Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MpBsmi: A new algorithm for the recognition of continuous biological sequence pattern based on index structure

A significant approach for the discovery of biological regulatory rules of genes, protein and their inheritance relationships is the extraction of meaningful patterns from biological sequence data. The existing algorithms of sequence pattern discovery, like MSPM and FBSB, suffice their low efficiency and accuracy. In order to deal with this issue, this paper presents a new algorithm for biological sequence pattern mining abbreviated MpBsmi based on the data index structure. The MpBsmi algorithm employs a sequence position table abbreviated ST and a sequence database index structure named DB-Index for data storing, mining and pattern expansion. The ST and DB-Index of single items are firstly obtained through scanning sequence database once. Then a new algorithm for fast support counting is developed to mine the table ST to identify the frequent single items. Based on a connection strategy, the frequent patterns are expanded and the expanded table ST is updated by scanning the DB-Index. The fast support counting algorithm is used for obtaining the frequent expansion patterns. Finally, a new pruning technique is developed for extended pattern to avoid the generation of unnecessarily large number of candidate patterns. The experiments results on multiple classical protein sequences from the Pfam database validate the performance of the proposed algorithm including the accuracy, stability and scalability. It is showed that the proposed algorithm has achieved the better space efficiency, stability and scalability comparing with MSPM, FBSB which are the two main algorithms for biological sequence mining.
The impact of the RNID on auditory services in England

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID), a major UK third sector organisation, on public sector provision. The case examined is that of auditory services (in effect the nature of assessment and provision of hearing aids in England). Design/methodology/approach – The approach is that of a case study of the actions and approach of the RNID and their engagement with the public sector, in particular with the UK National Health Service.Findings – The case study shows the very considerable impact, which the RNID had in effecting a dramatic improvement in the quality of the service offered through the move to digital hearing aids and through the improvement of the audiology services themselves. The RNID, through using its expertise, also succeeded in achieving a huge reduction in the unit cost of digital hearing aids. A value chain approach is utilised to examine the effect of the RNID.Research limitations/implications – The case study furni.
The Great University Gamble: Money, Markets and the Future of Higher Education

Preface & Acknowledgement Abbreviations List of Figures and Tables Introduction: Privatisation the plan and the gamble Part I Funding: Fees and Loans 1 The Mass Higher Education System and its Funding 2 Tuition Fees 3 Student Loans - the basics Part II Marketisation 4 Why a Market 5 Market Mechanisms 6 Regulating the New Market 7 'New providers', for-profits & private equity Part III Privatisation 8 University Finances and Overseas Income 9 Corporate Form, Joint Ventures & Outsourcing 10 University Bonds & other credit products 11 Governance Part IV Financialisation 12 Loans - the government's perspective 13 Managing the Loan Book Conclusion Glossary Index
The Role of Dynamic Plantar Pressures in Diabetic Foot Ulcers

OBJECTIVE The significance of plantar pressure studies in detecting sites of plantar ulceration in diabetic patients was investigated. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 97 diabetic patients participated in this study. History and physical data, such as history of smoking, type of diabetes, ankle/brachial indexes, and the presence of protective sensory threshold, were collected. Using the EMED-SF plantar pressure analyzer, dynamic pressure variables, such as normalized peak pressure of maximum pressure picture (MPP), pressure-time integral (PTI), and force-time integral (FTI), were measured in each foot. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and analyses of variance. RESULTS Out of 97 patients, 34 patients had no history of neuropathy and plantar ulceration (the diabetic control [DC] group). Another 14 patients had neuropathy with no previous history of plantar ulcers (the DN group), whereas the remainder of the patients had a history of peripheral neuropathy with plantar ulceration (the DU group). There were significant increases in MPP (P < 0.004) and PTI (P < 0.0004) levels in the DU group when compared with the DC group with the highest pressure present under the 4th and 5th metatarsal heads. No statistical significance existed among groups when comparing FTI levels. CONCLUSIONS Neuropathic patients have an increase in dynamic plantar foot pressures placing them at risk for plantar ulceration. Instruments such as the EMED-SF system can be helpful in detecting possible sites of plantar ulcerations by locating the areas of maximum pressure.
Impact of Collaborative Transportation Management on Logistics Capability and Competitive Advantage for the Carrier

Collaborative transportation management (CTM) is a relatively new collaboration model that addresses inefficiencies in the transportation process in supply chains. This study empirically examines the impacts of CTM on logistics capability and competitive advantage of carriers within a supply chain, and analyzes the relationships between logistics capability and competitive advantage. Based on factor analysis, key factors of CTM practice, key logistics capabilities, and key competitive advantage factors for carriers are identified. The relationships proposed in the framework are tested using structural equation modeling. Analytical results demonstrate that CTM practice enhances logistics capability and competitive advantage, with logistics capability reinforcing competitive advantage. In other words, CTM can have a direct and positive influence on competitive advantage, and an indirect influence through logistics capability. The results also indicate that carriers establish higher levels of integrated relationship with their customers in a CTM model can lead to improved customer-service capability and enhanced cost-leadership advantage.
Implementing a psycho‐educational intervention for care assistants working with people with dementia in aged‐care facilities: facilitators and barriers

Many intervention studies lack an investigation and description of the factors that are relevant to its success or failure, despite its relevance to inform future interventions. This study aimed to explore the facilitators and barriers to the implementation of a psycho-educational intervention for care assistants caring for people with dementia in aged-care facilities. A process evaluation was carried out alongside a pretest/post-test controlled study conducted in aged-care facilities. Seven focus-group interviews involving 21 care assistants (female; mean age 43.37 ± 10.0) and individual semi-structured interviews with two managers (female; mean age 45.5 ± 10.26) were conducted 2 weeks and 6 months after the intervention, in two aged-care facilities. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and submitted to content analysis by two independent researchers. Results were organised into implementer, participant and organisation level hindered and facilitator factors. Findings enable the interpretation of the experimental results and underscore the importance of collecting the perception of different grades of staff to obtain information relevant to plan effective interventions.
Quantifying individual tree growth and tree competition using bi-temporal airborne laser scanning data: a case study in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California

ABSTRACT Improved monitoring and understanding of tree growth and its responses to controlling factors are important for tree growth modeling. Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) can be used to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of large-scale forest surveys in delineating three-dimensional forest structures and under-canopy terrains. This study proposed an ALS-based framework to quantify tree growth and competition. Bi-temporal ALS data were used to quantify tree growth in height (ΔH), crown area (ΔA), crown volume (ΔV), and tree competition for 114,000 individual trees in two conifer-dominant Sierra Nevada forests. We analyzed the correlations between tree growth attributes and controlling factors (i.e. tree sizes, competition, forest structure, and topographic parameters) at multiple levels. At the individual tree level, ΔH had no consistent correlations with controlling factors, ΔA and ΔV were positively related to original tree sizes (R > 0.3) and negatively related to competition indices (R < −0.3). At the forest-stand level, ΔH and ΔA were highly correlated to topographic wetness index (|R| > 0.7), ΔV was positively related to original tree sizes (|R| > 0.8). Multivariate regression models were simulated at individual tree level for ΔH, ΔA, and ΔV with the R2 ranged from 0.1 to 0.43. The ALS-based tree height estimation and growth analysis results were consistent with field measurements.
1944, 1963 and 1985: Modiglianiesque Macro Models

In 1944 Franco Modigliani published a famous article summarizing the Keynesian model; in 1963 he extended the 1944 framework. This paper,written for a conference in honor of Modigliani, asks how the earlier papers would be modified in the light of recent developments in macroeconomics. The attempt is not to summarize modern macroeconomics, but rather to describe the structure modern macroeconomists should have in mind in thinking about the way the economy and macroeconomic policy work. The paper argues that the basic structure of the 1963 model still stands, with modifications. The 1985 version is an extended Phillips-curve-augmented IS-LM model. The major modifications to the 1963 model are in the treatment of the Phillips curve and aggregate supply, in the analysis of expectations, and in the openness of the economy.
Hungary in the NIGEM model

This paper presents a nationwide economy model for Hungary used by the National Bank of Hungary for analyzing the effects of world shocks, for quarterly forecasting exercises and other policy simulations. The study has two main goals: Firstly, we present the model for the Hungarian economy, developed in collaboration between the National Bank of Hungary and the National Institute of Economic and Social Research. The model is a one-sector aggregate economy model with a theoretically consistent supply side. A particular role is given to foreign direct investments in explaining the sources of growth both in the production process and foreign trade. Secondly, there is a brief discussion of the National Institute’s Global Econometric Model (NIGEM), to which the Hungarian model is linked. In this setup, we are also able to analyze the effect of world shocks on the domestic economy. For testing model properties, we present policy simulations for various shocks. A case study on the effect of the Russian crisis on Hungary is also discussed for the purpose of testing parameter adequacy.
Comparing Reward Shaping, Visual Hints, and Curriculum Learning

Common approaches to learn complex tasks in reinforcement learning include reward shaping, environmental hints, or a curriculum. Yet few studies examine how they compare to each other, when one might prefer one approach, or how they may complement each other. As a first step in this direction, we compare reward shaping, hints, and curricula for a Deep RL agent in the game of Minecraft. We seek to answer whether reward shaping, visual hints, or the curricula have the most impact on performance, which we measure as the time to reach the target, the distance from the target, the cumulative reward, or the number of actions taken. Our analyses show that performance is most impacted by the curriculum used and visual hints; shaping had less impact. For similar navigation tasks, the results suggest that designing an effective curriculum and providing appropriate hints most improve the performance. Common approaches to learn complex tasks in reinforcement learning include reward shaping, environmental hints, or a curriculum, yet few studies examine how they compare to each other. We compare these approaches for a Deep RL agent in the game of Minecraft and show performance is most impacted by the curriculum used and visual hints; shaping had less impact. For similar navigation tasks, this suggests that designing an effective curriculum with hints most improve the performance.
The analysis and interpretation of critical temperatures

ABSTRACT Critical temperatures are widely used to quantify the upper and lower thermal limits of organisms. But measured critical temperatures often vary with methodological details, leading to spirited discussions about the potential consequences of stress and acclimation during the experiments. We review a model based on the simple assumption that failure rate increases with increasing temperature, independent of previous temperature exposure, water loss or metabolism during the experiment. The model predicts that mean critical thermal maximal temperature (CTmax) increases non-linearly with starting temperature and ramping rate, a pattern frequently observed in empirical studies. We then develop a statistical model that estimates a failure rate function (the relationship between failure rate and current temperature) using maximum likelihood; the best model accounts for 58% of the variation in CTmax in an exemplary dataset for tsetse flies. We then extend the model to incorporate potential effects of stress and acclimation on the failure rate function; the results show how stress accumulation at low ramping rate may increase the failure rate and reduce observed values of CTmax. We also applied the model to an acclimation experiment with hornworm larvae that used a single starting temperature and ramping rate; the analyses show that increasing acclimation temperature significantly reduced the slope of the failure rate function, increasing the temperature at which failure occurred. The model directly applies to critical thermal minima, and can utilize data from both ramping and constant-temperature assays. Our model provides a new approach to analyzing and interpreting critical temperatures. Summary: A new statistical model quantifies how methodology, heat stress and acclimation influence estimates of critical temperatures.
Evaluating Drivers’ States in Sleepiness Countermeasures Experiments Using Physiological and Eye Data – Hybrid Logistic and Linear Regression Model

Objective sleepiness evaluation is essential for the effect analysis of countermeasures for driver sleepiness, such as in-car stimulants. Furthermore, measuring drivers’ sleepiness in simulator studies also becomes important when investigating causes for task-related sleepiness, for example driving on monotonous routes, which requires little driver engagement. To evaluate driver sleepiness and the effect of countermeasures, we developed a model for predicting sleepiness using both simple logistic and linear regression of heart rate variability, skin conductance and pupil diameter. The algorithm was trained and tested with data from 88 participants in driving simulator studies. A prediction accuracy of 77% was achieved and the model’s sensitivity to thermal stimulation was shown.
Ceramide-Rich Membrane Rafts Mediate CD40 Clustering1

Many receptor systems use receptor clustering for transmembrane signaling. In this study, we show that acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) is essential for the clustering of CD40. Stimulation of lymphocytes via CD40 ligation results in ASM translocation from intracellular stores, most likely vesicles, into distinct membrane domains on the extracellular surface of the plasma membrane. Surface ASM initiates a release of extracellularly oriented ceramide, which in turn mediates CD40 clustering in sphingolipid-rich membrane domains. ASM, ceramide, and CD40 colocalize in the cap-like structure of stimulated cells. Deficiency of ASM, destruction of sphingolipid-rich rafts, or neutralization of surface ceramide prevents CD40 clustering and CD40-initiated cell signaling. These findings indicate that the ASM-mediated release of ceramide and/or metabolites of ceramide regulate clustering of CD40, which seems to be a prerequisite for cellular activation via CD40.
Development of white matter microstructure in relation to verbal and visuospatial working memory—A longitudinal study

Working memory capacity is pivotal for a broad specter of cognitive tasks and develops throughout childhood. This must in part rely on development of neural connections and white matter microstructure maturation, but there is scarce knowledge of specific relations between this and different aspects of working memory. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) enables us to study development of brain white matter microstructure. In a longitudinal DTI study of 148 healthy children between 4 and 11 years scanned twice with an on average 1.6 years interval, we characterized change in fractional anisotropy (FA), mean (MD), radial (RD) and axial diffusivity (AD) in 10 major white matter tracts hypothesized to be of importance for working memory. The results showed relationships between change in several tracts and change in visuospatial working memory. Specifically, improvement in visuospatial working memory capacity was significantly associated with decreased MD, RD and AD in inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF), inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF) and uncinate fasciculus (UF) in the right hemisphere, as well as forceps major (FMaj). No significant relationships were found between change in DTI metrics and change in verbal working memory capacity. These findings yield new knowledge about brain development and corresponding working memory improvements in childhood.
Pengaruh Pemberian Antagonis Reseptor N-Metil-D-Aspartat (NMDA) Mk-801 Terhadap Penurunan Sensasi Nyeri Inflamasi pada Mencit Putih (Mus Musculus) Strain Balb/C

Chronic pain, such as inflammatory pain, is difficult to manage. N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor is a key molecule involved in the pain pathway and sensitization. The present study was design to investigate the efficacyof a novel potent non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, MK-801, in relieving inflammatory pain in mice. A model of inflammatory pain state was induced by intraplantar injection of Complete Freund s Adjuvant (CFA). NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 was administered intrathecally once a day for 7 consecutive days at 0.01, 0.10, 1.00, 10.00, or 20.00 nmol doses a week after CFA injection. Thermal hyperalgesia was measured on days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7,8, 10, 12, 14, and 21 after CFA injection by warm plate. Paw thickness at the ipsilateral site was also measured on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 21 after CFA injection. Histology of the spinal cord tissue was examined by lightmicroscope following haematoxylline-eosin staining. The results showed that MK-801 given at 0.01-20.00 nmoldosage significantly increased mice s latency on thermal stimulation compared with placebo (p<0.001). Pawthickness was also significantly decreased to compare with placebo after intrathecal injection of MK-801 at 0.01, 1.00and 10.00 nmol dosage (p<0,001; p=0,005; p=0,015 respectively). Whereas MK-801 administration at 0.01, 1.00, and20.00 nmol could decrease the inflamatory cells infiltration and recover the dorsal horn histology compare with placebo. Taken together, these results show that NMDA receptor antagonist, MK-801, is effective in relieving the inflammatory pain.
The elusive predisposition to mycoheterotrophy in Ericaceae.

The rise and diversification of land plants was accompanied by mycorrhizal symbiosis, from their emergence to their adaptation to various biomes and ecological situations (Selosse et al., 2015). In most mycorrhizal associations, fungi provide soil minerals to the plant, in exchange for sugars derived fromphotosynthesis (Smith& Read, 2008; van der Heijden et al., 2015). However, several plant species adapted to shaded forest conditions by secondarily reversing this exchange of carbohydrates: they became achlorophyllous thanks to carbon provided by the fungus. This so-called mycoheterotrophic nutrition is described in over 400 species and evolved at least 40 times independently (Merckx, 2013), raising the question of what predispositions underlie these convergences.
Hemodynamics of hypertensive putaminal hemorrhage evaluated by Xenon‐enhanced computed tomography and acetazolamide test

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is usually decreased in patients with hypertensive putaminal hemorrhage (HPH). However, there are few reports concerning cerebrovascular reserve capacity (CRC) in these cases. This study evaluated cerebral hemodynamics in patients with HPH by measuring CBF and CRC. CBF and CRC were measured by stable xenon enhanced computed tomography (Xe‐CT) in 11 patients with HPH (HPH group) and 11 patients with essential hypertension without intracerebral hematoma (non‐HPH group). CBFs of the hemisphere and thalamus in the HPH group were lower than those in the non‐HPH group. And the CBF of the hemisphere was increased transiently after the surgical evacuation of the hematoma. Thereafter, it fell gradually. The CRCs were also lower in acute stage of the HPH group. The CRC recovered during the chronic stage. Hemodynamics in patients with HPH can be modulated by surgical removal of hematoma. However, some adjunct therapies are necessary to prevent delayed neuronal inactivity. Stable Xe‐CT with acetazolamide test is useful to evaluate hemodynamics in the HPH patients.
Comparison of cardiovascular disease risk calculators

Purpose of review The cardiovascular benefit of many preventive interventions (like statins) is strongly dependent on the baseline cardiovascular risk of the patient. Many lipid and vascular primary prevention guidelines advocate for the use of cardiovascular risk calculators. Recent findings There are over 100 cardiovascular risk prediction models, and some of these models have spawned scores of calculators. Only about 25 of these models/calculators have been externally validated. The ability to identify who will have events frequently varies little (<5%) between models. However, disagreement between risk calculators is common with one in three paired comparisons disagreeing on risk category. In part, this disagreement is because calculators vary according to the database they are derived from, choice of clinical endpoints and risk interval duration upon which the estimate is based. Additional risk factors do little to improve the basic risk predictions performance, except perhaps coronary artery calcium which still requires further study before regular use. Summary The estimates provided by cardiovascular risk calculators are ballpark approximations and have a margin of error. Physicians should use models derived from, or calibrated for, populations similar to theirs and understand the endpoints, duration, and special features of their selected calculator.