Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Repetitive instructions at short intervals contribute to the improvement of inhalation technique

Background Inhaled medicines are key drugs for the treatment of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, the variety of inhaler devices and complicated inhalation procedures have created confusion among patients, affecting their correct understanding of inhalation. Recent studies reported that up to 80% of patients made technical errors in inhalation and emphasized the necessity for patient education. Objective We aimed to assess the importance of inhalation-related instructions and to find clinical factors associated with improvements in the inhalation technique. Methods We conducted a retrospective, single-center study at a regional core hospital in Japan. Physicians and community pharmacists constructed an interactive instruction system and shared a common inhalation procedure manual. Patients who received instructions for the inhalation technique at least 3 times were recruited. Results A total of 125 patients were analyzed in this study. The median age was 73 years (interquartile range, 67–80 years). At the second visit, 67 patients (53.6%) failed to correctly perform the technique despite being guided at the first visit. At the third visit, 48.8% of patients made some errors. After excluding 40 patients who were not subjected to analysis, the remaining 85 were divided into “improvement” and “no-improvement” groups. The total improvement rate was 57.6%. The median time interval between consecutive instructions in the “improvement” groups was 84 days, whereas that in the “no-improvement” group was 128 days (p < 0.05, U test). No significant difference in the age, sex, or primary disease was seen between these groups. Conclusion Repetitive instructions at shorter intervals may be helpful for patients to develop and maintain an improved inhalation technique.
Identification of Genome Specific Sequence Motifs in α-Gliadins and Wheat Accessions with Less Celiac Disease Epitopes

Among gliadins, α-gliadins are important active proteins in triggering celiac disease in human beings owing to the presence of toxic epitopes. A set of 177 α-gliadin gene sequences and the corresponding proteins were analyzed. Twenty accessions of hexaploids including 1, 14, and 5, respectively representing A, B, and D, with no intact CD-epitopes in α-gliadins, were identified. Twenty-two and 13 conserved motifs in non-repetitive domains NR1 and NR2, respectively, of α-gliadins differentiated all the amino acid sequences encoded by A genome of both diploids and hexaploids. Most of the amino acid sequences encoded by D genome (70 of 75 in hexaploids and 13 of 16 in diploids) could be identified by 22 amino acid motif. Large variations and lesser number of intact CDepitopes was observed for α-gliadins belonging to B genome. As compared to diploids, repeat length of polyglutamine repetitive domain QII of B genome was lower in hexaploids indicating loss of Q residues during evolution of hexaploid wheat. The information can be used in assigning any α-gliadin sequences onto A, B, and D genomes and identifying wheat accessions with lesser CD-epitopes. The result presented here will be useful for the wheat improvement programs aiming for the management of celiac disease in human beings.
Seasonal specific selectivity by cattle on rangeland in the Monte Desert of Mendoza, Argentina

Abstract Selectivity by cattle for the more important species in their diet and the effect of stocking rates on species selectivity were determined in spring, summer, and fall–winter during a 3-year period. The selection index ((%diet − % available in field)/(% diet + % available in field)) × 10 was calculated. Grasses were classified as preferred: Chloris castilloniana , Digitaria californica , Sporobolus cryptandrus , and Pappophorum philippianum , the latter only in spring and summer; proportional: Panicum urvilleanum ; variable: Setaria leucopila ; and rejected: Aristida sp. Most of the woody species were avoided in summer and had higher selectivity in spring and fall–winter. Several species tended to be more highly selected as stocking rates increased.
A simple and effective procedure for selection of wine yeast strains

The use of selected yeasts for wine-making has clear advantages over the traditional spontaneous fermentation. We have designed a simple and effective procedure to select wine yeasts for industrial use based on technological characteristics of the yeasts. The procedure consists of just two steps. The first is a preselection based on resistance to sulfur dioxide, killer phenotype, growth at high temperature and low foam production. The second is a selection based on volatile acidity, ethanol production, and residual sugars. Most of the selected yeasts (66.6%) produced wines of greater acceptance than those from spontaneous fermentation.
Foraging behavior and Diet of Streaked Shearwaters Calonectris leucomelas Rearing Chicks on Mikura Island

Abstract Foraging behavior and diet of Streaked Shearwaters Calonectris leucomelas rearing chicks on Mikura Island was studied using depth and temperature recording data-loggers and stomach contents. Water mass where birds were foraging was estimated using sea surface temperature experienced by birds. Birds spent 76–96% of their time at sea flying, 4–24% for landing on the water, and made a few (0.5–17.0 per day) shallow (<6 m) dives. Birds made many short (<2 days) and some long (4–10 days) trips. During short trips, birds stayed in the warmer Kuroshio and Kuroshio-Oyashio mixed regions, and fed on Japanese Anchovy Engraulis japonicus, Common Squid Todarodes pacificus and Flying Fish Cypselurus hiraii. During long trips, birds stayed in the colder Oyashio region and fed on anchovy and Pacific Saury Cololabis saira. Birds made more dives during short trips than they did during long trips. Streaked Shearwaters breeding on the island in low—productive Kuroshio water, therefore, adopted dual foraging strategies, and changed their diet and dive frequencies in relation to water masses.
Hybridization and the origin of the arctic grass Poa hartzii (Poaceae): evidence from morphology and chloroplast DNA restriction site data

The hypothesized hybrid origin of Poa hartzii Gand. (Poaceae) was investigated by analysis of morphological and molecular data. This endemic nearctic caespitose grass has been considered to be a hybrid between two of the three sympatric arctic species, Poa glauca M. Vahl, Poa arctica R. Br. , and Poa abbreviata R. Br. Field observations and morphological studies indicate that Poa hartzii is a morphologically distinct apomictic species that reproduces and disperses by seed. Restriction enzyme analysis of polymerase chain reaction amplified chloroplast DNA revealed the presence in Poa hartzii of two very different haplotypes. One haplotype is identical to the dominant type found in Poa glauca, while the second is identical to the haplotype of Poa secunda J. Presl. , located south of the arctic region. These results are consistent with an hypothesis of ancient hybrid origin involving Poa glauca and Poa secunda, but not Poa arclica nor Poa abbreviata. They are also consistent with an hypothesis of cytoplasmic t.
Ragi (Eleusine coracana L.) - : a natural antioxidant for ghee (butter oil)

Summary Addition of methanol pre-extract of dehusked ragi powder (DRP) at the rate of 0.1%, 0.25% and 0.5% of methanol extract, the corresponding increase (over control) in phospholipids content observed was about 2.15, 4.53 and 8.15 mg 100 g−1 and water extractable phenolics content was about 0.52, 1.25 and 2.78 mg 100 g−1 of ghee respectively. The anti-oxygenic indexes calculated from the induction periods of ghee samples stored at 80 ± 2 °C in comparison with control were in order: 1.47(0.1% pre-extract) < 1.89(0.02% butylated hydroxyl anisole) < 1.93(0.25% pre-extract) < 2.75(0.5% pre-extract) suggesting that the phospholipids and the phenolic compounds of DRP transferred to ghee enhance its oxidative stability.
Multiple Sequence Alignments: The Next Generation

Multiple sequence alignment is an important tool for computational analysis of nucleotide or amino acid sequences. It is also a challenging combinatorial optimization problem in computer science. As a large amount of sequence data is becoming available from genome and other large-scale sequencing projects, efficiency, as well as accuracy, is currently required for a multiple sequence alignment program. Several new programs are being developed aiming at improving both efficiency and accuracy. We overview the algorithms and performances of new programs including that by ourselves.
Sea turtle strandings reveal high anthropogenic mortality in Italian waters

1. Spatio-temporal distribution and anthropogenic mortality factors were investigated in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) found stranded or floating in the waters around Italy. A total of 5938 records for the period 1980–2008 were analysed concerning loggerhead turtles measuring from 3.8 to 97 cm curved carapace length (mean: 48.3 cm). 2. Results highlighted the following conservation issues: (i) in the study area, anthropogenic mortality is higher than natural mortality; (ii) interaction with fisheries is by far the most important anthropogenic mortality factor; (iii) longlines are an important mortality factor in the southern areas; (iv) trawlers are the cause of high numbers of dead strandings in the north Adriatic; (v) entanglement in ghost-gear or in other anthropogenic debris affects high numbers of turtles; and (vi) boat strikes are an important source of mortality in most areas but mostly in the warm seasons. 3. Results also indicate that: (vii) the north Adriatic is the area with the highest turtle density; and (viii) the south Adriatic and to a lesser extent the surrounding areas of the north Adriatic and the Ionian, are important developmental areas for loggerhead turtles in the first years of life. 4. Italy is in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea and borders major foraging areas for the loggerhead turtles in the region, and these results confirm previous concerns about the level of anthropogenic mortality in Italian waters. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scenario Aggregation in Dynamic PRA Uncertainty Quantification

A new generation of dynamic algorithms has started receiving attention for nuclear reactor probabilistic risk assessment (PRA). These new algorithms, such as the dynamic event tree (DET) methodology [1], are based on the event-tree and fault-tree logic but explicitly account for the time element in modeling the probabilistic system evolution and heavily incorporate system simulation tools to account for possible dependencies among failure events that may arise from the interactions between hardware, software, firmware, process and human. The DET methodology is capable of quantifying both the effects of variability and model uncertainties on the risk metrics used in PRA. In that respect, it provides an important modality for the PRA modeling of passive safety systems. However, one challenge with the DET methodology is the large amount of data it produces which may be difficult to analyze without appropriate software tools. The goal of this paper is to illustrate an approach to group and classify the set of scenarios generated by a DET methodology. The approach is based on the MeanShift algorithm presented for the first time in [2]. We will show how it is possible to adapt this methodology when we are dealing with a set of transient scenarios. A simple model of a steam generator level controller is used as an example system in order to illustrate its use for aggregation and the classification of transient scenarios.
Erratum to: The urban–rural education gap: do cities indeed make us smarter?

Despite the large urban–rural education gap observed in most countries, little attention has been paid to whether cities actually enjoy a comparative advantage in the production of human capital. Using Dutch administrative data, this paper finds that children growing in urban regions consistently attain higher levels of human capital compared with children in rural regions, conditional on observed cognitive ability and various family characteristics. The elasticity of university attendance with respect to population density is 0.07, which is robust across a variety of specifications. Hence, the paper offers a different explanation to explain the recent success of cities.
3D printed sensor to detect muscle contractionby means of force myography

With the help of new technologies used to sense signals from the human body, this project aims to design a sensor, manufactured using the 3D printing technology, to detect muscle contractions using Force Myography (FMG). FMG uses force sensors to detect the signals from the muscles during movement, mainly force sensitive resistors (FSR) and strain gauges. These sensors are easier to personalize and manufacture utilizing 3D printing. This project uses as a reference point the increment in cross-sectional area of the muscle when it is contracting. This way a device that senses stretching like the strain gauge or a pressure sensor such as the FSR can detect the muscle activity measuring mechanical changes in the material. The sensor designed in this thesis is a 3D printed FMG band with four strain gauges that are attached to the upper arm. This band can stretch when the muscle is expanding sensing the movement of the arm. Experiments on the material, the strain gauges and the band allowed to determine that the sensor can detect the muscle contraction and categorize the muscle movement. The 3D printed sensor presented advantages in customization and reduction on costs due to the ease of manufacture. FMG proved to be a robust indicator of muscle activity, which shows a readings similar to the muscle's behavior.
Which Design Works? A Meta-Regression Analysis of the Impacts of R&D Tax Incentives

A growing interest in R&amp;D tax incentives as a way to sustain research and innovation efforts has given rise to a large number of evaluations. The absence of consensus in the literature about their impact on R&amp;D is intertwined with the variety of underpinning R&amp;D tax incentives designs. Our meta-analysis aims at explaining this heterogeneity by the designs characteristics of R&amp;D tax incentives. We find that the type of design has a distinct impact on R&amp;D demand in the short run. We argue that these distinct effects are the results of managing a trade-off between providing strong incentives for R&amp;D and simplicity to claim R&amp;D deduction. In this respect, incremental and volume-based designs find a balance between both dimensions while hybrid designs lack clarity and predictability in the short run. Their respective effect can be moderated by additional features (i.e. generosity, targeting rules) even if the latter increases complexity and decreases predictability. We conclude by highlighting the importance of having a stable, clear, and simple framework to enhance the effect of R&amp;D tax incentives. <br>
CDC Bethune flax

CDC Bethune, is a medium-late-maturing oilseed flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) developed by Crop Development Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This cultivar has medium oil content, medium oil quality, medium seed size, good lodging resistance and high yield when seeded early in the Black and the Brown Soil zones of the prairies. It is immune to North American races of rust caused by Melampsora lini and moderately resistant to wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lini. Key words: Flax, oilseed, Linum usitatissimum L. , cultivar description
Fatigue Life Optimisation of Damage Tolerant Structures using Design Space Exploration

1. Abstract In parametric design studies, the strength of a structure is often considered as the primary design criterion, and consequently the optimal (best) structural design is often chosen as the one that minimises the maximum stress generated. However, for structures whereby failure is governed by fracture or fatigue, residual strength and fatigue life, as distinct from stress, need to be considered as the explicit design objectives. In this study, the design space for fatigue life for different structural configurations is evaluated to demonstrate the utilities of design space exploration for damage tolerance design optimisation. This was illustrated using the problem of the optimum design of a cutout shape with boundary cracks under biaxial load. The minimum fatigue life associated with the cracks was evaluated for each cutout geometry. The design surface for fatigue life establishes that a design based on damage tolerance parameters poses a well-behaved optimisation problem with a well-defined minimum/maximum region. The design space was found to be flat for fatigue life, enabling the specification of design tolerances. The optimum values of the fatigue life obtained from the design space agreed well with those determined using various optimisation methods. It is shown that a design space exploration can provide a systematic way to reduce the weight of a structure by adopting a ‘feasible non-optimal’ solution that meets the design criteria, rather than aiming for the ‘optimal’ (best) solution. 2.
The Mixing Rate of Glauber Dynamics for Sampling Colourings of Regular Trees with Few Colours

We consider Metropolis Glauber dynamics for sampling proper qcolourings of the n-vertex complete b-ary tree when 3 ≤ q ≤ b/2 ln(b). We give both upper and lower bounds on the mixing time. For fixed q and b, our upper bound is nO(b/ log b) and our lower bound is nΩ(b/q log(b)), where the constants implicit in the O() and Ω() notation do not depend upon n, q or b.
Patterns of Species Distributions in the Dry Seasonal Forests of South America

Studies of the distributions of species of seasonal woodland habitats in South America by means of dot-mappung and phytosociological analyses indicate the presence of three nodal areas: the Caatingas nucleus of arid northeastern Brazil; the Misiones nucleus, comprising a roughly right-angled triangular area enclosed by lines connecting Corumba-Puerto Suarez (Brazil/Bolivia) southward to Resistencia-Corrientes in northern Argentina, and eastward to the upper Uruguay River valley system in Argentinian Misiones and Brazilian Santa Catarina, and thus including most of eastern Paraguay and the west bank of the Paraguay River; and the Piedmont nucleus, which extends from Santa Cruz de la Sierra in Boliva to Tucuman and the sierras of east Catamarca in northwestern Argentina
The Interpretive-Sensory Access Theory of Self-Knowledge: Empirical Adequacy and Scientific Fruitfulness

The interpretive-sensory access theory of self-knowledge claims that we come to know our own minds by turning our capacities for knowing other minds onto ourselves. Peter Carruthers argues that two of the theory’s advantages are empirical adequacy and scientific fruitfulness: it leaves few of the old discoveries unexplained and makes new predictions that provide a framework for new discoveries. A decade has now passed since the theory’s introduction. I review the most important developments during this time period regarding the two criteria: whether the theory’s six main predictions were supported, and whether the theory’s predictions contributed to new empirical studies. I argue that the interpretive-sensory access theory of self-knowledge remains empirically adequate and scientifically fruitful.
A national prospective cohort study of SARS/COV2 pandemic outcomes in the U.S.: The CHASING COVID Cohort

Introduction: The Chasing COVID Cohort (C3) study is a US-based, geographically and socio-demographically diverse sample of adults (18 and older) enrolled into a prospective cohort study during the upswing of the U.S. COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We used internet-based strategies to enroll C3 participants beginning March 28th, 2020. Following baseline questionnaire completion, study participants will be contacted monthly (for 6 months) to complete assessments of engagement in non-pharmaceutical interventions (e.g., use of cloth masks, avoiding large gatherings); COVID-19 symptoms; SARS/COV2 testing and diagnosis; hospitalizations; healthcare access; and uptake of health messaging. Dried blood spot (DBS) specimens will be collected at the first follow-up assessment (last week of April 2020) and at month 3 (last week of June 2020) and stored until a validated serologic test is available. Results: As of April 20, 2020, the number of people that completed the baseline survey and provided contact information for follow-up was 7,070. Participants resided in all 50 US states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. At least 24% of participants were frontline workers (healthcare and other essential workers). Twenty-three percent (23%) were 60+ years, 24% were Black or Hispanic, 52% were men, and 52% were currently employed. Nearly 20% reported recent COVID-like symptoms (cough, fever or shortness of breath) and a high proportion reported engaging in non-pharmaceutical interventions that reduce SARS/COV2 spread (93% avoided groups >20, 58% wore masks; 73% quarantined). More than half (54%) had higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness should they become infected with SARS/COV2 based on age, underlying health conditions (e.g., chronic lung disease), or daily smoking. Discussion: A geographically and socio-demographically diverse group of participants was rapidly enrolled in the C3 during the upswing of the SARS/COV2 pandemic. Strengths of the C3 include the potential for direct observation of, and risk factors for, seroconversion and incident COVID disease (among those with or without antibodies to SARS/COV2) in areas of active transmission.
Load Balancing for Sharded Blockchains

Sharding is an approach to designing a highly scalable blockchain. A sharded blockchain achieves parallelism by dividing consensus nodes (validators) into groups called shards and making them process different transactions in each shard. In this paper, we economically analyze users’ behavior on sharded blockchains and identify a phenomenon that users’ accounts and smart contracts eventually get concentrated in a few shards, making shard loads unfair. This phenomenon leads to bad user experiences, such as delays in transaction inclusions and increased transaction fees. To solve the above problem, we propose a load balancing ramework in sharded blockchains in which accounts and contracts are frequently reassigned into shards to reduce the difference of loads between shards. We formulate the contract reassignment as an optimization problem and present the algorithm to solve it. Further, we apply the framework to an existing sharding design (Ethereum 2.0) and modify the protocol to do load balancing. Finally, we simulate the protocol and observe smaller transaction delays and fees.
Evaluation of Turkish social distancing measures on the spread of COVID-19

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) affecting across the globe. The government of different countries has adopted various policies to contain this epidemic and the most common were social distancing and lockdown. We use a simple log-linear model with intercept and trend break to evaluate whether the measures are effective preventing/slowing down the spread of the disease in Turkey. We estimate the model parameters from the Johns Hopkins University (2020) epidemic data between 15th March and 16th April 2020. Our analysis revealed that the measures can slow down the outbreak. We can reduce the epidemic size and prolong the time to arrive at the epidemic peak by seriously following the measures suggested by the authorities.