Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Empirical Models for the WFC3/IR PSF

The severely undersampled nature of the WFC3/IR PSF introduces significant complications in the analysis of point sources and barely resolved objects. We have made use of observations of an outer field in Omega Centauri in order to construct PSFs in four wide-band WFC3/IR filters: F105W, F125W, F140W, and F160W. Since the F110W PSF is also popular, we used observations of the 47 Tuc calibration field to construct a model for it as well. This document describes the construction of these PSFs, describes their features, and gives a brief tutorial of how to use them to fit objects in images. A follow-on document will make use of the large archive of observations to come up with PSFs for many other WFC3/IR filters. In order to help the community make use of these PSFs, we are currently developing software that can be used to (1) measure stars in images with this PSF and (2) insert stars into flt images such that they can be realistically inserted into drizzled images.
THE ROLE OF TEMPORARY INVOLVEMENT WITH APPELLATION OF ORIGIN IN THE PURCHASE OF WINE

Studying the involvement variable is key to explaining consumer behaviour. The aim of the current research is to analyse the effect that the individual’s temporary involvement with the appellation of origin has on the process of the decision to purchase agro-food products. It is proposed and confirmed a measurement of the consumer’s temporary involvement by three properties defining its cognitive base: number of associated values, centrality of these values and intensity of the relation. To examine the influence of the temporary involvement, we consider the cognitive, affective and behavioural responses that make up the decision process. Here, the analysis focuses on the product category of wine.
Image Analysis on a Scanned Journal Page

—Document image analysis is of great importance in the ﬁeld of image processing and pattern recognition, where the scanned document analysis receives much more attention due to its signiﬁcance in the fast growing digital libraries. Three types of scanned journal pages including one-column, two-column as well as two-column mixed with one-column are studied in this paper. A journal page is basically composed of four lines including texts, ﬁgures or tables, isolated mathematical expressions and embedded mathematical expressions. In order to identify these useful lines for future recognition application, an effective approach is presented. The main steps of this approach consist of skew restoration, line extraction, page orientation checking, page inversion checking as well as line detection. The step of line detection is used to classify the detected lines. A series of experiments are conducted and the results show that our system can achieve 90% above accuracy of line detection without the use of OCR and thus conﬁrms the feasibility of the proposed approach.
Patient-Nurse Ratio and Nurse Outcomes in Acute Care Hospitals Short running title Patient-Nurse Ratio and Nurse Outcomes

Aims: To evaluate the current evidence base and provide a systematic overview of this evidence on the relationship between the patient-nurse ratio and nurse employee outcomes. Background: The ongoing shortage of qualified nursing staff has resulted in the introduction of different staff-related interventions. As a consequence, evidence-based decision-making linking nurse staffing with staff-related outcomes is a much needed research area. Although multiple studies have investigated this phenomenon, the evidence is mixed and fragmented. Evaluation: Thirty studies were identified, analysing the following outcomes: job (dis)satisfaction, emotional exhaustion, job stress, intent to leave, needle stick injuries, nurses’ perception of quality of care, safety of patients and care left undone. Key issue(s): Several studies confirm that a higher patient-nurse ratio can be associated to adverse nurse outcomes. Future research should incorporate other methodologies (e.g. longitudinal designs) and unit-level data. Conclusion: A relationship between the patient-nurse ratio and specific staff-related outcomes is confirmed by various studies. Implications for Nursing Management: Staffing alone is not enough to ensure quality of care. Other variables have to be taken into consideration (e.g. skill mix and the work environment). Hospital management should systematically start tracking data on the work environment and convert this information into policy guidelines. Key-words: Healthcare, staffing, patient-nurse ratio, work environment, nurse outcome 3 Submission ID: 10742
DIRECTORATE FOR EDUCATION AND SKILLS ADAPTIVE PROBLEM SOLVING: MOVING TOWARDS A NEW ASSESSMENT DOMAIN IN THE SECOND CYCLE OF PIAAC

The set of skills that is required to be a successful citizen in the 21st century is rapidly evolving. New technologies and social systems grow increasingly complex and require individuals to quickly and flexibly adapt to new and changing circumstances. This paper outlines the key features of the domain of adaptive problem solving that is proposed to be assessed in the 2nd cycle of the OECD Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC) in addition to the domains of numeracy and literacy. Adaptive problem solving is considered to be a crucial 21st century skill that combines cognitive and meta-cognitive processes. The paper develops a definition of adaptive problem solving building on relevant work in cognitive psychology and cognitive science, introduces its covariates and preconditions, discusses relevant assessment principles, and provides insights on the relevance of adaptive problem solving for labour markets and social integration.
Proposal for Knowledge Model Using RDF-based Service Control for Balancing Security and Privacy in Ubiquitous Sensor Networks

-In ubiquitous sensor networks, various sensors and tag readers automatically collect information in space and relevant information is acquired. Efficient utilization of the acquired information is important for providing high-quality services that meet the users' privacy requirements. We use RDF triples that represent spatial information at the granularity of the requested security levels. In earlier work, we created a knowledge model that considers privacy by representing user information hierarchically, and we verified its feasibility by a simulator that we developed. Then, we extended this knowledge model. In this paper, we discuss our newly proposed extended knowledge model and its applicability to various spaces. In addition, we evaluate the feasibility of the model by using a test simulator that we developed.
Improvement of the characteristics of the bituminous concrete employed for the waterproofness of dams by the filler Bouhnifia dam (Algeria)

Bituminous concrete masks have historically been a real solution to the sealing organ of the dams and other hydraulic works, given the mechanical and hydraulic qualities of the material. The continuous progress in the design and construction of the masks of this type led us to carry out a study of its characteristics. A study in this direction to verify the resistance of the bituminous concrete mask from Bouhnifia dam to the solar effects shows that this mask can withstand these effects without the need for the thermal protection layer. In this work and to improve the characteristics of bituminous concrete, we studied the mechanical and physical characteristics of bitumen and stability on the slope. To do this, the percentage of filler in the mixture must be changed. Then samples must be prepared in the laboratory and tested. This study shows that the improvement of bituminous concrete with appropriate amounts of filler reduces the volume of vacuums; make the mixture denser and impermeable. However, excessive amounts of filler will significantly increase bitumen demand due to increased specific surface area, decrease creep, and increase percentages of imbibition and swelling. Keywords: Dam, Waterproofness, Bituminous concrete, Filler Stability
Effects of Relational Norms on Mitigating Opportunism: A Case of Smallholding Vegetable Farmers in Sri Lanka

Lack of empirical evidence regarding the relative efficacy of relational norms on mitigating opportunism particularly against smallholding vegetable farmers represents a significant gap in the literature. Therefore, this paper attempts to fill this gap studying the effects of relational norms on mitigating opportunism against smallholding vegetable farmers in Sri Lanka. Survey data collected from 100 smallholder vegetable farmers in Welimada Agrarian Development Division in Sri Lanka was used for empirical testing. Data was analyzed using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Empirical results confirmed that relational norms i.e. information exchange, solidarity, flexibility, role integrity, and reciprocity between smallholding vegetable farmers and exchange partners have a significant impact on mitigating opportunism against smallholder vegetable farmers accepting all hypothetical relationships. Based on the results, the study concludes that relational norms between smallholder vegetable farmers and exchange partners encourage mutual interest seeking and discourage self-seeking behavior of exchange partners preventing opportunism against smallholder vegetable farmers in Sri Lanka. Relational norms should be further enhanced by strengthening exchange relationships ensuring favorable transaction environment in order to minimize opportunism which leads to mitigate transaction costs and thereby improve the performance of smallholder vegetable farmers.
The Effect of Contralateral Acoustic Stimulation on the Latency of Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The auditory efferent system -Medial olivocochlear bundle (MOCB)-controls the sensitivity and frequency selectivity of the cochlea and maintains the cochlea for optimal acoustic signaling. Contralateral acoustic sound stimulates the MOCB and has inhibitory effects on the sound evoked amplitude response of the cochlea. There are only a few reports on the latency response of contralateral acoustic stimulation (CAS) on distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE), and it has no consistent conclusion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether changing the latency of DPOAE by CAS could be a stable method for monitoring the function of MOCB. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The change in the latencies of DPOAE after CAS were monitored in 24 normal hearing ears with f2 sweep paradigm. The CAS level was divided into two groups, one was under 65 dB SPL and other was over 65 dB SPL. RESULTS: As f2 frequency changed from 1 kHz to 2 kHz, the latency of DPOAE was shortened from 11.82 +/- 1.87 ms to 7.29 +/- 0.86 ms in low stimulation level (50 dB SPL) and from 10.70 +/- 2.65 ms to 6.16 +/- 1.59 ms in high stimulation level (75 dB SPL) There were no significant shortening on the latency of DPOAE after CAS in low stimulation level group. But in higher stimulation level group (75 dB SPL), DPOAE latency changed from 10.70 +/- 2.65 ms to 10.12 +/- 1.95 ms (CAS level: 35 dB SL) and to 9.76 +/- 2.97 ms (CAS level: 50 dB SL) in 1 kHz, from 6.16 +/- 1.59 ms to 5.96 +/- 1.49 ms (CAS level: 35 dB SL) and to 5.83 +/- 1.28 ms (CAS level: 50 dB SL) in 2 kHz. CONCLUSION: Changes in the latency of DPOAE after CAS is not a stable monitoring tool for the function of MOCB
Examining the robustness of observational associations to model, measurement and sampling uncertainty with the vibration of effects framework

Abstract Background The results of studies on observational associations may vary depending on the study design and analysis choices as well as due to measurement error. It is important to understand the relative contribution of different factors towards generating variable results, including low sample sizes, researchers’ flexibility in model choices, and measurement error in variables of interest and adjustment variables. Methods We define sampling, model and measurement uncertainty, and extend the concept of vibration of effects in order to study these three types of uncertainty in a common framework. In a practical application, we examine these types of uncertainty in a Cox model using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. In addition, we analyse the behaviour of sampling, model and measurement uncertainty for varying sample sizes in a simulation study. Results All types of uncertainty are associated with a potentially large variability in effect estimates. Measurement error in the variable of interest attenuates the true effect in most cases, but can occasionally lead to overestimation. When we consider measurement error in both the variable of interest and adjustment variables, the vibration of effects are even less predictable as both systematic under- and over-estimation of the true effect can be observed. The results on simulated data show that measurement and model vibration remain non-negligible even for large sample sizes. Conclusion Sampling, model and measurement uncertainty can have important consequences for the stability of observational associations. We recommend systematically studying and reporting these types of uncertainty, and comparing them in a common framework.
Chapter 2: Impact of Diabetic Foot Ulcer on Health-Related Quality of Life

International health initiatives have identified improving of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as central to achieving public health goals. However, India neither lays appropriate emphasis on public health initiatives nor considers HRQoL as a desirable parameter for measuring health care accomplishments. Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), a severe public health issue, adversely affects HRQoL. However, there is a paucity of data on effect of foot ulcer on HRQoL of diabetics in Indian milieu. Since South-Asians, especially, Indians have a unique identities related to diabetes and its complications, generalizing the data of its effect on HRQoL from any other part of the world needs to be reevaluated in the Indian context. This study evaluates impact of foot ulcers on HRQoL of diabetics. This cross-sectional study conducted in Kasturba Hospital (KH), Manipal (Costal South India), consisted of 200 DFU patients in Study Group (SG) and 200 diabetics in Control Group (CG). RAND-36 questionnaire were employed for evaluating HRQoL scores of the patients in both groups. DFU patients additionally completed DFS-SF questionnaire. Independent ttest was used to test the differences in the mean scores. The results show that both CG and SG have ‘poor’ HRQoL (mean score < 50) in all the subscales, except two subscales in CG, namely social functioning (SF) and bodily pain (BP). There is statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in all the eight subscales of HRQoL between both groups. For both CG and SG, the summary score of physical health (PCS) domains (44.9±6.3 vs 28.4±3.4) and mental health (MCS) domains (42.5±3.8 vs 29.5±7.1) were poor. There is a significant difference in HRQoL between CG and SG, as shown by mean scores both PCS and MCS (p<0.05). DFS-SF scale shows that HRQoL is very poor for DFU patients in all the six domains. The study concludes that DFU patients have very poor HRQoL compared to diabetics. Likewise, the diabetic foot is associated with severely impaired HRQoL in both physical and mental health aspects. This study will help to develop a patient-education (PE) model for DFU patients by looking into the various HRQoL domains that are adversely affected by foot ulcer. Additionally, identified burden of impaired physical or mental health can guide the framing of public health policy and enable collaboration with community partners. Health planners and legislators can allocate resources among competing health programs based on criteria such as the burden of impaired HRQoL in a specific group like DFU patients.
ELECTROPHILIC POLYETHYLENE OXDES FOR THE MODIFICATION OF POLYSACCHARDES , POLYPEPTIDES ( PROTEINS )

Int. Cl. C07K 1/00; CO7K 14/00; CO7K 16/00 U.S. Cl. 428/447; 525/54.1; 525/54.2; 52.5/54.21; 525/403; 525/408; 427/452; 427/2.3; 427/2.31; 427/200; 427/207: 530/350; 530/362; 530/363; 530/380; 530/381; 530/405; 530/406; 530/345; 536/21:536/29.1 Field of Search . 525/408,403, 525/54.1, 54.2, 54.21; 428/447; 427/452, 2; 527/200, 207; 530/350, 362,363, 380, 381, 405, 406,345; 536/21, 29.1; 548/520, 435, 465, 475,542, 259,296; 546/208, 243 US005650234A
Dynamic multi-configuration model of a 145 MWe concentrated solar power plant with the ThermoSysPro library (tower receiver, molten salt storage and steam generator)

Molten salt technology represents nowadays the most cost-effective technology for electricity generation for solar power plant. 0D/1D models are useful to check, validate and improve through simulation the energy performances of existing power plants. They are also used to find the best design that meets required economical criteria and the preparation of the acceptance test for commissioning of the power plant. A dynamic multi-configuration model of a concentrated solar power plant has been developed. The component model is meant to be used for power plant modeling with the ThermoSysPro library developed by EDF and released under open source license. The model is based on momentum and mass/energy conservation equations, as 1-dimensionnal (1D), partial differential equations. The model includes a water/steam cycle (economizer, evaporator, superheater, turbines, aerocondenser, water heaters, pumps, valves, tank, volumes and pipes), molten salt thermal storage system (temperature up to 565oC with a capacity of 8 hours of electricity production without sunlight) and a cylindrical receiver. The distribution of the heat flux received by the receiver may be calculated by Tonatiuh tool (Ray Tracing tool). The primary aim of this study was to demonstrate the capability of said model to simulate the operating conditions of a solar power plant, and then the capability of the model to check the manufacturers design and targeted performances. In order to be able to answer to many different situations, we created some variables in some of the component model enabling to switch itself on or off. So (turbine stage, water heater, .), the same model can simulate several different plant configurations. * Corresponding author. Tel. : +33130878301; fax: + 33130878120. E-mail address: baligh.el-hefni@edf.fr 1250 B. El Hefni and R. Soler / Energy Procedia 69 ( 2015 ) 1249 – 1258 This model (Modelica model, translate with Dymola) includes all typical configurations, thus enabling its use through a userfriendly Excel interface. With this interface, comparisons between various architectures according to given criteria and constraints are easy, thus helping the user to define the best design. This interface can be used by a non-specialist in modeling. Several transients are simulated, the objectives are: check the performances and the design (sizing of the components) given by the manufacturers, verify and validate by simulation the scenario of large transients and to reduce the uncertainty of the prediction on the yearly electricity production (simulation with yearly DNI). © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Peer review by the scientific conference committee of SolarPACES 2014 under responsibility of PSE AG.
The Value of Backers’ Word-of-Mouth in Screening Crowdfunding Projects: An Empirical Investigation

Reward-based crowdfunding is an emerging financing channel for entrepreneurs to raise money for their innovative projects. How to screen the crowdfunding projects is critical for crowdfunding platform, project founder, and potential backers. This study aims to investigate whether backers’ word-of-mouth (WOM) is a valuable input to generate collective intelligence for project screening. Specially, we answer three questions. First, is backers’ WOM an effective signal for implementation performance of crowdfunding projects? Second, how do the WOM help screen projects during the fund-raising process? Third, which kind of comments (positive or negative) is more effective in screening crowdfunding projects? Research hypotheses were developed based on theories of collective intelligence and WOM communication. Using a cross section dataset and a panel dataset, we get the following findings. First, backers’ negative WOM can effectively predict project implementation performance, however positive WOM does not have that prediction power. The prediction power of positive and negative WOM differs significantly. One possible reason is that negative WOM does contain more information of project quality. Second, project with more accumulative negative WOM tend to attract fewer subsequent backers. However, accumulative positive WOM is not helpful for attracting more potential backers. We conclude that negative WOM is useful for project screening project, because it is a signal of project quality, and meanwhile it could prevent backers make subsequent investments.
Private Information and Unemployment Insurance

I provide empirical evidence that private information limits the ability to insure the risk of job loss in private markets, and analyze the implications of this micro-foundation for normative analysis of optimal unemployment insurance. Using information contained in subjective probability elicitations, I show individuals have significant information about their chances of losing their job conditional on a wide range of observable information insurers could potentially use to price the insurance. I derive lower bounds that suggest individuals would need to be willing to pay at least a 75% markup in order to generate the existence of a private unemployment insurance market, far exceeding willingness-to-pay estimates. I derive semi-parametric point estimates of this markup in excess of 300%. In response to learning about future unemployment, I show that individuals decrease consumption and spouses are more likely to enter the labor market, even conditional on the later realization of unemployment. This suggests social insurance is valuable not only as insurance against the event of becoming unemployed, but also as insurance against learning about potentially becoming unemployed. While traditional formulas do not capture this value of social insurance, I provide several new methods to identify the ex-ante value of unemployment insurance. The methods exploit the impact of information revelation about future unemployment, in contrast to the impact of the event. The results suggest that, exante before learning their own unemployment prospects, individuals would be willing to pay at least a 40-60% markup over an actuarially fair price for unemployment insurance.
Invoking Behavioral Genetics in Criminal Mitigation: What Can Experts Reasonably Say?

Legal arguments, in criminal trials, the sentencing phase of capital trials, or in post-conviction proceedings in American courts, may incorporate family history, environment, and other presumed nonculpable influences on the development and predispositions of defendants. Attorneys may also proffer expert testimony to enhance a defense claim that the defendant was less culpable for the behavior charged; for example, inherited traits. The terms heredity and genetics, however, have various meanings and implications for responsibility. This report tracks arguments and testimony cited in American appellate cases in which genetics appeared within mitigation arguments or claims of ineffective assistance of counsel. The results indicate general lack of scientific detail from expert witnesses and poor results in achieving habeas corpus hearings or new trials. Difficulties included demonstrating a scientific basis for genetics claims, separating biological from family/environmental factors, the high threshold for habeas corpus and ineffective assistance of counsel certification, and the group-toindividual inferences drawn from research. The article concludes two suggestions for expert witnesses: 1) that mere inclusion of hereditary or genetic influences tends to be insufficient to reduce criminal culpability and 2) that invoking genetics or heredity is more effective when bundled with mitigating factors describing the defendant’s life experiences.