Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Virtual Human Presenter

A virtual human presenter is created based on extensions to the JackTM animated agent system. Inputs to the presenter system are in the form of speech texts with embedded commands. most of which relate to the virtual presenter's body language. The system then makes him act as a presenter with presentation skills in realtime 3D animation synchronized with speech outputs. Comments Postprint version. Published in Proceedings of IJCAI-97 Workshop on Animated Interface Agents, August 1997, pages 45-51. This conference paper is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn. edu/hms/17 A Virtual Human Presenter
REPP-H: Runtime Estimation of Power and Performance on Heterogeneous Data Centers

One of the main challenges in data center systems is operating under certain Quality of Service (QoS) while minimizing power consumption. Increasingly, data centers are adopting heterogeneous server architectures with different power-performance trade-offs. This requires careful understanding of the application behavior across multiple architectures at runtime so as to enable meeting specified power and performance requirements. In this work, we present and evaluate REPP-H (Runtime Estimation of Performance and Power on Heterogeneous data centers). REPP-H leverages hardware performance counters available on all major server architectures to ensure a highly responsive power capping mechanism and delivering a minimum performance in a single step. We experimentally show that REPP-H can successfully estimate power and performance of several single-threaded andmultiprogrammed workloads. The average errors on ARM, AMD and Intel architectures are, respectively, 7.1%, 9.0%, 7.1% when predicting performance, and 6.0%, 6.5%, 8.1% when predicting power on those heterogeneous servers.
Understanding the Dynamics of Nascent Entrepreneurship—Prestart‐Up Experience, Intentions, and Entrepreneurial Success

Understanding the factors driving the successful founding of new firms is a subject of ongoing interest. We link prestart‐up experience and intentions of nascent entrepreneurs to the shape of the entrepreneurial gestation process and eventually to successful founding. By experience, we mean previous entrepreneurial activities, labor market experience, and formal education, and by intentions, we mean commitment and ability expectations. We test our predictions on a longitudinal data set that tracks nascent entrepreneurs' venture creation efforts over a five‐year time span and find evidence supporting them. Against this background, our findings also show that when controlling for the possible endogeneity of the activities carried out, a later temporal concentration of organizing activities enhances the probability of successfully founding. Our research contributes to a better understanding of contextual antecedents of the shape of gestation process and the way experience and intentions affect the successful creation of new ventures. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Ego depletion interferes with rule-defined category learning but not non-rule-defined category learning

Considerable research on category learning has suggested that many cognitive and environmental factors can have a differential effect on the learning of rule-defined (RD) categories as opposed to the learning of non-rule-defined (NRD) categories. Prior research has also suggested that ego depletion can temporarily reduce the capacity for executive functioning and cognitive flexibility. The present study examined whether temporarily reducing participants’ executive functioning via a resource depletion manipulation would differentially impact RD and NRD category learning. Participants were either asked to write a story with no restrictions (the control condition), or without using two common letters (the ego depletion condition). Participants were then asked to learn either a set of RD categories or a set of NRD categories. Resource depleted participants performed more poorly than controls on the RD task, but did not differ from controls on the NRD task, suggesting that self regulatory resources are required for successful RD category learning. These results lend support to multiple systems theories and clarify the role of self-regulatory resources within this theory.
Circadian Components in Energy and Tension and Their Relation to Physiological Activation and Performance

The purpose of the study was to examine validity of R. Thayer's activation model regarding 24 h variations of two subjective dimensions of activation (Energy and Tension), and their 24 h relations with indices of physiological activation and performance efficiency. The participants of the study (n = 28 females) spent 26 h under controlled laboratory conditions. Self-ratings of subjective activation and measurements of oral temperature, electrodermal activity, and performance on a visual vigilance task were done every 4 h. Twenty-four-hour variations were examined by means of repeated measures analyses of variance and by group mean cosinor analyses before and after controlling for the data trends. Self-ratings on both dimensions of subjective activation showed significant 24 h variation. Energy showed both nonrhythmic and endogenously determined circadian variation, while 24 h variation of tension was dominantly nonrhythmic and most probably determined by exogenous factors. Significant 24 h covariation was found between energy and body temperature. A negative correlation between 24 h variation of energy and tension was also found. Considering low and intermediate levels of subjective activation established over the 24 h in this study, the association of the two dimensions of subjective activation did not prove to be consistent with the assumptions of Thayer's model.
Initial experience with collagen-filled Guglielmi detachable coils for endovascular treatment of experimental aneurysms.

PURPOSE To evaluate the effectiveness of Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs) filled with collagen threads in the permanent treatment of experimental aneurysms. METHODS Seventeen side-wall aneurysms were surgically constructed in the canine common carotid artery; six were treated with conventional GDCs and 11 with collagen-filled GDCs. One aneurysms was removed at 1 week, the others were studied by digital subtraction angiography for a period of 8 to 12 weeks. Longitudinal sections of all aneurysms were examined by light microscopy. RESULTS Angiograms obtained throughout the follow-up period showed no significant difference between aneurysms treated with conventional GDCs and those treated with collagen-filled GDCs. Light microscopy revealed a dense meshwork of newly formed collagen and fibroblasts near the collagen-filled GDCs, whereas a loose cellular meshwork surrounded the conventional GDCs at 8 and 12 weeks after treatment. CONCLUSION Collagen threads within GDCs do not noticeably improve angiographic treatment of experimental aneurysms; however, these threads did induce local proliferation of fibroblasts and production of collagen within the aneurysmal cavities.
Distribution of Shiga toxin genes subtypes in B1 phylotypes of Escherichia coli isolated from calves suffering from diarrhea in Tehran suburb using DNA oligonucleotide arrays

Background and Objectives: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) have emerged as human pathogens and contamination via animal origin has been a major public health concern. We compared the distribution of phylogenetic groups and prevalence of stx gene variants among the pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli isolated from feces of diarrheatic calves in Tehran suburb farms. Materials and Methods: In this study we screened 140 diarrheatic calves (1–15 days old) for E. coli strains during a 3 months period of time. The isolated strains were grouped into different phylotypes according to the presence of chuA, yjaA and TSPE4.C2 genes. Then, the prevalence of stx gene subtypes was evaluated in the B1 phylotypes. Results: From diarrheatic calves, 51 bacterial isolates were biochemically identified as E. coli and 31 isolates out of 51 were considered B1 phylotype using DNA Microarray technology. Of these isolates, 20 contained stx1a and stx1b and one harbored all mentioned variants of stx genes except stx2b2. Conclusion: This study showed that in Tehran suburb, the B1 phylotype of E. coli is prevalent as a causative agent of diarrhea in calves and the prevalence of stx1 gene subtypes is dominant in comparison with other subtypes. Considering the possibility that these stx genes can be spread to other strains, bovine E. coli strains are an important source of stx genes for other strains and further study and surveillance seems to be required for the exact identification of virulence profile of E. coli phylotypes in different hosts.
A Novel Fuzzy BP Learning Algorithm for Four-layer Regular Fuzzy Neural Networks 1

The general fuzzy numbers are approximately represented as polygonal fuzzy numbers, which can be determined by flnite nested closed interval. Based on interval arith- metic the input{output (I/O) relationship of a four-layer feedforward regular fuzzy neural network (FNN) is analyzed systematically. By introducing semi-jump function 'Lor' a group of partial derivative formulas are established for the error function of the four-layer regu- lar FNN, in which the maximum operator '_' and minimum operator '^' are included. A BP learning algorithm for fuzzy weights of the reg- ular FNN is developed. To speed the conver- gence of the algorithm the learning constant is updated in each iteration step. Our exper- imental results show that the novel fuzzy BP algorithm can train a regular FNN e-ciently to realize a family of fuzzy inference rules ap- proximately, and to flnish a uncomplete fuzzy inference rule table to demonstrate the FNN trained by our learning scheme having strong generalization capability. Keywards{Polygonal line operator; Fuzzy arithmetic; Regular fuzzy neural network; Fuzzy BP algorithm.
The Journey of Recovery and Empowerment Embraced by Nature — Clients’ Perspectives on Nature-Based Rehabilitation in Relation to the Role of the Natural Environment

This paper presents findings from real life situations, a longitudinal single case study on the role of natural environments in nature-based rehabilitation (NBR) for individuals with stress-related mental disorders, at the Alnarp Rehabilitation Garden in Sweden. A sample of 43 former clients voluntarily participated in semi-structured interview, and the data were analyzed according to interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Three main superordinate themes were identified as the three phases of NBR—Prelude, Recuperating and Empowerment—explaining and illuminating the role of the natural environments in each phase. An explanatory model of NBR in this context is presented including the three phases of NBR, IRP supportive occupations and a pyramid of supporting environments. A new component of supportive environments was identified and herby named, Social quietness, an important component facilitating personal and intimate engagement with the natural environments.
Budding Yeast Kinetochore Proteins, Chl4 and Ctf19, Are Required to Maintain SPB-Centromere Proximity during G1 and Late Anaphase

In the budding yeast, centromeres stay clustered near the spindle pole bodies (SPBs) through most of the cell cycle. This SPB-centromere proximity requires microtubules and functional kinetochores, which are protein complexes formed on the centromeres and capable of binding microtubules. The clustering is suggested by earlier studies to depend also on protein-protein interactions between SPB and kinetochore components. Previously it has been shown that the absence of non-essential kinetochore proteins of the Ctf19 complex weakens kinetochore-microtubule interaction, but whether this compromised interaction affects centromere/kinetochore positioning inside the nucleus is unknown. We found that in G1 and in late anaphase, SPB-centromere proximity was disturbed in mutant cells lacking Ctf19 complex members,Chl4p and/or Ctf19p, whose centromeres lay further away from their SPBs than those of the wild-type cells. We unequivocally show that the SPB-centromere proximity and distances are not dependent on physical interactions between SPB and kinetochore components, but involve microtubule-dependent forces only. Further insight on the positional difference between wild-type and mutant kinetochores was gained by generating computational models governed by (1) independently regulated, but constant kinetochore microtubule (kMT) dynamics, (2) poleward tension on kinetochore and the antagonistic polar ejection force and (3) length and force dependent kMT dynamics. Numerical data obtained from the third model concurs with experimental results and suggests that the absence of Chl4p and/or Ctf19p increases the penetration depth of a growing kMT inside the kinetochore and increases the rescue frequency of a depolymerizing kMT. Both the processes result in increased distance between SPB and centromere.
LGD credit risk model: estimation of capital with parameter uncertainty using MCMC

This paper investigates the impact of parameter uncertainty on capital estimate in the well-known extended Loss Given Default (LGD) model with systematic dependence between default and recovery. We demonstrate how the uncertainty can be quantified using the full posterior distribution of model parameters obtained from Bayesian inference via Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). Results show that the parameter uncertainty and its impact on capital can be very significant. We have also quantified the effect of diversification for a finite number of borrowers in comparison with the infinitely granular portfolio.
Brown dwarf populations in open clusters

We present the results of multiple simulations of open clusters, modelling the dynamics of a population of brown dwarf members. We consider the effects of a large range of primordial binary populations, including the possibilities of having brown dwarf members contained within a binary system. We also examine the effects of various cluster diameters and masses. Our examination of a population of wide binary systems containing brown dwarfs, reveals evidence for exchange reactions whereby the brown dwarf is ejected from the system and replaced by a heavier main-sequence star. We find that there exists the possibility of hiding a large fraction of the brown dwarfs contained within the primordial binary population. We conclude that it is probable that the majority of brown dwarfs are contained within primordial binary systems which then hides a large proportion of them from detection.
Antibody-Aided Clearance of Extracellular α-Synuclein Prevents Cell-to-Cell Aggregate Transmission

Abnormal deposition and intercellular propagation of α-synuclein plays a central role in the pathogenesis of disorders such as Parkinson's Disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Previous studies demonstrated that immunization against α-synuclein resulted in reduced α-synuclein accumulation and synaptic loss in a transgenic (tg) mouse model, highlighting the potential for immunotherapy. However, the mechanism by which immunization prevents synucleinopathy-associated deficits remains unknown. Here, we show that antibodies against α-synuclein specifically target and aid in clearance of extracellular α-synuclein proteins by microglia, thereby preventing their actions on neighboring cells. Antibody-assisted clearance occurs mainly in microglia through the Fcγ receptor, and not in neuronal cells or astrocytes. Stereotaxic administration of antibody into the brains of α-synuclein tg mice prevented neuron-to-astroglia transmission of α-synuclein and led to increased localization of α-synuclein and the antibody in microglia. Furthermore, passive immunization with α-synuclein antibody reduced neuronal and glial accumulation of α-synuclein and ameliorated neurodegeneration and behavioral deficits associated with α-synuclein overexpression. These findings provide an underlying mechanistic basis for immunotherapy for PD/DLB and suggest extracellular forms of α-synuclein as potential therapeutic targets.
Production Economics: The Basic Theory of Production Optimisation

Preface. - 1 Introduction. - 2 The Production Function. - 3 Optimisation with One Input. - 4 Production and Optimisation with Two or More Inputs. - 5 Costs. - 6 Productivity, Efficiency and Technological Changes. - 7 Input Demand Functions. - 8 Land and Other Inputs. - 9 The Company's Supply Function. - 10 Optimisation of Production Under Restrictions. - 11 Economies of Scale and Size. - 12 The Fixation of the Production Factors. - 13 Decreasing Sales Curve. - 14 Production Over Time. - 15 Risk and Uncertainty. - 16 Economic Rent and the Value of Land. - 17 Production of Multiple Products. - 18 The Linear Programming Model. - 19 Production Planning in the linear Production Model: Linear Programming. - 20 Use of Linear Programming in Practical Production Planning. - 21 Modelling Supply Functions Using Linear Programming. - Appendix. - Index.
Exchange Rate Flexibility across Financial Crises

This paper studies the impact of global financial turmoil on the exchange rate policies in emerging countries. Many emerging countries have loosened the link of their currencies to the US dollar since the bursting of the subprime crisis in July 2007. Spillovers from advanced financial markets to currencies in emerging countries stem from the same causes documented in the literature on contagion, such as the drying-up of investors' liquidity, the rise in risk aversion, and the updating of their risk assessments. Consequently, interdependencies across currencies are likely to be exacerbated during crisis periods. To test this hypothesis, we assess the exchange rate policies by their degree of flexibility, itself proxied by the exchange rate volatility, and investigate their relationship to a global financial stress indicator, measured by the volatility on global markets. We introduce the possibility of non-linearities by running smooth transition regressions (STR) over a sample of 21 emerging countries from January 1994 to September 2009. The results confirm that exchange rate flexibility does increase more than proportionally with the global financial stress, for most countries in the sample. We also evidence regional contagion effects spreading from one emerging currency to other currencies in the neighboring area.
Testing Behavioral Finance Models of Market Under- and Overreaction: Do They Really Work?

We test the predictions of the three main behavioral finance theories of market under- and overreaction using out-of-sample data conditional on the nature of the news using the going-concern audit opinion (bad news event) and its withdrawal (good news event). We find strong support for the Daniel, Hirshleifer and Subrahmanyam (1998) model for our bad news as well as the good news case suggesting that market underreaction to going-concern opinions is a consequence of prior market overreaction resulting from incorrect classification of going-concern firms by investors into trending regimes. In contrast, we find no support for the Barberis, Shleifer and Vishny (1998) or Hong and Stein (1999) models in our event-study setting in either the bad or good news cases. Our results have a number of implications relating to the value of such theoretical behavioral finance models in practice. We also highlight the central role of the limits-to-arbitrage assumption when testing such behavioral finance theories.
An investigation of the perceptions of parents, teachers and principals concerning parental involvement in kindergartens and primary schools in Kuwait

Research conducted over nearly a quarter of a century has shown convincingly that children are more successful students at all grade levels if their parents participate at school and encourage education and learning at home (Epstein and Dauber, 1991). Despite the existence of considerable evidence of the positive effect of parental involvement on students' academic success and school development, few studies have been undertaken to examine parental involvement in Kuwait. Hence, little is known about the attitudes and opinions of parents, teachers, and principals towards certain types of parental involvement practices and their willingness to establish ongoing two-way communication to foster children's success at school. The aim of this study is to investigate the perceptions of parents, teachers and principals about parental involvement in kindergarten through grade three in primary school in Kuwait schools in Hawalli district. Data collected from the three groups were employed to examine the ways that parents are involved and how they desire to be involved in their children's schooling. The influence of family background factors on parents' current participation at home and school as well as barriers hindering parents' participation in Kuwait schools were identified. To achieve its goals this research adopted a mixed methods design utilizing three sequential and complementary (quantitative and qualitative) methods. The study sample consisted of 12 focus groups of a total of sixty teachers, 14 interviews with principals and 430 parents who completed questionnaires. Findings from the study revealed that parents, teachers and principals agreed that parents' levels of participation in home-based involvement were generally higher than their levels of school-based involvement. The influence of family background factors was examined. Child grade level, family size, and the parent's gender, level of education and employment were each found to have a significant influence on certain types of parental involvement. The parent's lack of time and time conflicts with school schedules emerged as major barriers to family involvement as perceived by parents, teachers and principals. The findings also revealed that parents and school personnel have different perceptions of their roles. The strict nature of the educational system in Kuwait and attitudes among school staff created some limitations to the participation of parents in certain types of activities. Overall, the findings of this study could be used to provide helpful recommendations that might enhance parental involvement in a meaningful way and contribute to the success of children and improvements in schools.
Arterial stiffness in hematologic malignancies

Malignant and cardiovascular disorders are the top causes of mortality worldwide. This article reviews the main literature data and mechanisms linking hematologic malignancies and arterial stiffness, focusing on recent experimental and clinical results. Several links were found in hematologic malignancies between complete blood count and arterial stiffness. Chemotherapy, especially anthracyclines, cyclophosphamide and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, as well as radiotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are the main known causes of arterial stiffness increase in hematologic malignancies. The mechanisms of arterial stiffness elevation in hematologic malignancies include an increased oxidative stress, impaired vascular wall homeostasis, endothelial dysfunction and apoptosis of endothelial cells, overexpression of inflammatory cytokines, accelerated atherosclerosis, increased blood viscosity and unstable platelet aggregates. Guidelines regarding cardiovascular health screening and cardiovascular risk scores are necessary for hematologic cancer survivors in order to improve prognosis and quality of life of the patients.