm trial, F. auricularia caused considerable damage to canola seedlings and readily consumed aphids. Forficula auricularia also caused feeding damage to canola seedlings early in the winter growing season in the field trial. However, by the end of the season, F. auricularia presence was associated with increased canola biomass. Furthermore, F. auricularia did not damage canola until all nearby aphids were consumed. Together, our field and laboratory studies suggest F. auricularia can be an important predator of aphid pests in canola, indicating a dual role of this species as both a pest and a beneficial species in winter grain systems.
TOWARDS A TAXONOMY OF CIM ACTIVITIES

The need for a taxonomy of CIM activities is introduced as a basic requirement to facilitate mutual understanding among the members of multidiscipli nary groups involved in CIM. A preliminary proposal for such a taxonomy is presented, mainly as a starting platform to promote discussion and to act as a catalyzer towards the achievement of a truly comprehensive taxonomy of CIM activities.
Does business strategy drive corporate environmental information disclosure?

This study attempted to investigate the impact of business strategy on corporate environmental information disclosure. We further explored whether the relationship between business strategy and environmental information disclosure is moderated by CEO power, industry competition, and government regulation. The research sample consisted of 1,530 firms listed in Chinese Stock “A” markets from the year 2013 to 2017. The results indicated that firms adopting prospector business strategy tend to disclose more environmental information. Besides, the relationship between business strategy and environmental information disclosure is strengthened when the CEO has more power, firms located in moderately competitive industries, and firms face more rigorous government regulation. Overall, this study provides specific policy implications for regulatory agencies and suggestions for the sustainable development of firms.
The Effect of Exogenous Oxytetracycline on High-Temperature Anaerobic Digestion of Elements in Swine Wastewater

Tetracycline antibiotics (TCs) are a common type of antibiotic found in swine wastewater. Oxytetracycline (OTC) is a significant type of TC. This study mainly examined the influence of OTC on high-temperature anaerobic digestion by adding OTC to collections of swine wastewater at different times during the digestion process. The results showed that high-temperature anaerobic digestion was suitable for the removal of TCs, with an 87% OTC removal efficiency achieved by day 20. Additionally, OTC added from external sources was found to inhibit the chlortetracycline degradation process and affect the first-order degradation kinetic model of TCs. Complexation reactions were the main ways in which OTC affected the heavy metal content of the water. The exogenous addition of OTC was found to inhibit the activity of some digester microbial strains, reduce the proportion of dominant strains, such as MBA03, and kill certain specific strains. This performance alteration was most obvious when OTC was added in the middle of the reaction.