cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Agroforestry in Bolivia: Opportunities and challenges in the context of food security and food sovereignty

Agroforestry systems have long been implemented in Bolivia, but little is known about their overall current status. Interviews with farmers, policymakers and members of civil society organizations about the challenges and opportunities that agroforestry faces, as well as field visits to agroforestry projects revealed a wide range of agroforestry initiatives in Bolivia that provide ecosystem services, food and income to local families. All interviewees attributedahighpotentialtoagroforestry,forexample, to promote biodiversity, water conservation, food sovereignty and adaptation to climate change impacts. However, agroforestry initiatives lacked support because government incentives were channelled to cattle rearing and large-scale monocultures rather than diversified farming systems, and agroforestry initiatives tended to be small and isolated. A nationwide policy is needed which is coordinated with civil society organizations and individual farmers and strategically and efficiently supports agroforestry initiatives – especially in the most vulnerable first years of establishment – through extension services and access to materials, markets, knowledge and financial resources.
An optimal stopping policy for car rental businesses with purchasing customers

We analyze decisions for a car rental firm using a common pool of cars to serve both rental, and purchasing customers. The rental customers arrive successively, and rent out cars for random durations while effectuating random incremental mileages on them. This stochastic rental behavior makes the decision of when to sell a rental car quite a crucial one for the firm because it involves a certain amount of risk. On one hand, selling a car when its mileage is low proactively avoids a huge decline in the car’s residual market value (even though it could also cause the firm to forfeit income from future rental customers who intend to rent that car for long durations while driving it sparingly). On the other hand, delaying selling is equally risky because the sample of early rental customers whom that car serves may only successively keep the car for short durations while significantly adding to its mileage. Such opportunistic customers would therefore have the effect of drastically diminishing the car’s market value without providing sufficient rental income to compensate. We use optimal stopping theory to derive the firm’s optimal selling policy algorithm which unfortunately comes with a practical implementation challenge. To address this issue, we propose three heuristic selling policies, one of which is based on the restart-in formulation introduced by Katehakis and Veinott (Math Oper Res 12(2):262–268, 1987). Numerical experiments using real and artificial parameter settings (1) reveal conditions under which the proposed heuristic policies outperform the firm’s current (suboptimal) policy, and (2) demonstrate how all four suboptimal policies compare to the optimal policy.
Using Forgiveness as an Intervention for Healing in Women Who Experience Abuse

Forgiveness Education has been used effectively in psychology with many populations who have experienced betrayals. Most health care providers focus on the physical and some psycho-social aspects of the patient. However, including the patient's religious and spiritual beliefs and practices are often neglected. Most patients in America are religious with Christianity being the most frequent type. Health care providers need to treat and care for patients holistically. Including a patient's religious beliefs and practices in the plan of care can be beneficial to healing. Parish nurses can also use forgiveness education with female parishioners who experienced abuse. Discussion including the development of a new measure: the Christian Women's Forgiveness Measure is explored.
Indefinite and GCWA Inference in indefinite deductive databases

This paper presents several basic results on compiling indefinite and GCWA (Generalized Closed World Assumption) inference in IDDB (Indefinite Dedutive Databases). We do not allow function symbols, but do allow non-Horn clauses. Further, although the GCWA is used to derive negative assumptions, we do also allow negative clauses to occur explicitly. We show a fundamental relationship between indefiniteness and indefinite inference. We consider three representation alternatives to separate the CDB (Clausal DB) from the RDB(Relational DB). We present the basic ideas for compiling indefinite and GCWA inference on CDB and evaluating it through the RDB. Finally, we introduce decomposition theorems to evaluate disjunctive and conjunctive queries.
S123 The effects of electronic cigarette flavourings on macrophage cytokine release and phagocytosis

Background Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are marketed as an alternative to tobacco cigarettes, but little is known regarding their biological effects. Studies to date have produced varying results, reflecting varying chemical compositions of different e-liquids. Chronic tobacco smoking is known to alter macrophage function, resulting in impaired bacterial phagocytosis and increased release of cytokines including TNFα, CXCL8 and IL-6. To date, there is little understanding of the effects of e-cigarettes on human macrophages. It was hypothesised that e-cigarettes would produce effects on macrophage function comparable to those of tobacco cigarettes. Methods Six e-liquids were investigated: tobacco-flavoured e-liquid (± nicotine), banoffee-pie-flavoured e-liquid (± nicotine), e-liquid vehicle (propylene glycol + vegetable glycerine) and nicotine-vehicle solution. Effects of e-cigarette vapour extracts (e-CVEs) were compared with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) from a tobacco cigarette. Monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) from healthy subjects (n = 6) were cultured for 24 h with e-CVEs or CSE then incubated for 4h with Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae . Cell viability was determined and phagocytosis was quantified using fluorimetry. Release of TNFα, CXCL8 and IL-6 was measured by ELISA. Expression of macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) and toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2 and 4 was measured by flow cytometry. Results Neither CSE nor any of the e-CVEs had any significant effect on cell viability. In addition, none of the exposures produced any significant effect on phagocytosis, though higher concentrations of CSE displayed a trend towards reduced phagocytosis. CSE significantly reduced TNFα release (by approximately 70%; p 0.05) with CSE and e-CVEs. Expression of MARCO and TLR4 were unaffected by all cell treatments. TLR2 expression appeared to be slightly increased by e-CVEs, but was not statistically significant. Conclusion Effects of e-CVEs on MDMs differed from those of CSE. E-liquid flavourings appeared to be responsible for changes in MDM function, while the e-liquid vehicle and nicotine solution had minimal effects. More research is needed to improve understanding of the biological effects of e-cigarette flavourings.
Mechanical Particle-Size Reduction Techniques

With the increasing number of new drug candidates, the number of entities with poor aqueous solubility is on the rise. To overcome this limitation, a common formulation approach has been to decrease the particle-size of the drug. This strategy results in increased surface area, increased saturation solubility, and decreased the diffusional distance, all of which lead to an increase in the extent and the rate of dissolution. Mechanical techniques to decrease the particle-size of solids are generally classified in three categories: dry-milling, wet-milling, and high-pressure homogenization. In order to produce particles in the submicron (nano) range and further increase solubility, techniques such as wet-media milling, piston-gap homogenization, and microfluidization have been developed. More recently, combination technologies of both top-down and bottom-up approaches have gained much interest. All these different strategies will be reviewed and discussed in this chapter.
Nutrition in the Newborn with Renal Disease

The role of nutrition is to provide the essential elements necessary for maintenance and growth. This is accomplished through a combination of metabolic adaptations as well as the kidney’s exceptional ability to maintain the body’s internal milieu. Children born with abnormal renal function are at a significant disadvantage at either conserving or excreting a variety of nutrients and as a result, often suffer nutritional debility during their earliest, most vital growth period. This chapter will attempt to outline both the challenges faced and some of the solutions currently available to achieve optimal growth during the first months of life.
Challenges of Providing Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services: Perspectives of Early Intervention Professionals in a Northeastern Metropolitan City

Because of the recent demographic changes, early intervention (EI) professionals are more likely to interact with increasing numbers of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) children and families. A challenge in providing effective EI services is the lack of personnel from CLD backgrounds and lack of knowledge, understanding, and sensitivity to cultural and linguistic diversity in the existing personnel serving young children and families from CLD backgrounds. This study examined challenges and barriers to providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services. Professionals working directly with families of young children in EI programs in a northeastern metropolitan city were recruited to participate in a survey to share their perspectives and experiences regarding working with CLD families. Respondents described the nature of barriers and the strategies they used to provide effective services. It appears that professionals need multidimensional institutional support to provide effective and...
dv/dt Immunization limit of LV MOSFET in cascode GaN FET and dv/dt safe chart for MOSFETs

dv/dt Immunization is one of the main issues for MOSFETs cascode with GaN HEMT. This paper presents a method to numerate dv/dt immunization limit of LV MOSFET. This method applies to LV MOSFET in cascode GaN FET and MOSFET in switching-mode application. Dv/dt immunization limit of recent LV MOSFET is presented in this paper.
Nucleic Acid Structure and Dynamics from NMR

Publisher Summary The power of multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods has opened new opportunities for analysis of the structure of nucleic acids and proteins in solution. In this chapter, the focus is on recent applications of the NMR methodology to nucleic acid systems. There are a number of reviews covering somewhat older work on nucleic acids; hence, here the focus is on recent progress and examples. The basic methods for obtaining resonance assignments in duplex nucleic acids are reviewed. However, a number of modifications are described which are advantageous, particularly for systems that are more complex. In the following section, the sources for generating direct structural information is discussed, with a description of how they are applied in nucleic acid systems. The methods through which the structural information can be used to develop models for the solution structures are also presented along with the NMR methods for analyzing dynamics in nucleic acid systems. Finally, specific examples of the application of these NMR approaches are also given.
The problem of truth in the study of perception

Apart from philosophical discussions concerning the nature of “Reality” and of “Truth” and how one gains knowledge of the world, there are concrete problems for psychologists in the discovery of factors that lead a person in a specific situation to distinguish between appearance and reality, to get correct or incorrect information about objects, people and events, and to make correct or incorrect judgments about them.
Notes on the Genus Agnocardia (Mollusca: Cardiidae) with the Description of a New Species from the Pliocene of Florida

Nine species, including one from the Lower Eocene of France and eight, ranging in age from Claibornian (Middle Eocene) to basal Pleistocene, from the western Atlantic fossil faunas are here referred to the genus Agnocardia Stewart, 1930; also included is one new species from the Middle Pliocene of Florida. Two species, one from the Oligocene of Germany and one from the Middle Eocene of California, mentioned by Stewart in his discussion, are here considered as not being members of the taxonomic group.
Pituitary FSHβ and GH and Ovarian GH-r, IGF-1 and IGF-2 Gene Expression Levels in Cycling Female Rats Immunized against Steroid-Free Bovine Follicular Fluid Antisera

To examine the comparative effects of inhibin-free and/or steroid-free bovine follicular fluid antisera; IS-FBFF or S-FBFF, at proestrus or metestrus, on pituitary FSHβ and GH as well as ovarian GH-r, IGF-1 and IGF-2 gene expression levels, fifty cycling virgin female rats were randomly assigned equally to control and four treated group. Control females were intraperitonealy injected with 100 µl of normal saline at proestrus, whereas treated were intraperitonealy injected with 100 µl of S-FBFF at proestrus (T1), IS-FBFF at metestrus (T2), S-FBFF at metestrus (T3), and IS-FBFF at metestrus (T4). At the end of proestrus, females were euthanized; pituitaries and ovaries were dissected for assessment pituitary FSHβ and GH, as well as ovarian GH-r, IGF-1 and IGF-2 gene expression levels. The results illustrated significant increase of the expression levels of all studied genes in T3 group than others, whereas T4 group recorded the lowest levels among experimental groups. In T1 group, significant decrease has been shown for the expression levels of pituitary FSHβ and ovarian IGF-2 genes, and significant decrease of pituitary GH and ovarian IGF-1 genes, whereas T2 group recorded significant decrease of pituitary FSHβ and GH and ovarian IGF-2 genes and significant increase of IGF-1 gene expression in comparison with control. It can be concluded that immunization against S-FBFF could increase the expression levels that related to ovarian growth and proliferation.
Predicting health from self and partner personality

Abstract The prediction of general health has been a consistent goal for personality researchers. Past research has found that healthier individuals tend to be less Neurotic, and higher in Conscientiousness, Extraversion and Agreeableness. Less studied has been the possibility of interpersonal associations between one's own personality and the health of a close other. The present study utilized the British House Panel Survey ( N = 3175 couples) to examine both actor and partner effects of personality on health. Supporting previous research, individuals who reported less Neuroticism and higher Conscientiousness and Extraversion also reported greater health. Partner effects were less prevalent and only present for Neuroticism, Extraversion and Openness. The magnitude of actor and partner effects did not differ between males and females. The present results suggest that an interpersonal account of traits is needed to understand the relationship between personality and health.
Low-Cost Memory Fault Tolerance for IoT Devices

IoT devices need reliable hardware at low cost. It is challenging to efficiently cope with both hard and soft faults in embedded scratchpad memories. To address this problem, we propose a two-step approach: FaultLink and Software-Defined Error-Localizing Codes (SDELC). FaultLink avoids hard faults found during testing by generating a custom-tailored application binary image for each individual chip. During software deployment-time, FaultLink optimally packs small sections of program code and data into fault-free segments of the memory address space and generates a custom linker script for a lazy-linking procedure. During run-time, SDELC deals with unpredictable soft faults via novel and inexpensive Ultra-Lightweight Error-Localizing Codes (UL-ELCs). These require fewer parity bits than single-error-correcting Hamming codes. Yet our UL-ELCs are more powerful than basic single-error-detecting parity: they localize single-bit errors to a specific chunk of a codeword. SDELC then heuristically recovers from these localized errors using a small embedded C library that exploits observable side information (SI) about the application’s memory contents. SI can be in the form of redundant data (value locality), legal/illegal instructions, etc. Our combined FaultLink+SDELC approach improves min-VDD by up to 440 mV and correctly recovers from up to 90% (70%) of random single-bit soft faults in data (instructions) with just three parity bits per 32-bit word.
Contemporary Management of Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis in Adults

This chapter will review contemporary surgical management for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) in adults. Surgery is therapeutic, but not curative of RRP. With the evolution of modern technology, RRP can now be managed in the office, and/or in the operating room. Surgical techniques vary greatly, including different lasers (KTP and CO2 are the most common), microdebrider, and cold steel. The choice of the treatment setting and surgical techniques depends on patient disease burden, patient preference, surgeon expertise, and surgeon preference. Several controversial subjects in management of adult-onset RRP remain and these will be discussed.
An integrated microwave tunable dual-band Q-enhanced LC band-pass filter in 0.13μm SiGe BiCMOS

This paper presents a proof of concept X and Ku dual-band Q-enhanced LC band-pass filter (BPF) in 0.13 μm SiGe BiCMOS. The dual-band filtering response is achieved by subtracting two 2nd-order BPF responses tuned at different bands to achieve higher out-of-bands attenuation. The center frequencies of the filter's two bands are tunable from 9.7 to 13.9 GHz. The Q of each bandpass filter can be tuned independently from 20 to 70. The filter achieves 165–154.5 dB·Hz of normalized dynamic range at the center frequencies of 9.7 and 13.9 GHz. The ultimate out-of-band attenuation on the lower side of the two passband responses is > 50 dB at 3 GHz and below. In between the two bands, the attenuation is 22 dB when the two passbands have 200 MHz bandwidth each. The filter achieves better out-of-band rejection with wider band channels at X and Ku bands compared to state of the art integrated filters. The filter consumes 115–130 mW of DC power dissipation. The core chip size is 0.53×0.7 mm2.
Some Thoughts on A Biblical view of Anger: A Response

A response to Pedersen's article concerning a biblical view of anger. Pedersen's argument that anger in God is an emotion and that anger in man is only wrong when misdirected or excessive is suppor...
The Impact of Perioperative Ankle-Brachial Index and Clinical Status on Outcomes following Lower Extremity Bypass.

Background Ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a common method of graft surveillance after infrainguinal lower extremity bypass (LEB) surgery and is recommended by the Society for Vascular Surgery. Several studies failed to show the benefit of ABI surveillance but were limited by sample size, and the practice remains variable. Methods We identified all patients who underwent LEB for occlusive disease from the Vascular Study Group of New England Registry (VSGNE) between 2003 and 2016. Postoperative changes were defined as follows: improvement for ABI >0.15 at discharge or clinical status improved (i.e., symptoms improved from rest pain to asymptomatic, and so forth), no change if ABI was within 0.15 or no change in clinical status, or worsened if ABI decreased >0.15 or clinical status deteriorated. We determined the independent effect of these changes on rates of mortality, reintervention, patency loss, amputation, and Major Adverse Limb Events (MALE-above ankle amputation, revision, thrombectomy, or lysis). In addition, we compared the practice of perioperative ABI to follow-up without ABI using propensity scores with inverse probability weights. Results We identified 7,994 patients undergoing their first intervention in the VSGNE, 2,251 of whom (29%) had both preoperative and discharge ABIs. Overall, 5,369 (67%) of the bypasses used vein, and 4,539 (57%) were femoropopliteal, with no difference in the rate of vein use or bypass type between those who had discharge ABIs and those who did not (P > 0.05). Most bypasses were performed for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (59% in the ABI group, 65% in those without ABI data, P 0.05), and the addition of ABI change to the models did not improve the fit of the model (likelihood ratio P > 0.05). Forgoing perioperative ABI was associated with higher rates of patency loss (P = 0.02), but not reinterventions (P = 0.57), or untreated patency loss (P = 0.17). Conclusions A change in clinical status, but not a change in ABI, was associated with adverse outcomes after LEB. In this group of VSGNE patients with follow-up, perioperative ABI did not add incremental value to clinical status alone as a method of graft surveillance.
Kolmogorov's theorem and its impact on soft computing

In this chapter, we describe various applications of the Kolmogorov’s theorem on representing continuous functions of several variables (as superpositions of functions of one and two variables) to soft computing. Kolmogorov’s theorem leads to a theoretical justification, as well as to design methodologies, for neural networks. In the design of intelligent systems, Kolmogorov’s theorem is used to show that general logical operators can be expressed in terms of basic fuzzy logic operations.
Strength and Toughness Measurements of Ceramic Fiber Composites

A recent modification of the applied moment double cantilever beam (AMDCB) fracture toughness test is described. This test, the L-arm AMDCB test; is used to measure the fracture toughness of UTRC Compglas unidirectional and 0/90 crossply ceramic fiber-ceramic matrix composites. It is shown that the test permits characterization of the fracture toughness and fracture behavior of such high toughness and highly anisotropic materials. The measured KIC values, for the high toughness directions, were found to be as high as 60 MPa·m1/2, with indications of a change in fracture mode with increase crack velocity.
An apparent seleniferous leaf wax from Stanleya bipinnata

Selenium75 was used as a tracer to demonstrate that Se is intimately associated with leaf wax from Stanleya bipinnata, a member of the mustard family. Results are reported from studies that suggest, but do not conclusively prove, that Se is a chemical part of the wax molecules. This would indicate a biochemical adaptation of Stanleya and would suggest that the metabolism of Se in these plants may differ significantly from that of sulfur.
Case Study: The AM29000

Advanced Micro Devices produces a 32-bit microprocessor, implemented in CMOS technology, which is characterized as a RISC device, although, with more than 100 instructions, the AM29000 fails to fulfill at least one RISC requirement.
The Singularity of nature.

The feasibility of formulating the Singularity of Nature was enunciated by Einstein's mathematical formula, demonstrating the equivalency of energy and mass (E = mc2). Despite that statement of principle, it has proven impossible to achieve this goal scientifically by directly merging biology and physics into one continuum. More recently, it has been realized that biology can be traced to its origins by reducing evolutionary biology to cell-cell signaling, the unicellular state being seen as a continuum from genotype to phenotype. Mechanistically, Self-referential Self-organization founded on The First Principles of Physiology offers a mechanistic explanation for 'how and why' evolution has transpired, fueled by the ambiguity (Torday and Miller, 2017a) caused by the differential between internal and external cellular entropy. The reduction of biology to cellular networks uniquely gains purchase to the roles of Quantum Mechanics, such as The Pauli Exclusion Principle, The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, Non-Localization and Coherence with their homologies in cellular-molecular biology. This opportunity to find the common denominator between physics and biology predicts that consciousness is the denoument of this continuum. As 'proof of principle', the classic dogmatic association of terminal addition with evolution is shown to be due to cell-cell signaling, both developmentally and phylogenetically, as a manifestation of the Singularity. These novel insights offer the opportunity to empirically formulate the basis for the Singularity of Nature for the first time.
Real-world Prevalence of Adverse Events after Initiating Sacubitril/Valsartan Compared to ACE Inhibitors or ARBs in Heart Failure

Introduction Sacubitril/valsartan is a novel medication that acts as a neprilysin and angiotensin receptor blocker. It is recommended by the American College of Cardiology(ACC)/American Heart Association(AHA)/Heart Failure Society of America(HFSA) to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and NYHA class II or III symptoms. The main clinical trial for sacubitril/valsartan, PARADIGM-HF, employed a run-in phase which likely underestimated the side effects. The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of adverse events, medication discontinuation, or medication dose reduction in patients with HFrEF initiated on therapy with an ACE inhibitor, ARB, or sacubitril/valsartan. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted from July 7, 2015 to December 31, 2017. Patients 18 years of age and older with a diagnosis of HFrEF ( Results Of the patients included (n=400), 195 were started on sacubitril/valsartan and 205 on an ACE inhibitor or ARB. The sacubitril/valsartan cohort was younger (57±14 vs. 64±15; p Conclusion Patients started on sacubitril/valsartan had a significant increase in the composite endpoint compared to those started on ACE inhibitors or ARBs. Differences in adverse events in this real-world study were mainly driven by dose reduction and hyperkalemia.
Origin of Broad Emission Spectra in InP Quantum Dots: Contributions from Structural and Electronic Disorder.

The ensemble emission spectra of colloidal InP quantum dots are broader than achievable spectra of cadmium- and lead-based quantum dots, despite similar single-particle line widths and significant efforts invested in the improvement of synthetic protocols. We seek to explain the origin of persistently broad ensemble emission spectra of colloidal InP quantum dots by investigating the nature of the electronic states responsible for luminescence. We identify a correlation between red-shifted emission spectra and anomalous broadening of the excitation spectra of luminescent InP colloids, suggesting a trap-associated emission pathway in highly emissive core–shell quantum dots. Time-resolved pump–probe experiments find that electrons are largely untrapped on photoluminescence relevant time scales pointing to emission from recombination of localized holes with free electrons. Two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy on InP quantum dots reveals multiple emissive states and increased electron–phonon coupling associ...
Utilization and outcomes of massive transfusion protocols in women with and without invasive placentation

Objective: Our objective was to compare women with and without invasive placentation for whom the massive transfusion protocol (MTP) was activated. In addition, we evaluated the differences in clinical management and blood product utilization between the two groups and described the activation of MTP over time.Study design: This is a retrospective cohort study of women for whom the MTP was activated from January 2012 through July 2016. Two groups were compared, those with invasive placentation (accreta, increta, percreta) and those without.Results: We identified 87 women for whom the MTP was activated, the majority (62.1%) did not have invasive placentation. Women with invasive placentation were more likely to have had a prior cesarean delivery and placenta previa (both p < .001). Women with invasive placentation were more likely to undergo hysterectomy, experience more blood loss, and receive cell salvage (all p ≤ .04). Blood product utilization was similar between the two groups, with the exception of cell-salvage, which was more commonly used for women with invasive placentation. The proportion of deliveries necessitating MTP activation ranged from 1.4 to 2.6 per 1000 deliveries.Conclusion: Invasive placentation accounts for less than half of the cases complicated by activation of an MTP. Cases with invasive placentation were more likely to result in a vertical uterine and skin incision or a hysterectomy. With the exception of cell-salvage, blood product utilization was similar.
Introduction to Computing: Interdisciplinary Course Design

This Innovative Practice Category Work In Progress paper presents course design for an interdisciplinary course that can be offered to engineering and computer science students. Engineering disciplines use technology and engineers deal with computing machines to perform day to day activities. The engineers who use such technologies have to be informed users of technology and also are expected to aid in the advancement of technology. Engineers must have sufficient computer skills. An engineering curriculum must help students acquire these skill sets. Employers note that except for a few, most engineering graduates struggle with learning new technologies and putting them to practice. Computer science students who are technically strong are not getting enough exposure to interdisciplinary projects within their curriculum. Computer science students often note not having enough experience working with diverse problem sets inside their curriculum, which is a key for being successful in any industry after graduation. This paper is about introducing an interdisciplinary course across engineering and computer science disciplines that aims at fixing the above two deficiencies. The course is designed for freshman and will enroll students from computer science and engineering disciplines. The curriculum design will aim at teaching computing concepts with interdisciplinary engineering problem sets. This approach is a unique effort as the objectives of the course are completely different from the typical courses offered within the computer science and engineering disciplines. This course will focus on teaching basic computing skills, basic programming, implementing solutions to interdisciplinary problems sets, choice and use of software tools that aid problem solving, and effectively working across interdisciplinary teams. Designing instructional materials and assessment tools to develop this unique mix of skill sets will be addressed in this paper. This effort is just underway; the interdisciplinary course developed will aim at getting used across institutions to serve a similar purpose.
Structural Similarity Search for Formulas Using Leaf-Root Paths in Operator Subtrees

We present a new search method for mathematical formulas based on Operator Trees (OPTs) representing the application of operators to operands. Our method provides (1) a simple indexing scheme using OPT leaf-root paths, (2) practical matching of the K largest common subexpressions, and (3) scoring matched OPT subtrees by counting nodes corresponding to visible symbols, weighting operators lower than operands. Using the largest common subexpression (K = 1), we outperform existing formula search engines for non-wildcard queries on the NTCIR-12 Wikipedia Formula Browsing Task. Stronger results are obtained when using additional subexpressions for scoring. Without parallelization or pruning, our system has practical execution times with low variance when compared to other state-of-the-art formula search engines.
Decentralized Informative Path Planning with Exploration-Exploitation Balance for Swarm Robotic Search.

Swarm robotic search is concerned with searching targets in unknown environments (e.g., for search and rescue or hazard localization), using a large number of collaborating simple mobile robots. In such applications, decentralized swarm systems are touted for their task/coverage scalability, time efficiency, and fault tolerance. To guide the behavior of such swarm systems, two broad classes of approaches are available, namely nature-inspired swarm heuristics and multi-robotic search methods. However, simultaneously offering computationally-efficient scalability and fundamental insights into the exhibited behavior (instead of a black-box behavior model), remains challenging under either of these two class of approaches. In this paper, we develop an important extension of the batch Bayesian search method for application to embodied swarm systems, searching in a physical 2D space. Key contributions lie in: 1) designing an acquisition function that not only balances exploration and exploitation across the swarm, but also allows modeling knowledge extraction over trajectories; and 2) developing its distributed implementation to allow asynchronous task inference and path planning by the swarm robots. The resulting collective informative path planning approach is tested on target search case studies of varying complexity, where the target produces a spatially varying (measurable) signal. Significantly superior performance, in terms of mission completion efficiency, is observed compared to exhaustive search and random walk baselines, along with favorable performance scalability with increasing swarm size.
Quantum Sensing with Squeezed Light

The minimum resolvable signal in sensing and metrology platforms that rely on optical readout fields is increasingly constrained by the standard quantum limit, which is determined by the sum of pho...
Food stamps, food insecurity, and health outcomes among elderly Americans.

Abstract This study examined associations between very low food security and health outcomes in older adults, and tested whether participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) mitigates adverse health consequences associated with very low food security. Data were drawn from the 1998–2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (N = 148,138 from 27,281 persons). A longitudinal analysis of the relationship between very low food security and health condition depending on SNAP participation was conducted using the individual fixed effects regression. Respondents' health status was assessed by self-rated health, grip strength, and depressive symptoms. The correlations between very low food security and physical health outcomes were negatively significant prior to SNAP enrollment (p
An ultra-sparse approximation of kinetic solutions to spatially homogeneous flows of non-continuum gas

Abstract We consider a compact approximation of the kinetic velocity distribution function by a sum of isotropic Gaussian densities in the problem of spatially homogeneous relaxation. Derivatives of the macroscopic parameters of the approximating Gaussians are obtained as solutions to a linear least squares problem derived from the Boltzmann equation with full collision integral. Our model performs well for flows obtained by mixing upstream and downstream conditions of normal shock wave with Mach number 3. The model was applied to explore the process of approaching equilibrium in a spatially homogeneous flow of gas. Convergence of solutions with respect to the model parameters is studied.
Combined sequential mobile sensing agent evacuation and state reconstruction in contaminated spatial fields

This paper proposes a new evacuation strategy for mobile agents fleeing an indoor environment with a contaminated spatial field. Since the effects of a contaminated field on the mobile agents are cumulative, then a policy ensuring that each agent reaches safety while minimizing the accumulated effects of the spatial field is warranted. While each agent is fleeing towards safety, it is also collecting information on the spatial field along its own escape path. This process information, provided by each evacuating mobile agent, is harnessed for the state reconstruction of the spatial process. Thus, an integrated state estimation scheme with the simultaneous sequential agent evacuation is proposed. Numerical results are included to highlight the proposed evacuation policy.
Consumer Sense Making of Political Front Group Messages

This study looks at how highly educated, politically literate individuals make sense of political front group advertising. Using the concepts of the persuasion knowledge model and Malmelin's model ...
Fully Automatic Calibration of Tumor-Growth Models Using a Single mpMRI Scan

Our objective is the calibration of mathematical tumor growth models from a single multiparametric scan. The target problem is the analysis of preoperative Glioblastoma (GBM) scans. To this end, we present a fully automatic tumor-growth calibration methodology that integrates a single-species reaction-diffusion partial differential equation (PDE) model for tumor progression with multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (mpMRI) scans to robustly extract patient specific biomarkers i.e., estimates for ( i ) the tumor cell proliferation rate , ( ii ) the tumor cell migration rate , and ( iii ) the original, localized site(s) of tumor initiation . Our method is based on a sparse reconstruction algorithm for the tumor initial location (TIL). This problem is particularly challenging due to nonlinearity, ill-posedeness, and ill conditioning. We propose a coarse-to-fine multi-resolution continuation scheme with parameter decomposition to stabilize the inversion. We demonstrate robustness and practicality of our method by applying the proposed method to clinical data of 206 GBM patients. We analyze the extracted biomarkers and relate tumor origin with patient overall survival by mapping the former into a common atlas space. We present preliminary results that suggest improved accuracy for prediction of patient overall survival when a set of imaging features is augmented with estimated biophysical parameters. All extracted features, tumor initial positions, and biophysical growth parameters are made publicly available for further analysis. To our knowledge, this is the first fully automatic scheme that can handle multifocal tumors and can localize the TIL to a few millimeters.
Identification of resistant clones of Eurasian (Myriophyllum spicatum) and hybrid (Myriophyllum spicatum × Myriophyllum sibiricum) watermilfoil to an operational rate of fluridone

Genetic assays to identify herbicide-resistant plants are a promising tool to reduce herbicide failures. However, the genetic basis of herbicide resistance is frequently unknown. In clonal weed species, DNA fingerprinting could be a useful tool to identify known resistant versus susceptible genets (clones) that occur in multiple locations, without an immediate need for understanding the genetic mutation(s) conferring resistance. Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.) and hybrids with native northern watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum × Myriophyllum sibiricum Kom.) are mostly clonal invasive aquatic plants, and the same clones can be found in multiple waterbodies. Previously, a clone was confirmed as resistant to the commonly used herbicide fluridone, and a recent genetic survey in Michigan identified this genotype (MG-237) in at least seven other lakes. We hypothesized that MG-237 collected from different lakes would also exhibit fluridone resistance. However, MG-237 may have accumulated resistance mutations at different times during its spread across Michigan, resulting in fluridone-resistant and fluridone-susceptible MG-237 clones distributed in different lakes. We used a herbicide assay to test the response of several accessions, including MG-237 accessions from multiple lakes, to the Michigan operational rate of 6 µg L−1 fluridone. We found that all accessions of MG-237 exhibited resistance to 6 µg L−1 fluridone. A second genotype (MG-377) was also resistant to 6 µg L−1 fluridone. The rest of the accessions were found to be significantly injured by 6 µg L−1 fluridone. Our results suggest that 6 µg L−1 fluridone would not effectively control waterbodies dominated by MG-237 or MG-377, whereas waterbodies dominated by the other genotypes in our study would likely be controlled. Although more studies are needed to identify the variation in sensitivity of the accessions tested here and the genetic basis of fluridone resistance in Myriophyllum, our results suggest that multilocus genotype data may be an effective tool to identify and track herbicide-resistant genotypes of Myriophyllum in the short term.
A conjecture on the maximum cut and bisection width in random regular graphs

The asymptotic properties of random regular graphs are objects of extensive study in mathematics and physics. In this paper we argue, using the theory of spin glasses in physics, that in random regular graphs the maximum cut size asymptotically equals the number of edges in the graph minus the minimum bisection size. Maximum cut and minimal bisection are two famous NP-complete problems with no known general relation between them; hence our conjecture is a surprising property for random regular graphs. We further support the conjecture with numerical simulations. A rigorous proof of this relation is an obvious challenge.
AB0253 A REVIEW OF SMOKING CESSATION STRATEGIES AND LUNG CANCER SCREENING PRACTICES IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background: Smoking rates among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) exceed those reported in the general population. In addition, people with RA who smoke are more likely to develop lung cancer than smokers who do not have RA. Objectives: To identify smoking cessation strategies and lung cancer screening practices in patients with RA. Methods: We conducted a review of the literature in electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science) from inception until June 2019. We included studies that reported on the results of interventions for smoking cessation or lung cancer screening in patients with RA. We excluded case reports, reviews, guidelines, protocols, or studies on tobacco use not reporting interventions. We included studies published in abstract or full-text format. We extracted study and intervention characteristics including delivery format, timing and results. Results: We retrieved 394 relevant citations and ultimately included 9 studies evaluating smoking cessation strategies, and one regarding lung cancer screening practices. Five studies were reported in abstract format. There were 3 studies conducted in the United Kingdom, and one each in Croatia, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, Spain and United States. Two studies were randomized control trials and the remaining were uncontrolled. Follow-up ranged between 1 month and 24 months, however, one study only reported data on the assessment immediately after the intervention. Sample sizes ranged between 20 and 185 current smokers. Smoking cessation strategies included: 1) brief advice and nicotine replacement therapy + smoking cessation counseling for 3 months; 2) information booklet on harms of smoking (i.e., impact on disease and treatment); 3) spoken information on harms of smoking (i.e., impact on disease and treatment) plus advice to quit smoking; 4) advice to quit smoking plus nicotine replacement; 5) smoking cessation support with contact every 4 weeks; 6) spoken information on harms of smoking (i.e., impact on disease and treatment) plus advice to quit smoking plus nurse telephone visit at 3rd month; 6) staff driven tobacco QUIT line referral process; 7) multi-modality intervention with advise to quit smoking plus guidance on safe alcohol use plus dietary advise with booklet and swimming group. The lung cancer screening study reported on a program with nurse evaluation of comorbidities and risk factors, and recommendations for lung cancer screening with a chest X-ray and smoking cessation. Most studies reported benefits when implementing a structured plan to educate, counsel, and offer pharmacological treatment to patients with RA. Conclusion: There was large heterogeneity among studies in patient characteristics and interventions proposed, and outcomes. Only 2 studies were randomized clinical trials. Additional controlled studies are needed to determine best practices for smoking cessation and lung cancer screening in patients with RA. Disclosure of Interests: None declared
Epea and grammata : oral and written communication in ancient Greece

This volume deals with aspects of orality and oral traditions in ancient Greece, and is a selection of refereed papers from the fourth biennial Orality and Literacy in Ancient Greece conference, held at the University of Missouri Columbia in 2000. The book is divided into three parts: literature, rhetoric and society, and philosophy. The papers focus on genres such as epic poetry, drama, poetry and art, public oratory, legislative procedure, and Simplicius' philosophy. All papers present new approaches to their topics or ask new and provocative questions.
Application of compression and satellite communications to cockpit video transmission

A prototype of a cockpit video system for the transmission of video from an aircraft cockpit to a ground facility using a very low bandwidth satellite communications system is described. The aircraft is equipped with a satellite telephone capable of voice and 4800-9600 baud data/facsimile transmissions, using the Canadian MSAT geostationary mobile communications satellite. Consideration is also being given to utilizing the Globalstar satellite communications system, which operates at 9600 baud. In order to transmit video at these low bit rates, compression is essential. The initial prototype uses a simple motion video approach using the SPIHT wavelet compression algorithm on a frame by frame basis. The objective of this work is transmission of reasonable quality video with frame rates on the order of 0.5 Hz. A rate of 0.37 Hz has been demonstrated in initial testing.
Chapter 4 Stabilization/solidification of hazardous wastes in soil matrices

Abstract Cementitious solidification/stabilization (s/s) treatment processes combine Portland cement or lime/pozzolan mixtures with waste materials or contaminated soils to immobilize contaminants by physical and chemical mechanisms. It is a low cost remedial alternative and is commonly used at Superfund sites for treatment of soils, sludges and debris. Although widely utilized, s/s processes do not preclude migration of contaminants, but they can substantially reduce the rates of release to the environment. Evaluation of the impact of these releases requires appropriate application of risk assessment techniques. Problems associated with accurate prediction of leach rates are exacerbated in stabilized soil/waste matrices by (1) reactions between soil components and cement hydration or pozzolanic reaction products and (2) interactions between stabilized soil/waste matrices and adjacent media. This paper assesses effects of soil/cement reactions and environmental interactions on solid and solution phase characteristics of stabilized soil/waste matrices. First, available information on soil S/S applications will be evaluated to ascertain plausible disposal scenarios for stabilized soil/waste matrices. Second, cement hydration reactions, soil/cement reactions and environmental interactions that affect solid and solution phase characteristics of stabilized soil/waste matrices and, consequently, long-term leach rates will be delineated. Finally, techniques for predicting long-term leach rates will be evaluated.