Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of cost-effectiveness studies of prevention and treatment for eating disorders

Background: Eating disorders are serious mental disorders and are associated with substantial economic and social burden. The aim of this study is to undertake a systematic review of the cost-effectiveness studies of both preventive and treatment interventions for eating disorder. Method: Electronic databases (including the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Academic Search Complete, Global Health, CINAHL complete, Health Business Elite, Econlit, Health Policy Reference Center and ERIC) were searched for published cost-effectiveness studies of eating disorder prevention and treatment including papers published up to January 2017. The quality of studies was assessed using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist. Results: In all, 13 studies met the review inclusion criteria as full cost-effectiveness studies and 8 were published since 2011. The studies included three modelled and one trial-based study focused on prevention, two trial-based and one modelled study for anorexia nervosa treatment and three trial-based studies for bulimia nervosa treatment. The remaining studies targeted binge-eating disorder or non-specific eating disorder treatment. The average percent of CHEERS checklist items reported was 71% (standard deviation 21%). Eating disorder interventions were mainly cost-saving or more effective and more costly compared to comparators; however, some results did not reach statistical significance. In the two studies that achieved 100% CHEERS checklist, one study reported that a cognitive dissonance intervention might be cost-effective for prevention of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa with a 90% participation rate and the second study supported lisdexamfetamine to be cost-effective in the treatment of binge-eating disorder. Insufficient evidence for long-term cost-effectiveness (e.g. over 2 years) was found. Conclusion: Cost-effectiveness studies in eating disorder appear to be increasing in number over the last 6 years. Findings were inconsistent and no firm conclusion can be drawn with regard to comparative value-for-money conclusions. However, some promising interventions were identified. Further research with improved methodology is required.
Optimal transmission strategy in fading broadcasting channels with energy harvesting switching transmitters

In this paper, the data transmission problem is considered with energy harvesting switching transmitters in the fading broadcasting channels. Firstly, the data transmission problem is formulated as the problem of throughput maximization in a given interval. The directional water-filling algorithm is used to obtain transmission rate under a new variation by combining the fading coefficients and noise power. Then, the data transmission problem is studied in an epoch. The optimal transmission strategy with the transmitters-switching method is also investigated in this paper. This strategy can improve the flexibility and robustness of the communication system and reduce the communication interrupt caused by transmitter malfunction or energy failure. Finally, the transmission strategy is verified by computer simulations.
Prediction of bone density from vitamin D receptor alleles

BONE density achieved in early adulthood is the major determinant of risk of osteoporotic fracture. Up to 60% of women1,2 suffer osteoporotic fractures as a result of low bone density2, which is under strong genetic control3–6 acting through effects on bone turnover7,8. Here we show that common allelic variants in the gene encoding the vitamin D receptor9 can be used to predict differences in bone density, accounting for up to 75% of the total genetic effect on bone density in healthy individuals. The genotype associated with lower bone density was overrepresented in postmenopausal women with bone densities more than 2 standard deviations below values in young normal women. The molecular mechanisms by which bone density is regulated by the vitamin D receptor gene are not certain, although allelic differences in the 3' untranslated region may alter messenger RNA levels. These findings could open new avenues to the development and targeting of prophylactic interventions. It follows that other pathophysiological processes considered to be subject to complex multifactorial genetic regulation may also be modulated by a single gene with pleiotropic transcriptional actions.
Heteroscedasticity and Complex Variation

In the standard generalized linear model, the residual variance is assumed to be a constant or a well-defined function of the linear predictor. In many applications, however, this assumption may not hold and interest will often focus on modeling the residual variation as a function of further explanatory variables, such as gender or age. The article shows how to formulate such models and provides extensions to the multilevel case and to the modeling of a full covariance matrix. Keywords: heteroscedasticity; modeling variation; multilevel model
A Polarization-Based Interference-Tolerant VLC Link for Low Data Rate Applications

One of the main challenges in establishing a robust visible light communication (VLC) link is to prevent optical interference produced by other light sources from corrupting the signal. Previous solutions catering for this issue assume that optical interference and the signal operate in nonoverlapping frequency bands. This paper presents an innovative transceiver architecture for establishing a frequency-independent interference-tolerant VLC link. The transmitter exploits the polarization property of light to transmit differential signals over adjacent channels, and the receiver utilizes differential amplification in conjunction with polarization to implement a common noise rejection technique. The implemented system demonstrated a 32.6% more robust VLC link compared to the conventional transceiver under severe optical interference.
GENETIC DIVERSITY AND SYMBIOTIC EFFICIENCY OF LEGUME NODULATING BACTERIA FROM DIFFERENT LAND USE SYSTEMS IN TAITA TAVETA, KENYA

Populations of Legume Nodulating Bacteria (LNB) were assessed under glasshouse conditions in soils collected from selected landuse systems in Taita Taveta district, Kenya. The populations were estimated by the most-probable-number (MPN) plant infection technique using Macroptilium atropurpureum (DC.) Urban (siratro) as the trap plant. The LNB populations varied from 1.1 × 10 to 6.1 × 106 cells g-1 of soil. There was apparent landuse effect on abundance of LNB with maize-bean cropping system and shrubland giving high population estimates. Two thousand isolates of LNB were obtained from the nodules of siratro trap plants . These isolates were characterized on yeast extract mannitol mineral salts agar (YEMA) media containing bromothymol blue and two distinctive rhizobia fgroups namely 21.4% being fast growers (acid-producing) and 79% slow growers (alkali-producing) identified. Symbiotic effectiveness of a selected number of the isolates ranged from 6.7% to 95.4% and no clear influence of landuse was observed. RFLP of amplified 16S rRNA genes of isolates with HaeIII and TaqI grouped the isolates into seven ribotypes and partial sequencing of 16S rRNA genes of isolates representative of the ribotypes further grouped the isolates into six genera namely; Sinorhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, Herbaspirillum, Agrobacterium, Rhizobium and Burkholderia. Landuse type was found to significantly influence the diversity of LNB (P<0.05). The highest LNB richness of five genera was found in indigenous forest soilswhile fallow and maize-based system had a total richness of four genera. Each of the remaining land uses had LNB total richness of two.
Teachers and Students Learn Cyber Security: Comparing Software Quality, Security

In recent years, schools have added cyber security to their computer science curricula. While doing so, existing teachers are trained with the new material. In this study we explore differences in teachers' and students' learning of cyber security, implementing a multi-way, data-driven approach by comparing measures of software quality and security. Our findings suggest that teachers’ codes have a better quality than the students’, and that the students’ codes are slightly better secured than the teachers’. The findings imply on the teachers benefit from their prior knowledge and experience. Also, findings shed light on the difference between quality and security in today’s programming paradigms.
Ferroelectric performance for nanometer scaled devices

The work deals with the experimental study of ferroelectric (FE) performance scaling for nanometer-sized devices. In the emerging and advanced devices, it is desirable to couple FE performance with other functions. This requires integration of nanoscale FEs with other materials, which is especially promising in epitaxial heterostructures. Such heterostructures inevitably possess a large lattice mismatch, the effect of which on FE properties is unknown and is in the focus of the present work. In the study, heteroepitaxial thin and ultrathin films and superlattices of ABO3-type perovskite structure FEs were used, with A = Pb, Ba, Sr, K, and N, and B = Ti, Zr, Nb, and Ta. FE domains and local polarization switching were explored on the nanometer scale using piezoresponse force microscopy. The experiment was modified that allowed achieving images with high contrast and lateral resolution, and also allowed analysis of nanodomains in lateral capacitor configuration. Local properties were related to a macroscopic response. For this, the method of simultaneous on-wafer low-frequency impedance measurements was optimized allowing studies of thin and ultrathin (to 5 nm) films in a broad range of conditions and regimes. Experimental studies have reveled phenomena which cannot be explained in the frame of the existing theories. The observed new effects are important for applications such as multistate memory devices, storage capacitors, and FE tunnel junction devices.
The effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate and Pluronic F127 on the electrophoretic separation of protein and polypeptide test mixtures at acid pH

Using a test mixture consisting of standard proteins (cytochrome c, chymotrypsinogen A, hen egg albumin, bovine serum albumin, aldolase, catalase and ferritin) and synthetic polypeptides (polylysine, polyaspartic, polyglutamic acid and polyproline) it was revealed that using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as background electrolyte modifier at acid pH (2.5) allows selective separation of highly positively charged polypeptides (polylysine) provided that their relative molecular mass is sufficiently low (3300 Da). The altered elution sequence of standard proteins as compared to a separation done without SDS may help their identification. Addition of Pluronic F127 offers clear‐cut separations of standard proteins up to a relative molecular mass of 5 × 104 Da and allows to reveal protein/polypeptide microheterogeneity where applicable. None of the systems tested is suitable for the separation of acidic polypeptides and polyproline.
The bacterial SRP receptor, FtsY, is activated on binding to the translocon

Proteins are inserted into the bacterial plasma membrane cotranslationally after translating ribosomes are targeted to the translocon in the membrane via the signal recognition particle (SRP) pathway. The targeting pathway involves an interaction between SRP and the SRP receptor, FtsY. Here we focus on the role of FtsY and its interaction with the translocon in controlling targeting. We show that in unbound FtsY the NG and A domains interact with one another. The interaction involves the membrane‐targeting region at the junction between A and N domain. The closed form of FtsY is impaired in binding to SRP. Upon binding to the phospholipid‐embedded translocon the domains of FtsY move apart. This enhances the docking of the FtsY NG domain to the homologous NG domain of the SRP protein Ffh. Thus, FtsY binding to the translocon has a central role in orchestrating the formation of a quaternary transfer complex in which the nascent peptide is transferred to the translocon. We propose that FtsY activation at the translocon ensures that ribosome–SRP complexes are directed to available translocons. This way sequestering SRP in futile complexes with unbound FtsY can be avoided and efficient targeting to the translocon achieved.
Predicting the clinical performance of dental students with a manual dexterity test

Dentists must be skilled when using dental mirrors. Working with mirrors requires spatial perception, bimanual coordination, perceptual learning and fine motor skills. Many studies have attempted to determine the predictors of manual skills among pre-clinical students, but consensus has yet to be reached. We hypothesized that valid and reliable occupational therapy test performance regarding indirect vision would differ between dental students and junior dentists and would explain the variance in manual skill performance in pre-clinical courses. To test this hypothesis, we applied the Purdue Pegboard test and O’Connor Tweezer Dexterity test under different conditions of direct and indirect vision. We administered these tests to students in phantom-head academic courses in 2015 and 2016 and to junior dentists. Students performed the tests at three time points: before phantom training (T0), at the end of the training (T1) and in the middle of the following year of study (T2). Dentists performed the same tests twice at 1st and 2nd trials one week apart. The results showed that indirect tasks were significantly more difficult to perform for both groups. These dexterity tests were sensitive enough to detect students’ improvement after phantom training. The dentists’ performances were significantly better than those of students at T0, specifically with regard to the use of tweezers under direct and indirect vision (the O’Connor test). A regression analysis showed that students’ manual grades obtained at the beginning of the phantom course, their performance on the Purdue test using both hands, and their performance on the O’Connor test under indirect vision predicted phantom course success in 80% of cases. The O’Connor test under indirect vision is the most informative means of monitoring and predicting the manual skills required in the pre-clinical year of dentistry studies.
Asymptotic Analysis of Non-Newtonian Fluid Flow in a Microchannel under a Combination of EO and MHD Micropumps

Asymptotic solution for the shear stress distributions and velocity profiles of steady electroosmotic (EO) and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flows are obtained in a parallel flat plate microchannel. A fully-developed flow is considered and the fluid obeys a constitutive relation based in a simplified Phan-Thien-Tanner model. The effect of the following dimensionless parameters on the fluid flow control is predicted: the viscoelastic parameter and the Hartmann number. The momentum equation, boundary conditions and the constitutive rheological model are combined to formulating a nonlinear differential equation to solve the shear stress, which is expanded in a regular expansion series in powers of small Hartmann numbers. This limit of small Hartmann numbers and low electrical conductivity in the buffer solution correspond to the range where the electric and magnetic effects can be used to move a charged solution in the flow control and sample handling in biomedical and chemical analysis.
Algorithm 866: IFISS, a Matlab toolbox for modelling incompressible flow

IFISS is a graphical Matlab package for the interactive numerical study of incompressible flow problems. It includes algorithms for discretization by mixed finite element methods and a posteriori error estimation of the computed solutions. The package can also be used as a computational laboratory for experimenting with state-of-the-art preconditioned iterative solvers for the discrete linear equation systems that arise in incompressible flow modelling. A unique feature of the package is its comprehensive nature; for each problem addressed, it enables the study of both discretization and iterative solution algorithms as well as the interaction between the two and the resulting effect on overall efficiency.
Computational study of ionic polymers: Multiscale stiffness predictions and modeling of the electromechanical transduction

Ionic polymer transducers (IPTs) represent a relatively new class of active (i®smarti¯) materials, which can function as highly sensitive mechanical sensors as well as actuators. An IPT is made of an ionic polymer membrane sandwiched between two conductive electrodes. They generate controllable strain when applying a low voltage (<5 V) across their thickness and generate measurable currents due to extremely small mechanical strain. IPTs are cost effective and often have superior sensing capabilities compared to other active materials such as piezoelectrics. However, this novel class of transducers has not been widely employed mainly because the mechanism of IPT sensing is not clearly understood. In this dissertation, the mechanical properties of ionic polymers, the ionomer morphology, and the fundamental mechanism responsible for the electromechanical sensing responses of IPTs are studied. A multiscale model for the prediction of material stiffness is presented. The results give access to a fundamental material parameters currently inaccessible via experimentation, namely local stiffness. Subsequently the sensing mechanism of stream potential is hypothesized. It is argued that the mechanism of streaming potential, unlike prior hypotheses, is able to systematically explain generalized experimentally observed sensing phenomena, such as the observation of an optimum conductive particulate volume fraction in the interpenetrating electrode region of the transducer. Moreover, it is argued that coupling the exploration of local stiffness and streaming potential is prerequisite to gaining insight into subtler experimental sensing phenomena such as experimentally observed variations in sensing due to variations in IPT architecture.
Identification of a Novel Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling RNA Helicase of Trypanosomes

Gene expression in trypanosomes is controlled mostly by post-transcriptional pathways. Little is known about the components of mRNA nucleocytoplasmic export routes in these parasites. Comparative genomics has shown that the mRNA transport pathway is the least conserved pathway among eukaryotes. Nonetheless, we identified a RNA helicase (Hel45) that is conserved across eukaryotes and similar to shuttling proteins involved in mRNA export. We used in silico analysis to predict the structure of Trypanosoma cruzi Hel45, including the N-terminal domain and the C-terminal domain, and our findings suggest that this RNA helicase can form complexes with mRNA. Hel45 was present in both nucleus and cytoplasm. Electron microscopy showed that Hel45 is clustered close to the cytoplasmic side of nuclear pore complexes, and is also present in the nucleus where it is associated with peripheral compact chromatin. Deletion of a predicted Nuclear Export Signal motif led to the accumulation of Hel45ΔNES in the nucleus, indicating that Hel45 shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. This transport was dependent on active transcription but did not depend on the exportin Crm1. Knockdown of Mex67 in T. brucei caused the nuclear accumulation of the T. brucei ortholog of Hel45. Indeed, Hel45 is present in mRNA ribonucleoprotein complexes that are not associated with polysomes. It is still necessary to confirm the precise function of Hel45. However, this RNA helicase is associated with mRNA metabolism and its nucleocytoplasmic shuttling is dependent on an mRNA export route involving Mex67 receptor.
FREQUENCY OF THREE CANALS IN PERMANENT MAXILLARY SECOND PREMOLARS (IN VITRO)

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of three canals in extracted permanent maxillary second premolars. This was an in vitro study conducted at the Dental Outpatient’s Department of Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Hospital, Hyderabad/Jamshoro from January 2007 to June 2007. This study included one hundred and fifty extracted permanent maxillary second premolars. Pulp chambers were accessed using round bur in a high speed hand piece. The pulp chambers were irrigated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution for 12 hours to dissolve pulp tissues, then rinsed under running tap water for 2 hours and dried overnight. The dye was introduced coronally and flooded throughout the pulp space by vacuum suction apically. Teeth were then decalcified in 5% nitric acid solution for five days. Eventually teeth were made clear by dipping in methyl salicylate and examined under operating microscope under 7.5 x magnification for frequency of the three canals. Results showed that three canals were found in 2% of the permanent maxillary second premolars. Chi-square test was used to evaluate the results. It was concluded that an accurate clinical as well as radiographic diagnosis based on knowledge of root canal morphology and critical interpretation of radiographs is essential for achieving better outcome of endodontic treatment of the permanent maxillary second premolars.
Serum Adipokines, IL-1 Beta and Osteocalcin are not Associated with Optical Alveolar Density in Periodontal Disease Patients - a Pilot Study

Background: Adipokine can influence insulin resistance, inflammation and affect the osteoclast activity, which might increase the individual susceptibility to the development of chronic periodontitis. Aim: We aimed to analyze the serum levels of Adiponectin, leptin, resist in, Interleukin (IL)-1β and Osteocalcin (OC) in non-treated Generalized Chronic Periodontitis (GCP) patients. As a secondary aim, we correlate such biomarkers with the Optical Alveolar Density (OAD). Material and Methods: Twenty-one patients with untreated GCP (mean age 46.1 ± 8.8) composed the test group. Sixteen gingivitis patients (mean age 32.3 ± 7.6) were used as controls. The periodontal examination included Pocket Depth (PD), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL), Bleeding on Probing (BOP) and Plaque Index (PI). The serum levels of leptin, Adiponectin, resist in and IL-1β were analyzed via multiplexed bead immunoassay, where as OC was analyzed by ELISA. The OAD was calculated using digital intra-oral radiographs and a specific software. Results: The median values for Adiponectin was twice lower and leptin was twice higher in GCP when compared to the gingivitis group, but, not-statistically significant (p= 0.07 and p= 0.28, respectively). Resist in, IL-1β, OC levels and OAD were very similar in GCP were compared to gingivitis patients. No significant correlation was observed between Adiponectin, leptin, resist in, IL-1β and OC with OAD. Conclusion: We were unable to demonstrate any association between the serum levels of adipokines with de optical alveolar density. In the other hand, the tendency of lower values of Adiponectin observed in GCP patients deserves a further investigation using a larger group.
Malware family classification method based on static feature extraction

With the development of malicious code engineering, new malware samples carry variability and polymorphism, which makes the malware variants show an increasingly growing trend. Traditional signature-based detection methods can hardly detect such variants so that it is significant for the cyber security field to analyze and detect large-scale malware samples by means of machine learning. Based on 65,536 malware samples, this paper proposed a classification method of malware family on the basis of static feature extraction using features from three aspects including bytecode features, assembler code features and PE features. We designed a series of experiments to test the features we chose and compared eight classifiers to find a better one. After feature selection and feature fusion processes we finally achieved an F1 score of 93.56% by random forest classifier.