Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sectoral and Skill Contributions to Labor Productivity in Asia

Using a decomposition approach on data collected by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) as well as World Input-Output data, we show that in most Asian economies the services sector makes the largest contribution to labor productivity. Furthermore, we find evidence of a major reallocation of labor from agriculture directly to services, bypassing the manufacturing sector. This finding challenges the traditional view that countries in their economic development need to have their workforce employed first in manufacturing before switching to services. Lastly, the paper studies how different skill levels contribute to labor productivity growth. We find that high-skilled workers have contributed most to overall labor productivity growth in developing Asia. In services, high-skilled workers have mainly driven labor productivity, indicating that upskilling and training are instrumental in services-led development.
Relationship between pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures and brain pentylenetetrazol levels in mice.

Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) is often used in experimental models of epilepsy. The relationship of the PTZ-induced seizure sequence of myoclonus, clonus and hindlimb extension (TE) to brain PTZ levels has not been reported. This study examined this relationship and determined how different routes of PTZ administration affected brain PTZ uptake and seizure development. The critical brain PTZ level for onset of clonus ranged from 20 to 50 microg/g. Brain PTZ uptake was rapid after I.P. injection of PTZ convulsant dose (CD55) for clonus/and clonus onset occured at 4.0+/- 1.6 min. uptake was slower after S.C. administration; clonus onset occurred at 9.9 +/- 3.7 min. at a CD for TE (CD40), clonus onset occured at 5.1 +/- 3.0 and 2.4 +/- 2.4 min for S.C. and I.P. routes of administration, respectively. TE onset did not appear to depend solely on brain PTZ levels were falling . Factors that could modulate the appearance of TE are discussed.
Influence de la modalité visuelle sur l'évaluation acoustique de salles

Le projet AURALIAS vise a developper un environnement immersif permettant le travail cooperatif entre architectes et acousticiens. Ce systeme associe donc un rendu sonore 3D et une vue du modele 3D de la salle consideree. Dans ce cadre, nous nous interessons a l’impact de l’image projetee sur le jugement subjectif de l’acoustique de la salle. 70 sujets ont ete confrontes a une tâche de jugement du degre de reverberation d’un extrait sonore dans une situation controle (sans image) puis dans une situation experimentale avec, pour la premiere partie des sujets, une image visant a soutenir le jugement (coherente avec le son), pour la deuxieme partie, une image « distractrice », et pour la troisieme partie, sans image (groupe temoin). Nos resultats montrent une influence positive des images evocatrices et pas d’effet des images distractrices.
Environmental management elements and corporate environmental performance of SMEs in Malaysia / Hanim Norza Baba

This research examined the existence of environmental management practices within private limited manufacturing companies in Malaysia, and the impact on corporate environmental performance. The study examined environmental management elements that include environmental leadership, environmental process management, top management commitment, employee involvement, reward and recognition, environmental quality management programs, and pollution prevention technologies, and their relationship to corporate environmental performance.
Spaß vergisst man nicht: Motivierung zur Demenzintervention

Spaß ist ein bedeutender Faktor zur Motivierung der Nutzung eines Systems. Gerade bei Anwendungsbereichen wie der Demenzintervention ist eine lang anhaltende Motivation für den nachweislichen Erfolg für den Erhalt der kognitiven und psychomotorischen Leistungsfähigkeit notwendig. Das in FamilyVision geplante Konzept eines angepassten Trainingsablaufs in einer Tabletanwendung basierend auf kleinen Spielen soll durch ein für die individuellen Fähigkeiten des Nutzers geeignetes Level an Forderung und den damit verbundenen Spaß am Spielen zur Motivierung von Aktivität in der eigenen Demenzintervention beitragen.
Design and characterization of shoe embedded pressure sensors for gait analysis and rehabilitation

In clinical gait therapy, the quality of gait analysis is critical for developing a training plan and monitoring patient progress. Ground contact forces (GCFs) are often recorded to estimate joint torques which can quantify a patient’s needs and strength development. They are also useful in designing and controlling rehabilitative and assistive devices. In clinical gait analysis, force plates are used to measure GCFs objectively and precisely [1, 2]. Currently, forces sensitive resistors (FSR) are often used as a mobile platform to measure GCFs. FSR based platforms exhibit considerable hysteresis and have low durability, some requiring replacement after only 5-hour long uses. As an alternative to FSR, a pair of sensor-embedded shoes (smart shoes) relying on air pressure sensors has been presented in previous research [3]. Some details regarding the precise characteristics of the sensing abilities were unknown, though, generating unanticipated errors during use. In this paper, the sensing units of wireless smart shoes are characterized and tested to verify their capability to provide real-time and accurate GCF measurements. For the prototype, silicon tubes were sealed on one end, wound into coils, secured to the underside of the shoe’s insole at four points of interest (heel, toe, the first and fourth metatarsophalangeal joint) routed outside the shoe, and their open ends are connected to air pressure sensors as shown in Fig. 1(a). The pressure sensors were placed on a circuit board along with a battery and microcontroller responsible for reading sensor outputs and wirelessly communicating data to a nearby device, as shown in Fig. 1(c). The sensing unit on the lateral side of the shoe is 1.2” 1.3” 3.95”. A series of calibration tests were first performed on the tube-insole subsystem in isolation to test linearity, repeatability, and hysteresis. Then practical experiments were performed on a healthy subject to determine the accuracy of GCF measurement. A previously presented hysteresis filter was implemented in practical testing [4].
Survey Process Model on Palm Print and Palm Vein Using Biometric System

In today’s world, security is the most important aspect in every field. This paper proposes a high level security system using biometrics to recognize a person. It is shown that single biometric modality recognition is not able to meet high performances. We propose a fusion of both palm vein and palm print modalities using multimodal biometric system. Instead of taking the entire image of palm, using ROI method, only a part of palm image is taken in order to overcome the hardware defects in fixing the ROI and to reduce the storage space, and to increase the security, the image is encrypted and stored.
Automatic layout of custom analog cells in ANAGRAM

ANAGRAM models cell layout in the style of a macrocell place-and-route problem. Individual cell primitives (transistor-level objects of widely varying sizes) are the macrocells. Module generation techniques are used to generate these internal primitives and to preserve critical matching and symmetries. An annealing-based placement algorithm then places these primitives. This is followed by a novel line-expansion signal router, which includes mechanisms to avoid noise coupling due to internodal capacitances between the signal wires and shared parasitic resistances in the DC supply wiring and operates in an iterative improvement fashion to eliminate such violations. Layouts for several custom CMOS cells have been successfully generated. Circuit-simulation results based on cell extractions demonstrate the effectiveness of the crosstalk-avoidance mechanisms. <<ETX>>
Parental separation and divorce: can we provide an ounce of prevention?

This month’s American Academy of Pediatrics clinical report on “Helping Children and Families Deal with Divorce and Separation” highlights the continued high incidence of parental separation and divorce in the United States and describes the disturbances of child development, behavior, and health—short- and long-term—that accompany parental conflict and separation. With ∼40% of children experiencing the divorce of their parents before their 16th birthday, parental separation and divorce stands as one of the most common and significant risks to the healthy development of children today. The Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health prepared this report to assist and encourage pediatricians in recognizing early signs of parental conflict, monitoring the well-being of the affected children, advocating for the child’s needs, and striving to maintain a supportive relationship with each parent. However, the Committee also believes that pediatricians have an opportunity to positively influence parental relationships in advance of marital disruption. Pediatricians are often participants in family events that are known stressors to marital relationships. Not only is it important for the clinician to understand how parental conflict may impact the child, we contend that parents and families may gain needed support when pediatricians attend to the ways in which the child may stress the marriage. Even with the most wanted pregnancy, the arrival of the first infant redefines life for the new parents in practically every detail. From changes in daily routines to basic alterations in role and identity, first-time parents enter a new, and often uncharted, phase of life. With the child come incursions on time for the partner, for friends, for work and career goals, for sexual relations, and for leisure activities. Time available for each parent to focus on themselves and on each other usually drops precipitously in the first months of parenthood. Although for many …
Effects of patient-directed music intervention on anxiety and sedative exposure in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support: a randomized clinical trial.

IMPORTANCE Alternatives to sedative medications, such as music, may alleviate the anxiety associated with ventilatory support. OBJECTIVE To test whether listening to self-initiated patient-directed music (PDM) can reduce anxiety and sedative exposure during ventilatory support in critically ill patients. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Randomized clinical trial that enrolled 373 patients from 12 intensive care units (ICUs) at 5 hospitals in the Minneapolis-St Paul, Minnesota, area receiving acute mechanical ventilatory support for respiratory failure between September 2006 and March 2011. Of the patients included in the study, 86% were white, 52% were female, and the mean (SD) age was 59 (14) years. The patients had a mean (SD) Acute Physiology, Age and Chronic Health Evaluation III score of 63 (21.6) and a mean (SD) of 5.7 (6.4) study days. INTERVENTIONS Self-initiated PDM (n = 126) with preferred selections tailored by a music therapist whenever desired while receiving ventilatory support, self-initiated use of noise-canceling headphones (NCH; n = 122), or usual care (n = 125). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Daily assessments of anxiety (on 100-mm visual analog scale) and 2 aggregate measures of sedative exposure (intensity and frequency). RESULTS Patients in the PDM group listened to music for a mean (SD) of 79.8 (126) (median [range], 12 [0-796]) minutes/day. Patients in the NCH group wore the noise-abating headphones for a mean (SD) of 34.0 (89.6) (median [range], 0 [0-916]) minutes/day. The mixed-models analysis showed that at any time point, patients in the PDM group had an anxiety score that was 19.5 points lower (95% CI, -32.2 to -6.8) than patients in the usual care group (P = .003). By the fifth study day, anxiety was reduced by 36.5% in PDM patients. The treatment × time interaction showed that PDM significantly reduced both measures of sedative exposure. Compared with usual care, the PDM group had reduced sedation intensity by -0.18 (95% CI, -0.36 to -0.004) points/day (P = .05) and had reduced frequency by -0.21 (95% CI, -0.37 to -0.05) points/day (P = .01). The PDM group had reduced sedation frequency by -0.18 (95% CI, -0.36 to -0.004) points/day vs the NCH group (P = .04). By the fifth study day, the PDM patients received 2 fewer sedative doses (reduction of 38%) and had a reduction of 36% in sedation intensity. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among ICU patients receiving acute ventilatory support for respiratory failure, PDM resulted in greater reduction in anxiety compared with usual care, but not compared with NCH. Concurrently, PDM resulted in greater reduction in sedation frequency compared with usual care or NCH, and greater reduction in sedation intensity compared with usual care, but not compared with NCH. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00440700.
Modulation of MDR1 and CYP3A expression by dexamethasone: evidence for an inverse regulation in adrenals.

A strong overlap exists between gp170 and CYP3A substrates and inducers. In order to investigate a putative coregulation of MDR and CYPA gene expression, we measured their transcripts in human liver and after dexamethasone treatment in HepG2 cells or in different mouse tissues. In human liver, we observed no correlation between MDR1 and CYP3A4 expression, whereas these genes were coinduced by dexamethasone in HepG2 cells. In mouse liver treated with dexamethasone, mdr1b and Cyp3a were induced (5- and 2-fold, respectively). In adrenals, the main expressing gp170 tissue, Cyp3a, was increased while mdr1b was repressed (-51%). The expression of mdr1b increased in heart, brain, and colon and decreased in lung and kidney but Cyp3a was not detectable. In conclusion, human hepatic CYP3A4 and MDR1 are not corregulated but are coinducible. In vivo murine mdr1b and Cyp3a are coregulated by dexamethasone in liver and inversely regulated in adrenals.
A Prospective Study on the Cost-Effective Utilization of Long-Term Inpatient Video-EEG Monitoring in a Developing Country

To investigate diagnostic value, therapeutic benefit and cost-effective utilization of video-EEG monitoring (VEM) in a comprehensive epilepsy program in a developing country. The authors prospectively recruited all patients who underwent long-term (≥3 hours) inpatient VEM during a 10-month period. The cohort was followed to gather information about the proportion of patients in whom long-term management was altered by VEM and resultant impact on direct health care costs. Out of 143 study subjects (median age 22 years), 102 (71.3%) were referred for presurgical evaluation. The median duration of VEM was 61 hours, and median number of events recorded per patient was 3. Video-EEG monitoring helped to clarify the epilepsy syndromic diagnosis in 123 of 132 (93.2%) patients referred with the diagnosis of epileptic seizures. Video-EEG monitoring confirmed coexistent complex partial seizures in 4 of 11 (36.4%) patients with a referral diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic events. During mean follow-up period of 2.2 years, 48 patients (33.6%) underwent epilepsy surgery. A significant decrease in antiepileptic drug polytherapy, and minimization in recurring direct medical and nonmedical costs occurred. In addition to immediate diagnostic usefulness, VEM contributes significantly to long-term therapeutic and economic benefits for patients with difficult to diagnose and treat paroxysmal events.
A multiyear dynamic approach for transmission expansion planning and long-term marginal costs computation

This paper presents a multicriteria formulation for multiyear dynamic transmission expansion planning problems. This formulation considers three criteria: investment costs, operation costs, and the expected energy not supplied. The solution algorithm adopts an interactive decision-making approach that starts at a nondominated solution of the problem. This solution is identified transforming two of the three criteria in constraints specifying aspiration levels and using afterwards simulated annealing to deal with the integer nature of investment decisions. After obtaining this first solution, the decision maker can alter the aspiration levels and run the application again to obtain a new solution. Once an expansion plan is accepted, the algorithm computes long-term marginal costs, reflecting both investment and operation costs. These costs are more stable than short-term ones and inherently address the revenue reconciliation problem well known in short-term approaches. The developed algorithm is tested using a case study based on the Portuguese 400/220/150-kV transmission network.
Synthesis of Uniform Linear Antenna Array Using Genetic Algorithm with Cost Based Roulette to Maximize Sidelobe Level Reduction

This paper discusses the deployment of Genetic Algorithm optimization method for the synthesis of antenna array radiation pattern in adaptive beamforming. The synthesis problem discussed is to find the weights of the Uniform Linear Antenna array elements that are optimum to provide the radiation pattern with maximum reduction in the sidelobe level. This technique proved its effectiveness in improving the performance of the antenna array.
What is Entrainment? Definition and applications in musical research

Entrainment theory describes the process of interaction between independent rhythmical processes. This paper defines entrainment in this general sense, then briefly explores its significance for human behaviour, and for music- making in particular. The final section outlines a research method suitable for studies of entrainment in inter-personal coordination, and with reference to published studies suggests that the study of musical entrainment can be a source of rich insight also for the study of human social interactions and their meanings.
Advanced NDE Techniques and Their Deployment on High Pressure Equipment

Many advances in Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) have occurred in recent years. Some of these are becoming common in typical industry applications and are slowly migrating their way into niche industries, such as high-pressure applications. These advanced NDE techniques include the use of Linear Phased Array (LPA) ultrasonic examination for volumetric examination and Eddy Current Array (ECA) technology for surface examination. Advancements in ultrasonic Guided Wave Testing (GWT) also show promise for the examination of long tubes, such as in tubular low density polyethylene (LDPE) reactors. Effective deployment and delivery of these advanced techniques is critical to the collection and analysis of the inspection data.Common challenges found in high-pressure equipment include access issues such as small diameter deep bores, large and thick section components, weld overlays and examination of thick section welds, complex geometries, and small crack sizes required for detection due to materials and design.Applying these modern techniques in new designs and updating of in-service inspection plans for this high-pressure equipment can lead to a more accurate assessment of the equipment’s fitness for continued service, reduced maintenance costs, proper asset management of key capital equipment, and reduced turn-around time.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research (J-PEER) Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research (J-PEER) A Framework for Quality K-12 Engineering Education: Research A Framework for Quality K-12 Engineering Education: Research and Development and Development

Abstract Recent U.S. national documents have laid the foundation for highlighting the connection between science, technology, engineering and mathematics at the K-12 level. However, there is not a clear definition or a well-established tradition of what constitutes a quality engineering education at the K-12 level. The purpose of the current work has been the development of a framework for describing what constitutes a quality K-12 engineering education. The framework presented in this paper is the result of a research project focused on understanding and identifying the ways in which teachers and schools implement engineering and engineering design in their classrooms. The development of the key indicators that are included in the framework were determined based on an extensive review of the literature, established criteria for undergraduate and professional organizations, document content analysis of state academic content standards in science, mathematics, and technology, and in consultation with experts in the fields of engineering and engineering education. The framework is designed to be used as a tool for evaluating the degree to which academic standards, curricula, and teaching practices address the important components of a quality K-12 engineering education. Additionally, this framework can be used to inform the development and structure of future K-12 engineering and STEM education standards and initiatives. Abstract Recent U.S. national documents have laid the foundation for highlighting the connection between science, technology, engineering and mathematics at the K-12 level. However, there is not a clear definition or a well-established tradition of what constitutes a quality engineering education at the K-12 level. The purpose of the current work has been the development of a framework for describing what constitutes a quality K-12 engineering education. The framework presented in this paper is the result of a research project focused on understanding and identifying the ways in which teachers and schools implement engineering and engineering design in their classrooms. The development of the key indicators that are included in the framework were determined based on an extensive review of the literature, established criteria for undergraduate and professional organizations, document content analysis of state academic content standards in science, mathematics, and technology, and in consultation with experts in the fields of engineering and engineering education. The framework is designed to be used as a tool for evaluating the degree to which academic standards, curricula, and teaching practices address the important components of a quality K-12 engineering education. Additionally, this framework can be used to inform the development and structure of future K-12 engineering and STEM education standards and initiatives.
Comparison between Fetal Heart Rate Standard Parameters and Complexity Indexes for the Identification of Severe Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Summary Objectives : The intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a pathological state: the fetus is at risk of hypoxia and this condition is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. However, evidence-based guidelines for clinical surveillance are poor and lack reliable indexes. This study introduces new procedures to extract parameters from the fetal heart rate signal in order to identify severe intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) fetuses Methods : Standard parameters (time domain and frequency domain indexes) are compared to a new parameter, the Lempel Ziv complexity, and to two regularity estimators (approximate entropy and sample entropy). The paper analyzes the robustness of the indexes coming from the parameter extraction procedure. Results and Conclusions : The results show that the LZ complexity is a stable parameter and it is able to significantly discriminate the severe IUGR (preterm delivered) from moderate IUGR (at term delivered) and from healthy fetuses.