Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reducing Requirements Heterogeneity in Enterprise System Projects -- A Case Study of Harmonizing and Optimizing Business Processes

Requirements heterogeneity is a crucial problem in enterprise system (ES) projects. Organizational units working divergently (e.g., due to regional differences) are a root cause. To encounter this problem, we analyze how the application of an upstream business process harmonization and optimization (BPHO) reduces requirements heterogeneity in ES projects. We conducted an in-depth longitudinal case study at one of the worldwide leading providers of technical, safety, and certification services over a period of four years. Applying BPHO, the company's existing processes and roles were mapped on a small set of generic process steps and roles. Increased abstraction ability, willingness to change, and communication efficiency successfully reduced requirements heterogeneity. For researchers, we for the first time show BPHO reducing requirements heterogeneity in ES projects. Practitioners get first insights into how and why BPHO helps to reduce the heterogeneity of requirements and thus have a better basis for decisions about applying upstream BPHO.
An Examination of Behavioral History Effects on Preference for Choice in Elementary Students.

ii Dedication.iv Acknowledgements.v Vita.vii List of Figures.xi Chapter 1: Introduction.1 Preference for Choice.1 Preference for Free or Forced Choice Arrangements in Basic Research.2 Development of Preference for Choice.3 Choice Research in Applied Settings.5 Conclusions about Choice Research.7 Behavioral History.7 Defining Behavioral History.7 Proximal versus distal history.8 Extra-experimental versus experimental history.8 Experimental design.9 Permanence of history effects . 10 Behavioral History Effects on Schedules of Reinforcement.10 Applied Implications of Behavioral History Research.13 Choice and Behavioral History.13 Summary and Purpose of this Study.15 Chapter 2: Literature Review.16 Preference for Choice.16 Preference for Free or Forced Choice Arrangements in Basic Research.18 Development of Preference for Choice.26 Choice Research in Applied Settings.28 Single operant research.29 Concurrent operant research.32 Conclusions about Choice Research.34 Behavioral History.35 Defining Behavioral History.38 Proximal versus distal history.39 Extra-experimental versus experimental history.40
The Association Between Primary Open Angle Glaucoma and Clustered Components of Metabolic Syndrome

Purpose : There is conflicting evidence whether components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) increase or decrease the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The aim of the present study was to determine the association between metabolic syndrome and primary open-angle glaucoma. Methods : A total of 200 participants comprising 100 controls and 100 patients with POAG documented by clinical tests and examined by an experienced ophthalmologist using standard ophthalmologic equipment were included in the study. MetS was defined and based on ATP III criteria and POAG was defined by the criteria of the International Society of Geographic and Epidemiological Ophthalmology (ISGEO). The data were entered into the SPSS software and analyzed. Results : The prevalence of MetS in the glaucoma group was 53% in comparison to 38% in the control group (p=0.037). MetS was associated with an increased odds ratio for an IOP higher than 21 mmHg (OR: 1.72; 95% CI 1.03-2.79; p=0.034). The mean IOP was 24.91±4.29 mmHg in the patients without MetS, and 27.23±4.81 mmHg in those with MetS (p=0.027). The mean values of CCT were 603.64±63.16 µm in MetS patients and 579.27±72.87 µm in controls (p=0.018). Conclusion : Data showed an increased prevalence of components of metabolic syndrome in patients with glaucoma. The mechanisms underlying these associations need to be established in future studies. Our results support the recommendation that patients with metabolic syndrome undergo regular ophthalmological exams to monitor for the onset or progression of glaucoma.
Factors influencing participation in national immunization days in Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract A study of the factors influencing participation in national immunization days (NID) in Kumasi, Ghana was carried out between the April and June of 1999. Polio-immunization coverage during NID was assessed among children aged <5 years; >90% of these children had received polio vaccinations on both of the two previous NID. The mothers who participated most in the NID tended to be those who were better educated and Ghanaian. Mothers who were salaried workers participated fully in NID. Radio and television played a major role in public education about NID, whereas the attitude of health workers was a strong factor that prevented many mothers/caregivers from bringing their children to be immunized. The coverage of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) was assessed in children aged 12-23 months; nearly 70% of these children were fully immunized. BCG had the highest coverage (97.0%) and measles the lowest (79.1%). Again, full coverage of the children of mothers who had been educated beyond primary level was higher than that of the other children (75.9% v. 65.2%), and coverage of the children of Ghanaian women was higher than that of the others (70.8% v. 50.0%). Although the mothers/caregivers raised concerns about the costs of the routine immunizations, these charges apparently did not prevent them from taking their children to be immunized. NID complement the routine EPI-associated work in Ghana, increasing overall polio-immunization coverage. The results of this study will be used to improve the overall performance of immunization programmes, especially in the Kumasi metropolis. Hopefully, sustained, increased polio-immunization coverage will contribute positively towards polio eradication in Ghana.
Dopamine D3 receptor is decreased and D2 receptor is elevated in the striatum of Parkinson's disease

The mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system preferentially innervates the D3 receptor, whereas the D2 receptor is, in addition, a target of the nigrostriatal DA system. In human brain D3 receptors and D3 mRNA‐expressing neurons are largely segregated to brain regions that are the targets of the mesolimbic DA system and the efferents of the “limbic striatum. ” Thus, D3 receptors may regulate effects of DA on the “limbic” cortico‐striatal‐pallidal‐thalamic‐cortical loop. The nigrostriatal DA system is considerably more damaged in Parkinson's disease (PD) than the mesolimbic DA system. We report here, using radioligands selective for the D2 and D3 receptor, that these receptors are independently changed in PD. Tissue collected at autopsy from nine subjects with a diagnosis of PD and eight age‐matched subjects with no evidence of a neurologic disorder was processed for [125I]epidepride binding to D2 receptors, [125I] trans‐7‐OH‐PIPAT binding to D3 receptors, [125I]RTI‐55 for the DA transporter (DAT), and immunoautoradiography for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) using autoradiographic methods. Dopaminergic innervation to the caudal putamen was profoundly reduced and to a lesser extent in the rostral putamen in PD. DAT sites but not TH protein levels were reduced in the nucleus accumbens (NAS) in PD compared with age‐matched control subjects. This is consistent with a loss of dopaminergic innervation from the mesolimbic DA system but elevation in TH production. D3 receptors were significantly reduced in PD by 40–45% particularly in the NAS and putamen. D2 receptors were elevated in PD in the dorsal putamen by 15%. The reduction in D3 receptor number was not observed in PD cases with a diagnosis of less than 10 years. The changes in DA D3 receptor number is interesting in light of the development of antiparkinsonian agents that are D3‐preferring agonists.
CrowdTarget: Target-based Detection of Crowdturfing in Online Social Networks

Malicious crowdsourcing, also known as crowdturfing, has become an important security problem. However, detecting accounts performing crowdturfing tasks is challenging because human workers manage the crowdturfing accounts such that their characteristics are similar with the characteristics of normal accounts. In this paper, we propose a novel crowdturfing detection method, called CrowdTarget, that aims to detect target objects of crowdturfing tasks (e.g., post, page, and URL) not accounts performing the tasks. We identify that the manipulation patterns of target objects by crowdturfing workers are unique features to distinguish them from normal objects. We apply CrowdTarget to detect collusion-based crowdturfing services to manipulate account popularity on Twitter with artificial retweets. Evaluation results show that CrowdTarget can accurately distinguish tweets receiving crowdturfing retweets from normal tweets. When we fix the false-positive rate at 0.01, the best true-positive rate is up to 0.98.
Tobacco cembranoids block behavioral sensitization to nicotine and inhibit neuronal acetylcholine receptor function

Cembranoids are cyclic diterpenoids found in tobacco and in marine invertebrates. The present study established that tobacco cembranoids inhibit behavioral sensitization to nicotine in rats and block several types of nicotine acetylcholine receptors (AChRs). 1) At the behavioral level, rat locomotor activity induced by nicotine was significantly increased after seven daily nicotine injections. This sensitization to nicotine was blocked by mecamylamine (1 mg/kg) and by the cembranoids eunicin, eupalmerin acetate (EUAC), and (4R)‐2,7,11‐cembratriene‐4‐6‐diol (4R), each at 6 mg/kg. None of these compounds modified locomotor activity of nonsensitized rats. 2) In cells expressing human AChRs, cembranoids blocked carbamoylcholine‐induced 86Rb+ flux with IC50 in the low micromolar range. The cell lines used were the SH‐EP1‐hα4β2 cell line heterologously expressing human α4β2‐AChR, the SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma line naturally expressing human ganglionic α3β4‐AChR, and the TE671/RD cell line naturally expressing embryonic muscle α1β1γδ‐AChR. The tobacco cembranoids tested were 4R and its diastereoisomer 4S, and marine cembranoids tested were EUAC and 12,13‐bisepieupalmerin. 3) At the molecular level, tobacco (4R and 4S) and marine (EUAC) cembranoids blocked binding of the noncompetitive inhibitor [3H]tenocyclidine to AChR from Torpedo californica electric organ. IC50 values were in the submicromolar to low‐micromolar range, with 4R displaying an order of magnitude higher potency than its diastereoisomer, 4S. J. Neurosci. Res. 64:18–25, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Mechanistic Basis of Myxococcus xanthus Rippling Behavior and Its Physiological Role during Predation

Myxococcus xanthus cells self-organize into periodic bands of traveling waves, termed ripples, during multicellular fruiting body development and predation on other bacteria. To investigate the mechanistic basis of rippling behavior and its physiological role during predation by this Gram-negative soil bacterium, we have used an approach that combines mathematical modeling with experimental observations. Specifically, we developed an agent-based model (ABM) to simulate rippling behavior that employs a new signaling mechanism to trigger cellular reversals. The ABM has demonstrated that three ingredients are sufficient to generate rippling behavior: (i) side-to-side signaling between two cells that causes one of the cells to reverse, (ii) a minimal refractory time period after each reversal during which cells cannot reverse again, and (iii) physical interactions that cause the cells to locally align. To explain why rippling behavior appears as a consequence of the presence of prey, we postulate that prey-associated macromolecules indirectly induce ripples by stimulating side-to-side contact-mediated signaling. In parallel to the simulations, M. xanthus predatory rippling behavior was experimentally observed and analyzed using time-lapse microscopy. A formalized relationship between the wavelength, reversal time, and cell velocity has been predicted by the simulations and confirmed by the experimental data. Furthermore, the results suggest that the physiological role of rippling behavior during M. xanthus predation is to increase the rate of spreading over prey cells due to increased side-to-side contact-mediated signaling and to allow predatory cells to remain on the prey longer as a result of more periodic cell motility.
The role of corticotropin-releasing factor in drug addiction.

The goal of this article is to summarize available data examining the physiological significance of brain corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) systems in mediating the behavioral and physiological effects of several classes of abused drugs, including opioid and psychostimulant drugs, alcohol and sedative hypnotics, nicotine, and cannabinoids. An initial discussion of CRF neurobiology is followed by consideration of the role of CRF in drug-induced activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, the behavioral effects of drugs (e.g., locomotor activity, anxiogenic-like responses), drug self-administration, drug withdrawal, and relapse to drug-seeking. Subsequently, neurochemical changes in brain CRF in response to acute and chronic drug exposure are examined. A major conclusion derived from the data reviewed is that extrahypothalamic brain CRF systems are critically involved in behavioral and physiological manifestations of drug withdrawal and in relapse to drug-taking behavior induced by environmental stressors. On the other hand, it appears that hypothalamic CRF, via its action on the HPA axis, is involved in the reinforcing effects of cocaine and alcohol, and the locomotor activating effects of psychostimulant drugs. These preclinical data may provide a rationale for the development of CRF-based pharmacotherapies for the treatment of compulsive drug use in humans.
An Adaptive Approach to Forecasting Three Key Macroeconomic Variables for Transitional China

We propose the use of a local autoregressive (LAR) model for adaptive estimation and forecasting of three of China’s key macroeconomic variables: GDP growth, inflation and the 7-day interbank lending rate. The approach takes into account possible structural changes in the data-generating process to select a local homogeneous interval for model estimation, and is particularly well-suited to a transition economy experiencing ongoing shifts in policy and structural adjustment. Our results indicate that the proposed method outperforms alternative models and forecast methods, especially for forecast horizons of 3 to 12 months. Our 1-quarter ahead adaptive forecasts even match the performance of the well-known CMRC Langrun survey forecast. The selected homogeneous intervals indicate gradual changes in growth of industrial production driven by constant evolution of the real economy in China, as well as abrupt changes in interestrate and inflation dynamics that capture monetary policy shifts.
Validity and Use of Classroom Environment Instruments.

An overview is given of some well-known instruments (e.g., the Learning Environment Inventory; Classroom Environment Scale) and some recently-developed scales (e.g., the Science Laboratory Environment Inventory ) for assessing student or teacher perceptions of actual or pre ferred classroom learning environments. As well, numer ous lines of past research and practical applications fol lowed using these instruments are described (e.g., the effects of environment on student outcomes; attempts to improve classroom environments; combining qualitative and quantitative methods within the same study; and incor poration of classroom environment ideas into school psy chology and teacher education programs). A, Jthough many educators traditionally have focused their attention exclusively on student achievement, the quality of classroom life also is important and deserves the serious attention of researchers and educators. The concept of classroom learning environment is somewhat subtle, but this article shows how it can be evaluated conveniently and reliably and how these assessments can be used in a range of research and practical applications. Of three common approaches to studying classroom learning environments— involving systematic observation, case studies, and assess ing student and teacher perceptions—the latter approach forms the focus for this article. The comprehensive literature overviews which synthe size much of the learning environment work which has grown out of the research programs of Moos and Walberg include Fraser (1986), Fraser (1989b), Fraser and Walberg (1991), Moos (1979), and Walberg 1979). Although this article focuses predominantly upon the classroom environ ment work which developed over the previous two decades, it is fully acknowledged that this builds upon the theoreti cal, conceptual, and measurement foundations laid half a century ago by pioneers like Lew in (1936) and Murray (1938) and their followers, such as Pace and Stern (1958). Also, research involving assessments of perceptions of classroom environment epitomized in the work of Walberg and Moos was influenced by prior work involving low inference, direct observational methods of measuring class room climate. INSTRUMENTS FOR ASSESSING CLASSROOM
Spin-Dependent Electron Scattering from Polarized Protons and Deuterons with the BLAST Experiment at MIT-Bates

The Bates Large Acceptance Spectrometer Toroid (BLAST) experiment was operated at the MIT-Bates Linear Accelerator Center from 2003 until 2005. The experiment was designed to exploit the power of a polarized electron beam incident on polarized targets of hydrogen and deuterium to measure, in a systematic manner, the neutron, proton, and deuteron form factors as well as other aspects of the electromagnetic interaction on few-nucleon systems. We briefly describe the experiment, and present and discuss the numerous results obtained.
Robustness of orthogonal matching pursuit for multiple measurement vectors in noisy scenario

In this paper, we consider orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) algorithm for multiple measurement vectors (MMV) problem. The robustness of OMPMMV is studied under general perturbations-when the measurement vectors as well as the sensing matrix are incorporated with additive noise. The main result shows that although exact recovery of the sparse solutions is unrealistic in noisy scenario, recovery of the support set of the solutions is guaranteed under suitable conditions. Specifically, a sufficient condition is derived that guarantees exact recovery of the sparse solutions in noiseless scenario.
Expression profile of cathepsins indicates the potential of cathepsins B and D as prognostic factors in breast cancer patients

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer in women and contributes to 32% of all female cancer cases. Cathepsins, a family of proteins, are known to have a critical role in human cancers. However, previous studies on the systematic analysis of the role of cathepsin family members in breast cancer are limited. The aim of the present study was to identify biological markers to predict prognosis and treatment response of breast cancer patients, as well as to elucidate novel therapeutic targets. The present study analyzed the expression of six members of cathepsin family, including cathepsins B, G, D, K, L and V in 188 breast cancer tissue specimens using immunohistochemistry. The data showed that all members of the tested cathepsin families featured cytoplasmic staining. Notably, expression of cathepsin L was associated with advanced tumor stages, while cathepsins B and K expression levels were associated with positive estrogen receptor expression; in addition, cathepsin K expression was also demonstrated to be associated with progesterone receptor expression. Cathepsins V and D expression levels were found to be associated with breast cancer metastasis, while the expression levels of cathepsins B and D were associated with poor disease-free survival in breast cancer patients. In addition, univariate analysis demonstrated that breast cancer metastasis to the bone and the expression of cathepsin B protein were associated with poor disease-free survival. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that the altered expression of cathepsins, in particular cathepsins B and D, contributed to the progression of breast cancer and poor disease-free survival in breast cancer patients.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms as a predictor of caregiver burden in Alzheimer’s disease

Aims Patients with Alzheimer’s disease need assistance and supervision of their daily activities. They survive for protracted periods of time, placing an extensive burden of care on the caregiver prior to the patient’s death. The present study addressed the predictive value of behavior-related burden on Alzheimer’s disease caregivers. Participants 82 patients with probable Alzheimer’s (73.7 ± 8.1 years), and their primary caregivers (59.6 ± 14.8 years, 81.5% women), were assessed. Methods Cognitive impairment, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and dementia severity were assessed with Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), respectively. Caregivers were given Zarit’s Burden Interview and Carer Activity Inventory. Results Neuropsychiatric symptoms like delusions, hallucinations, restlessness, anxiety, euphoria, disinhibition, unusual motor behavior, sleep disturbances, and appetite alterations were the best caregiver burden predictors (NPI r = 0.482, p < 0.001). No correlation with cognition, disease stage, or negative neuropsychiatric symptoms (depression and apathy) was found. Conclusion Increased caregiver burden was related to increased levels of patient behavioral disturbance. Of these symptoms, hallucinations, unusual (motor) behavior, and abnormal behavior at nighttime were the most significant. No correlation with neuropsychiatric symptoms such as apathy and depression was found. This may have relevance to appropriate interventions for caregivers.
Response to Intervention and Reading Difficulties: A Conceptual Model that Includes Reading Recovery.

Reading Recovery (RR) is a widely used first grade intervention program for students who are struggling with literacy skills. With its component strategies, teacher training, high degree of fidelity of treatment, specified timeline, and cut-off score defining which students have succeeded, RR fits the problem-solving approach of the Response-to-Intervention (RtI) model. This conceptual article provides a description of (1) the RtI paradigm, (2) where RR could fit as a component intervention, and (3) what additional remedial activities and assessments could help school teams have insight as to which students with reading disabilities (RD) should be identified for long-term programming.