SIRIS-Lab/unlabelled-sti-corpus huggingface dataset:
Family history of cancer and risk of sporadic differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Thyroid cancer incidence in the United States, particularly in women, has increased dramatically since the 1980s. Although the causes of thyroid cancer in most patients remain largely unknown, evidence suggests the existence of an inherited predisposition to development of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Therefore, the authors explored the association between sporadic DTC and family history of cancer.In a retrospective hospital-based case-control study of prospectively recruited subjects who completed the study questionnaire upon enrollment, unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as estimates of the DTC risk associated with first-degree family history of cancer.The study included 288 patients with sporadic DTC and 591 cancer-free controls. Family history of thyroid cancer in first-degree relatives was associated with increased DTC risk (adjusted OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.7-9.9). All DTC cases in patients with a first-degree family history of thyroid cancer were cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) (adjusted OR, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.9-11.1). Notably, the risk of PTC was highest in subjects with a family history of thyroid cancer in siblings (OR, 7.4; 95% CI, 1.8-30.4). In addition, multifocal primary tumor was more common among PTC patients with first-degree family history of thyroid cancer than among PTC patients with no first-degree family history of thyroid cancer (68.8% vs 35.5%, P = .01).The study suggests that family history of thyroid cancer in first-degree relatives, particularly in siblings, is associated with an increased risk of sporadic PTC.
The first on-site mobile solution for complete synthetic grass recycling and materials reuse

Boom in synthetic grass sporting fields in EU and USA in the last 15-years has led to huge environmental problem. 600 000 tonnes of rubber, sand and plastics mixed wastes are generated from used fields each year in EU alone. Based on the current market trends, the total wastes will increase by 5-times by 2030, leading to over 3 million tonnes of mixed wastes annually.

Despite the growing popularity of synthetic grass both in major football leagues and school grounds, there are no unified regulations or effective technologies for its sustainable EOL management. Current solutions enable only limited used grass recycling and materials reclaim and thus field owners currently landfill 90% of the used grass without any recycling.

ASIE, company with over 20-years of experience in synthetic grass fields, has developed the first on-site recycling solution that enables complete used synthetic grass recycling and materials reuse for environmental and economic sustainability. Compared to alternatives, we ensure:

• Used grass and infill high-quality re-installation 
• 100% infill reclaim, separation, cleaning and sanitary treatment
• 4x faster old turf removal and 2x faster full field renewal
• 50% cost reduction of old field utilization and 50% savings from new installation

We aim to achieve a zero-waste concept and improve the environmental sustainability of synthetic grass installations. Our unique ARENA concept enables to eliminate current landfilling and reuse 100% of the materials in new fields or as recycled raw materials in other industries. As a result, we:

• Prevent 1 million tonnes of mixed wastes from landfilling annually
• Reduce field renewal transportation need by 10-times, leading to 95% less CO2 emissions

Our total targeted market in Europe is €350m annually, with very high growth potential in the next years. As a result of the innovation project, we will generate €125m total sales revenue and create 350 new jobs by 2023.
Acceptance testing and validation of Stability Type models of wind power plants

This paper discusses the criteria and processes for acceptance testing and validation of stability type models of the wind turbines and wind power plants (WPPs). Some of the modeling issues experienced in the Australian National Electricity Market (NEM) are discussed. These include suitability of the stability models when connected to weak power systems with low short circuit ratio, and for investigation of unbalanced disturbances. The procedure for validation of stability models of WPPs is then outlined, and an example of on-site model validation test is presented. The process presented for acceptance testing and validation of WPPs will be valid for solar Photovoltaic plants.
Cultural Sites and Tourism: Development of European Strategies

Since cultural richness of the Central Europe area is very high, cultural tourism is one of the main pillars in the economic development of many cities and towns. However this richness can produce negative effects, as well known touristic sites are overcrowded, while other important sites near to these cultural centres are poorly visited by the main tourism flows. 
This has also a negative effect on cohesion policy, since the current trends prevent the creation of several new jobs in the neglected cultural sites, while they increase pollution in large cities. CUSTODES intends to address these topics, focusing on less known cultural sites, enhancing their potential as sustainable tourism destinations and promoting the socio-economic development of these areas.
As a follow-up project of the INTERREG IIIC project ROMIT the aim of was to find new ways of preservation, valorisation and management of Roman heritage CUSTODES project intends to increase the economic value of relevant cultural sites (archaeological areas, but also historical castles, landscapes, spas...), enhancing their potential as sustainable tourism destinations and promoting the socio-economic development of surrounding areas. 
In particular the project focuses on the development of tourist products specifically created for cultural sites in small centres, usually excluded from main tourism flows. Thereby the promotion of touristic sites is interconnected with the creation of new sustainable tourism infrastructures at local level, benefitting from the proximity of a well known tourism destination not too far from the cultural site. 
In this matter it is important to find a European strategy in order to transfer knowledge, practices, experiences, skills and products on a wider dimension. CUSTODES aims to establish models and tools which can be well transferred in other European areas with similar characteristics.
Assessing Potential Impacts of a Wastewater Rapid Infiltration Basin System on Groundwater Quality: A Delaware Case Study

Rapid infiltration basin systems (RIBS) are receiving increased interest for domestic wastewater disposal in rural areas. They rely on natural treatment processes to filter pollutants and use extremely high effluent loading rates, much greater than natural precipitation, applied to a small geographic area instead of disposal to surface water. Concerns exist today that adopting RIBS in areas with shallow groundwater and sandy soils may increase ground and surface water pollution. We conducted a field study of RIBS effects on N and P concentrations in soils and groundwater at Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware, where a RIBS designed and operated following USEPA guidance has been used for >25 yr. Site and wastewater characteristics (water table of 8 m, Fe- and Al-oxide coatings on soils, organic-rich effluent) were favorable for denitrification and P sorption; however, we found high P saturation, reduced soil P sorption capacity, and significant total P accumulation at depths >1.5 m, factors that could lead to dissolved P leaching. Very low soil inorganic N levels suggest that wastewater N was converted rapidly to NO-N and leached from the RIBS. Extensive groundwater monitoring supported these concerns and showed rapid offsite transport of N and P at concentrations similar to the effluent. Results suggest that high hydraulic loads and preferential flow led to flow velocities that were too large, and contact times between effluent and soils that were too short, for effective N and P attenuation processes. These findings indicate the need for better site characterization and facility designs to reduce and monitor contaminant loss from RIBS in similar settings.
Performance of pulse position modulation using various UWB pulses

This paper studied the bit error rate (BER) analysis of various Ultra-wide band (UWB) pulses over different channel models using pulse position modulation (PPM) technique. Gaussian and its derivatives, modified Hermite pulse (MHP) and composite Hermite pulse (CHP) are used to transmit data bits in UWB communications. For BER simulation analysis of UWB pulses, earlier proposed additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and Saleh-Valenzuela (S-V) channel model for UWB are considered. The results show the performance of CHP is superior compare to other pulses for all channel models due to its good spectrum compatibility with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) spectral mask and higher fractional bandwidth. The observation done in this paper is very helpful in the selection of pulse for UWB communication system.
The reduction of serum aminotransferase levels is proportional to the decline of the glomerular filtration rate in patients with chronic kidney disease

This study sought to determine the serum aminotransferase levels of patients with predialysis chronic kidney disease and establish their relationships with serum creatinine levels and glomerular filtration rate.Patients with chronic kidney disease were evaluated between September 2011 and May 2012. Aminotransferase and creatinine serum levels were measured using an automated kinetic method, and glomerular filtration rates were estimated using the Cockroft-Gault and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formulas to classify patients into chronic kidney disease stages.Exactly 142 patients were evaluated (mean age: 64±16 years). The mean creatinine serum level and glomerular filtration rate were 3.3±1.2 mg/dL and 29.1±13 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Patients were distributed according to their chronic kidney disease stages as follows: 3 (2.1%) patients were Stage 2; 54 (38%) were Stage 3; 70 (49.3%) were Stage 4; and 15 (10.5%) were Stage 5. The mean aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase serum levels showed a reduction in proportion to the increase in creatinine levels (p=0.001 and p=0.05, respectively) and the decrease in glomerular filtration rate (p=0.007 and p=0.028, respectively). Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase serum levels tended to be higher among patients classified as stage 2 or 3 compared with those classified as stage 4 or 5 (p=0.08 and p=0.06, respectively).The aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase serum levels of patients with predialysis chronic kidney disease decreased in proportion to the progression of the disease; they were negatively correlated with creatinine levels and directly correlated with glomerular filtration rate.
English in Cyprus or Cyprus English: An empirical investigation of variety status

This volume provides the first-ever comprehensive analysis of a potential variety of English, spoken in the Greek part of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Despite the fact that Cyprus was a British colony from 1878 to 1960, the status of the English language spoken there has not yet been discussed systematically within the framework of World Englishes. To determine whether English in Cyprus has second-language variety status or should rather be considered as learner English, the monograph investigates its historical, sociopolitical and sociolinguistic background and, drawing on a corpus of spoken data, offers a synchronic analysis of linguistic features. The results suggest to rethink some of the well-established taxonomies of World Englishes research, especially those that strictly differentiate between second-language varieties and learner Englishes. This renders the book relevant not only to scholars working in the field of World Englishes but also to second language acquisition researchers.
Efficacy of Immediate and Delayed Cognitive and Physical Rest for Treatment of Sports-Related Concussion

To evaluate the efficacy of cognitive and physical rest for the treatment of concussion.High school and collegiate athletes (N = 49) underwent post-concussion evaluations between April 2010 and September 2011 and were prescribed at least 1 week of cognitive and physical rest. Participants were assigned to groups on the basis of the time elapsed between sustaining a concussion and the onset of rest (1-7 days, 8-30 days, 31+ days). Main outcome measures included Concussion Symptom Scale ratings and scores on the 4 composite indices of the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing measure, both before and following rest. Mixed-factorial design ANOVA were used to compare changes on the dependent measures within and between groups.Participants showed significantly improved performance on Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing and decreased symptom reporting following prescribed cognitive and physical rest (P < .001), regardless of the time between concussion and onset of rest (P = .44).These preliminary data suggest that a period of cognitive and physical rest may be a useful means of treating concussion-related symptoms, whether applied soon after a concussion or weeks to months later.
Decomposition and Nutrient Release Dynamics of Ficus benghalensis L. Litter in Traditional Agroforestry Systems of Karnataka, Southern India

Decomposition and nutrient release dynamics of leaf litter of Ficus benghalensis , a common agroforestry species in southern dry agroclimatic zone of Karnataka, were studied using the standard litter bag technique in surface and subsurface methods of application. Results revealed a marginally higher rate of decay in subsurface placement (22.5% of initial litter mass remaining after one year of decomposition) compared to surface treatment (28.3% of initial litter mass remaining). Litter quality (lignin content and lignin/N ratio) and climatic and soil conditions of the study site (monthly rainfall and soil moisture) were found to influence the rate of decomposition. Mineralisation of litter was found to be in the order K &gt; N &gt; P. The paper further discusses the implications of these results for rainfed farming in Mandya and emphasises the potential of F. benghalensis in reducing nutrient input costs for resource-poor dryland farmers.
Infrastructure and integrated tools for personalized learning of reading skill

The overarching aim of the iRead project is to develop a software infrastructure of personalised, adaptive technologies and a diverse set of applications for supporting learning and teaching of reading skills. The specific goals of the project proposed are to:
1.   Develop a scalable, cloud-based software infrastructure of open, interoperable components, including real-time user 
      modelling and domain knowledge components, to support learning of reading skills by children with different abilities and 
      linguistic backgrounds
2.   Develop domain models for English, Greek, German and Spanish learners, and to contextualise those models with 
      respect to skills and difficulties of (i) typically developing readers, (ii) English and Greek readers with dyslexia and (ii) 
      learners of English as a Foreign language.  The domain models will utilise and generalise the domain model 
      implemented in a previous FP7 project – iLearnRW  
3.   Develop applications for supporting learning (literacy games, interactive e-books, Reader app) that utilise the 
      infrastructure to yield different types of personalised learning services and experiences
4.   Develop and evaluate personalised content classification metrics that “enable reading” for use by electronic publishers 
      and libraries
5.   Enable orchestrated use of the learning applications (games, e-books, Reader app) based on learning analytics, and a 
      personalised experience through adaptive support
6.   Implement a number of large-scale evaluation pilots across European countries and providers in order to evaluate the 
      pedagogical effectiveness of the iRead ecosystem.
Power factor correction circuit for regulating operating frequency control circuit of power factor correction circuit and control method thereof, electronic apparatus, and power adapter

A control circuit of a power factor correction circuit including two channels, each of which includes a switching transistor, an inductor and a rectification element, includes: an error amplifier amplifying an error of a feedback signal according to output voltage of the power factor correction circuit and target value of the feedback signal and generating an error signal; a pulse modulator generating first and second pulse modulated signals in current critical mode in response to the error signal; a first driver driving the switching transistor of first channel based on the first pulse modulated signal; and a second driver driving the switching transistor of second channel based on the second pulse modulated signal, wherein the pulse modulator switches between a first mode where phase difference between the first and second pulse modulated signals is 180° and a second mode where the first and second channels are exclusively and alternately used.
MOTIVAÇÕES E GARGALOS DA POLÍTICA DE GARANTIA DE PREÇO MÍNIMO DOS PRODUTOS DA SOCIOBIODIVERSIDADE NO AMAPÁ

Este artigo analisa a política pública em contexto de populações rurais amazônicas, com exemplo da política de garantia do preço mínimo dos produtos da sociobiodiversidade (PGPM-BIO). O objetivo foi compreender, sob a perspectiva dos extrativistas de açaí, as motivações e os gargalos que os levam a não acessar a política para receber a subvenção a que têm direito quando da venda abaixo do preço mínimo. A pesquisa foi realizada com extrativistas de Mazagão, segundo maior município do estado do Amapá em termos de volume de produção de frutos. A metodologia utilizada foi pesquisa bibliográfica, investigação documental, diário de campo, grupo focal, aplicação de questionários e entrevistas. Os resultados da pesquisa mostram que as motivações estão ligadas a quatro principais gargalos que desmotivam o extrativistas e limitam o alcance da PGPM-BIO: 1) a pouca difusão de informações qualificadas para os produtor extrativistas; 2) a governança da cadeia em modelo informal relacional; 3) a ausência de infraestrutura de internet; e 4) o uso de meios burocráticos distantes da realidade dos extrativistas. A PGPM-BIO, a pesar de partir de reivindicações dos trabalhadores rurais e ser relevante como complementação de renda, pouco atinge os extrativistas de açaí no norte do país, e em particular no Amapá.
METHOD OF IMPROVEMENT OF QUALITY AND RUNNABILITY OF PRODUCTION MACHINE FOR A WEBLIKE PRODUCT

The invention relates to a method for improving the quality of a web-like product and the runnability of a production machine, such as a paper or board machine or a calender. In order to control a nip force fluctuation in operating conditions regarding a pressure load and/or a heat flux and/or a running speed, the rolls are provided with a run-out as desired by machining a desired form on the shell of a roll and/or the shaft and/or bearing components of a roll. The machining is performed in such a way that said desired form is non-circular and/or the centre of rotation of a workpiece has a trajectory as desired.
Innovative system to determine hidden cost of poor quality to enhance labor productivity and profitability for construction entrepreneurs, a case study

Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) would not have been expended if the job is done right the first time. Some researchers claim that COPQ ranging between 22 to 32% of total revenues remains hidden and project managers fail to initiate corrective actions. COPQ is an un-necessary burden; it reduces productivity and profitability. Therefore, an innovative system is required to identify and measure COPQ at construction projects to initiate prompt corrective actions. The researchers innovated a COPQ system and tested on a public sector construction project to find its effectiveness in reducing COPQ and enhancing labor productivity and profitability. After the sixty-days study project the COPQ reduced from 40.43% to 16.65%, labor productivity improved by 16.88% and profitability increased by 10.45%. This study validated the COPQ system for use on construction projects to bring continuous improvement in labor productivity and profitability of construction companies.
Universal fall detection system

A universal fall detect system and its unique designed sensor as well as methodology to detect the fall event are disclosed. The fall event is detected by measuring relative position, and/or orientation between host body and direction of gravity at the spot where falling event happens. The system can present either as a standalone system or a built-in component with supporting software installed on other devices. The system linked to wide network and wide audience can trigger several emergency response and assistances if needed in time when a falling event happens.
Synthesis and comparative analysis of physiological tolerance and life-history growth traits of marine aquaculture species

Abstract Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, and marine-based farming in particular is growing the fastest. With the ever-increasing demand for seafood, marine aquaculture (mariculture) has great potential to help meet this demand. Due to the highly diverse and variable nature of marine environments, it is critical to understand species-level trade-offs that can influence the suitability of a species or species groups for certain ocean conditions. Particularly for mariculture, physiological tolerance of a species to temperature fluctuations and low dissolved oxygen (DO) and its capacity to grow quickly are important attributes. Although there has been extensive research pertaining to the respective fields of tolerance and growth of marine organisms, there has been little overlap between the seemingly separate, yet related fields. More specifically, a relationship between traits of tolerance and growth is not well understood – especially across multiple taxonomic groups. In order to explore and compare possible tolerance and life-history relationships of mariculture species, we complied information on temperature tolerance range, minimum dissolved oxygen observations, growth parameters (asymptotic size and rate), trophic level (TL), taxon, region, and market value for 178 distinct marine farmed species, which included finfish ( n  = 101), crustaceans ( n  = 20), molluscs ( n  = 52), and other aquatic invertebrates ( n  = 5), including a cephalopod, a cordate, and three echinoderms. Using descriptive statistics and regression modelling, we found a significant inverse relationship between temperature tolerance range and minimum DO observations (i.e., a positive trend between thermal and hypoxia tolerance, as defined). We also found evidence of a possible trade-off between overall tolerance ability and growth. Specifically, larger, slower growing species tend to have wider temperature ranges and lower minimum DO levels, but potentially at the cost of being less ecologically sustainable (as measured by TL). In addition, tropical species appear less resilient when accounting for both thermal extremes and lower observed DO levels compared to subtropical and temperate species. These patterns highlight associations and uncertainties of traits important for mariculture practices, including species and trait selection, as well as adaptive capacity of regional ventures relative to climate change. Statement of relevance Potential trade-offs of adaptive tolerance and growth.