pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
Face, content, and construct validity of the EndoViS training system for objective assessment of psychomotor skills of laparoscopic surgeons

Background\ud
The aim of this study is to present face, content, and constructs validity of the endoscopic orthogonal video system (EndoViS) training system and determines its efficiency as a training and objective assessment tool of the surgeons’ psychomotor skills.\ud
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Methods\ud
Thirty-five surgeons and medical students participated in this study: 11 medical students, 19 residents, and 5 experts. All participants performed four basic skill tasks using conventional laparoscopic instruments and EndoViS training system. Subsequently, participants filled out a questionnaire regarding the design, realism, overall functionality, and its capabilities to train hand–eye coordination and depth perception, rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Motion data of the instruments were obtained by means of two webcams built into a laparoscopic physical trainer. To identify the surgical instruments in the images, colored markers were placed in each instrument. Thirteen motion-related metrics were used to assess laparoscopic performance of the participants. Statistical analysis of performance was made between novice, intermediate, and expert groups. Internal consistency of all metrics was analyzed with Cronbach’s α test.\ud
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Results\ud
Overall scores about features of the EndoViS system were positives. Participants agreed with the usefulness of tasks and the training capacities of EndoViS system (score >4). Results presented significant differences in the execution of three skill tasks performed by participants. Seven metrics showed construct validity for assessment of performance with high consistency levels.\ud
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Conclusions\ud
EndoViS training system has been successfully validated. Results showed that EndoViS was able to differentiate between participants of varying laparoscopic experience. This simulator is a useful and effective tool to objectively assess laparoscopic psychomotor skills of the surgeons
High-spin structure of 102Ru

High-spin states in the nucleus 102Ru have been investigated via the 96Zr(13}C,alpha3n) reaction at beam energies of 51 and 58 MeV, using the EUROBALL IV gamma-ray spectrometer and the DIAMANT charged particle array. Several new high-spin bands have been established. The ground state band has been extended up to E_x \sim 12 MeV with Ipi = (26+), while the previously published negative-parity bands have been extended up to E_x \sim 11 and sim 9 MeV with I pi = (23-) and (20-), respectively. The deduced high-spin structure has been compared with Woods-Saxon TRS calculations and, on the basis of the measured Routhians, aligned angular momenta, and B(M1)/B(E2) ratios, nu h_11/2(g_{7/2},d_{5/2} configurations are suggested for the negative-parity structures
Global rankings in the Nordic region: challenging the identity of research-intensive universities?

-Global university rankings currently attract considerable attention, and it is often assumed that such rankings may cause universities to prioritize activities and outcomes that will have a positive effect in their ranking position. A possible consequence of this could be the spread of a particular model of an ‘‘ideal’’ university. This article tests this assumption through an analysis of a sample of research-intensive universities in the Nordic region. Through document analysis and interviews with institutional leaders and staff from central administration, the study explores whether high-ranked Nordic universities take strategic measures as a response to global rankings, and whether the traditional identities of the universities are changing, as they are influenced and affected by the rankings. The study shows that rankings have a relatively modest impact on decision-making and strategic actions in the Nordic universities studied, and that there are few signs of rankings challenging the existing identities of the universities in this region
Niels Bohr on the wave function and the classical/quantum divide

It is well known that Niels Bohr insisted on the necessity of classical concepts in the account of quantum phenomena. But there is little consensus concerning his reasons, and what he exactly meant by this. In this paper, I re-examine Bohr’s interpretation of quantum mechanics, and argue that the necessity of the classical can be seen as part of his response to the measurement problem. More generally, I attempt to clarify Bohr’s view on the classical/quantum divide, arguing that the relation between the two theories is that of mutual dependence. An important element in this clarification consists in distinguishing Bohr’s idea of the wave function as symbolic from both a purely epistemic and an ontological interpretation. Together with new evidence concerning Bohr’s conception of the wave function collapse, this sets his interpretation apart from both standard versions of the Copenhagen interpretation, and from some of the reconstructions of his view found in the literature. I conclude with a few remarks on how Bohr’s ideas make much sense also when modern developments in quantum gravity and early universe cosmology are taken into account
A fibrocontractive mechanochemical model of dermal wound closure incorporating realistic growth factor kinetics

Fibroblasts and their activated phenotype, myofibroblasts, are the primary cell types involved in the contraction associated with dermal wound healing. Recent experimental evidence indicates that the transformation from fibroblasts to myofibroblasts involves two distinct processes: The cells are stimulated to change phenotype by the combined actions of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and mechanical tension. This observation indicates a need for a detailed exploration of the effect of the strong interactions between the mechanical changes and growth factors in dermal wound healing. We review the experimental findings in detail and develop a model of dermal wound healing that incorporates these phenomena. Our model includes the interactions between TGFβ and collagenase, providing a more biologically realistic form for the growth factor kinetics than those included in previous mechanochemical descriptions. A comparison is made between the model predictions and experimental data on human dermal wound healing and all the essential features are well matched
Authentication in mobile devices through hand gesture recognition

This article proposes an innovative biometric technique based on the idea of authenticating a person on a mobile device by gesture recognition. To accomplish this aim, a user is prompted to be recognized by a gesture he/she performs moving his/her hand while holding a mobile device with an accelerometer embedded. As users are not able to repeat a gesture exactly in the air, an algorithm based on sequence alignment is developed to correct slight differences between repetitions of the same gesture. The robustness of this biometric technique has been studied within 2 different tests analyzing a database of 100 users with real falsifications. Equal Error Rates of 2.01 and 4.82% have been obtained in a zero-effort and an active impostor attack, respectively. A permanence evaluation is also presented from the analysis of the repetition of the gestures of 25 users in 10 sessions over a month. Furthermore, two different gesture databases have been developed: one made up of 100 genuine identifying 3-D hand gestures and 3 impostors trying to falsify each of them and another with 25 volunteers repeating their identifying 3- D hand gesture in 10 sessions over a month. These databases are the most extensive in published studies, to the best of our knowledge
Preparedness for tertiary chemistry: multiple applications of the chemistry competence test for diagnostic and prediction purposes

This is a post-print of an article published by the Royal Society of Chemistry available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/C1RP90024B.The development of the Chemistry Competence Test was prompted by the extensive curriculum changes in the South African school system after democracy was established in 1994. As chemists, we were concerned that there might be a lack of articulation between secondary and tertiary levels, since we anticipated that curriculum changes would have an impact on the knowledge base and skills development of prospective students. A diagnostic test developed initially to document proficiencies of first-time entering students to South African universities has proved to be a versatile instrument for multiple uses. Apart from monitoring levels of preparedness for tertiary chemistry during a period of systemic change, it has also been used to evaluate institutional placement policies, to identify specific conceptual problems and procedural deficiencies, and to measure conceptual gains over the course of the first year at university. In addition, its application for the prediction of risk of failure in first-year chemistry based on cognitive and non-cognitive variables was demonstrated. All these findings are valuable resources to inform lecturers who are concerned about minimizing the conceptual gap between secondary and tertiary chemistry
Chemical variability of Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus berry and leaf oils from Corsica, analysed by combination of GC, GC-MS and 13C-NMR

The composition of 27 samples of berry oil and 54 samples of leaf oil of Juniperus oxycedrus ssp. oxycedrus from Corsica was investigated by GC, GC-MS and 13C-NMR. The main constituents were terpene hydrocarbons, especially alpha-pinene, myrcene and germacrene D in the oils from berries and alpha-pinene, beta-phellandrene and Delta3-carene in the oils from leaves. The results of the analyses were submitted to k-means partitioning and principal component analysis, which allowed the distinction of two compositions in the berry oils (differentiated by the contents of alpha-pinene, myrcene and germacrene D) and in the leaf oils (differentiated by the contents of alpha-pinene, beta-phellandrene and Delta3-carene). (Z)-6-Pentadecen-2-one, an unusual alkenone present in several samples of leaf oil, was identified using 13C-NMR spectroscopy. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ffj.157
The effects and side-effects of the EU emissions trading scheme

As many countries, regions, cities, and states implement emissions trading policies to limit CO2 emissions, they turn to the European Union's experience with its emissions trading scheme since 2005. As a prominent example of a regional carbon pricing policy, it has attracted significant attention from scholars interested in evaluating the effectiveness and impacts of emissions trading. Among the key difficulties faced by researchers is isolating the effect of the EU ETS on industry operation, investment, and pricing decisions from other dominant factors such as the financial crisis, and establishing credible counterfactual scenarios against this backdrop. This article reviews the evidence, focusing on two intended effects (emissions abatement and investment in low-carbon technologies) as well as two side-effects (profits and price impacts). We find that the EU ETS cut CO2 emissions by 40–80 million t/year on average, or 2–4% of the total capped, while the evidence on innovation and investment impacts is inconclusive. There is strong empirical support for cost-pass through in electricity (20–100%), in diesel and gasoline (>50%), and some preliminary evidence of pricing power in other industrial sectors. Windfall profits have amounted to billions of Euros, and concentrated in a few large companies
Radiation from a D -dimensional collision of shock waves: proof of first order formula and angular factorisation at all orders

In two previous papers [1, 2] we have computed the inelasticity ϵ in a head-on collision of two D -dimensional Aichelburg-Sexl shock waves, using perturbation theory to calculate the geometry in the future light-cone of the collision. The first order result, obtained as an accurate numerical fit, yielded the remarkably simple formula ϵ 1st order = 1 / 2 − 1 /D . Here we show, analytically , that this result is exact in first order perturbation theory. Moreover, we clarify the relation between perturbation theory and an angular series of the inelasticity’s angular power around the symmetry axis of the collision ( θ = 0 , π ). To establish these results, firstly, we show that at null infinity the angular dependence factorises order by order in perturbation theory, as a result of a hidden symmetry. Secondly, we show that a consistent truncation of the angular series in powers of sin 2 θ at some order O n $$ \mathcal{O}(n) $$ requires knowledge of the metric perturbations up to O n + 1 $$ \mathcal{O}\left(n+1\right) $$ . In particular, this justifies the isotropy assumption used in first-order perturbation theory. We then compute, analytically, all terms that contribute to the inelasticity and depend linearly on the initial conditions ( surface terms ), including second order contributions
Topological aspects of generalized gravitational entropy

The holographic prescription for computing entanglement entropy requires that the bulk extremal surface, whose area encodes the amount of entanglement, satisfies a homology constraint. Usually this is stated as the requirement of a (spacelike) interpolating surface that connects the region of interest and the extremal surface. We investigate to what extent this constraint is upheld by the generalized gravitational entropy argument, which relies on constructing replica symmetric q -fold covering spaces of the bulk, branched at the extremal surface. We prove (at the level of topology) that the putative extremal surface satisfies the homology constraint if and only if the corresponding branched cover can be constructed for every positive integer q . We give simple examples to show that homology can be violated if the cover exists for some values q but not others, along with some other issues
Constraints on axion inflation from the weak gravity conjecture

We derive constraints facing models of axion inflation based   on decay constant alignment from a string-theoretic and quantum   gravitational perspective.  In particular, we investigate the   prospects for alignment and `anti-alignment' of C4 axion decay   constants in type IIB string theory, deriving a strict no-go result   in the latter case.  We discuss the relationship of axion decay   constants to the weak gravity conjecture and demonstrate agreement   between our string-theoretic constraints and those coming from the   `generalized' weak gravity conjecture.  Finally, we consider a   particular model of decay constant alignment in which the potential   of C4 axions in type IIB compactifications on a Calabi-Yau   three-fold is dominated by contributions from D7-branes, pointing   out that this model evades some of the challenges derived earlier in   our paper but is highly constrained by other geometric   considerations
Legal coercion, respect & reason-responsive agency

Legal coercion seems morally problematic because it is susceptible to the Hegelian objection that it fails to respect individuals in a way that is ‘due to them as men’. But in what sense does legal coercion fail to do so? And what are the grounds for this requirement to respect? This paper is an attempt to answer these questions. It argues that (a) legal coercion fails to respect individuals as reason-responsive agents; and (b) individuals ought to be respected as such in virtue of the fact that they are human beings. Thus it is in this sense that legal coercion fails to treat individuals with the kind of respect ‘due to them as men’
Urban Policy and Gentrification
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A critical analysis using the case of Paris

International audienceThis paper contributes to the reappraisal of the issues approached in gentrification studies. It focuses on the role of public policies in the gentrification of the Paris inner city and, in addition to presenting technical aspects, it provides a critical analysis of this phenomenon, aiming to shed light on the political meaning of public action occurring there today. The paper gives an overview of the actors, factors and spatial dynamics involved in the gentrification process since the 1980s and then focuses in more detail on public action since 2001, when the left (Parti socialiste) took over the Paris municipality. While political goals still remain relatively ambiguous, the authors of the present paper set out to clarify the global consequences of public policies in housing, public spaces and culture. In spite of the city Council's will to overhaul public policies, its action has been unsuccessful so far in stopping the gentrification process in Paris. It has indeed actually contributed to it by transforming public spaces and by the modes of cultural action implemented
Chronicle of a scenario graph: from expected to observed learning path

International audienceThis paper proposes an analysis of student paths into the scenario graph for a learning game that uses a formal model of serious games understandable and usable by teachers. Screenwriting, implemented with a mental map, includes an expected path: the one that includes the most interesting nodes of the scenario graph from the point of view of the teacher, and achieves the training objectives. Through the analysis of the path taken by the students, we will show the advantages and the benefits of this screenwriting. For that we indicate the different paths, the exit points (nodes presenting the case of abandonment of the student) and the various categories of paths (with achievement or non- achievement of training objectives). Finally, we propose solutions (tools and methods) to improve the reengineering process and the design of the scenario by the teachers
A. How the intentions of the draftsman shape perception of a drawing.

The interaction between the recovery of the artist's intentions and the perception of an artwork is a classic topic for philosophy and history of art. It also frequently, albeit sometimes implicitly, comes up in everyday thought and conversation about art and artworks. Since recent work in cognitive science can help us understand how we perceive and understand the intentions of others, this discipline could fruitfully participate in a multidisciplinary investigation of the role of intention recovery in art perception. The method I propose is to look for cases where recovery of the artist's intentions interacts with perception of a work of art, and this cannot be explain by a simple top-down influence of conscious propositional knowledge on perception. I will focus on drawing and show that recovery of the draftsman's intentional actions is handled by a psychological process shaped by the motor system of the observer
Medical treatment of prosthetic vascular graft infections: review of the literature and proposals of a Working Group

International audienceMore than 400 000 vascular grafts are inserted annually in the USA. Graft insertion is complicated by infection in 0.5–4% of cases. Vascular graft infections (VGIs) are becoming one of the most frequent prosthesis-related infections and are associated with considerable mortality, ranging from 10–25% within 30 days following the diagnosis. Treatment of VGI is based on urgent surgical removal of the infected graft followed by prolonged antibiotherapy. Data regarding the best antibiotherapy to use are lacking since no well designed trial to study antimicrobial treatment of VGI exists. Moreover, since VGIs demonstrate very specific pathophysiology, guidelines on other material-related infections or infective endocarditis treatment cannot be entirely applied to VGI. A French multidisciplinary group gathering infectious diseases specialists, anaesthesiologists, intensivists, microbiologists, radiologists and vascular surgeons was created to review the literature dealing with VGI and to make some proposals regarding empirical and documented antibiotic therapy for these infections. This article reveals these proposal
Inference of abrupt changes in noisy geochemical records using transdimensional changepoint models

International audienceWe present a method to quantify abrupt changes (or changepoints) in data series, represented as a function of depth or time. These changes are often the result of climatic or environmental variations and can be manifested inmultiple datasets as different responses, but all datasets can have the same changepoint locations/timings. The method we present uses transdimensional Markov chain Monte Carlo to infer probability distributions on the number and locations (in depth or time) of changepoints, the mean values between changepoints and, if required, the noise variance associated with each dataset being considered. This latter point is important as we generally will have limited information on the noise, such as estimates only of measurement uncertainty, and in most cases it is not practical to make repeat sampling/measurement to assess other contributions to the variation in the data.Wedescribe themain features of the approach (and describe themathematical formulation in supplementary material), and demonstrate its validity using synthetic datasets, with known changepoint structure (number and locations of changepoints) and distribution of noise variance for each dataset.We show that when using multiple data, we expect to achieve better resolution of the changepoint structure than when we use each dataset individually. This is conditional on the validity of the assumption of common changepoints between different datasets.We then apply themethod to two sets of real geochemical data, both from peat cores, taken from NE Australia and eastern Tibet. Under the assumption that changes occur at the same time for all datasets, we recover solutions consistent with those previously inferred qualitatively from independent data and interpretations. However, our approach provides a quantitative estimate of the relative probability of the inferred changepoints, allowing an objective assessment of the significance of each change
Sedimentation and preservation of the Miocene Atacama Gravels in the Pedernales-Chañaral Area, Northern Chile: Climatic or Tectonic Control?

International audienceIn recent years, longitudinal changes on the thin/thick-skinned tectonic styles of the Central Andes has been intensively discussed while other studies have considered the role of mass transfers on the unloading the orogen, and on the stress regime along the plate interface arising from changes on the volume of sediment arriving into the Peru-Chile trench. The search for paleo-climate records is therefore crucial for our understanding of the history of the Central Andes. In this paper, we focus on the Atacama Gravels, an extensive blanket of Miocene continental deposits filling a Neogene paleo-valley system along the southern Atacama Desert in northern Chile. An east-west transect, between Pedernales and Chañaral (26º30'S), enabled us to carry out a sedimentological and tectonic study of the Atacama Gravels, based on logging and field observations along the Rio Salado canyon. New 39Ar-40Ar ages obtained on intercalated and overlying ignimbrites date the beginning of the Atacama Gravels sedimentation at around the Oligocene-Miocene boundary and cessation of sedimentation in the late Miocene. Thirteen lithofacies, included within five facies associations (A1 to A5) were identified. Depositional environments vary from proximal alluvial fan (A1, A2) in the Precordillera through ephemeral fluvial (A3, A4) to distal playa lake (A5) in the Coastal Cordillera. No evidences of syn-sedimentary deformation have been found, showing that the change from sediment removal to sediment preservation cannot be explained by tectonic causes, and climate change appears to be the dominant controlling factor of sediment preservation. A progressive change from semi-arid towards hyper-arid climatic conditions during the Miocene, led to a reduction on the transport capacity of the fluvial system and sediment preservation along the paleovalley system formed during the Oligocene