jimnoneill/paper-to-field-training huggingface dataset:
Comparative Effectiveness Research/HTA Matching-Adjusted Indirect Comparisons: A New Tool for Timely Comparative Effectiveness Research

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Objective: In the absence of head-to-head randomized trials, indirect comparisons of treatments across separate trials can be performed. However, these analyses may be biased by cross-trial differences in patient populations, sensitivity to modeling assumptions, and differences in the definitions of outcome measures. The objective of this study was to demonstrate how incorporating individual patient data (IPD) from trials of one treatment into indirect comparisons can address several limitations that arise in analyses based only on aggregate data. Methods: Matching-adjusted indirect comparisons (MAICs) use IPD from trials of one treatment to match baseline summary statistics reported from trials of another treatment. After matching, by using an approach similar to propensity score weighting, treatment outcomes are compared across balanced trial populations. This method is illustrated by reviewing published MAICs in different therapeutic areas. A novel analysis in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder further demonstrates the applicability of the method. The strengths and limitations of MAICs are discussed in comparison to those of indirect comparisons that use only published aggregate data. Results: Example applications were selected to illustrate how indirect comparisons based only on aggregate data can be limited by cross-trial differences in patient populations, differences in the definitions of outcome measures, and sensitivity to modeling assumptions. The use of IPD and MAIC is shown to address these limitations in the selected examples by reducing or removing the observed cross-trial differences. An important assumption of MAIC, as in any comparison of nonrandomized treatment groups, is that there are no unobserved cross-trial differences that could confound the comparison of outcomes. Conclusions: Indirect treatment comparisons can be limited by cross-trial differences. By combining IPD with published aggregate data, MAIC can reduce observed cross-trial differences and provide decision makers with timely comparative evidence.
A coupled channel study of HN2 unimolecular decay based on a global a b i n i t i o potential surface

Field: Chemistry (Physical Sciences)

In this paper values of the unimolecular decay lifetimes of several vibrational states of HN2 based on an accurate coupled channel dynamics study using a global analytical potential surface that was derived from previously reported ab initio calculations are reported. The surface was developed by fitting the N–N stretch part to a Morse function, with parameters that are represented by a two-dimensional spline function in terms of the H to N2 center of mass distance and approach angle. This surface reproduces the ab initio points with a root mean square error of 0.08 kcal/mol for energies below 20 kcal/mol. Modifications to the potential that describe the effect of improving the basis set in the ab initio calculations are also provided. Converged coupled channel calculations have been done for the ground rotational state of HN2 to determine lifetimes of the lowest ten vibrational states. We find that only the ground vibrational state (000) and first excited bend (001) have lifetimes longer than 1 ps. The best estimates of the lifetimes of these states are 3×10−9 and 2×10−10 s, respectively. Variation of these results with quality of the ab initio calculations is less than or equal to a factor of 5.
Bureaucracy, Democracy and Westminster: The Quest for Political Control

Field: Social Sciences (Social Sciences)

<p>This thesis argues that a Weberian process of bureaucratisation poses a serious threat in itself to the central values and ideals of liberal democracy. Such a threat arises not only from the bureaucratic pathology of 'goal displacement' of substantive ends by instrumental means, but also, because of this pathology, its tendency to mask and embed ideological challenges to liberal democracy. An effective liberal political constitution is therefore necessary to maintain the democratic control of bureaucracy while exploiting the efficiency benefits of bureaucratic administration. Such a political constitution is in fact contained in the Westminster tradition of liberal constitutionalism, based on the principles of parliamentary sovereignty, ministerial responsibility and political neutrality. Through this theoretical lens, the thesis proceeds to examine the trajectory of public sector reforms against the changing political contexts in New Zealand over the past 20 years and its constitutional implications. The NPM reforms in New Zealand, whether intended or unintended, displaced the political and constitutional safeguards implicit in the traditional model of public service with managerial norms which simultaneously serve to embed the neoliberal ideology. Despite the claim of NPM reformers to control bureaucracy, the paradoxical effects of the reform have been to accelerate the process of bureaucratisation and attenuate democratic control. Recent initiatives aimed to address some apparent weaknesses of NPM, have not changed the fundamentals of the managerial system, and thus fail to reverse this trend of declining democratic control of bureaucratic power. A reassertion of the fundamental norms of the Westminster system is recommended to arrest this decline of liberal democracy.</p>
Salvage of an iatrogenic partial allograft nephrectomy during caesarean section—a case report

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Abstract Since transplanted kidney allografts are standardly placed in a heterotopic pelvic position, any surgical intervention in the pelvis carries the potential risk for allograft injury. A 41-year-old female G4P2 with history of prior kidney transplants presented for an elective cesarean sections (CS). During the CS, profound bleeding was encountered and was later realized to be from the transplanted kidney allograft. A complete transection of the upper pole with the injury extending to the hilar structures was noted. Careful intraoperative evaluation led to the decision favoring a salvage attempt of the remaining part of the allograft. The patient continues to enjoy sufficient allograft function 6 months after the incident. To conclude, although CS after kidney transplantation is considered safe, the risk of allograft injury remains possible with potentially catastrophic consequences. This case highlights the importance of rapid surgical expertise and appropriate preoperative evaluation, preparation and planning.
A novel multi-purpose watermarking scheme using multiple watermarks

Field: Computer Science (Physical Sciences)

Most of the existing digital watermarking schemes mainly target a single or a few required objectives. The novelty of the proposed technique is to meet the four main objectives of the digital watermarking namely copyright protection, data authentication, usage monitoring, and user authentication. This scheme uses multiple watermarks for meeting these goals using discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and singular value decomposition (SVD) transforms. This technique achieves high peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and high robustness against average filtering, median filtering, salt and pepper noise, gamma correction, and contrast enhancement attacks. The experimental results show that the proposed method is effective in achieving four primary goals of watermarking. The validation of the proposed technique is tested using the images from BOWS and SIPI datasets.
Automated Restoration of Damaged Character Photographs Using a Novel GAN Architecture: A Comprehensive Three-Step Pipeline for Enhanced Image Quality and Efficiency

Field: Computer Science (Physical Sciences)

Abstract: Restoring damaged character photographs (DCPs) is essential for preserving cultural and personal memories, yet traditional methods are labor-intensive and often require significant manual intervention. The degradation of photographs due to factors such as creases, spots, water damage, and exposure to light poses a considerable challenge to conventional restoration techniques. Manual restoration, typically performed using software like Photoshop, is not only time-consuming but also demands a high level of expertise and meticulous effort, making it impractical for large-scale applications. In this study, we propose an innovative solution to automate the restoration process by employing a practical generative adversarial network (GAN) architecture. Our approach addresses the limitations of traditional methods and aims to significantly reduce the time and effort required for photo restoration while improving the quality of the restored images. The proposed method comprises a novel three-step pipeline designed to tackle the complexities of DCPs effectively. First, we initiate the process by collecting a diverse dataset, including clear character photographs (CCPs), real DCPs, and dirty masks that illustrate common damage patterns. This comprehensive dataset forms the foundation for training our models. Second, we utilize a Residual U-Net GAN (RUGAN) to learn the spoilage patterns of DCPs and generate realistic fake DCPs from the CCPs and dirty masks. RUGAN leverages the structural and textural information from the clear images and dirty masks to produce fake damaged images that closely mimic real-world damage. Finally, we train a restoration model known as the Residual U-Net conditional GAN (RUCGAN) using the paired fake DCPs and CCPs.
Advances in Weed Management in Tea

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences (Life Sciences)

Tea (Camellia spp.) is one of most important plantation crops for commercial interest. It is normally consumed as a stimulant and as a refreshing drink at different times of the day. Weed infestation in tea plantation varies from those in field crops and others plantation crops, since the commercial cultivation is restricted to specific agro-climatic conditions. Being long term crop, tea plantations are severely infested with weeds. The cost of weed management for tea is the second most costly input after plucking. In tea weeds cause yield losses between 15 and 40 %, besides reducing the quality of product due to change in the colour, taste and smell. In tea plantations, grasses are the predominated weed flora followed by broad-leaf weeds. The present chapter deals with the nature and effect of weed menace in the tea plantations along with weed management strategy by physical, mechanical, chemical, and biological approaches. Integrated approach of weeds management of tea is also discussed.
Textualization and Archive in Callimachus’ Hymn to Delos

Field: Arts and Humanities (Social Sciences)

This article argues for a new way of reading Hellenistic “literary” hymns, one that situates them in contemporary religious and cultural discourse through the notions of “textualization” and the “cultural archive.” I apply this framework to Callimachus’ Hymn to Delos and show how this hymn became an important part of the articulation of Ptolemaic religion in the context of ritual politics in the third-century Aegean, as well as how it had a lasting impact on the way that the ritual geography of the Cyclades was imagined. Specifically, the analysis spotlights how the hymn successfully links historical and contemporary theoric choral activity with the etymologization of the Cyclades; how it textualizes the island of Kos within the ritual nexus of Delos; and, finally, how it becomes an important part of Greek cultural memory about Delos.
Placebo effects in competitive sport: qualitative data.

Field: Psychology (Social Sciences)

The paper examines the placebo effect in sports performance. The possibility that the placebo effect is a more common phenomenon than the quantity of published research would suggest is briefly addressed. It is suggested that the placebo control design often used in sports performance research masks any placebo effects and thus presents a false picture of the mechanisms underlying performance-enhancing interventions in the real world. An electronic survey was sent to 48 competitive, international and professional athletes. Questions related to the placebo effect in competitive sport. Thirty responses were received. Data indicate that the majority (97%) of respondents believe that the placebo effect can exert an influence on sports performance, and that a significant number (73%) have experienced what they defined as a placebo effect. Inductive content analysis reveals that these experiences fall into several categories such as explicit placebo effects, inadvertent false beliefs, ritual and reverse placebo effects. Furthermore, 10 respondents (33%) offer explanations as to the nature of the placebo effect. Again, inductive content analysis reveals that these explanations fall into several categories including deliberate changes in competitive strategy, belief/expectancy, faith in a third party, and marketing. Overall, responses support previous experimental research and anecdotal reports that have found a relationship between belief and sports performance. It is suggested that further research be structured to not simply control for the placebo effect, but to elucidate it. Key pointsA survey of 30 athletes revealed that 73% have experienced a placebo effect in sport.Athletes suggest several potential explanations for these effects.Findings support the idea that placebo effects might be common in sport.Researchers and practitioners should be aware of the possible impact of these effects on research findings and competitive performance.
Trajectories of squamous cell carcinoma antigen and outcomes of patients with advanced penile cancer after chemotherapy based on paclitaxel, ifosfamid, and cisplatin regimen

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Abstract Introduction Penile cancer (PC) is a lethal malignancy with no effective prognostic biomarker. We aim to investigate associations between trajectories of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC‐A) and patient outcomes after chemotherapy based on paclitaxel, ifosfamid, and cisplatin (TIP) regimen. Methods Consecutive AJCC staging III/IV PC patients who received TIP chemotherapy and repeated SCC‐A measurements in 2014–2022 were analyzed. Latent class growth mixed (LCGM) models were employed to characterize patients' serum SCC‐A trajectories. Patient survival, and clinical and pathological tumor responses were compared. Inverse probability treatment weighting was used to adjust confounding factors. Results Eighty patients were included. LCGM models identified two distinct trajectories of SCC‐A: low‐stable (40%; n = 32) and high‐decline (60%; n = 48). Overall survival (HR [95% CI]: 3.60 [1.23–10.53], p = 0.019), progression‐free survival (HR [95% CI]: 11.33 [3.19–40.3], p < 0.001), objective response rate (37.5% vs. 62.5% p = 0.028), disease control rate (60.4% vs. 96.9% p < 0.00), and pathological complete response rate (21.2% vs. 51.9%, p = 0.014) were significantly worse in the high‐decline arm. Conclusion PC patients' SCC‐A change rate was associated with tumor response and patient survival after TIP chemotherapy. SCC‐A might assist tumor monitoring after systemic therapies.
A Commentary on Hesiod

Field: Arts and Humanities (Social Sciences)

This is a word-for-word commentary on the first part (vv. 1-382) of Hesiod's Works and Days. Special attention has been paid to peculiarities of grammar and idiom, but also to figures of style and the poet's train of thought. All interpretations - many of them which are new - are documented as fully, but at the same time as concisely, as possible. This documentation, which will prove useful for the interpretation of many other texts, has been made more easily accesible by detailed indexes. Discussion of other views plays a considerable part in the commentary and will help the reader avoid a great number of minor and major misunderstandings. The commentary has been confined to the first part of the poem because this seemed to be more in need of a thorough explanation than the rest. It is also the most interesting part in so far as it forms a kind of manual of social morality. The basis concepts of this doctrine are carefully defined in the commentary, and their historical implications are briefly indicated.
Selecting the optimal spatial detail and process complexity for modeling environmental systems

Field: Environmental Science (Physical Sciences)

When modeling environmental systems, one can choose between different formulations. As a result, a wide variety of models have been developed for analyzing the properties and behaviour of such systems when triggered by events. Roughly, this variety is characterized by different levels of spatial detail and process complexity. A trade-off exists between the required level of complexity, the accepted level of uncertainty, the data-availability and the performance of the model. As a result, the choices regarding the complexity are not necessarily straightforward or transparent and are highly dependent on the objective of the modeling exercise.
Limits on a Strong Electroweak Sector from e^+ e^- -> 2gamma + missing E at LEP2

Field: Physics and Astronomy (Physical Sciences)

We study the process $e^+ e^- \to γγν\barν$ in the context of a strong electroweak symmetry breaking model, which can be a source of events with two photons and missing energy at LEP2. We investigate bounds on the model assuming that no deviation is observed from the Standard Model within a given experimental error.
Cheaper, better, and more accountable? Twenty‐five years of prisons privatisation in Victoria

Field: Social Sciences (Social Sciences)

Abstract Twenty‐five years after the Kennett government began privatising prisons, Victoria has the world's highest proportion of prisoners in private prisons. When the privatisation project began, it was confidently expected that privately managed prisons would be cheaper, better, and more accountable than traditional public sector provision. This paper examines whether those anticipated benefits have been realised. In doing so, we assess system‐wide operating costs, specific measures of performance, and accountability of the prison system between 1992 and 2017. Using publicly available data, we conclude temporary lower costs occurred but have not been sustained. Similarly, performance improvements are mixed, and enhanced accountability is contested. Although the performance information now available on Victoria's prisons is superior to what was available in the pre‐privatisation era, successive Victorian governments have also overseen arrangements that severely curtail dissemination of such data. This has restricted the capacity of Parliament and the public not only to hold government to account for the operations of the prison system, but also to evaluate the efficacy and impact of the prisons privatisation project. We conclude a more definitive assessment will only be possible when current limitations on accessing performance and other data are lifted enabling greater public scrutiny of Victoria's prison system.
Interaction Effects of BABA and Leaf Wounding on Defense-related Enzymes in Tobacco

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences (Life Sciences)

By spraying β-aminobutyric acid (BABA) or/and leaf wounding treatments, the activities of defense-related enzymes were determined to investigate the interaction effects of BABA and wounding on the resistance of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv.Yunyan 85) to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). The results showed that wounding or BABA treatment caused a significant increase of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidases (PPO) activities, which were associated with BABA concentrations and timing of induction. However, leaf wounded by pruning in combination with addition of BABA decrease the activities of PAL and PPO, resulting in obviously more TMV symptoms than BABA treatment alone. The results suggest that BABA and wounding exhibit antagonistic effect. It is likely that BABA and other SA-dependent chemical inducers should not be applied to the wounded tobacco seedlings.
Intelligent metasurface based antenna with pattern and beam reconfigurability for internet of things applications

Field: Engineering (Physical Sciences)

The Internet of Things (IoT) devices are distributed randomly in the environment, antennas with multiple switched beams are needed to unlock the full potential of communication systems. This paper presents an intelligent metasurface (IMS) based pattern and beam reconfigurable antenna for indoor as well as outdoor IoT applications including V2X and 5 G Small Cell. The IMS based antenna system consists of a wideband monopole and a programable IMS acting as a reflector. The single–layered metasurface is comprised of 4×4 square ring-shaped unit, where each unit cell can be controlled by a pair of four diodes. Due to the separate control of each unit cell, the shape and size of the reflector can be controlled, resulting in different radiation patterns. The system offers various radiation patterns, starting from omni–directional to broadside, with single or dual beams, along with beam–steering both in elevation and azimuth plane. The antenna system offers a peak gain up to 8.89 dBi with an operational bandwidth of 4.95–7.6 GHz. To validate the design concept, the system is fabricated and tested. A microcontroller is utilized for the switching IMS configuration. The high agreement between simulated and measured results, combined with the low profile, high gain, pattern–beam reconfigurability make the proposed antenna a suitable candidate for the indoor IoT devices along with outdoor application not limited to V2X communication systems as well as for small cell in smart cities.
Solving Stochastic Optimization by Newton-type methods with Dimension-Adaptive Sparse Grid Quadrature

Field: Mathematics (Physical Sciences)

Stochastic optimisation problems minimise expectations of random cost functions. We use 'optimise then discretise' method to solve stochastic optimisation. In our approach, accurate quadrature methods are required to calculate the objective, gradient or Hessian which are in fact integrals. We apply the dimension-adaptive sparse grid quadrature to approximate these integrals when the problem is high dimensional. Dimension-adaptive sparse grid quadrature shows high accuracy and efficiency in computing an integral with a smooth integrand. It is a kind of generalisation of the classical sparse grid method, which refines different dimensions according to their importance. We show that the dimension-adaptive sparse grid quadrature has better performance in the optimise then discretise' method than the 'discretise then optimise' method.
KEABSAHAN PERKAWINAN SEDARAH MASYARAKAT ADAT BATAK TOBA MENURUT HUKUM ADAT

Field: Social Sciences (Social Sciences)

Marriage is a sacred activity because it relates to the religion and beliefs of each. The Batak Toba community is one of all tribes in Indonesia that adhere to their customs and customs, but lately there has emerged the phenomenon of blood marriages in the Batak Toba indigenous people because they feel like each other without thinking about the sanctions that will be received later. In this study, the issue was raised about how legitimacy of the blood marriage of the Batak Toba indigenous people according to customary law? The author examines the problem using normative methods. The results showed that the marriage of the Batak Toba community was not in accordance with the rules applicable in customary law, because the marriage system of the Batak Toba indigenous people themselves embraced an exogamous marriage system in which the Batak Toba indigenous people could marry the man or woman they liked must be outside the clan or the clan itself. Then in this study there are also ways to preserve the culture of the Batak Toba indigenous people who are increasingly disappearing because of the modern era that exists today.