Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Short Text Similarity with Word Embeddings

Determining semantic similarity between texts is important in many tasks in information retrieval such as search, query suggestion, automatic summarization and image finding. Many approaches have been suggested, based on lexical matching, handcrafted patterns, syntactic parse trees, external sources of structured semantic knowledge and distributional semantics. However, lexical features, like string matching, do not capture semantic similarity beyond a trivial level. Furthermore, handcrafted patterns and external sources of structured semantic knowledge cannot be assumed to be available in all circumstances and for all domains. Lastly, approaches depending on parse trees are restricted to syntactically well-formed texts, typically of one sentence in length. We investigate whether determining short text similarity is possible using only semantic features---where by semantic we mean, pertaining to a representation of meaning---rather than relying on similarity in lexical or syntactic representations. We use word embeddings, vector representations of terms, computed from unlabelled data, that represent terms in a semantic space in which proximity of vectors can be interpreted as semantic similarity. We propose to go from word-level to text-level semantics by combining insights from methods based on external sources of semantic knowledge with word embeddings. A novel feature of our approach is that an arbitrary number of word embedding sets can be incorporated. We derive multiple types of meta-features from the comparison of the word vectors for short text pairs, and from the vector means of their respective word embeddings. The features representing labelled short text pairs are used to train a supervised learning algorithm. We use the trained model at testing time to predict the semantic similarity of new, unlabelled pairs of short texts We show on a publicly available evaluation set commonly used for the task of semantic similarity that our method outperforms baseline methods that work under the same conditions.
Contingent-Claim-Based Expected Stock Returns

We develop and test a parsimonious contingent claims model for cross-sectional returns of stock portfolios formed on market leverage, book-to-market equity, asset growth rate, and equity size. Since stocks are residual claims on firms' assets that generate operating cash flows, stock returns are cash flow rates scaled by the sensitivities of stocks to cash flows. Our model performs well because the stock-cash flow sensitivities contain economic information. Value stocks, high-leverage stocks and low-asset-growth stocks are more sensitive to cash flows than growth stocks, low-leverage stocks and high-asset-growth stocks, particularly in recessions when default probabilities are high.
Presynaptic Ca2+ Requirements and Developmental Regulation of Posttetanic Potentiation at the Calyx of Held

Large excitatory synapses in the auditory system, such as the calyx of Held, faithfully transmit trains of action potentials up to a frequency of a few hundred hertz, and these synapses are thought to display a limited repertoire of synaptic plasticity. Here, we show that brief trains of 100 Hz stimulation induce posttetanic potentiation (PTP) of transmitter release at the calyx of Held. In young rats [postnatal day 4 (P4) to P6], PTP could be induced with shorter 100 Hz trains compared with older age groups (P8-P10 and P12-P14), but the maximal amount of PTP was similar, with ∼200% of control EPSC amplitude. The size of the readily releasable pool of vesicles was not increased significantly during PTP. Bath application of the membrane-permeable Ca2+ chelator EGTA-AM suppressed PTP, indicating a role for presynaptic Ca2+ in PTP at the calyx of Held. Presynaptic Ca2+ imaging showed that the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+]i, was increased by 40-120 nm at the peak of PTP, and this “residual” [Ca2+]i decayed in parallel with PTP, with time constants in the range of 10-60 s. During whole-cell recording of the presynaptic calyx of Held, PTP was absent, and the decay of residual [Ca2+]i was strongly accelerated. The data show that the calyx of Held expresses a mechanism of transmitter release potentiation in which a small, sustained elevation of basal [Ca2+]i increases the transmitter release probability after trains of high-frequency stimulation.
Self-Efficacy and Music Teaching: Five Narratives

This article examines generalist primary (elementary) school teachers’ self-efficacy in teaching music. Five teachers, each with five years teaching experience, were interviewed for the study. Using this interview data narratives were constructed for each of the five teachers. These narratives focused on what factors contributed to the level of self-efficacy each teacher experienced in teaching music. The five narratives are presented, structured using the five elements of narrative character, setting, a problem (or problems) faced, actions taken to address the problem/s, and resolution – outlined by Ollerenshaw & Creswell (2002). Each narrative is followed by a brief discussion of the impact of the four key aspects that contribute to selfefficacy – mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion, and physiological arousal. IJEA Vol. 18 No. 4 http://www.ijea. org/v18n4/ 2
On the (In)Homogeneity of Reanalysis Products

Abstract The homogeneity of the ECMWF 40-yr Re-Analysis (ERA-40) is assessed. This is done by comparing ERA-40 data with results from the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis and also by investigating a known relationship between a modeled (latent heat flux) and an external (SST) quantity. The direct comparison between the two reanalyses reveals a lot of inhomogeneities. They occur mainly in the Southern Hemisphere and before 1980. While observational density was sufficient to effectively constrain the models in the Northern Hemisphere, it was not in the Southern Hemisphere. From the investigation of the relationship between latent heat flux and SST it is found that, because of an increasing amount of data, the reanalysis results become more reliable toward the end of the reanalysis period (approximately after 1980). When using the reanalysis data to investigate climate change issues care has to be taken not to confuse the inhomogeneities with real changes.
Treatment of hepatitis C virus infection for adults and children: Updated Swedish consensus recommendations

Abstract In a recent expert meeting, Swedish recommendations for the treatment of HCV infection were updated. An interferon-free combination of direct-acting antiviral agents was recommended as the first line standard-of-care treatment for chronic HCV infection. Interferon-based therapy should be considered as a second line option after an individual benefit-risk assessment. Treatment is strongly recommended for HCV infected patients with bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis (Metavir stages F3–4), before and after liver transplantation, and in the presence of extra-hepatic manifestations. Additionally, patients with moderate liver fibrosis (stage F2) as well as women in need of in vitro fertilisation should be prioritised for therapeutic intervention. Treatment indications for people who inject drugs, children, chronic kidney disease and HIV co-infection are also discussed.
Probing the age and structure of the nearby very young open clusters NGC 2244 and 2239

The very young open cluster (OC) NGC 2244 in the Rosette Nebula was studied with fieldstar-decontaminated Two-Micron All-Sky Survey (2MASS) photometry, which shows the main-sequence (MS) stars and an abundant pre-MS (PMS) population. Fundamental and structural parameters were derived with colour–magnitude diagrams (CMDs), stellar radial density profiles (RDPs) and mass functions (MFs). Most previous studies centred NGC 2244 close to the bright K0V star 12 Monocerotis, which is not a cluster member. Instead, the nearinfrared RDP indicates a pronounced core near the O5 star HD 46150. We derive an age within 1–6 Myr, an absorptionAV = 1.7 ± 0.2, a distance from the Sun d� = 1.6 ± 0.2 kpc (≈1.5 kpc outside the solar circle), an MF slope χ = 0.91 ± 0.13 and a total (MS+PMS) stellar mass of ∼625 M� . Its RDP is characterized by the core and cluster radiiRc ≈ 5.6 arcmin (≈2.6 pc) and RRDP ≈ 10 arcmin (≈4.7 pc), respectively. Departure from dynamical equilibrium is suggested by the abnormally large core radius and the marked central stellar excess. We also investigate the elusive neighbouring OC NGC 2239, which is low mass (mMS+PMS ≈ 301 M� ), young (5 ± 4 Myr) rather absorbed (AV = 3.4 ± 0.2), and located in the background of NGC 2244 at d� = 3.9 ± 0.4 kpc. Its RDP follows a King-like function of Rc ≈ 0.5 arcmin ≈ 0.5 pc and RRDP ≈ 5.0 arcmin ≈ 5.6 pc. The MF slope, χ = 1.24 ± 0.06, is essentially Salpeter’s initial mass function. NGC 2244 is probably doomed to dissolution in a few 10 7 yr. Wide
Role of religious beliefs in blood donation behavior among the youngster in Iran

Purpose The main purpose of this research is investigating the role of religion in sculpting blood donation behavior in younger adults by using the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Design/methodology/approach A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data, and in total, 242 questionnaires of undergraduate students from four large universities in Iran were analyzed. The suggested research model was tested by structural equation modeling. Findings The findings indicate that religious beliefs have a positive influence on the attitude toward blood donation. Therefore, it seems that the influence of religion on prosocial activities such as blood donation is considerable. Moreover, attitudes, perceived behavioral control and subjective norms have a positive influence on the intention to blood donation. The research findings are consistent with the TPB model. Originality/value Previous research on blood donation has not considered religious beliefs in the TPB. The contribution of this study is examining the relationships between attitude and behavior with respect to religious beliefs as a silent shaping agent of attitude.
Comparison of Various Anthropometric and Body Fat Indices in Identifying Cardiometabolic Disturbances in Chinese Men and Women

Background Although many adiposity indices may be used to predict obesity-related health risks, uncertainty remains over which of them performs best. Objective This study compared the predictive capability of direct and indirect adiposity measures in identifying people at higher risk of metabolic abnormalities. Methods This population-based cross-sectional study recruited 2780 women and 1160 men. Body weight and height, waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) were measured and body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. Body fat (and percentage of fat) over the whole body and the trunk were determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Blood pressure, fasting lipid profiles, and glucose and urine acid levels were assessed. Results In women, the ROC and the multivariate logistic regression analyses both showed that WHtR consistently had the best performance in identifying hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia, diabetes/IFG, and metabolic syndrome (MetS). In men, the ROC analysis showed that WHtR was the best predictor of hypertension, WHtR and WC were equally good predictors of dyslipidemia and MetS, and WHtR was the second-best predictor of hyperuricemia and diabetes/IFG. The multivariate logistic regression also found WHtR to be superior in discriminating between MetS, diabetes/IFG, and dyslipidemia while BMI performed better in predicting hypertension and hyperuricemia in men. The BIA-derived indices were the second-worst predictors for all of the endpoints, and HC was the worst. Conclusion WHtR was the best predictor of various metabolic abnormalities. BMI may be used as an alternative measure of obesity for identifying hypertension in both sexes.
Opposing Responses of Bird Functional Diversity to Vegetation Structural Diversity in Wet and Dry Forest

Disturbance regimes are changing worldwide, and the consequences for ecosystem function and resilience are largely unknown. Functional diversity (FD) provides a surrogate measure of ecosystem function by capturing the range, abundance and distribution of trait values in a community. Enhanced understanding of the responses of FD to measures of vegetation structure at landscape scales is needed to guide conservation management. To address this knowledge gap, we used a whole-of-landscape sampling approach to examine relationships between bird FD, vegetation diversity and time since fire. We surveyed birds and measured vegetation at 36 landscape sampling units in dry and wet forest in southeast Australia during 2010 and 2011. Four uncorrelated indices of bird FD (richness, evenness, divergence and dispersion) were derived from six bird traits, and we investigated responses of these indices and species richness to both vertical and horizontal vegetation diversity using linear mixed models. We also considered the extent to which the mean and diversity of time since fire were related to vegetation diversity. Results showed opposing responses of FD to vegetation diversity in dry and wet forest. In dry forest, where fire is frequent, species richness and two FD indices (richness and dispersion) were positively related to vertical vegetation diversity, consistent with theory relating to environmental variation and coexistence. However, in wet forest subject to infrequent fire, the same three response variables were negatively associated with vertical diversity. We suggest that competitive dominance by species results in lower FD as vegetation diversity increases in wet forest. The responses of functional evenness were opposite to those of species richness, functional richness and dispersion in both forest types, highlighting the value of examining multiple FD metrics at management-relevant scales. The mean and diversity of time since fire were uncorrelated with vegetation diversity in wet forest, but positively correlated with vegetation diversity in dry forest. We therefore suggest that protection of older vegetation is important, but controlled application of low-severity fire in dry forest may sustain ecosystem function by enhancing different elements of FD.
Transplantation of Amniotic Membrane to the Subretinal Space in Pigs

Purpose. To investigate the effect of transplanted amniotic membrane (AM) on subretinal wound healing. Methods. Nine Danish Landrace pigs had surgical removal of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and mechanical damage of Bruch's membrane (BM) and served as a control group. 15 pigs additionally had AM transplanted to the subretinal space. Results. AM significantly reduces choroidal neovascularisation when complete coverage of the induced defect is obtained (7 pigs) (P < 0.05). In cases where AM did not cover the rupture in BM choroidal tissue covered the transplanted membrane (8 pigs). AM is well tolerated in the subretinal space, causes only limited inflammation, and is covered with a monolayer of pigmented cells when in contact with the host RPE. Conclusions. AM modifies choroidal neovascularisation after BM damage and may serve as a basement membrane substitute for the RPE.
Heteronuclear 3 d/Dy(III) coordination clusters as catalysts in a domino reaction.

Three isoskeletal tetranuclear coordination clusters with general formula [M(II) 2 Dy(III) 2 L4 (EtOH)6 ](ClO4 )2 ⋅2 EtOH, (M=Co, 1; M=Ni, 2) and [Ni(II) 2 Dy(III) 2 L4 Cl2 (CH3 CN)2 ]⋅2 CH3 CN (3), have been synthesized and characterized. These air-stable compounds, and in particular 3, display efficient homogeneous catalytic behavior in the room-temperature synthesis of trans-4,5-diaminocyclopent-2-enones from 2-furaldehyde and primary or secondary amines under a non-inert atmosphere.
Activation of the TLR1/2 pathway induces the shaping of the immune response status of peripheral blood leukocytes

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an essential role in the activation and regulation of the innate and adaptive immune responses through the recognition of specific components of pathogens. TLR1/2 on the cell surface plays an important role in defending against Gram-positive bacteria. The aim of the present study was to examine the expressional variation of immunomodulatory molecules in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) treated with the TLR1/2 agonist, Pam3Cys. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction result showed dramatically increased expression of immune-related factors treated with Pam3Cys. Antibody-chip assays confirmed that activation of TLR1/2 could induce secretion of four important immune factors [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α and interferon-β). Western-blot analysis indicated the upregulation of three significant signal kinase proteins (phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, extracellular signal-related kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase 2). The study demonstrated that there were numerous molecules involved in the immune response of PBLs stimulated by the TLR1/2 ligand. Our future studies will focus on the mechanisms of these molecules in the TLR1/2 agonist-mediated immune response.
The Social Intelligence of Principals: Links to Teachers' Continuous Improvement.

Despite multiple efforts to reform 21 education to better meet the needs of all students, school improvement successes have been sporadic and debatable. Research suggests that significant improvement lies within the purview of teachers and principals, and this current research provided the underpinnings for the study. Based on neuroscience research and the continuous improvement concept, I examined linkages between principals’ social intelligence and teachers’ continuous improvement. Using a mixed method sequential explanatory research approach, the study consisted of four phases that employed both quantitative and qualitative measures. Massachusetts’ principals (127) and teachers (331) were contacted by email to participate in the study. Participation unfolded in the following manner based on the four phases: (a) Phase One: 34 principals and 47 teachers, (b) Phase Two: 22 principals and 20 teachers, (c) Phase Three: 9 principals and 5 teachers, and (d) Phase Four: 4 principals and 41 teachers. The data analysis generated four categories of key findings: Educational Leadership Behavior, School Culture, Principals’ Body Language, and Similar and Dissimilar Perceptions of Teachers and Principals. Overall, these findings demonstrated that both principals and teachers view social intelligence critical to educational leadership and teachers’ improvement. Specific field recommendations were delineated for principals, superintendents, teachers, and higher education institutions. Future research recommendations suggested further study of social intelligence and possible linkages to (a) gender differences, and (b) motivation linked to personality traits to expand the leadership capacity of principals. Keywords: principals’ social intelligence, teachers’ continuous improvement, school culture, perceptions of teachers and principals. PRINCIPAL SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE AND TEACHER IMPROVEMENT 6
Suprachiasmatic Modulation of Noradrenaline Release in the Ventrolateral Preoptic Nucleus

As the major brain circadian pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is known to influence the timing of sleep and waking. We thus investigated here the effect of SCN stimulation on neurons of the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO) thought to be involved in promoting sleep. Using an acute in vitro preparation of the rat anterior hypothalamus/preoptic area, we found that whereas single-pulse stimulations of the SCN evoked standard fast ionotropic IPSPs and EPSPs, train stimulations unexpectedly evoked a long-lasting inhibition (LLI). Such LLIs could also be evoked in VLPO neurons by pressure application of NMDA within the SCN, indicating the specific activation of SCN neurons. This LLI was shown to result from the presynaptic facilitation of noradrenaline release, because it was suppressed in presence of yohimbine, a selective antagonist of α2-adrenoreceptors. The LLI depended on the opening of a potassium conductance, because it was annulled at EK and could be reversed below EK. These results show that the SCN can provide an LLI of the sleep-promoting VLPO neurons that could play a role in the circadian organization of the sleep–waking cycle.
The Effect of the California Tobacco Control Program on Smoking Prevalence, Cigarette Consumption, and Healthcare Costs: 1989–2008

Background Previous research has shown that tobacco control funding in California has reduced per capita cigarette consumption and per capita healthcare expenditures. This paper refines our earlier model by estimating the effect of California tobacco control funding on current smoking prevalence and cigarette consumption per smoker and the effect of prevalence and consumption on per capita healthcare expenditures. The results are used to calculate new estimates of the effect of the California Tobacco Program. Methodology/Principal Findings Using state-specific aggregate data, current smoking prevalence and cigarette consumption per smoker are modeled as functions of cumulative California and control states' per capita tobacco control funding, cigarette price, and per capita income. Per capita healthcare expenditures are modeled as a function of prevalence of current smoking, cigarette consumption per smoker, and per capita income. One additional dollar of cumulative per capita tobacco control funding is associated with reduction in current smoking prevalence of 0.0497 (SE.00347) percentage points and current smoker cigarette consumption of 1.39 (SE.132) packs per smoker per year. Reductions of one percentage point in current smoking prevalence and one pack smoked per smoker are associated with $35.4 (SE $9.85) and $3.14 (SE.786) reductions in per capita healthcare expenditure, respectively (2010 dollars), using the National Income and Product Accounts (NIPA) measure of healthcare spending. Conclusions/Significance Between FY 1989 and 2008 the California Tobacco Program cost $2.4 billion and led to cumulative NIPA healthcare expenditure savings of $134 (SE $30.5) billion.
The Effect of Acute Weight Loss on Body Composition, Self-esteem and Appearance Esteem before Competitions

Weight loss in human body accompanies physical and psychological differences. In this study, it was aimed to see whether acute weight loss (dehydration) affected self-esteem and appearance esteem in the elite wrestlers before competitions. 38 professional wrestlers who had international competition experiences and were required to be in a lower weight class because of having more than the competition weight, participated in the research voluntarily. 1 st measurement 1 week before the competition, 2 nd measurement during the competition morning when class determination was done in accordance with body weight were performed in the participant wrestlers prior to acute weight loss. In addition to the athletes’ body weight, body mass index (BMI), “the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale” for the determination of their self-esteem levels and “the Appearance Esteem Scale” for the determination of self-esteem associated with appearance were used. The participant wrestlers were professional, they often lost weight before competitions and reached their goal, that’s why they had positive feelings, which gave rise to increases in self-esteem and appearance esteem values after weight loss. In conclusion, significant differences were found in body weight, BMI, self-esteem and appearance esteem values before and after weight loss (dehydration) of the wrestlers. A positive uprising was determined in the self-esteem and appearance esteem values after the wrestlers’ weight loss. The participant wrestlers were professional, often experienced weight loss before competitions and had targeted weights, that’s why they had positively emotional situations, which led to increases in their self-esteem and appearance esteem values.