Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Going it all alone in web entrepreneurship?: a comparison of single founders vs. co-founders

There is a considerable amount of entrepreneurial activity in the information technology (IT) industry, especially in the Web. Many claim that the founders are the single most critical factor in startup success. The entrepreneurial self-efficacy theory and the jack-of-all-trades theory suggest that founders with diverse skills and broad experience will be able to successfully create a business alone. Alternatively, social capital theory suggests that founders who have high social capital and who engage in social networking will be able to go alone. Others, however, claim that team building is crucial for startup success as to bringing complementary skills together. In this study, we investigate if having a diverse skill set, higher experience, or more social connections is indeed a determinant of single founders, while co-founders have more specialized (yet complementary) skills. Our results are derived from analysis of 91 Web startups and their 183 (co-) founders. Contradicting existing theory, we could not find determinants for starting a new business alone. However, we find that co-founders do indeed complement each other's skills. Our results suggest that existing entrepreneurial theory needs to be expanded and revised to accommodate for the contradictions found and that future research is required in this area.
How Do Australians Value Children? A Review and Research Update Using the Perceptions of Parents and Voluntarily Childless Adults

Accurate statements about the impact of children upon our lives can only be made if we sample not only the attitudes of parents, but also married adults who voluntarily decided to forgo parenthood. First, this paper reviews the findings of previous Australian studies which have provided some information on the values and costs Australian parents perceive in having children. Second, a comparison is made between the perceived values and costs of children to 50 voluntarily childless wives and 35 of their husbands, and a matched-sample of parents.
Extended Driving Impairs Nocturnal Driving Performances

Though fatigue and sleepiness at the wheel are well-known risk factors for traffic accidents, many drivers combine extended driving and sleep deprivation. Fatigue-related accidents occur mainly at night but there is no experimental data available to determine if the duration of prior driving affects driving performance at night. Participants drove in 3 nocturnal driving sessions (3–5am, 1–5am and 9pm–5am) on open highway. Fourteen young healthy men (mean age [±SD] = 23.4 [±1.7] years) participated Inappropriate line crossings (ILC) in the last hour of driving of each session, sleep variables, self-perceived fatigue and sleepiness were measured. Compared to the short (3–5am) driving session, the incidence rate ratio of inappropriate line crossings increased by 2.6 (95% CI, 1.1 to 6.0; P<.05) for the intermediate (1–5am) driving session and by 4.0 (CI, 1.7 to 9.4; P<.001) for the long (9pm–5am) driving session. Compared to the reference session (9–10pm), the incidence rate ratio of inappropriate line crossings were 6.0 (95% CI, 2.3 to 15.5; P<.001), 15.4 (CI, 4.6 to 51.5; P<.001) and 24.3 (CI, 7.4 to 79.5; P<.001), respectively, for the three different durations of driving. Self-rated fatigue and sleepiness scores were both positively correlated to driving impairment in the intermediate and long duration sessions (P<.05) and increased significantly during the nocturnal driving sessions compared to the reference session (P<.01). At night, extended driving impairs driving performances and therefore should be limited.
The small envelope glycoprotein (GS) of equine arteritis virus folds into three distinct monomers and a disulfide-linked dimer

The small membrane glycoprotein (GS) of equine arteritis virus (EAV) is a minor virion component but is abundantly expressed in EAV-infected cells. In this study, we have analyzed its membrane topology, folding, oligomerization, and intracellular transport. We show that GS is a class I integral membrane protein with one functional N-glycosylation site. Gel electrophoresis under nonreducing conditions revealed that GS occurs in EAV-infected cells in four monomeric conformations and as disulfide-linked homodimers. The slowest-migrating monomeric form corresponded to the fully reduced GS protein; the three faster-migrating monomeric species are probably generated by the formation of alternative intrachain disulfide bonds between the three luminal cysteines in the molecule. The GS monomers were selectively retained in the endoplasmic reticulum, as judged by their permanent susceptibility to endoglycosidase H, whereas the GS dimers were specifically incorporated into virus particles and became endoglycosidase H resistant and sialylated during passage through the Golgi apparatus.
Computationally Grounded Account of Belief and Awareness for AI Agents

We discuss the problem of designing a computationally grounded logic for reasoning about epistemic attitudes of AI agents, mainly concentrating on beliefs. We briefly review exisiting work and analyse problems with semantics for epistemic logic based on accessibility relations, including interpreted systems. We then make a case for syntactic epistemic logics and describe some applications of those logics in verifying AI agents.
Different Parasite Faunas in Sympatric Populations of Sister Hedgehog Species in a Secondary Contact Zone

Providing descriptive data on parasite diversity and load in sister species is a first step in addressing the role of host-parasite coevolution in the speciation process. In this study we compare the parasite faunas of the closely related hedgehog species Erinaceus europaeus and E. roumanicus from the Czech Republic where both occur in limited sympatry. We examined 109 hedgehogs from 21 localities within this secondary contact zone. Three species of ectoparasites and nine species of endoparasites were recorded. Significantly higher abundances and prevalences were found for Capillaria spp. and Brachylaemus erinacei in E. europaeus compared to E. roumanicus and higher mean infection rates and prevalences for Hymenolepis erinacei, Physaloptera clausa and Nephridiorhynchus major in E. roumanicus compared to E. europaeus. Divergence in the composition of the parasite fauna, except for Capillaria spp. , which seem to be very unspecific, may be related to the complicated demography of their hosts connected with Pleistocene climate oscillations and consequent range dynamics. The fact that all parasite species with different abundances in E. europaeus and E. roumanicus belong to intestinal forms indicates a possible diversification of trophic niches between both sister hedgehog species.
An evaluation of the Job Characteristics Model

This study explored the validity of the Job Characteristics Model within a job redesign context. The findings upon which the model is based (Hackman & Oldham, 1975) were closely replicated with an homogeneous group of shop-floor employees. However, path analyses showed that the evidence, both for the present investigation and that reported by Hackman & Oldham, was not fully consistent with the model. The implications of the findings are discussed.
The realities of virtual play: video games and their industry in China

emphasizing their degree of agency. Our analysis has demonstrated the presence of the geo-cultural paradigm in the online game market, and the hybridization of video games in China. We have explored the video game industry in China along the dual axes of state and market, with a focus on the state and private sectors, and to a lesser extent on transnational financial systems. In our analysis, China presents a unique feature: active state involvement in video game development along with a growing domestic game industry dominated by non-state players.
Unconventional plasma focus devices

The Plasma Focus (PF) characteristics have been investigated in the Two-Guns configuration (TWIN) with a 10-kJ class device. Electrodes with two different heads shapes, hollow (GYN) or hemispherical (PHAL), have been tested and the results show that the neutron yield is greater in the GYN configuration. In simple Two-Guns configuration, with the two anodes facing frontally in the vacuum vessel, the neutron yield corresponds to the sum of two independent PFs yields, as long as the inter-anode distance is larger than twice their radius. Shorter distances reduce progressively the neutron yield, but there is evidence that two foci are still formed. When the two anodes are connected by a metallic rod (COLL configuration) neutron production is still present, although reduced. For this configuration, experimental data are reported in function of the rod length and radius, capacitor bank energy, and deuterium pressure. The results agree with a simple theory based on the ballistic collision of two plasma sheaths coming from the two facing parts of the apparatus. Sheaths velocities of about 10/sup 8/ cm/s and impact energies of about 35 keV have been inferred. The scaling of the COLL apparatus is investigated.
The influence of educational context on science learning: a cross‐national analysis of PISA

The literature is replete with studies about the importance of context in relation to teaching and learning. Major international studies such as PISA, among others, attempt to develop an understanding of achievement in science learning in a variety of educational contexts. Here we explore the influence of educational context itself on science learning as measured by PISA. Comparison is made between two countries: one developed or ‘western’ nation, New Zealand, and one non‐western developing nation from southeast Asia, Thailand. In this work the authors seek to establish links between the nature of the educational context (based on Lave's notion of situated cognition) and achievement in the PISA science evaluation exercise.
Mormon "Family Values" Versus Television: An Analysis of the Discourse of Mormon Couples Regarding Television and Popular Media Culture

This research is premised on Stuart Hall's encoding/decoding model and on Berger's concept that religiosity is socially constructed. However, unlike the early Birmingham studies' emphasis on socioeconomic status as a “cultural code” through which audience members would decode media texts, this study examines the readings of television texts from the perspective of audience members who are, because of their religious practices, ideologically situated to the right of much that is offered on television. The findings in this case are consistent with Hall's notion that individuals bring contradictory and conflicting discourse into their readings of media texts.
Curcumin, the Main Part of Turmeric, Prevents Learning and Memory Changes Induced by Sodium Metabisulfite, a Preservative Agent, in Rats

Sodium metabisulfite is used as a disinfectant, antioxidant, and preservative agent in the food, beverage, and drug industries. Neurons are highly sensitive to sulfite toxicity. Curcumin is the main part of turmeric and has neuroprotective effects on a variety of nervous system damages. The present study aimed to investigate the possible protective role of curcumin in learning and memory after exposure to sulfite in rats. The rats were divided into five groups receiving distilled water (solvent of the sulfite), olive oil (solvent of the curcumin), sodium metabisulfite (25 mg/kg/day), curcumin (100 mg/kg/day), and sulfite + curcumin. All the animals received daily gavages for 8 weeks. At the end of the 8th week, learning and memory were assessed in a partially-baited eight arm radial maze. The animals treated with sulfite showed fewer correct choices and more reference and working memory errors during the learning phase, at the end of the learning phase, and during the retention testing (p<0.001). The study results demonstrated that sulfite-exposure was associated with impaired learning and memory in rats. Adding curcumin to the rat nutrition plays a protective role in learning and memory after exposure to sulfite.
Assessment of regional systolic and diastolic myocardial function using tissue Doppler and strain imaging in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) or strain (St) imaging could provide sensitive indices for early detection and treatment follow-up of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Analysis of TDI and St features in dogs with overt DCM is a prerequisite before using these new criteria in prospective screenings of predisposed families or in clinical trials. HYPOTHESIS Radial and longitudinal right and left myocardial motion, assessed by TDI and St variables, is altered in dogs with DCM. ANIMALS Case records for 26 dogs; 14 with DCM and 12 healthy controls of comparable age and weight were reviewed. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted of conventional echocardiography, 2-dimensional color TDI, and St imaging data. RESULTS The DCM group was characterized by decreases in radial and longitudinal systolic velocity gradients of the left ventricular free wall (LVFW), radial and longitudinal absolute values of peak systolic St of the LVFW, and longitudinal systolic right ventricular (RV) velocities (all P < .001 versus control) associated with longitudinal postsystolic contraction waves in 7/14 dogs. Early diastolic LVFW velocities also were decreased for longitudinal (P < .01) and radial (P < .05) motions. All radial LVFW, longitudinal basal LVFW, and RV systolic velocities were negatively correlated with heart rate (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE LV contractility along both the short and long axes is impaired in dogs with spontaneous DCM, as is systolic RV and diastolic LVFW function. These myocardial alterations are associated with an inverse force-frequency relationship. Studies now are needed to determine the comparative sensitivity of TDI and St variables for the early detection of canine DCM.
“But Everybody Does It…”: The Effects Of Perceptions, Moral Pressures, And Informal Sanctions On Tax Cheating

Abstract Data from the Notre Dame Study of Catholic Parish Life are used to examine how perceptions of tax evasion within a community affect community members' judgments about the moral wrongfulness of tax evasion, their fear of informal sanctions directed against such behavior, and, ultimately, their inclination to evade taxes in the future. We used multilevel linear structural equation modeling to estimate the direct and indirect effects of these variables. We find that the more prevalent an individual perceives tax evasion to be within the community, the less likely the individual will be to judge the act harshly, the less likely he or she will be to fear informal sanctions directed against it, and the more inclined the individual will be to commit tax evasion in the future. The direct effects of individuals' perceptions, their judgments about the moral wrongfulness of tax evasion, and the threat of informal actions are all statistically significant and in the predicted direction. The indirect effects of such perceptions of offending and the direct effects of moral judgments illustrate how informal social control loses force within a moral community and deviant acts may become increasingly acceptable through process of defining deviancy down.
The role of intestinal mucosa oxidative stress in gut barrier dysfunction of severe acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a serious systemic disease with a sustained high mortality rate. Extensive evidence has shown that gut barrier dysfunction plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of SAP. AIM Investigating the role of intestinal mucosa oxidative stress in gut barrier dysfunction of SAP. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-four BALB/c mice were randomly divided into two groups with twelve mice each group. The SAP group mice received six intraperitoneal injections of cerulein (50 µg/kg) at 1-hour intervals, then given one intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS from E. coli) for inducing SAP. Normal saline was given to the mice of control group. The animals of each group were averaged to two batches. Four and eight hours after the final injection, respectively, mice were anesthetized and blood and tissue samples were harvested for examination. The pathological changes of pancreas and gut were observed and scored. The serum levels of diamine oxidase (DAO), amylase and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured. The contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and xanthine oxidase (XO) in gut mucosa were detected. In gut mucosa, the caspase-3 activity was measured and the cell apoptosis and apoptosis index (AI) were determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and t-test. RESULTS At four and eight hours after SAP induction, the SAP group mice had significantly higher pancreatic and gut pathological scores (p < 0.01) and increased serum levels of amylase (p < 0.05), DAO and TNF-α (p < 0.01) and increased MDA contents and XO activity of gut mucosa (p < 0.01) compared with those of control mice. There were significantly lower GSH contents (p < 0.05) and SOD activity (p < 0.01) of gut mucosa in the SAP mice. It was also observed that the gut mucosa cells of SAP mice had significantly higher caspase-3 activity and apoptosis index (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS In SAP, waterfall-style release of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α led to ischemia-reperfusion injury of gut mucosa which resulted in serious oxidative stress and activation of caspase-3 pathway and severe apoptosis of gut mucosa. Therefore, intestinal mucosal oxidative stress may play an important role in the mechanism of gut barrier dysfunction.
ERRATUM: "POLYHOMOGENEOUS SOLUTIONS OF NONLINEAR WAVE EQUATIONS WITHOUT CORNER CONDITIONS"

The study of Einstein equations leads naturally to Cauchy problems with initial data on hypersurfaces which closely resemble hyperboloids in Minkowski space-time, and with initial data with polyhomogeneous asymptotics, that is, with asymptotic expansions in terms of powers of ln r and inverse powers of r. Such expansions also arise in the conformal method for analysing wave equations in odd space-time dimension. In recent work it has been shown that for non-linear wave equations, or for wave maps, polyhomogeneous initial data lead to solutions which are also polyhomogeneous provided that an infinite hierarchy of corner conditions holds. In this paper we show that the result is true regardless of corner conditions.
Heavy quark physics from lattice QCD

We review the application of lattice QCD to the phenomenology of b- and c-quarks. After a short discussion of the lattice techniques used to evaluate hadronic matrix elements and the corresponding systematic uncertainties, we summarise results for leptonic decay constants, B--Bbar mixing, semileptonic and rare radiative decays. A discussion of the determination of heavy quark effective theory parameters is followed by an explanation of the difficulty in applying lattice methods to exclusive nonleptonic decays.
Human Papillomavirus Type Distribution in Invasive Cervical Cancer and High-Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Across 5 Countries in Asia

Objective Independent, prospective, multicenter, hospital-based cross-sectional studies were conducted across 5 countries in Asia, namely, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea, and the Philippines. The objectives of these studies were to evaluate the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) types (high risk and others including coinfections) in women with invasive cervical cancer (ICC) and high-grade precancerous lesions. Methods Women older than 21 years with a histologic diagnosis of ICC and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN 2 or 3 and adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS)] were enrolled. Cervical specimens were reviewed by histopathologists to confirm the presence of ICC or CIN 2/3/AIS lesion and tested with short PCR fragment10-DNA enzyme immunoassay-line probe assay for 14 oncogenic HPV types and 11 non-oncogenic HPV types. The prevalence of HPV 16, HPV 18, and other high-risk HPV types in ICC [including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma/adenosquamous carcinoma (ADC/ASC)] and CIN 2/3/AIS was estimated. Results In the 5 Asian countries, diagnosis of ICC was confirmed in 500 women [SCC (n = 392) and ADC/ASC (n = 108)], and CIN 2/3/AIS, in 411 women. Human papillomavirus DNA was detected in 93.8% to 97.0% (84.5% for the Philippines) of confirmed ICC cases [94.0%–98.7% of SCC; 87.0%–94.3% (50.0% for the Philippines) of ADC/ASC] and in 93.7% to 100.0% of CIN 2/3/AIS. The most common types observed among ICC cases were HPV 16 (36.8%–61.3%), HPV 18 (12.9%–35.4%), HPV 52 (5.4%–10.3%), and HPV 45 (1.5%–17.2%), whereas among CIN 2/3/AIS cases, HPV 16 (29.7%–46.6%) was the most commonly observed type followed by HPV 52 (17.0%–66.7%) and HPV 58 (8.6%–16.0%). Conclusions This article presents the data on the HPV prevalence, HPV type distribution, and their role in cervical carcinogenesis in 5 Asian countries. These data are of relevance to public health authorities for evaluating the existing and future cervical cancer prevention strategies including HPV-DNA testing–based screening and HPV vaccination in these Asian populations.
Real-time optimal adaptation for planetary geometry and texture: 4-8 tile hierarchies

The real-time display of huge geometry and imagery databases involves view-dependent approximations, typically through the use of precomputed hierarchies that are selectively refined at runtime. A classic motivating problem is terrain visualization in which planetary databases involving billions of elevation and color values are displayed on PC graphics hardware at high frame rates. This paper introduces a new diamond data structure for the basic selective-refinement processing, which is a streamlined method of representing the well-known hierarchies of right triangles that have enjoyed much success in real-time, view-dependent terrain display. Regular-grid tiles are proposed as the payload data per diamond for both geometry and texture. The use of 4-8 grid refinement and coarsening schemes allows level-of-detail transitions that are twice as gradual as traditional quadtree-based hierarchies, as well as very high-quality low-pass filtering compared to subsampling-based hierarchies. An out-of-core storage organization is introduced based on Sierpinski indices per diamond, along with a tile preprocessing framework based on fine-to-coarse, same-level, and coarse-to-fine gathering operations. To attain optimal frame-to-frame coherence and processing-order priorities, dual split and merge queues are developed similar to the realtime optimally adapting meshes (ROAM) algorithm, as well as an adaptation of the ROAM frustum culling technique. Example applications of lake-detection and procedural terrain generation demonstrate the flexibility of the tile processing framework.