Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Price Discrimination amid Heterogeneous Switching Costs : A Competitive Tactic of the Telephony Resale Fringe

This paper explores competition in the post 1996 long distance telephony market by employing an unusually detailed data set. New evidence of third degree price discrimination is found with rural and low income customer groups facing higher prices. Results indicate that individuals who are less willing to switch carriers frequently pay significantly higher prices. A multi-dimension mixture model is used to characterize switching behavior and finds significant heterogeneity in subscriber switching costs. The switching behavior model provides insight into price differential ranges which support resale firm survival. These findings can be useful for determining optimal firm response as well as optimal telecommunications market policy. Acknowledgement: This research would not have been possible without the help of certain telephony firm executives whose identities remain anonymous. Special thanks to my advisors and committee members Martin Pesendorfer, Steve Berry and Penny Goldberg for their invaluable comments, criticisms, and encouragement. I also received useful feedback from a number of others: Pat Bayer, Ann Huff Stevens, Hanming Fang, George Hall, Paris Cleanthous, and Stefan Krieger. The views expressed herein are those of the author and all errors remain my responsibility.
Boundary conditions associated with the Painlevé III′ and V evaluations of some random matrix averages

In a previous work a random matrix average for the Laguerre unitary ensemble, generalizing the generating function for the probability that an interval (0, s) at the hard edge contains k eigenvalues, was evaluated in terms of a Painleve V transcendent in σ-form. However, the boundary conditions for the corresponding differential equation were not specified for the full parameter space. Here this task is accomplished in general, and the obtained functional form is compared against the most general small s behaviour of the Painleve V equation in σ-form known from the work of Jimbo. An analogous study is carried out for the hard edge scaling limit of the random matrix average, which we have previously evaluated in terms of a Painleve III' transcendent in σ-form. An application of the latter result is given to the rapid evaluation of a Hankel determinant appearing in a recent work of Conrey, Rubinstein and Snaith relating to the derivative of the Riemann zeta function.
Halimeter ppb Levels as the Predictor of Erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS In a previous issue published in Gut and Liver, we found that erosive changes in the esophagogastroduodenal mucosa were strongly correlated with increased levels of volatile sulfur-containing compounds (VSC), suggesting that halitosis could be a symptom reflecting the erosive status of the upper gut mucosa. Together with other studies showing a possible association between halitosis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), under the premise that halitosis could be one of extraesophageal manifestations of erosive GERD (ERD), we investigated the significance of Halimeter ppb levels on ERD compared to non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD). METHODS Subjects were assigned to the NERD group if there was no evidence of esophageal erosive changes on endoscopy, despite reflux symptoms, and to the ERD group if they had GERD A, B, C, or D (according to the Los Angeles classification). The VSC levels were measured in all patients with either a Halimeter (before endoscopy) or by gas chromatography of the gastric juices aspirated during endoscopy. RESULTS The VSC level differed significantly between the NERD and ERD groups (p<0.0001), suggesting that this can be used to discriminate between NERD and ERD. However, the VSC level did not differ significantly with the severity of GERD. Even though hiatal hernia and a body mass index of >24 kg/m(2) was significantly associated with ERD, there was no correlation with Halimeter ppb levels. Minimal-change lesions exhibited the highest VSC levels, signifying that minimal change lesions can be classified as ERD based on our finding that halimeter ppb levels were descrimitive of erosive change. CONCLUSIONS Erosive changes in the esophageal mucosa were strongly associated with VSC levels, supporting the hypothesis that halitosis can be a potential biomarker for the discrimination between ERD and NERD, reflecting the presence of erosive change in the lower esophagogastric junction.
A New Content-Based Model for Social Network Analysis

This paper presents a novel model for social network analysis in which, rather than analyzing the quantity of relationships (co-authorships, business relations, friendship, etc.), we analyze their communicative content. Text mining and clustering techniques are used to capture the content of communication and to identify the most popular themes. The social analyst is then able to perform a study of the network evolution in terms of the relevant themes of collaboration, the detection of new concepts gaining popularity, and the existence of popular themes that could benefit from better cooperation.The methodology is experimented in the domain of a network of excellence on enterprise interoperability, INTEROP.
Risk factor for phlebitis: a questionnaire study of nurses' perception

Abstract Objectives: to assess nurses' perceptions of risk factors for the development of phlebitis, with a special focus on the perception of phlebitic potentials of some infusion medications and solutions. Method: a cross-sectional questionnaire study, which included a sample of 102 nurses. Results: Nurses recognized some factors that may reduce the incidence of phlebitis; however, more than half of the nurses were unaware that the material and diameter of the cannula can affect the incidence rate of phlebitis. Furthermore,underlying disease and high pH of medications or solutions were identified as potential risk factors, whereas low pH and low osmolality were not. Nurses identified Vancomycin and Benzylpenicillin antibiotics with the strongest phlebitic potential. Among other medications and intravenous fluids, Aminophylline, Amiodaronehydrochloride and Potassium chloride 7.4% were identified as potentially causing phlebitis. Conclusion: predisposing factors for phlebitis relating to patients and administered therapy were identified by nurses, while some cannula related risk factors, in particular its physicochemical properties and the time for cannula replacement, were not fully perceived.
SEPP1 Influences Breast Cancer Risk among Women with Greater Native American Ancestry: The Breast Cancer Health Disparities Study

Selenoproteins are a class of proteins containing a selenocysteine residue, many of which have been shown to have redox functions, acting as antioxidants to decrease oxidative stress. Selenoproteins have previously been associated with risk of various cancers and redox-related diseases. In this study we evaluated possible associations between breast cancer risk and survival and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the selenoprotein genes GPX1, GPX2, GPX3, GPX4, SELS, SEP15, SEPN1, SEPP1, SEPW1, TXNRD1, and TXNRD2 among Hispanic/Native American (2111 cases, 2597 controls) and non-Hispanic white (NHW) (1481 cases, 1586 controls) women in the Breast Cancer Health Disparities Study. Adaptive Rank Truncated Product (ARTP) analysis was used to determine both gene and pathway significance with these genes. The overall selenoprotein pathway PARTP was not significantly associated with breast cancer risk (PARTP = 0.69), and only one gene, GPX3, was of borderline significance for the overall population (PARTP =0.09) and marginally significant among women with 0-28% Native American (NA) ancestry (PARTP=0.06). The SEPP1 gene was statistically significantly associated with breast cancer risk among women with higher NA ancestry (PARTP=0.002) and contributed to a significant pathway among those women (PARTP=0.04). GPX1, GPX3, and SELS were associated with Estrogen Receptor-/Progesterone Receptor+ status (PARTP = 0.002, 0.05, and 0.01, respectively). Four SNPs (GPX3 rs2070593, rsGPX4 rs2074451, SELS rs9874, and TXNRD1 rs17202060) significantly interacted with dietary oxidative balance score after adjustment for multiple comparisons to alter breast cancer risk. GPX4 was significantly associated with breast cancer survival among those with the highest NA ancestry (PARTP = 0.05) only. Our data suggest that SEPP1 alters breast cancer risk among women with higher levels of NA ancestry.
Effect of uncertainty of the position of mobile terminals on the paging cost of an improved movement-based registration scheme

An improved movement-based registration scheme [2] reduces location update cost on conventional movement-based location update scheme [1] but increases uncertainty of the position of a mobile terminal (MT). The effect of this uncertainty of the MT position on the paging cost of the improved movement-based registration scheme is analyzed. We show that the paging cost of the improved movement-based registration scheme in [2] is underestimated, especially for large values of movement threshold. The result shows that the underestimation cannot be ignored. key words: movement-based location management, mobility management, location update, paging, personal communication service
Regularization and topological entropy for the spatial n-center problem

We show that the n-center problem in \mathbb{R}3 has positive topological entropy for n\ge 3. The proof is based on global regularization of singularities and the results of Gromov and Paternain on the topological entropy of geodesic flows. The n-center problem in S3 is also studied.
Adipokines and central control in adenosine A1 receptor dependent glucose metabolism

Adenosine A1 receptor-deficient mice develop a phenotype of insulin resistance and grow fat. Participating pathophysiological pathways are not understood in detail yet, as discussed in our recent manuscript. This commentary further explores possible pathophysiological mechanisms with emphasis on the roles of the adipokines resistin, retinol-binding protein 4, adiponectin and the function of the gastric hormone ghrelin in adenosine mediated central regulation of energy balance. The postulate of an important function of ghrelin/A1AR axis provides a good hypothetical basis for further investigations to clarify the mechanism of A1AR-dependent metabolic homeostasis.
Competing Commitments Theory

Information system development, like information systems adoption, can be considered to be a change process; yet problems arise when change is introduced. Resistance to the change can develop and the reasoning behind the resistance needs to be determined in order to address it. Resistance can be straightforward, where the change threatens a person’s job or creates stress for individuals, yet resistance can also be hidden and complex. Individuals may describe themselves as supporting a change, yet they work against that change (even if they are unaware that they are doing so). When this is happening, competing commitments can be at play; a competing commitment is where an individual professes a commitment to a course of action yet works against that commitment in different, usual subconscious, ways. The competing commitments process is a means of identifying why resistance is occurring even though individuals profess support.
Isolation and functional analysis of CONSTANS-LIKE genes suggests that a central role for CONSTANS in flowering time control is not evolutionarily conserved in Medicago truncatula

The zinc finger transcription factor CONSTANS has a well-established central role in the mechanism for photoperiod sensing in Arabidopsis, integrating light and circadian clock signals to upregulate the florigen gene FT under long-day but not short-day conditions. Although CONSTANS-LIKE (COL) genes in other species have also been shown to regulate flowering time, it is not clear how widely this central role in photoperiod sensing is conserved. Legumes are a major plant group and various legume species show significant natural variation for photoperiod responsive flowering. Orthologs of several Arabidopsis genes have been shown to participate in photoperiodic flowering in legumes, but the possible function of COL genes as integrators of the photoperiod response has not yet been examined in detail. Here we characterize the COL family in the temperate long-day legume Medicago truncatula, using expression analyses, reverse genetics, transient activation assays and Arabidopsis transformation. Our results provide several lines of evidence suggesting that COL genes are unlikely to have a central role in the photoperiod response mechanism in this species.
Potential of video techniques to monitor diversity, abundance and size of fish in studies of Marine Protected Areas

This paper briefly reviews applications of single-video and stereo-video techniques to help survey fish community composition and relative abundance, and fish length and weight. These techniques have potential application to the initial surveys of candidate habitats for Marine Protected Areas, and to the subsequent monitoring necessary to manage them. Remote video techniques can be used in shelf depths beyond the limits of diver-based Underwater Visual Census (UVC), and stereo-video systems can also be used to complement and enhance normal UVC by allowing very precise and accurate estimates of fish morphometrics (and hence weight). Some video techniques are very cost-effective and can help remove some major sources of observer bias in underwater observations, by removing the need for skilled observers in the field and by allowing simultaneous collection of a much wider suite of information in a permanent record that can be analysed later. This medium is directly accessible to an unlimited audience. Baited, remote video techniques offer a non-intrusive, depth-independent assessment tool with the advantages of both diver-based observation and capture techniques, but appropriate sampling statistics must be developed if relative abundance is to be measured adequately.
The Reasons of Atheists and Agnostics for Nonbelief in God’s Existence Scale: Development and Initial Validation

Research exploring nonbelievers’ reasons for not believing in the existence of god(s) has focused on theory development. Such efforts are valuable, but may not capture the lived experiences of nonbelievers. The current two studies quantitatively examined nonbelievers’ self-reported reasons for nonbelief through developing the Reasons of Atheists and Agnostics for Nonbelief in God’s Existence Scale (RANGES). We developed an initial pool of 64 items using prior published research, revised by a panel of experts including researchers and thought leaders in nonbelief communities. Both studies included participants from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (Study 1 & 2 Ns = 520 & 369), all of whom reported not believing in god(s). In Study 1, our exploratory factor analysis suggested nine factors across 35 items. In Study 2, we confirmed the nine-factor structure using 38 items (35 from Study 1 plus three new items for better coverage of factors with few items) with adequate fit. Across both studies, the RANGES subscales showed good reliability, convergent validity (e.g., positive correlations with previous lists of reasons for religious doubt), predictive validity (e.g., positive and negative feelings toward God and religion), and discriminant validity (e.g., subscales were not unexpectedly associated with other measures). Our 1-year follow-up with a subset of Study 2 participants (N = 132) found different levels of stability among the RANGES subscales. This measure can promote further understanding the motivations, identities, and experiences of nonbelievers across cultures.
A Computational Guide to Physics of Eclipsing Binaries. I. Demonstrations and Perspectives

PHOEBE (PHysics Of Eclipsing BinariEs) is a modeling package for eclipsing binary stars, built on top of the widely used WD program of Wilson & Devinney. This introductory paper gives an overview of the most important scientific extensions (incorporating observational spectra of eclipsing binaries into the solution-seeking process, extracting individual temperatures from observed color indices, main-sequence constraining, and proper treatment of the reddening), numerical innovations (suggested improvements to WD's differential corrections method, the new Nelder & Mead downhill simplex method), and technical aspects (back-end scripter structure, graphical user interface). While PHOEBE retains 100% WD compatibility, its add-ons are a powerful way to enhance WD by encompassing even more physics and solution reliability. The operability of all these extensions is demonstrated on a synthetic main-sequence test binary; applications to real data will be published in follow-up papers. PHOEBE is released under the GNU General Public License, which guarantees it to be free and open to anyone interested in joining in on future development.
Non-invasive treatment options for focal cortical dysplasia

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) presents a strong clinical challenge especially for the treatment of the associated epilepsy. Epilepsy in FCD is often treatment-resistant and constitutes 50% of treatment-resistant cases. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been widely used in the treatment of FCD. However, evidence to suggest their specific effect on the treatment of FCD remains to be established. In view of this resistance, several alternative treatments have been suggested. Although treatment currently involves surgical management, non-invasive treatments have been identified. The aim of the present review, was to assess non-invasive management strategies including, i) mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, ii) ketogenic diet (KD), and iii) vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). In addition, we discussed the literature available regarding the use of AEDs in FCD. Experiments conducted with mammals detailing rapamycin gene mutations in FCD have produced vital information for exploring treatment options using mTOR inhibitors. Of note is the importance of KD in children with FCD. This diet has been shown to modify disease progression by attenuating chromatin modification, a master regulator for gene expression and functional adaptation of the cell. FCD has also been studied widely with neurostimulation techniques. The outcomes of these techniques have been found to be variable. For widespread dysplasias, VNS has been shown to produce responder rates of >50%. Nevertheless, non-invasive cranial nerve stimulation techniques such as transcutaneous VNS and non-invasive VNS are gaining better patient compatibility, albeit their efficacy remains to be established.
Violence, displacement and democracy in post-conflict societies: evidence from Mali

ABSTRACT This article examines the political crisis in Mali, 2012–2013, to test the impact of violent conflict on public attitudes to democracy. In post-conflict situations, democracy building depends on interim steps to restore trust among citizens and to address national reconciliation and transitional justice. According to the results of a custom-designed opinion survey, recent experiences of violence and displacement in Mali have undermined both interpersonal and interethnic trust as well as public confidence that elected governments can resolve national conflicts. While internal displacement is frequently accompanied by violence against property, violence against persons increases popular demand for a retributive brand of transitional justice. Nonetheless, the Malian experience suggests that citizens in post-conflict societies – including those displaced from their homes – still yearn to live in a peaceful and unified country and have not abandoned a widespread preference for democracy.
A reflection on linguistic knowledge for teachers of English in multilingual contexts

Abstract Teachers need to have a knowledge base on which to draw in their teaching. Part of this knowledge base is ‘subject matter knowledge’ of which linguistic knowledge is a key component for language teachers. It enables them to understand how language works, how it is learned, the nature of their roles in the language classroom and the social and political phenomena and decisions which have a strong impact on language use and teaching. Such knowledge assists teachers in handling the errors and mistakes which learners make, in working effectively with learners’ languages in a second/additional language classroom and in responding to social factors which can affect language teaching. This article reports on a textual analysis of distance English-teacher education materials used by the University of Rwanda’s College of Education, focusing on the linguistic knowledge which these materials include and exclude. The findings of the analysis indicate that the linguistic content in these materials is only of limited relevance to teachers both in terms of what the materials designers chose to include and in terms of the ways in which the content selected is presented on the page.
S-Implications on Complete Lattices and the Interval Constructor

The aim of this work is to present an approach of interval fuzzy logic based on complete lattices. In particular, we study the extensions of the notions of t-conorms, fuzzy negations and S-implication, from the unit interval to arbitrary complete lattices. Some general properties of S-implications on complete lattices are analyzed. We show that the interval extensions of t-conorms, fuzzy negations and S-implications on complete lattices preserve the optimality property, being the best interval representations of these fuzzy connectives.
Reuse of dye wastewater through colour removal with electrocoagulation process

Clean technology has become an important concern for every industry. Especially in textile dyeing factories, there is much use of water, energy, dyeing colours and chemicals. This can cause significant water and air pollution problems. Importantly, these industries might not meet priority requirements and regulations. Water is becoming a scarce commodity in many countries of the world and more attention is now being given to better water management and recycling. It is desirable therefore for environmental and economic benefits to reuse dye wastewater to prevent any pollution resulting from factory operations. This research studied the reuse of dye wastewater by removing the colours using the electrocoagulation process. Specifically, it sought to find out factors which had influence on the efficiency of the colour removal and the extent to which the dye wastewater treated with this method could be reused in the production process. Experiments were carried out on a laboratory scale on two types of dyes, namely, reactive dye and basic dye, with a variation of two types of electrode, namely, aluminum and iron. It was found that the electrode materials had influence on the dye removal efficiency. The aluminum electrode with 20 volts and 180 minutes of electrolysis was efficient in removing 96.05% of reactive dyes and 35.18% of dissolved solids, while the iron electrode with 25 volts and 180 minutes of electrolysis could reduce almost 85.61% of basic dye, 30.67% of dissolved solids, 66.67% of suspended solids, 20.61% of turbidity and 79.51% of COD. In addition, it was found that the quality of the basic dye wastewater treated by the electrocoagulation method was significantly better than that normally treated at factories by aerated lagoon and oxidation processes in most of the parameters, except the pH of solution. However, the quality was not better than the water normally used in the operating process in most of the parameters except hardness. The findings indicated that it may be possible to reuse dye wastewater treated by electrochemical process if turbidity and suspended solids are removed by filtration process.