Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial reconstruction of Scottish summer temperatures from tree rings

A detailed understanding of past temporal patterns and spatial expression of temperature variations is important to place recent anthropogenic climate change into a longer term context. In order to fill the current gap in our understanding of northwest European temperature variability, point‐by‐point principal component regression was used to reconstruct a spatial field of 0.5° temperature grids across Scotland. A sequence of reconstructions utilizing several combinations of detrending and disturbance correction procedures, and a selection of tree‐ring parameters [including ring width (RW), maximum latewood density (MXD) and blue intensity (BI)] was used in an evaluation of reconstruction skill. The high resolution of the reconstructed field serves also as a diagnostic tool to spatially assess the temperature reconstruction potential of local chronologies. Best reconstruction results, reaching calibration r2 = 65.8% and verification r2 = 63.7% in central Scotland over the 1901–1976 period, were achieved using disturbance‐corrected and signal‐free detrended RW chronologies merged with BI data after low‐pass (high‐pass) filtering the RW (BI) chronologies. Calibration and verification r2 > 50% was attained for central, north and east Scotland, >40% in west and northwest, and >30% in southern Scotland with verification of nearly all grids showing some reconstruction skill. However, the full calibration potential of reconstructions outside central Scotland was reduced either due to residual disturbance trends undetected by the disturbance correction procedure or due to other climatic or non‐climatic factors which may have adversely affected the strength of the climate signal.
Antimicrobial effect of probiotic bacteriocins on Streptococcus mutans biofilm in a dynamic oral flow chamber model – an in vitro study

ABSTRACT Aim To determine the antimicrobial activity of the bacteriocin-producing probiotic strains Streptococcus salivarius K12 and Streptococcus salivarius M18 alone or in combination against caries-associated Streptococcus mutans. Methods Antimicrobial activity of S. salivarius K12 and/or S. salivarius M18 against S. mutans ATCC 25175 growth and biofilm formation on hydroxyapatite (HA) discs was determined in a flow chamber model by recording the colony forming units (CFU/ml) after 48 h of co-cultivation. The biofilm was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Additionally, the simultaneous antagonism assay was used to assess the inhibitory effect of S. salivarius K12 and/or S. salivarius M18 against S. mutans ATCC 25175 and 21 clinical isolates of S. mutans. Results Co-cultivation of S. mutans and S. salivarius K12 and/or S. salivarius M18 led to the inhibition of S. mutans viability, thereby, preventing its biofilm formation on HA discs. Furthermore, S. salivarius K12 and S. salivarius M18 exhibited antimicrobial activity against most clinical isolates of S. mutans. Conclusion The in vitro flow chamber system used in this study allows the simulation of time-dependent administration of S. salivarius probiotic strains, either alone or in combination, to investigate the prevention of S. mutans biofilm formation in a standardized model.
PID-LQR Combined Linear Controller for Balancing Ballbot: Simulation and Experiment

Ballbot is a robotic structure in which the robot self-balances on a ball by rotating wheels. This robot is a popular form of service robot. Developing controllers for this system provides academic tools for reality. In this paper, after presenting the dynamic equations of the ballbot, we design a Proportional Integrated Derivative (PID)-Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) combined (PID-LQR) controller to balance the robot on the ball. The simulation results show the success of this method. An experimental model of a ballbot is presented. In the experiment, PID-LQR combined controller also shows its ability to self-balancing for the ballbot. With this finding, a method of controlling this model is a reference for developing this service robot.
Overview and Principles of Internet Traffic Engineering

This memo describes the principles of Traffic Engineering (TE) in the Internet. The document is intended to promote better understanding of the issues surrounding traffic engineering in IP networks, and to provide a common basis for the development of traffic engineering capabilities for the Internet. The principles, architectures, and methodologies for performance evaluation and performance optimization of operational IP networks are discussed throughout this document.
Impact of sea level rise on tidal range in Chesapeake and Delaware Bays

Coastal inundation is affected not only by rising mean sea level but also by changing tides. A numerical model is developed to investigate how sea level rise and coastline changes may impact tides in two coastal-plain estuaries, Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay. Despite their different tidal characteristics, the two estuaries display similar responses to the sea level rise and shoreline management scenarios. When hypothetic sea walls are erected at the present coastline to prevent low-lying land from ﬂooding, tidal range increases, with greater ampliﬁcation in the upper part of the two estuaries. When low-lying land is allowed to become permanently inundated by higher sea level, however, tidal range in both estuaries decreases. Analyses of the tidal energy budget show that the increased dissipation over the shallow water and newly inundated areas compensates for the reduced dissipation in deep water, leading to smaller tidal range. The changes in the tidal range are not proportional to the changes in the mean sea level, indicating a nonlinear tidal response to sea level rise. The ratio of tidal range change to sea level rise varies between 2 0.05 and 0.1 in Chesapeake Bay and between 2 0.2 and 0.25 in Delaware Bay. The model results suggest a potential adaptation strategy that uses inundation over low-lying areas to reduce tidal range at up-estuary locations. two Bays. We also investigate how tides will be affected if shoreline protection measures are put in place to prevent rising sea levels from encroaching over low-lying land. We ﬁnd that if no shoreline protection measures are installed, higher sea levels will reduce tides in both Chesapeake and Delaware Bays. Adding shoreline protection measures however increases the tides, particularly in the upper reaches of both estuaries, where major cities are located. In this paper, a numerical model is developed to investigate the effects of sea level rise on the tidal range in CB and DB. Numerical experiments are conducted to simulate tides under the present and projected future sea levels and for two options of coastline management and two scenarios of changing tides in the North Atlantic. The changes in the tidal range are explained through an analysis of the tidal energy equation. management difference
Corticosteroid treatment for persistent pulmonary infiltrates following COVID-19 infection: Clearing the fog?

BACKGROUND: Systemic corticosteroids have been shown to improve outcomes in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia; however, their role in post-COVID-19 persistent lung abnormalities is not well defined. Here, we describe our experience with corticosteroids in patients with persistent lung infiltrates following COVID-19 infection. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the efficacy of systemic corticosteroids in improving lung function and radiological abnormalities in patients following COVID-19 pneumonia? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective study evaluating patients with persistent respiratory symptoms and abnormal chest computed tomography findings. Patients were divided into two groups based on treatment with corticosteroids: “steroid group” and “nonsteroid group. ” Clinical data were collected from the electronic medical records. RESULTS: Between March 2020 and December 2021, 227 patients were seen in the post-COVID-19 pulmonary clinic, of which 75 were included in this study. The mean age was 56 years, 63% were female, and 75% were white. The main physiologic deficit was reduced Diffusing capacity of the Lungs for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO) at 72% (±22). On chest imaging, the most common findings were ground-glass opacities (91%) and consolidation (29%). Thirty patients received corticosteroid (steroid group) and 45 did not (nonsteroid group). Patients treated with corticosteroids had lower DLCO (DLCO [%]: steroid group 63 ± 17, nonsteroid group 78 ± 23; P = 0.005) and all had ground-glass opacities on imaging compared to 84% in the nonsteroid group (P = 0.04). At follow-up, patients in the steroid group (n = 16) had a significant improvement in spirometry and DLCO. In addition, there was a significant improvement with resolution of ground-glass opacities in both the groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of systemic corticosteroids in patients with persistent respiratory symptoms and radiological abnormalities post-COVID-19 was associated with significant improvement in pulmonary function testing and imaging. Prospective studies are needed to confirm whether these findings are the effect of corticosteroid therapy or disease evolution over time.
Cyclic Voltammetry Method for Analysis of Phosphate Concentration in Water

Phosphate is a nontoxic element but a limiting element for productivity. Several methods have been established to analyze the phosphate concentration in water. This study aims to analyze phosphate concentration in water using the voltammetry method using cyclic voltammetry. Cyclic voltammetry is an electroanalytical method that measures the current outcome of oxidation-reduction reactions in response to the potential. The current outcome is directly proportional to the phosphate concentration in the solution. The calibration curve was formed from the KH2PO4 standard solution using concentrations of 0.1 mg/L, 0.2 mg/L, 0.4 mg/L, 0.8 mg/L, and 1.6 mg/L. The voltammogram showed that the analyte does not have an anode peak current (Ipa), which means that the analyte solution did not have an oxidation reaction, so the cathode peak current (Ipc) value was used. Based on the calibration curve, the linear regression graph with a straight-line equation is y = -0,00000645632x - 0,000208737 with R2 of 0,99737. Meanwhile, this cyclic voltammetry method was validated by calculating the LOD and LOQ values; the results are 0.1034 mg/L and 0.3134 mg/L, respectively. Hence, based on the analysis of phosphate concentration in water samples, this method works satisfactorily and is suitable for routine analysis because of its advantages.
Regional Revitalization through the Expansion of Smart Agriculture

This study investigates the impact of regional innovation initiatives on economic development in South Korea. Through a comprehensive analysis, the study demonstrates a compelling relationship between regional innovation efforts and positive economic outcomes. Key findings reveal that regional innovation activities led to significant improvements in the region's economic prowess, as evidenced by increased GRDP, investment levels, and average monthly wages. Research and development (R&D) expenditure and local government spending were identified as key drivers of economic revitalization, further contributing to enhanced employment rates in most regions. The study concludes that regional innovation plays a critical role in boosting the overall competitiveness of a region. By fostering economic growth, generating employment opportunities, and attracting investment, regional innovation initiatives pave the way for sustainable local development. This paper is highlighting the positive impact of regional innovation on economic development in South Korea.
Charting Blended Learning in the Social Media Age: A Bibliometric Perspective and Pathways for Future Development

Aim/Purpose: The research aims to uncover the key research themes and trends of Social Media-Enhanced Blended Learning (SMBL) research. It will extract valuable insights from scholarly publications using bibliometric analysis. Background: Although previous scholarly works and bibliometric review papers have examined integrating social media into blended learning and its impact on teaching and learning, none of the studies has explored their convergence. Methodology: The bibliometric review utilized a dataset of 422 scholarly papers extracted from the Scopus research database, shedding light on the performance, and evolving conceptual structure of the SMBL field. Contribution: This study offers valuable insights into the structure and dynamics of the SMBL field, guiding future researchers and practitioners on decisions about social media technology integration in blended learning. Findings: The extant literature on SMBL demonstrates a growing interest in harnessing the potential of social media technologies to enhance the blended learning approach. Notably, “social media,” “blended learning,” “flipped classroom,” “tertiary education,” “e-learning,” “online learning,” and “pandemic” emerged as the top keywords, emphasizing the central focus on leveraging social media platforms to enhance the blended learning experience. Recommendation for Researchers: Research can be extended using multiple research databases and the inclusion of other document types to capture more articles describing the SMBL field. Future Research: Potential future trajectories of the SMBL field can be research studies about developing critical thinking skills and implementing project-based learning methodologies. We also suggest further research on the use and effectiveness of social media integration in blended learning in various educational contexts and social media platforms.
CLINICAL REVIEW Screening for suicide risk in adult sleep patients *

Outpatient visits for sleep-related dif ﬁ culties and the rate of suicide in the United States have both increased by more than 20% since 1999. Research suggests that anywhere from 75% to 91% of suicide decedents had contact with a physician within the year prior to fatally attempting suicide. Although the prevalence of such contacts among sleep clinicians is unknown, it is important to note that sleep disturbances in general are both a risk factor and potential warning sign for suicide. Screening for suicide risk among sleep patients is recommended, especially among those with a history of psychiatric and chronic medical conditions. Using evidence-based screening tools, such as the Columbia suicide severity rating scale, when screening patients for suicide risk is recommended despite the need for more research on the ef ﬁ cacy of suicide screening. For sleep clinic professionals who do not have the time to comprehensively assess and manage suicide risk, they are encouraged to implement suicide prevention policies within their departments and clinics and to follow the best available evidence to inform these policies. A protocol for screening for suicide risk in sleep clinics is outlined along with triage and documentation recommendations.
The Dictionary of Historical and Comparative Linguistics

Historical and comparative linguistics has been a major scholarly discipline for 200 years, and yet this is the first dictionary ever devoted to it. With nearly 2400 entries, this dictionary covers every aspect of the subject, from the most venerable work to the exciting advances of the last few years, many of which have not even made it into textbooks yet. All of the traditional terms are here, but so are the terms only introduced recently, in connection with such varied subjects as pidgin and creole languages, the sociolinguistic study of language change, mathematical and computational methods, the novel approaches to linguistic geography, the controversial proposals of new and vast language families, and the attempts at relating the results of the historical linguists to those of the archaeologists, the anthropologists and the geneticists. More than just a dictionary, this book provides genuine linguistic examples of most of the terms entered, detailed explanations of fundamental concepts, critical assessment of controversial ideas, cross-references to related terms, and an abundance of references to the original literature. Features: *The first dictionary in the field. *Comprehensive coverage. *Clearly written and accurate entries. *Covers traditional and contemporary terminology. *Provides linguistic examples of terms defined. *Supplies numerous cross-references to related terms. *Includes hundreds of references to the original literature.
MIT Open Access Articles Between-Ride Routing for Private Transportation Services

—Spurred by the growth of transportation network companies and increasing data capabilities, vehicle routing and ride-matching algorithms can improve the efﬁciency of private transportation services. However, existing routing solutions do not address where drivers should travel after dropping off a passenger and before receiving the next passenger ride request, i.e., during the between-ride period. We address this problem by developing an efﬁcient algorithm to ﬁnd the optimal policy for drivers between rides in order to maximize driver proﬁts. We model the road network as a graph, and we show that the between-ride routing problem is equivalent to a stochastic shortest path problem, an inﬁnite dynamic program with no discounting. We prove under reasonable assumptions that an optimal routing policy exists that avoids cycles; policies of this type can be efﬁciently found. We present an iterative approach to ﬁnd an optimal routing policy. Our approach can account for various factors, including the frequency of passenger ride requests at different locations, trafﬁc conditions, and surge pricing. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach by implementing it on road network data from Boston and New York City.
Department of Economics Discussion

We investigate whether an agency can increase employment by strategically coarsening information about workers’ skills and abilities to employers. Theoretically, we ﬁnd that such an increase is possible and a range of employment levels can be supported in equilibrium. We test this possibility using laboratory experiments under three conditions: full information, coarse and veriﬁable information, and coarse but not veriﬁable information. We ﬁnd that, compared with full information, both treatments with coarse information increase employment at the expense of the employers’ proﬁts but not to the highest theoretically achievable levels. We also ﬁnd veriﬁa-bility aﬀects several aspects of behavior.
The Effect of Sensory Reweighting on Postural Control and Cortical Activity in Parkinsons Disease

Aims Balance requires the cortical control of visual, somatosensory, and vestibular inputs. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare the contributions of each of these systems on postural control and cortical activity using a sensory reweighting approach between participants with Parkinson's disease (PD) and controls. Methods Ten participants with PD (age: 72 ± 9; 3 women; Hoehn & Yahr: 2 [1.5 - 2.50]) and 11 controls (age: 70 ± 3; 4 women) completed a sensory organization test in virtual reality (VR-SOT) while cortical activity was being recorded using electroencephalography (EEG). Conditions 1 to 3 were completed on a stable platform; conditions 4 to 6 on a foam. Conditions 1 and 4 were done with eyes open; conditions 2 and 5 in a darkened VR environment; and conditions 3 and 6 in a moving VR environment. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate changes in center of pressure (COP) displacement and EEG alpha and theta/beta ratio power between the two groups across the postural control conditions. Condition 1 was used as reference in all analyses. Results Participants with PD showed greater COP displacement than controls in the anteroposterior (AP) direction when relying on vestibular input (condition 5; p<0.0001). The mediolateral (ML) COP sway was greater in PD than in controls when relying on the somatosensory (condition 2; p = 0.03), visual (condition 4; p = 0.002), and vestibular (condition 5; p < 0.0001) systems. Participants with PD exhibited greater alpha power compared to controls when relying on visual input (condition 2; p = 0.003) and greater theta/beta ratio power when relying on somatosensory input (condition 4; p = 0.001). Conclusions PD affects reweighting of postural control, exemplified by greater COP displacement and increased cortical activity. Further research is needed to establish the temporal dynamics between cortical activity and COP displacement.
AI based on evolutionary computation yields algorithmic biomarker summary of a randomized rheumatoid arthritis clinical trial, accurately predicting individual patient outcomes, enabling precision medicine.

Background Producing transparent interpretable algorithms summarizing clinical trial outcomes to accurately predict individual patients responses would be a significant advance. We hypothesized that software designed to analyze biomedical data, based on evolutionary computation (EC), could produce summary algorithmic biomarkers from a clinical trial, predictive of individual responses to therapy. Methods and Findings A previously published randomized double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial was analyzed. Patients with active rheumatoid arthritis on a stable dose of methotrexate and naive to anti-tumor necrosis factor biologic therapy, were randomized to receive infliximab or placebo. The primary endpoint was synovial disease activity assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. Secondary endpoints included the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28). Baseline peripheral blood gene expression variable data were available for 59 patients, plus the treatment variable, infliximab or placebo, yielding a total of 52,379 baseline variables. The binary dependent variable for analysis was DAS28 response, defined by a decrease in DAS28 score of [≥]1.2, at 14 weeks. At 14 weeks, 20 of the 30 patients receiving infliximab had responded, and ten of the 29 patients receiving placebo had responded. The software derived an algorithm, with 4 gene expression variables plus treatment assignment and 12 mathematical operations, that correctly predicted responders versus non-responders for all 59 patients with available gene expression data, giving 100% accuracy, 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. We present the algorithm to provide transparency and to enable verification. Excluding the 4 gene expression variables, we then derived similarly predictive algorithms with 4 other gene expression variables. We hypothesized that the software could derive algorithms as predictors of treatment response to anti-tumor necrosis factor biologic therapy using just these 8 gene expression variables using previously published independent datasets from 6 rheumatoid arthritis studies. In each validation analysis the accuracy of the predictors we derived surpassed those previously reported by the original study authors. Conclusions and Relevance Software based on EC summarized the outcome of a clinical trial, with transparent biomarker algorithms correctly predicted the clinical outcome for all 59 RA patients. The biomarker variables were validated in 6 independent RA cohorts. This approach simplifies and expedites the development of algorithmic biomarkers accurately predicting individual treatment response, thereby enabling the deployment of precision medicine, and, in the future, providing a basis for dynamic labeling of prescription drugs. Original Trial Registration used for analysis: ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT01313520