Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Economic status of the elderly in Hong Kong

English This article examines the economic status of elderly people in Hong Kong based on data collected by the government. The Hong Kong elderly population is not a homogeneous group, as their economic status is significantly related to their gender, age, marital status, education and employment status. French Se basant sur des données recueillies par le gouvernement, cet article examine le statut économique des personnes âgées à Hong Kong. La population âgée de Hong Kong ne constitue pas un groupe homogène. Les statuts économiques de ces personnes sont reliés de façon significative aux variables de genre, d'âge, de statut marital, d'éducation et de statut d'emploi. Spanish Se examina el estatus económico de las personas mayores en Hong Kong basándose en datos recogidos por el gobierno. La población de mayores en Hong Kong no es un grupo homogéneo, pues su estatus económico está relacionado con el género, la edad, el estado civil, la educación y su estado de empleo.
A General Framework for a Class of First Order Primal-Dual Algorithms for Convex Optimization in Imaging Science

We generalize the primal-dual hybrid gradient (PDHG) algorithm proposed by Zhu and Chan in [An Efficient Primal-Dual Hybrid Gradient Algorithm for Total Variation Image Restoration, CAM Report 08-34, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 2008] to a broader class of convex optimization problems. In addition, we survey several closely related methods and explain the connections to PDHG. We point out convergence results for a modified version of PDHG that has a similarly good empirical convergence rate for total variation (TV) minimization problems. We also prove a convergence result for PDHG applied to TV denoising with some restrictions on the PDHG step size parameters. We show how to interpret this special case as a projected averaged gradient method applied to the dual functional. We discuss the range of parameters for which these methods can be shown to converge. We also present some numerical comparisons of these algorithms applied to TV denoising, TV deblurring, and constrained $l_1$ minimization problems.
Role of membrane-bound 5'-nucleotidase in nucleotide uptake by the moderate halophile Vibrio costicola

Intact cells of Vibrio costicola hydrolyzed ATP, ADP, and AMP. The membrane-bound 5'-nucleotidase (C. Bengis-Garber and D. J. Kushner, J. Bacteriol. 146:24-32, 1981) was solely responsible for these activities, as shown by experiments with anti-5'-nucleotidase serum and with the ATP analog, adenosine 5'-(beta gamma-imido)-diphosphate. Fresh cell suspensions rapidly accumulated 8-14C-labeled adenine 5'-nucleotides and adenosine. The uptake of ATP, ADP, and AMP (but not the adenosine uptake) was inhibited by adenosine 5'-(beta gamma-imido)-diphosphate similarly to the inhibition of the 5'-nucleotidase. Furthermore, the uptake of nucleotides had Mg2+ requirements similar to those of the 5'-nucleotidase. The uptake of ATP was competitively inhibited by unlabeled adenosine and vice versa; inhibition of the adenosine uptake by ATP occurred only in the presence of Mg2+. These experiments indicated that nucleotides were dephosphorylated to adenosine before uptake. The hydrolysis of [alpha-32P]ATP as well as the uptake of free adenosine followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The kinetics of uptake of ATP, ADP, and AMP also each appeared to be a saturable carrier-mediated transport. The kinetic properties of the uptake of ATP were compared with those of the ATP hydrolysis and the uptake of adenosine. It was concluded that the adenosine moiety of ATP was taken up via a specific adenosine transport system after dephosphorylation by the 5'-nucleotidase.
The Intimate Machine – 30 years on

This conversation focuses on a book published in 1983 that examined ‘animism’, the tendency to regard non-living entities as living and sentient. The Intimate Machine suggested that animism will be fully exploited by artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, generating artefacts that will engage the user in ‘social’ interactions so that eventually people will form close and beneficial social relationships with artificial ‘companion systems’. The author of the book, clinical psychologist Neil Frude, is asked to reflect on his book and, although he admits that his techno-optimism in the 1980s was exaggerated, it is clear that he still holds to his major thesis. He considers ‘virtual pets’, such as Tamagotchi, Furby and Sony’s Aibo, and considers why they did not evolve into more sophisticated social artefacts. Frude identifies three vital elements needed for a successful artificial companion – animism, artistry and AI – and acknowledges that the last of these has been the weak link. However, even simple AI programs can make an impressive impact when skilfully implemented. He emphasizes the relevance of characterization, pointing to examples in recent computer-generated animations. In the context of interactive technology, the addition of character and artificial personality will generate companion machines that are highly engaging and exceptionally appealing. Insights into the likely nature and roles of artificial companions, and how people will relate to them, are available in the science fiction corpus, and this literature has also examined relevant ethical and social issues. Finally, he considers some of the possible clinical applications of such systems in both physical health and mental health and he also reflects on some of the potential dangers of the kind of artefact that he is envisioning.
Expression of the precore region of an avian hepatitis B virus is not required for viral replication

The core-antigen-coding region of all hepadnaviruses is preceded by a short, in-phase open reading frame termed precore whose expression can give rise to core-antigen-related polypeptides. To explore the functional significance of precore expression in vivo, we introduced a frameshift mutation into this region of the duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) genome and examined the phenotype of this mutant DNA by intrahepatic inoculation into newborn ducklings. Animals receiving mutant DNA developed DHBV infection, as judged by the presence in hepatocytes of characteristic viral replicative intermediates; molecular cloning and DNA sequencing confirmed that the original mutation was present in the progeny genomes. Infection could be efficiently transmitted to susceptible ducklings by percutaneous inoculation with serum from mutant-infected animals, indicating that infectious progeny virus was generated. These findings indicate that expression of the precore region of DHBV is not essential for genomic replication, core particle morphogenesis, or intrahepatic viral spread.
Optimal placement of energy storage devices for loss reduction in distribution networks

In this paper optimal placement of energy storage devices in low voltage distribution networks is investigated. The main target of this study is to find the optimal place, along with the related management strategy, of an energy storage device to maximize loss reduction in the network. The objective function involves the losses amount during all time intervals. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm has been applied for finding the solution of this problem. Among the most important features of this algorithm stands its feasibility, regarding both ease and speed. CIGRÉ low voltage network has been selected to evaluate the effectiveness of the method.
Is Smoking Stigma Clouding the Objectivity of Employee Performance Appraisal?

This paper examines the relationship between supervisors' and project leaders' perceptions about the smoking behavior of their subordinate employees and their performance appraisals of their employees. Those who were perceived to be smokers were rated lower than those perceived to be nonsmokers on four of nine job performance measures when controlling for age, race, and gender. The findings suggest smoking stigma may negatively affect the perceptions of one's overall job performance, especially in terms of one's professional comportment, working relations with others, and dependability.
Numerical Crack Growth Analysis in AA2024-T3 Friction Stir Welded Butt Joints

This paper deals with a numerical investigation on the influence of residual stresses on fatigue crack growth in AA2024-T3 friction stir welded butt joints. The computational approach is based on the coupled usage of the finite element method (FEM) and the dual boundary element method (DBEM), in order to take advantage of the main capabilities of the two methods. Linear elastic FE simulations are performed to evaluate the process induced residual stresses, by means of the “contour method” technique. The computed stress field is then superimposed on the stress field produced by a remote fatigue traction load applied on a cracked specimen, and the crack propagation is simulated in a DBEM environment, according to a two-parameters growth model. The results obtained highlight the influence of the residual stress distribution on crack growth.
Singular Limits and Convergence Rates of Compressible Euler and Rotating Shallow Water Equations

With solid-wall boundary condition and ill-prepared initial data, we prove the singular limits and convergence rates of compressible Euler and rotating shallow water equations towards their incompressible counterparts. A major issue is that fast acoustic waves contribute to the slow vortical dynamics at order one and do not damp in any strong sense. Upon averaging in time, however, such a contribution vanishes at the order of the singular parameters (i.e., Mach/Froude/Rossby numbers). In particular, convergence rates of the compressible dynamics, when projected onto the slow manifold, are estimated explicitly in terms of the singular parameters and Sobolev norms of the initial data. The structural condition of a vorticity equation plays a key role in such an estimation as well as in proving singular-parameter-independent life spans of classical solutions.
Problem solving of children with ntellectual Disabilities : interrogative strategies and solution time rates

Possible differences in problem solving abilities between children with intellectual disabilities and regular class children were studied. A comparison was made between the children . vith intellectual disabilities and regular class children of comparable developmental level (mental age). The children with intellectual disabilities were also compared with regular class children of comparable chronological age. Subjects completed a preliminary tasX to determine mastery of the required skills before attempting an experimental problem solving game. The game required subjects to Jsk questions in order lo achieve a problem solution. Each subject's level of motivation lo solve the problem was also measured usi:lg a LikcrHype scale. Three main dependE>nt variables which examined solution time rates and interrogative strategies Wl? re generated by the experimental game: (i) time taken to solve the problem, (ii) total number of questions needed to solve the problem, and (iii) type of question generated to solve the problem. A fourth dependent variable, level of motivation to solve the problem, was employed as a moderating variable in other analyses. ANCOV A and ANOV A were usf'd to deter::nine if performance differences existed among the groups on the dependent variables. Single df tests were then carried out to identify between-group differences.
The Influence of Ability Beliefs and Motivational Orientation on the Self-Efficacy of High School Science Students in Thailand

This study investigated the influence of entity beliefs, gender stereotypes and motivational goals on participants' self-efficacy in biology and physics and their career aspirations. Participants (n = 2638, males 46% and females 54%) were students enrolled in Years 10–12 of the academic science-maths stream in Thailand. Entity beliefs were endorsed significantly more by males than by females, while gender stereotypes were endorsed significantly more by females than by males. Entity beliefs were found to be significantly and positively associated with performance avoidance goals towards science. Multiple regression analysis found a negative influence of performance avoidance goals and a positive influence of mastery goals on males' and females' self-efficacy in physics and biology and their career aspirations. The stereotype ‘males are better in physics’ had a positive influence on the measure of self-efficacy of males in physics studies and a negative influence on the self-efficacy of females. The stereotype ‘females are better in biology’ had no influence on the measure of self-efficacy in biology studies for either males or females. Our results support a view of subject-specific inquiry as more revealing than global inquiry for the investigation of gender differences in achievement-related beliefs.
A Multilevel Examination of Cultural Moderators of the Job Demands-Resources Model

vii CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1 The Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model 2 Existing Cross-Cultural Research on the JD-R 5 The Role of Cultural Dimensions 9 Hypotheses 13 The Proposed Study and Its Contributions 20 CHAPTER TWO: METHOD 22 Participants 22 Measures 24 Cultural Dimensions 24 Job Demands and Resources 26 Organizational Constraints 26 Job Control 26 Participation in Decision-Making 28 Supervisor Support 28 Senior Leader Support 28 Clear Goals and Performance Feedback 28 Strain Variables 28 Job Satisfaction 28 Turnover Intentions 28 Data Analyses 28 Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFAs) 28 Sample Equivalence 29 Measurement Equivalence 30 Multilevel Analyses 31 Supplemental Analyses 32 CHAPTER THREE: RESULTS 33 Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFAs) 33
Oestrogenic influence on brain AT1 receptor signalling on the thirst and sodium appetite in osmotically stimulated and sodium‐depleted female rats

The present work was carried out to investigate the role of angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors in nocturnal thirst and sodium appetite induced by classical models of osmotic and sodium depletion challenges in ovariectomized rats chronically treated with oil or oestradiol benzoate (EB, 20 μg per animal, s.c. daily). In both conditions, the animals were given saline or losartan (108 nmol per animal, i.c.v.), a selective AT1 receptor blocker. Oestrogen therapy significantly reduced the water intake induced by water deprivation, sodium depletion produced by frusemide injected 24 h before, and s.c. acute frusemide plus captopril injection (FUROCAP protocol), with no alteration following s.c. hypertonic saline injection. In contrast, EB therapy decreased the salt intake induced by sodium depletion and FUROCAP protocols, with no alteration following water deprivation and s.c. hypertonic saline injection. Central AT1 blockade inhibited the dipsogenic response induced by water deprivation, osmotic stimulation, chronic sodium depletion and FUROCAP protocols and inhibited the natriorexigenic response induced by sodium depletion in ovariectomized rats. Oestrogen therapy significantly attenuated the losartan‐induced antidipsogenic and antinatriorexigenic actions following sodium depletion and FUROCAP protocols. These results indicate that ovariectomized rats express increased AT1 receptor signalling related to thirst and sodium appetite responses. Oestrogen therapy and brain AT1 receptor blockade weakened or markedly decreased the behavioural responses during the nocturnal period, a time at which brain angiotensinergic activity is expected to be more prominent. Finally, we demonstrated through different experimental protocols a clear‐cut influence of oestrogenic status on the behavioural AT1‐induced signalling response.
Preference Modeling to Support Stakeholder Outreach toward the Common Fishery Policy Objectives in the North Mediterranean Sea

Participatory management is a working method of paramount importance based on the principles of knowledge sharing and accountability for addressing the sustainable management of the fishery sector. To approach this multidimensional problem we applied two Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methods, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Non-Structural Fuzzy Decision Support System (NSFDSS), which were applied incorporating uncertainty to generate probabilistic rankings. The NSFDSS technique was applied for the first time to address a fishery problem. Two surveys were carried out among Mediterranean Advisory Council (MEDAC) stakeholders with different backgrounds. By the two surveys we: i) made an AHP test for exploring stakeholders’ perception of the objectives and indicators used in the monitoring of the stocks, ecosystem, and fisheries, and ii) introduced the NSFDSS technique, gathering feedback on stakeholders’ preferences on management options for improving fishery sustainability (e.g., reducing discards, improving ecosystem state and economic yield in the long term). In the AHP the respondents were asked to evaluate the importance of one objective against another according to a scale of semantic scores from 1 to 5, whereas a simpler scoring scale, with only 3 possible options, was used in the NSFDSS. The two MCDA methods were proven to be useful to elicit stakeholders’ view on the potential effects of key issues on economic and environmental fishery sustainability. The results showed stakeholders’ awareness of the fact that the reproductive potential should be secured by checking mortality and/or fishing intensity. Consistently, among the ecological indicators that are tracking the fisheries policy objectives, a higher rank was attributed to “mean size of the spawners,” while cost efficiency was considered to be essential for improving profits. Regarding the economic indicators, stakeholders gave higher priority to “revenue” in comparison to “production (catches),” which is a sign of awareness that increasing fish production does not necessarily turn into increased revenue. Among the different management strategies, “fleet withdrawal” (scraping) was considered as the worst option, while the “combination of measures” was considered to be the best alternative for achieving a sustainable fishery in the long term.
The moral laboratory

The idea that reading literature changes the reader seems as old as literature itself. Through the ages philosophers, writers, and literary scholars have suggested it affects norms, empathic ability, self-concept, beliefs, etc. This book examines what we actually know about these effects. And it finds strong evidence for the old claims. However, it remains unclear what aspects of the reading experience are responsible for these effects. Applying methods of the social sciences to this particular problem of literary theory, this book presents a psychological explanation based upon the conception of literature as a moral laboratory. A series of experiments examines whether imagining oneself in the shoes of characters affects beliefs about what it must be like to be someone else, and whether it affects beliefs about consequences of behavior. The results have implications for the role literature could play in society, for instance, in an alternative for traditional moral education.
Free will and the unconscious precursors of choice

Benjamin Libet's empirical challenge to free will has received a great deal of attention and criticism. A standard line of response has emerged that many take to be decisive against Libet's challenge. In the first part of this paper, I will argue that this standard response fails to put the challenge to rest. It fails, in particular, to address a recent follow-up experiment that raises a similar worry about free will (Soon, Brass, Heinze, & Haynes, 2008). In the second part, however, I will argue that we can altogether avoid Libet-style challenges if we adopt a traditional compatibilist account of free will. In the final section, I will briefly explain why there is good and independent reason to think about free will in this way.
Long term variability of Cygnus X-1 - IV. Spectral evolution 1999–2004

Continuing the observational campaign initiated by our group, we present the long term spectral evolution of the Galactic black hole candidate Cygnus X-1 in the X-rays and at 15 GHz. We present ∼200 pointed observations taken between early 1999 and late 2004 with the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer and the Ryle radio telescope. The X-ray spectra are remarkably well described by a simple broken power law spectrum with an exponential cutoﬀ. Physically motivated Comptonization models, e.g., by Titarchuk (1994, ApJ, 434, 570, compTT) and by Coppi (1999, in High Energy Processes in Accreting Black Holes, ed. J. Poutanen, & R. Svensson (San Francisco: ASP), ASP Conf. Ser. , 161, 375, eqpair), can reproduce this simplicity; however, the success of the phenomenological broken power law models cautions against “overparameterizing” the more physical models. Broken power law models reveal a significant linear correlation between the photon index of the lower energy power law and the hardening of the power law at ∼10 keV. This phenomenological soft/hard power law correlation is partly attributable to correlations of broad band continuum components, rather than being dominated by the weak hardness/reflection fraction correlation present in the Comptonization model. Specifically, the Comptonization models show that the bolometric flux of a soft excess (e.g., disk component) is strongly correlated with the compactness ratio of the Comptonizing medium, with L disk ∝( h / s ) −0.19 . Over the course of our campaign, Cyg X-1 transited several times into the soft state, and exhibited a large number of “failed state transitions”. The fraction of the time spent in such low radio emission/soft X-ray spectral states has increased from ∼10% in 1996–2000 to ∼34% since early 2000. We find that radio flares typically occur during state transitions and failed state transitions (at h / s ∼ 3), and that there is a strong correlation between the 10–50 keV X-ray flux and the radio luminosity of the source. We demonstrate that rather than there being distinctly separated states, in contrast to the timing properties the spectrum of Cyg X-1 shows variations between extremes of properties, with clear cut examples of spectra at every intermediate point in the observed spectral correlations.
Serologic Survey for Canine Infectious Diseases among Sympatric Swift Foxes (Vulpes velox) and Coyotes (Canis latrans) in Southeastern Colorado

Swift foxes (Vulpes velox) and coyotes (Canis latrans) are sympatric canids distributed throughout many regions of the Great Plains of North America. The prevalence of canid diseases among these two species where they occur sympatrically is presently unknown. From January 1997 to January 2001, we collected blood samples from 89 swift foxes and 122 coyotes on the US Army Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site, Las Animas County, SE Colorado (USA). Seroprevalence of antibodies against canine parvovirus (CPV) was 71% for adult (>9 mo old) and 38% for juvenile (≤9 mo old) swift foxes. Adult (≥1 yr old) and juvenile (<1 yr old) coyotes had a seroprevalence for CPV of 96% and 78%, respectively. Presence of antibodies against canine distemper virus (CDV) was 5% for adult foxes and 0% for juvenile foxes. Seroprevalence of CDV was 46% for adult coyotes and 18% for juvenile coyotes. No swift foxes had canine adenovirus (CAV) antibodies, whereas 81% and 63% of adult and juvenile coyotes, respectively, had antibodies for CAV. Seroprevalence of antibodies against Yersinia pestis was 68% among adult foxes and 34% among juvenile swift foxes. Seroprevalence of Y. pestis antibodies was 90% and 70% for adult and juvenile coyotes, respectively. No swift foxes had antibodies against Francisella tularensis, whereas seroprevalence was 4% among both adult and juvenile coyotes. Antibodies against CPV and plague were common in both species, whereas antibodies against CDV and CAV were more prevalent in coyotes compared to swift foxes.