Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acquisition by robots of danger-avoidance behaviors using probability-based reinforcement learning

Robots are being used more and more in dangerous environments such as space and disaster areas. However, when robots are at risk in dangerous environments, the time during which robot operators can issue risk avoidance instructions is limited. Therefore, robots should be able to acquire behaviors that enable them to autonomously avoid danger. In this paper, we present a probability-based reinforcement learning (PrRL) method and apply it to robot behavior acquisition.
The Relationship Between Utilization of Computer Games and Spatial Abilities Among High School Students

This study aimed at investigating the relationship between computer game use and spatial abilities among high school students. The sample consisted of 300 high school male students selected through multi-stage cluster sampling. Data gathering tools consisted of a researcher made questionnaire (to collect information on computer game usage) and the Newton and Bristol spatial ability questionnaire with reliability value of . 85. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results showed that there was a meaningful relationship between the use of computer games and spatial ability (r = .59 and p = 00.00), there was a meaningful relationship between the use of computer games and the spatial perceived ability (r = .60 and p = .00), there was a meaningful relationship between the use of computer games and mental rotation ability (r = .48 and p = .00) and there was a meaningful relationship between computer game use and spatial visualization ability (r = .48 and p = .00). In general, the findings showed there was a positive and a significant relationship between the use of computer games and spatial abilities in students.
Unbiased Statistical Comparison of Creep and Shrinkage Prediction Models

This paper addresses the problem of selecting the most realistic creep and shrinkage prediction model, important for designing durable and safe concrete structures. Statistical methods of standard and several nonstandard types and a very large experimental database have recently been used to compare and rank the existing prediction models, but conflicting results have been obtained by various investigators. This paper attempts to overcome this confusion. It introduces data weighting required to eliminate the bias due to improper data sampling in the database, and then examines Bazant and Baweja's Model B3, the ACI model, the CEB model, and two of Gardner's models. The statistics of prediction errors are based strictly on the method of least squares, which is the standard and the only statistically correct method, dictated by the maximum likelihood criterion and the central limit theorem of the theory of probability, as well as the requirement of noncorrelation of errors. Several nonstandard statistical methods that have recently been invented to evaluate creep and shrinkage models are also examined and their deficiencies are pointed out. The ranking of the models that ensues from the least-square regression statistics is shown to be quite different from the rankings obtained by the nonstandard statistics.
A study on Unscented SLAM with path planning algorithm integration

This paper considers a framework of Unscented SLAM in integration with A* algorithm to build a map of an unknown environment and guide the robot to reach a prescribed destination so that the robot is able to become truly autonomous. In Simultaneous Localization and Mapping problem (SLAM), the use of Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) aims at reducing the disadvantages as a result of linearization in the typical Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) approach. When the map is available, to provide the robot an ability to navigate in its environment, A* path planning algorithm will be applied to direct the robot to the desired goal by finding an appropriate path between starting point and destination. Simulation tests are executed to illustrate the performance of this framework.
Endoluminal colonization as a risk factor for coagulase-negative staphylococcal catheter-related bloodstream infections in haemodialysis patients

Background. Approximately 25% of haemodialysis (HD) patients use catheters as vascular access. Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) are amajor risk in this population. The objective of our study was to determine whether endoluminal catheter colonization (ECC) predicts CRBSI. Methods. We followed up a cohort of HD patients in our institution who underwent HD with tunnelled cuffed central venous catheters (TCC) between December 2006 and June 2008. Colonization of the inner catheter lumen was assessed every 15 days immediately before HD by culture of blood–heparin mixture and the time to positivity (TTP) was recorded by the BacT/Alert automated system. CRBSI was confirmed by differential TTP (>2 h) between TCC and peripheral blood cultures. Results.We studied 51 patients who required 64 TCC. The incidence of CRBSI was 1.65 episodes per 1000 catheterdays, with Staphylococcus epidermidis being the most common cause of infection (76.2%). ECC was more frequent in the CRSBI group than in the non-CRBSI group (100 vs 5.4%, P < 0.001). For S. epidermidis CRBSIs, the median time from ECC to CRBSI was 31.5 days (interquartile range, 27.0–79.0). The sensitivity, specificity and negative and positive predictive values of arterial lumen cultures for S. epidermidis CRBSIs were 100, 96.3, 92.3 and 100%, respectively, while for venous culture, these values were 92.3, 96.3, 92.3 and 96.3%, respectively. For predicting S. epidermidis CRBSI, endoluminal cultures with a TTP of ≤14 h had sensitivity and specificity of 52.1 and 97.7%, respectively. Conclusions. This study shows that ECC may predict the risk of developing CRSBI. Surveillance cultures could, therefore, be used to triage individual HD patients who might benefit from specific intervention measures.
Psychosocial Functioning in Schoolchildren With Recurrent Headaches

The psychosocial functioning of 113 schoolchildren (8 to 15 years old) reporting headaches at least once a month was compared to a group of headache‐free control subjects matched for sex and age. Thirteen percent of the headache sufferers had migraine headaches, 28% had episodic tension‐type headaches, 30% had chronic tension‐type headaches, and 29% had migraine coexisting with tension‐type headaches.
Meta-analysis Open transinguinal preperitoneal mesh repair of inguinal hernia : a targeted systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials

Objective: The objective of this article is to systematically analyse the randomized, controlled trials comparing transinguinal preperitoneal (TIPP) and Lichtenstein repair (LR) for inguinal hernia. Methods: Randomized, controlled trials comparing TIPP vs LR were analysed systematically using RevMan and combined outcomes were expressed as risk ratio (RR) and standardized mean difference. Results: Twelve randomized trials evaluating 1437 patients were retrieved from the electronic databases. There were 714 patients in the TIPP repair group and 723 patients in the LR group. There was significant heterogeneity among trials (P< 0.0001). Therefore, in the random effects model, TIPP repair was associated with a reduced risk of developing chronic groin pain (RR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.26, 0.89; z = 2.33; P< 0.02) without influencing the incidence of inguinal hernia recurrence (RR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.36, 1.83; z = 0.51; P = 0.61). Risk of developing postoperative complications and moderate-to-severe postoperative pain was similar following TIPP repair and LR. In addition, duration of operation was statistically similar in both groups. Conclusion: TIPP repair for inguinal hernia is associated with lower risk of developing chronic groin pain. It is comparable with LR in terms of risk of hernia recurrence, postoperative complications, duration of operation and intensity of postoperative pain.
Arthropod 7 SK RNA

*Institute for Theoretical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Combinatorics and Geometry, CAS–MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology (PICB), Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Shanghai, China; Max Planck Insitute for Mathematics in the Sciences, Leipzig, Germany; §Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; kInterdisciplinary Center for Bioinformatics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; {Fraunhofer Institut für Zelltherapie und Immunologie—IZI Perlickstrasse 1, Leipzig, Germany; #Santa Fe Institute; and **Institut für Genetik, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, Germany
Title An optimal strategy for coronary revascularization in patients

OBJECTIVES: The optimal strategy for coronary revascularization in patients with renal dysfunction remains undefined. As coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) may be associated with higher mortality, less invasive percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may be preferred. To date, only limited information has been published regarding the effects of severe renal dysfunction on the outcome after CABG and PCI. To address this limitation, we analysed the clinical outcomes after CABG or PCI in patients with severe renal dysfunction not on chronic haemodialysis (HD). METHODS: Among patients enrolled in the CREDO-Kyoto (Coronary Revascularization Demonstrating Outcome Study in Kyoto) Registry (a multicentre PCI/CABG registry in Japan), we identified 374 patients with multivessel disease and an estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 ml min1.73 m (PCI: n = 229, CABG: n = 145). Patients with acute myocardial infarction (n = 221) were excluded. Then, 77 pairs were selected for further analysis using propensity score matching. The median follow-up was 2.5 years. RESULTS: In-hospital deaths following CABG (2, 2.6%) and PCI (4, 5.2%) did not differ significantly between groups (P = 0.46). Deterioration of renal function during hospitalization occurred in 9 and 5% of the CABG and PCI groups, respectively (P = 0.35). The rate of early introduction of HD did not differ between groups: CABG, 8%; PCI, 9%. Long-term survival was not different between CABG and PCI. However, freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (log-rank, P = 0.003) and target lesion revascularization (log-rank, P = 0.003) was markedly higher in CABG. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the marked progress in PCI technologies and techniques, CABG remains the standard treatment in patients with coronary artery disease complicated by severe renal dysfunction.
Prospective Cohort Study of Performance Status and Activities of Daily Living After Surgery for Spinal Metastasis

Study Design: A prospective cohort study of performance status (PS) and activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with spinal metastasis. Objective: To identify the effect of spinal surgery on PS and ADL in patients with spinal metastasis. Summary of Background Data: Spinal metastasis causes severe neurological deficits, resulting in drastic loss of patients’ PS and ADL. However, the effect of spine surgery on PS and ADL is not well known. Materials and Methods: Seventy patients with spinal metastasis were enrolled in this study. Forty-six patients desired and underwent spine surgery (“surgery” group) and 24 patients did not desire surgery (“nonsurgery” group). Both groups received optimal treatments, including radiation, chemotherapy, and palliative care services. Evaluation was performed at 1, 3, and 6 months after study enrollment using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group PS, the Barthel index (BI) for ADL, and Frankel classification for neurological status. Results: There was no significant difference in baseline PS, the BI, or Frankel classification between the groups. The surgery group showed significant improvement in PS, maintaining grade 2 or less throughout the duration of the study, as well as in ADL, exceeding 70 points of the BI, compared with the nonsurgery group (P<0.05). Significantly improved neurological condition was also observed in the surgery group over the following 6 months. More than 95% of patients who underwent surgery improved their PS, the BI, and neurological status. Furthermore, >80% of these patients maintained improvement in PS, the BI, and neurological status for at least 6 months. In contrast, PS, the BI, and neurological status of patients in the “nonsurgery” group deteriorated throughout the study period. Conclusions: Spine surgery improves PS, ADL, and neurological status in patients with spinal metastasis for a minimum 6 months. This indicates that these patients can acquire an independent daily life.
Fast Hybrid Computer Implementation of the Dynostat Algorithm

In optimal resource allocation problems the Dynostat algorithm separates the overall optimization task into less complicated optimum seeking techniques working in parallel. A hybrid computer implementation is shown to provide a much faster optimizer than was previously the case using a digital computer. Solution accuracies are considered adequate for many practical applications. The improved formulation presented of gradient search is advantageous for high-speed optimization. Confidence is increased in analog computer solutions by introducing auxiliary algorithms that check on solution feasibility and also improve accuracy.
Suicide Attempts among Turkish Psychiatric Patients

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the sociodemographic characteristics of those who attempt suicide in an Islamic country, the effect of religion on suicide attempts, and the frequency of DSM-III-R diagnoses in suicide attempters referred to the Gazi Medical School Psychiatry Department. Method: Medical records of 185 cases of suicide attempts were reviewed. Results: There was a predominance of single, female subjects. Students, housewives, and employees represented the 3 largest groups. Drug overdose was the most common method of suicide attempt, and the most common DSM-III-R diagnosis was depression. The rate of repetition of suicide attempt was 43.3%. Conclusion: Suicide is one of the major problems among Turkish psychiatric patients, although the Islamic religion strongly disapproves of it.
Monocyte activation and cytokine production in Malawian children presenting with P. falciparum malaria

Malaria in malaria‐naïve adults is associated with an inflammatory response characterized by expression of specific activation markers on innate immune cells. Here, we investigate activation and adhesion marker expression, and cytokine production in monocytes from children presenting with cerebral malaria (CM, n = 36), severe malarial anaemia (SMA, n = 42) or uncomplicated malaria (UM, n = 66), and healthy aparasitemic children (n = 52) in Blantyre, Malawi. In all malaria groups, but particularly in the two severe malaria groups, monocyte expression of CD11b, CD11c, CD18, HLA‐DR and CD86, and percentages of TNF‐α‐ and IL‐6‐producing monocytes were lower than in healthy controls, while expression of CD11a, TLR2 and TLR4 was lower in children with severe malaria compared with controls. These levels mostly normalized during convalescence, but percentages of cytokine‐producing monocytes remained suppressed in children with SMA. In all malaria groups, especially the SMA group, a greater proportion of monocytes were loaded with haemozoin than among controls. In a P. falciparum hyperendemic area, monocytes in children with acute symptomatic malaria have reduced expression of adhesion molecules and activation markers and reduced inflammatory cytokine production. This immune suppression could be due to accumulation of haemozoin and/or previous exposure to P. falciparum.
Tetraplatia, a coronate scyphomedusan

The true relationships of the pelagic coelenterate Tetraplatia have long been a matter of controversy. The most recent and widely held view, that it is a highly modified trachyline medusa, is here demonstrated to be untenable because it has no velum, it has gastric filaments, a sense organ that is a rhopalium with an endodermal statolith, and gonads that originate in the endoderm. A reinvestigation based on adequate samples shows that it is a scyphomedusan. It is suggested first, that Tetraplatia has no ephyral stage and the planula develops directly into a juvenile, and secondly, that Tetraplatia evolved from a coronate scyphomedusan in which the normal radial expansion of the ephyra larva was arrested at an early stage and replaced by accelerated growth in the oral-aboral axis. Later, or accompanying the increased growth rate on the oral-aboral axis, four pairs of pouches were formed causing displacement and crowding of the eight ephyran lappets into four pairs and finally their fusion into a single locomotory organ. Thus, there were four locomotory lappets separated by four pairs of pouches. T. chuni remains essentially unaltered from this basic pattern, but in T. volitans the pouches fuse to form the well-known flying buttresses. Tetraplatia should now be placed in the Coronate Scyphomedusae, near the Ephyropsidae and Periphyllidae, in a family of its own, the Tetraplatidae. For this study, supplies of material of both T. volitans and T. chuni have been available.
An Analytical Solution to a Double-Gate MOSFET with Doped Body

This paper presents a systematic study of doping effect on symmetric double-gate (DG) MOSFETs. Onedimensional approach have been carried out to investigate the doping effect in Double Gate MOSFET.Complete theoretical analysis has been done for Gaussian doping profile using 1-D Possion’s equation. A relation has been obtained for electric potential and charge density. The results show that doping reduces the threshold voltage thus the conduction takes place at lower voltage.
Corporate Tax and Dividend Policy of Listed Conglomerate Companies in Nigeria

This study investigates the effect of corporate income tax on dividend policy of listed conglomerate companies in Nigeria. Sample data were obtained from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSC) for a period of ten years from 2007 to 2016. Panel regression analysis was adopted to estimate the effect of corporate income tax on dividend policy. The result revealed a significant relationship between the two constructs. Effective income tax rate and firm size have negative and significant effect on dividend yield. Leverage have insignificant positive effect on dividend yield of listed conglomerate companies in Nigeria. It’s therefore recommended that, sufficient clarification of some sections of tax laws specially section 19 needs to be made by tax authority and the national assembly, so that profits which have already been taxed and those that are specifically exempted from tax don’t have to be taxed twice as this may amount to double tax and have a negative consequences on the company’s decision to pay dividend.
SCN5A Mutation Associated With Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Conduction Disorder, and Arrhythmia

Background—We studied a large family affected by an autosomal dominant cardiac conduction disorder associated with sinus node dysfunction, arrhythmia, and right and occasionally left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction. Previous linkage analysis mapped the disease phenotype to a 30-cM region on chromosome 3p22-p25 (CMD1E). This region also contains a locus for right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVD5) and the cardiac sodium channel gene (SCN5A), mutations that cause isolated progressive cardiac conduction defect (Lenègre syndrome), long-QT syndrome (LQT3), and Brugada syndrome. Methods and Results—Family members were studied, and the positional candidate gene SCN5A was screened for mutations. We identified, by direct sequencing, a heterozygous G-to-A mutation at position 3823 that changed an aspartic acid to asparagine (D1275N) in a highly conserved residue of exon 21. This mutation was present in all affected family members, was absent in 300 control chromosomes, and predicted a change of charge within the S3 segment of domain III. Conclusions—Our findings expand the clinical spectrum of disorders of the cardiac sodium channel to include cardiac dilation and dysfunction and support the hypothesis that genes encoding ion channels can be implicated in dilated cardiomyopathies.
Breadth and Magnitude of Antibody Responses to Multiple Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Antigens Are Associated with Protection from Clinical Malaria

ABSTRACT Individuals living in areas where malaria is endemic are repeatedly exposed to many different malaria parasite antigens. Studies on naturally acquired antibody-mediated immunity to clinical malaria have largely focused on the presence of responses to individual antigens and their associations with decreased morbidity. We hypothesized that the breadth (number of important targets to which antibodies were made) and magnitude (antibody level measured in a random serum sample) of the antibody response were important predictors of protection from clinical malaria. We analyzed naturally acquired antibodies to five leading Plasmodium falciparum merozoite-stage vaccine candidate antigens, and schizont extract, in Kenyan children monitored for uncomplicated malaria for 6 months (n = 119). Serum antibody levels to apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) and merozoite surface protein antigens (MSP-1 block 2, MSP-2, and MSP-3) were inversely related to the probability of developing malaria, but levels to MSP-119 and erythrocyte binding antigen (EBA-175) were not. The risk of malaria was also inversely associated with increasing breadth of antibody specificities, with none of the children who simultaneously had high antibody levels to five or more antigens experiencing a clinical episode (17/119; 15%; P = 0.0006). Particular combinations of antibodies (AMA1, MSP-2, and MSP-3) were more strongly predictive of protection than others. The results were validated in a larger, separate case-control study whose end point was malaria severe enough to warrant hospital admission (n = 387). These findings suggest that under natural exposure, immunity to malaria may result from high titers antibodies to multiple antigenic targets and support the idea of testing combination blood-stage vaccines optimized to induce similar antibody profiles.
Green infrastructure finance : a public-private partnership approach to climate finance

In June 2012, the Green Infrastructure Finance Framework Report was published to address the constraints in financing green infrastructure and to develop a new approach to accelerate investments in low-emission technologies. The approach includes a financing and advisory interface, which clarifies the principles and concepts of the shared financing roles recommended by the methodology. The Framework attempts to bring clean investments towards a more familiar financing environment and to distance them from the charged political debate that has adversely affected the progress in international climate change discussions for over a decade. The detrimental effect of climate change is growing, yet clean investments are still grossly insufficient making it necessary to rethink the approach to greening the global energy mix. The need for some level of concessional financing or outright subsidy support is widely understood but the approach must be equitable, non-political and deliver a sufficient level of support. The concept of anchoring regulation in a country's existing public-private partnership (PPP) framework to focus on creating the right policy environment will greatly facilitate mainstream implementation and reduce costs. This aspect of the framework is widely understood by many developing country governments and can be easily replicated not only in East Asia, but also in other regions.