Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Remote Biochemical Verification of Smoking Abstinence via Mobile-Phone Video Call

Methods: Korean American women were recruited into a pilot smoking cessation study by advertising the study in online Korean American women’s communities and offline Korean ethnic newspapers. Smoking abstinence was based on a combination of self-report and salivary cotinine test at post-quit 3-month follow-up. Those who self-reported smoking abstinence were invited to conduct a homebased salivary cotinine test using a NicAlert test strip. Research staff monitored the whole process of the test via a mobile-phone video call and read the result when it was ready.
The Identification of School Resource Effects

In the US, the federal government plays a relatively minor role in setting school policy, and the separate states are an important source of policy variation that sets the environment faced by local school districts. The variation in state policies plausibly has a significant impact on students achievement. Little is known about the magnitude of such effects, because data limitations have seldom allowed researchers to specity fully the state policy environment when analyzing school effects. Differences in overall school policies may, however, help to reconcile the contradictory findings about the effectivences of school resource usage that exist. We develop a simple theoreetical model demonstrating that the bias induced by omitting relevent state characetistics is greater in state-level analyses than it is in less aggregate studies. Our exploration of aggregation bias usibng the High School and Beyond data set suggests that aggregation to the state level inflates the coefficients that aggregation is benef.
Model specification via sequential coherence and backward induction

This paper describes how to specify probability models for data analysis via a backward induction procedure. The new approach yields coherent, prior-free uncertainty assessment. After presenting some intuition-building examples, the new approach is applied to a kernel density estimator, which leads to a novel method for computing point-wise credible intervals in nonparametric density estimation. The new approach has two additional advantages; 1) the posterior mean density can be accurately approximated without resorting to Monte Carlo simulation and 2) concentration bounds are easily established as a function of sample size.
Segmentation of Lung Nodule in CT Images Based on Mask R-CNN

Due to the low-quality of CT images, the lack of annotated data, and the complex shapes of lung nodules, existing methods for lung nodules detection only predict the center of the nodule, whereas the nodule size is a very important diagnostic criteria but is neglected. In this paper, we employed the powerful object detection neural network “Mask R-CNN” for lung nodule segmentation, which provides contour information. Because of the imbalance between positive and negative samples, we trained classification networks based on block. We selected the classification network with the hightest accuracy. The selected classification network was used as the backbone of the image segmentation network—Mask R-CNN, which performs excellently on natural images. Lastly, Mask R-CNN model trained on the COCO data set was fine-tuned to segment pulmonary nodules. The model was tested on the LIDC-IDRI dataset.
Heat Exposure and Transit Use : Travel Behavior and Infrastructure

Authors: Arishi, Jake / Azarabadi, Habib / Castaneda, Joseline / De Leon, Rio / Dwyer, Kevin / Dzyuban, Yuliya / Fenais, Amr / Fernandes, Nagelle / Gonzalez, Andres / Hoehne, Chris / Mueller, Joseph / Podduturi, Suhas / Ramatheko, Nokwanda / Rodriguez, Jordan / Rogers, Joshua / Rogers, Samuel / Sanchez, Christopher / Santana, Kristian / Sawyer, Madeline / Sherman, Rachael / Venne, Hunter / Wills, Andrew / Xie, Jiang / Yellasiri, Sai Rutwik Reddy / Zhang, Pengfei
Software selection based on analysis and forecasting methods, practised in 1C

The research focuses on the problem of a “1C: Enterprise 8” platform inboard mechanisms for data analysis and forecasting. It is important to evaluate and select proper software to develop effective strategies for customer relationship management in terms of sales, as well as implementation and further maintenance of software. Research data allows creating new forecast models to schedule further software distribution.
Iterative Identification for A Class of Closed-loop Systems Based on A Greedy Algorithm

A compressive sampling matching pursuit (CoSaMP) iterative algorithm is proposed in this paper to identify parameters and time-delays of a class of closed-loop systems where the forward channel is a CARMA model. Due to the unknown time-delays of both the feedback controller and the controlled plant, a high dimensional identification model with a sparse parameter vector is derived by using an overparameterized method. Then combining the CoSaMP algorithm with the iterative idea, the parameter vector is estimated and the unmeasurable noise items are updated in each iteration. Finally, the parameters of the feedback controller are extracted based on the model equivalence principle and time-delays are estimated according to the sparse characteristic of the parameter vector. The proposed method can simultaneously estimate the parameters and time-delays from a small number of sampled data. The simulation results illustrate that the proposed algorithm is effective.
Penile prosthesis, sexual satisfaction and representation of male erotic value

A follow-up study conducted among 39 implanted patients and 30 partners shows that subject's satisfaction towards prosthetic-sexuality depends on their representation of male erotic value. The less satisfied patients are sensitive to a normative representation that associates erotic value to criteria of 'spontaneity', 'naturalness', 'tall and non-assisted erections'. Their main dissatisfaction likely derives from the insufficiency of a prosthetic solution to restore a male self-image based on such criteria. This induces a more important impact on satisfaction rates than do functional problems (e.g. difficulties in manipulating the device, unwanted deflations, uncomfortable sensations). These patients also show an attribution bias consisting in attributing erroneously the same dissatisfaction and negative attitude towards prosthetic sexuality to their partner. Therefore, in addition to surgery, a psychosexual support is necessary to modify erotic representations and to improve the communication between the partners in order to increase sexual satisfaction with prosthesis-assisted sexuality.
In vitro study of the antifungal efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles against Fusarium oxysporum and Penicilium expansum

The antifungal efficiency of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) was investigated against two pathogenic fungal species, F. oxysporum and P. expansum. The two fungi were identified at molecular level by nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) identities. They have been submitted to the GenBank with accession numbers of AB753032 and AB753033 for F. oxysporum and P. expansum, respectively. The antifungal activity of ZnO NPs was found to be concentration dependent. Hence, maximal inhibition of mycelial growth corresponded to the highest experimental concentration (12 mg L−1), where 77 and 100% growth inhibition was observed for F. oxysporum and P. expansum, respectively. The effect of ZnO NPs on the mycotoxins fusaric acid and patulin production by F. oxysporum and P. expansum, respectively, was investigated using HPLC quantification. It was observed that ZnO NPs prevented both mycotoxins synthesis in a concentration dependent manner. Fusaric acid was reduced from 39.0 to 0.20 mg g-1while patulin production was reduced from 14.2 to 1.10 mg g-1 in control and 12 mg L−1ZnO NPs treated samples, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed obvious deformation in the growing mycelia treated with ZnO NPs in F. oxysporum which may be the cause of growth inhibition. Key words: Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), antifungal efficiency, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium expansum.
Examining the Links between Youth Economic Opportunity, Civic Engagement, and Conflict: Evidence from Mercy

Somali youth hold the potential to contribute to positive change in their country. However, currently they are also the majority of the participants in militant and criminal groups.1 To better understand the drivers of youth violence in Somaliland and Puntland, Mercy Corps Somalia examined the links between economic opportunity, civic engagement and conflict as part of its USAID-funded Somali Youth Leaders Initiative.2
L' Incidenza degli errori refrattivi in una popolazione di bambini di una scuola primaria

Scopo: descrivere l’incidenza dei difetti refrattivi in una popolazione di bambini di una scuola primaria. Metodi: 316 bambini (157 maschi e 159 femmine), di eta compresa tra i 6 e i 12 anni, sono stati valutati mediante un questionario anamnestico, acuita visiva da lontano e vicino, autorefrattometria, schiascopia statica, distanza di Harmon, Revip. La suddivisione dei difetti refrattivi e avvenuta considerando miopi i soggetti con valore inferiore a -0,50D, ipermetropi maggiore di +0,75D e astigmatici se la componente cilindrica supera le -0,75D. Risultati: il difetto refrattivo maggiormente presente e la miopia con un’incidenza pari al 26,27%. L’ipermetropia rappresenta l’11,71% e l’astigmatismo solo il 7,91% dei soggetti. Conclusioni: i valori ottenuti sono in linea con quelli riscontrati in Europa e negli Stati Uniti. Solo l’astigmatismo si e presentato con un’incidenza molto bassa simile a quella riscontrata in Australia.
Newtonian fluid flow in a thin porous medium with non-homogeneous slip boundary conditions

We consider the Stokes system in a thin porous medium $\Omega_\varepsilon$ of thickness $\varepsilon$ which is perforated by periodically distributed solid cylinders of size $\varepsilon$. On the boundary of the cylinders we prescribe non-homogeneous Fourier boundary condition depending on a parameter $\gamma$. The aim is to give the asymptotic behavior of the velocity and the pressure of the fluid as $\varepsilon$ goes to zero. Using an adaptation of the unfolding method, we give, following the values of $\gamma$, different limit systems.
Attenuated Kinetic and Kinematic Properties During Slow Versus Traditional Velocity Resistance Exercise

Purposely slow velocity resistance exercise (i.e., 10 s concentric and eccentric phases) is a popular training method, but limits the loads that can be lifted (e.g., <50% 1 RM). This study compared the biomechanical properties of purposely slow velocity (SLOW) and traditional resistance exercise (TRAD) that uses maximal lifting velocities. Healthy resistance-trained men (n=5) performed two testing sessions (barbell squat and bench press) in random-order; a SLOW session (1 set x 10 repetitions at 28% 1 RM, 10 s concentric & eccentric), and a TRAD session (3 x 10 at 70% 1 RM, controlled eccentric and maximal concentric). A force plate and linear position transducer were used to collect kinetic and kinematic data for every repetition of both protocols (α = 0.05). For both exercises, both concentric and eccentric mean force (N) and power (W) for each repetition was greater for TRAD. When the entire training session (squat + bench press) was examined, SLOW exhibited greater time under tension, while TRAD produced greater work (J) and impulse (N·s). Contrary to suggestions in both the lay and scientific literature, purposely slow resistance exercise produced less force, power, and work than traditional velocity resistance exercise.
Target-based solutions for Nash bargaining ∗ Lorenzo Bastianello

We revisit the Nash model for two-person bargaining. A mediator knows agents’ ordinal preferences over feasible proposals, but has incomplete information about their acceptance thresholds. We provide a behavioural characterisation under which the mediator recommends a proposal that maximises the probability that bargainers strike an agreement. Some major solutions are recovered as special cases; in particular, we offer a straightforward interpretation for the product operator underlying the Nash solution.
Improving Performance and Mitigating Fault Attacks Using Value Prediction

We present Value Prediction for Security (VPsec), a novel hardware-only framework to counter fault attacks in modern microprocessors, while preserving the performance benefits of Value Prediction (VP.) VP is an elegant and hitherto mature microarchitectural performance optimization, which aims to predict the data value ahead of the data production with high prediction accuracy and coverage. Instances of VPsec leverage the state-of-the-art Value Predictors in an embodiment and system design to mitigate fault attacks in modern microprocessors. Specifically, VPsec implementations re-architect any baseline VP embodiment with fault detection logic and reaction logic to mitigate fault attacks to both the datapath and the value predictor itself. VPsec also defines a new mode of execution in which the predicted value is trusted rather than the produced value. From a microarchitectural design perspective, VPsec requires minimal hardware changes (negligible area and complexity impact) with respect to a baseline that supports VP, it has no software overheads (no increase in memory footprint or execution time), and it retains most of the performance benefits of VP under realistic attacks. Our evaluation of VPsec demonstrates its efficacy in countering fault attacks, as well as its ability to retain the performance benefits of VP on cryptographic workloads, such as OpenSSL, and non-cryptographic workloads, such as SPEC CPU 2006/2017.
A Comparable Phone Set for the TIMIT Dataset Discovered in Clustering of Listen , Attend and Spell

Listen, Attend and Spell (LAS) [3] maps a sequence of acoustic spectra directly to 1 a sequence of graphemes, with no explicit internal representation of phones. This 2 paper asks whether LAS can be used as a scientific tool, to discover the phone 3 set of a language whose phone set may be controversial or unknown. Phonemes 4 have a precise linguistic definition, but phones may be defined in any manner 5 that is convenient for speech technology: we propose that a practical phone set 6 is one that can be inferred from speech following certain procedures, but that is 7 also highly predictive of the word sequence. We demonstrate that such a phone 8 set can be inferred by clustering the hidden nodes activation vectors of an LAS 9 model during training, thus encouraging the model to learn a hidden representation 10 characterized by acoustically compact clusters that are nevertheless predictive of 11 the word sequence. We further define a metric for the quality of a phone set (the 12 sum of conditional entropy of the graphemes given the phone set and the phones 13 given the acoustics), and demonstrate that according to this metric, the clustered14 LAS phone set is comparable to the original TIMIT [4] phone set. Specifically, the 15 clustered-LAS phone set is closer to the acoustics; the original TIMIT phone set is 16 closer to the text. 17
Meta-Analysis of Quantitative Trait Association and Mapping Studies using Parametric and Non-Parametric Models

Meta-analysis is an important method for integration of information from multiple studies. In quantitative trait association and mapping experiments, combining results from several studies allows greater statistical power for detection of causal loci and more precise estimation of their effects, and thus can yield stronger conclusions than individual studies. Various meta-analysis methods have been proposed for synthesizing information from multiple candidate gene studies and QTL mapping experiments, but there are several questions and challenges associated with these methods. For example, meta-analytic fixed-effect models assume homogeneity of outcomes from individual studies, which may not always be true. Whereas random-effect models takes into account the heterogeneity among studies they typically assume a normal distribution of study-specific outcomes. However in reality, the observed distribution pattern tends to be multi-modal, suggesting a mixture whose underlying components are not directly observable. In this paper, we examine several existing parametric meta-analysis methods, and propose the use of a non-parametric model with a Dirichlet process prior (DPP), which relaxes the normality assumptions about study- specific outcomes. With a DPP model, the posterior distribution of outcomes is discrete, reflecting a clustering property that may have biological implications. Features of these methods were illustrated and compared using both simulation data and real QTL data extracted from the Animal QTLdb (http://www.animalgenome.org/cgi-bin/QTLdb/index). The meta analysis of reported average daily body weight gain (ADG) QTL suggested that there could be from six to eight distinct ADG QTL on swine chromosome 1
Surveillance for African Swine Fever and Classical Swine Fever in Benue State, Nigeria

A serosurveillance study was conducted to detect the presence of antibodies to African swine fever virus (ASFV) and Classical swine fever virus in pigs sampled from piggeries and Makurdi central slaughter slab in Benue State, Nigeria. 416 pigs from 74 piggeries across 12 LGAs and 44 pigs at the Makurdi central slaughter slab were sampled for serum. The sera collected were analysed using Indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test kit to test for antibodies to ASFV, while competitive ELISA test kit was used to test for antibodies to CSFV. Of the 416 pigs from piggeries and 44 pigs sampled from the slaughter slab, seven (1.7%) and six (13.6%), respectively, tested positive to ASFV antibodies and was significantly associated (p < 0.0001). Out of the 12 LGAs sampled, Obi LGA had the highest ASFV antibody detection rate of (4.8%) and was significantly associated (p < 0.0001). None of the samples tested positive to CSFV antibodies. The study concluded that antibodies to CSFV were absent in the sampled pigs in piggeries and at the Makurdi central slaughter slab in Benue State, while antibodies to ASFV were present in both locations; hence, the need to keep an eye open for CSF too since both diseases may pose great risk in the study area. Further studies to characterise the ASFV circulating in Benue State and investigate the possible sources is recommended. Routine surveillance to provide a comprehensive and readily accessible data base to plan for the prevention of any fulminating outbreak is also recommended. Keywords—African swine fever, classical swine fever, piggery, slaughter slab, surveillance.
The Mechanisms and Structure of Gender Discrimination in a Crowdfunding Market

Research on discrimination attempts to identify the mechanisms that generate discrimination and the dimensions along which differential treatment occurs. In this study, I investigate the emergence and patterns of gender discrimination among teachers in a crowdfunding market. For the former, experimental research has shown a wide range of mechanisms capable of inducing gendered judgments. However, challenges to priming research and the diversity of mechanisms beg the question of what consistently causes gender discrimination. A natural experiment found in the markets archives provides evidence indicating that publishing teachers sex category (“Mr. Spain or “Ms. Hernandez) invoked discrimination while substantial proxies like grade level and subject area do not. In estimating gender discrimination, gender system theory suggests a three dimensional model. However, investigating how the different dimensions interact and combine to produce systemic inequalities remains under-studied. I operationalize the three dimensions and test them simultaneously, showing that, instead of generating sex-based discrimination, publishing teachers sex led to significant discrimination according to the gender of teachers occupational role and the language they used. These results pose new questions for experimental research and demonstrate the promise of using all three dimensions for estimating discrimination.
Antiarrhythmic Medications for Cardioversion and Maintenance of Sinus Rhythm in Patients with Cardiac Arrhythmias: A Review of the Literature

Introduction: Cardiac arrhythmias, including supraventricular and ventricular tachycardias, portend a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. These arrhythmias also are associated with increased healthcare resource utilization, decreased quality of life, and increased activity impairment. Pharmacologic conversion is a treatment option for conversion to sinus rhythm that has the advantage of avoiding sedation from DC cardioversion. Objective: To review the efficacy, side effects, clearance, and prescribing considerations for antiarrhythmic medications for pharmacologic cardioversion. Methodology: We included studies evaluating the efficacy of antiarrhythmic drugs. We included prescribing indications including half-life, clearance, and side effects. We arranged the manuscript by Vaughan Williams classification. Results: Class IA, class IC, and class III antiarrhythmic medications are effective at conversion of supraventricular arrhythmias with rates frequently greater than 50%. Amiodarone and Lidocaine may be used for conversion of ventricular tachycardias. The specific agent utilized depends upon the potential other medication interactions, clearance and toxicity. Conclusion: Pharmacologic cardioversion provides a reasonable alternative to electrical cardioversion in many cases.
Self-reorganizing Dynamic Formations of Mobile Autonomous Robots for Communication Network Optimization

This doctoral research intends to study a method to autonomously self reorganize a formation of mobile robots to optimize network performance. Currently, a program has already been developed that allows the robots to retrieve the received signal strength of their neighbours along with positional information of themselves and their neighbours. A routing protocol has also been developed and tested that uses the signal strength. It is intended to improve this protocol with the addition of positional data of each robot. Further studies will be conducted in uncommon environments, such as underground mines, to further its applications. Control algorithms have been developed and simulated to autonomously reorganize a small formation of car like robots to optimize communication links. These algorithms will also be used to automatically set up communication networks using droppable, non-moving routing nodes. Along with being simulated, experiments will be conducted in physical environments.
TGF / Smad 4-Dependent and-Independent Regulation of Human Lens Epithelial Cells

PURPOSE. Transforming growth factor (TGF)can mediate fibrotic responses via Smad4-dependent and -independent signaling pathways. TGF -induced transdifferentiation of lens epithelial cells to myofibroblasts and matrix contraction contribute to posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after cataract surgery. The primary objective of the study was to determine the importance of Smad4 in TGF 2-induced transdifferentiation, matrix contraction, and Smad signaling by human lens epithelial cells.