Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Semantic Graph-Based Approach for Mining Common Topics from Multiple Asynchronous Text Streams

In the age of Web 2.0, a substantial amount of unstructured content are distributed through multiple text streams in an asynchronous fashion, which makes it increasingly difficult to glean and distill useful information. An effective way to explore the information in text streams is topic modelling, which can further facilitate other applications such as search, information browsing, and pattern mining. In this paper, we propose a semantic graph based topic modelling approach for structuring asynchronous text streams. Our model integrates topic mining and time synchronization, two core modules for addressing the problem, into a unified model. Specifically, for handling the lexical gap issues, we use global semantic graphs of each timestamp for capturing the hidden interaction among entities from all the text streams. For dealing with the sources asynchronism problem, local semantic graphs are employed to discover similar topics of different entities that can be potentially separated by time gaps. Our experiment on two real-world datasets shows that the proposed model significantly outperforms the existing ones.
Processing of laser speckle contrast images to analyze the impact of aging on moving blood cells when a Lorentzian velocity profile is assumed

It has long been recognized that age alters microcirculation. The follow-up of such alterations can be performed by monitoring microvascular blood flow. Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) has recently been commercialized to monitor microvascular blood flow. From laser speckle contrast images, velocity of microvascular moving scatterers (mainly red blood cells) can be computed when a profile for velocity distribution is assumed. Our goal herein is to analyze if alterations of microcirculation with age can be determined by processing experimental LSCI data. In our work a Lorentzian velocity profile is assumed and the presence of static scatterers, like skin, is taken into account. Our results show that moving scatterers velocities computed from LSCI data vary with age: blood cells velocities increase with age. Moreover, the more the static scatterers, the higher the moving scatterers velocity values. Our findings are a first step in the analysis of the impact of aging from the processing of laser speckle contrast images.
The radio delay of the exceptional 3C 454.3 outburst - Follow-up WEBT observations in 2005–2006

Context. In spring 2005 the blazar 3C 454.3 was observed in an unprecedented bright state from the near-IR to the hard X-ray frequencies. A mm outburst peaked in June-July 2005, and it was followed by a flux increase at high radio frequencies. Aims. In this paper we report on multifrequency monitoring by the WEBT aimed at following the further evolution of the outburst in detail. In particular, we investigate the expected correlation and time delays between the optical and radio emissions in order to derive information on the variability mechanisms and jet structure. Methods. A comparison among the light curves at different frequencies is performed by means of visual inspection and discrete correlation function, and the results are interpreted with a simple model taking into account Doppler factor variations of geometric origin. Results. The high-frequency radio light curves show a huge outburst starting during the dimming phase of the optical one and lasting more than 1 year. The first phase is characterized by a slow flux increase, while in early 2006 a major flare is observed. The lower-frequency radio light curves show a progressively delayed and fainter event, which disappears below 8 GHz. We suggest that the radio major peak is not physically connected with the spring 2005 optical one, but it is actually correlated with a minor optical flare observed in October-November 2005. This interpretation | involves both an intrinsic and a geometric mechanism. The former is represented by disturbances travelling down the emitting jet, the latter being due to the curved-jet motion, with the consequent differential changes of viewing angles of the different emitting regions.
A forward algorithm for capacitated lot sizing problem with lost sales

This paper addresses a single item dynamic lot sizing problem where the inventory capacity is limited and shortages are allowed. Unsatisfied demand cannot be backlogged, which means lost sales. Costs are assumed to be time-varying. Some new properties are obtained in an optimal solution and a dynamic programming algorithm is developed to solve the problem in strongly polynomial with O(T/sup 3/logT) time.
An inventory for assessing interpersonal communication competence of college students

ABSTRACT We have developed and validated a new Interpersonal Communication Competence Inventory (ICCI) for college students. Study 1 describes the development of the ICCI and results of an exploratory factor analysis of data from 1336 Chinese students, which identified a four-factor model with reasonable internal consistency. Study 2 describes results of a confirmatory factor analysis of data from 593 Chinese students, which cross-validated the four-factor model as well as supporting the validity of the overall scale. Taken together, these results suggest that the ICCI is a psychometrically valid measure of interpersonal communication competence of college students.
Identification of Tn5397-like and Tn916-like transposons and diversity of the tetracycline resistance gene tet(M) in enterococci from humans, pigs and poultry.

OBJECTIVES To analyse the sequence diversity of the tetracycline resistance gene tet(M) and its location on mobile elements in Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis from humans, pigs and poultry in Denmark. METHODS A total of 76 isolates were screened for Tn916/Tn1545-like and Tn5397-like transposons using PCR. tet(M) was sequenced in 15 of the isolates and compared with tet(M) sequences submitted to GenBank (phylogenetic analysis and signs of recombination). Plasmids were extracted, filter-mating experiments were performed and Tn5397-like transposons were further characterized in selected isolates. RESULTS In 8 of 13 isolates of E. faecium from broilers, tet(M) was present on Tn5397-like transposons, whereas tet(M) was predominantly associated with Tn916/Tn1545-like transposons in E. faecium from pigs and humans, as well as in E. faecalis from humans, pigs and broilers (50 of 63 isolates). The tet(M) genes were divided into three major subgroups according to the phylogenetic analysis. Subgroup I consisted of tet(M) from Clostridium difficile and E. faecium associated with Tn5397-like elements, subgroup II consisted of tet(M) located on Tn916/Tn1545 family transposons and subgroup III consisted of tet(M) associated with composite elements containing several resistance genes. We found evidence of recombination both within and between these groups. Moreover, we identified an E. faecium isolate with both Tn916/Tn1545-like and Tn5397-like elements. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that enterococci contain diverse tet(M) genes present on different mobile elements, which may suggest that enterococci play an important role in the evolution and horizontal spread of mobile elements carrying tet(M). This is the first report of Tn5397-like elements in enterococci.
Investigating the Antecedents and Consequences of Boundary Permeability at Work and Home

ii DEDICATION . iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . v LIST OF TABLES . ix LIST OF FIGURES . x CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 1 Overview of the Current Literature . 2 Purpose . 5 Potential Contributions . 6 Structure of the Dissertation . 7 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW . 8 Overview of Boundary Theory . 8 Antecedents of Boundary Permeability . 9 Consequences of Boundary Permeability . 13 CHAPTER 3: HYPOTHESES.16 Antecedents of Boundary Permeability . 16 Direct Effect of Segmentation Preference on Boundary Permeability . 16 Direct Effect of Workload on Boundary Permeability . 18 Direct Effect of Home Demands on Boundary Permeability . 19 Moderating Effects of Job Control and Home Support . 20
High altitude impairs nasal transepithelial sodium transport in HAPE-prone subjects

High-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) occurs in predisposed individuals at altitudes >2,500 m. Defective alveolar fluid clearance secondary to a constitutive impairment of the respiratory transepithelial sodium transport contributes to its pathogenesis. Hypoxia impairs the transepithelial sodium transport in alveolar epithelial type II cells in vitro. If this impairment is also present in vivo, high-altitude exposure could aggravate the constitutive defect in sodium transport in HAPE-prone subjects, and thereby further facilitate pulmonary oedema. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to measure the nasal potential difference (PD) in 21 HAPE-prone and 29 HAPE-resistant subjects at low altitude and 30 h after arrival at high altitude (4,559 m). High-altitude exposure significantly decreased the mean±sd nasal PD in HAPE-prone (18.0±6.2 versus 12.5±6.8 mV) but not in HAPE-resistant subjects (25.6±9.4 versus 22.9±9.2 mV). This altitude-induced decrease was not associated with an altered amiloride-sensitive fraction, but was associated with a significantly lower amiloride-insensitive fraction of the nasal PD. These findings provide evidence in vivo that an environmental factor may impair respiratory transepithelial sodium transport in humans. They are consistent with the concept that in high-altitude pulmonary oedema-susceptible subjects, the combination of a constitutive and an acquired defect in this transport mechanism facilitates the development of pulmonary oedema during high-altitude exposure.
GENETIC BASIS OF ACTIVITY METABOLISM. I. INHERITANCE OF SPEED, STAMINA, AND ANTIPREDATOR DISPLAYS IN THE GARTER SNAKE THAMNOPHIS SIRTALIS

Recent conceptual advances in physiological ecology emphasize the potential selective importance of whole‐animal performance. Empirical studies of locomotor performance in reptiles have revealed surprising amounts of individual variation in speed and stamina. The present study is the first in a series examining the genetic basis of variation in locomotor performance, activity metabolism, and associated behaviors in garter snakes. Maximal sprint crawling speed, treadmill endurance, and antipredator displays (Arnold and Bennett, 1984; exhibited as snakes reached exhaustion on the treadmill) were measured for approximately six offspring (presumed to be full siblings) from each of 46 wild‐caught gravid garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis). Each character was measured on two days; all were individually repeatable. Correlations of these characters with body mass, snout–vent length, age at testing, litter size, dam mass, and dam snout–vent length were removed by computing residuals from multiple‐regression equations. These residuals were used in subsequent genetic analyses. Approximate coefficients of variation of residuals were 17% for speed, 48% for endurance, and 31% for antipredator displays. Broad‐sense heritabilities were significant for all characters: speed h2 = 0.58; stamina h2 = 0.70; antipredator display h2 = 0.42. All three residual characters showed positive and statistically significant phenotypic correlations (r = 0.19–0.36). Genetic correlations (estimated and tested by restricted maximum likelihood) among residuals were positive and highly significant between speed and endurance (0.58), but nonsignificant between speed and antipredator display (0.43), and between endurance and antipredator display (0.26). All environmental correlations were nonsignificant. These data suggest that, contrary to expectations based on previous physiological studies, there may be no necessary evolutionary trade‐off between speed and stamina in these animals. This tentative conclusion will have important implications for future theoretical studies of the evolution of locomotor performance and associated antipredator behaviors.
Effect of a twelve week exercise programme on cardio-respiratory and body composition variables in non-obese young and middle-aged females

This study investigated the effect of a 12-week exercise programme consisting of jogging, calistnenics, and recreational activities on the cardiorespiratory function and body composition of 15 young and 15 middle-aged nonobese women 21-32 and 34-57 years, respectively. The exercise programme was 3 days per week for an average of 45 minutes each session. Pre- and post-programme data were obtained on: age, height, total body weight, resting heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, vital capacity, submaximal heart rate, supra-iliac skinfold, thigh skinfold, waist girth, cup size, body density, and percent fat. The t-test was used to test the difference between the young and middle-aged groups before and after the exercise programme and to test the pre- and post-programme mean values of each group. No differences between the groups or changes due to the exercise programme were observed on total body weight. No significant cardiorespiratory differences were found between the two groups at either test period, however, the young group decreased significantly (p < .01) in submaximal HR and the middle-aged group decreased significantly in resting (p < .01) and submaximal (p < .001) HR illustrating the positive effect of the programme. No significant body composition differences were found between the two groups at the pre-test. At the post-test the middle-aged group had a significantly (p < .10) larger thigh skinfold thickness than the young group. The young group did not change significantly on body composition measures from pre- to post-test. In contrast, the middle-aged group increased significantly in body density (p < .01) and decreased in percent body fat (p < .01) due to a significant (p < .01) reduction in supra-iliac skinfold thickness from 21.67 ± 2.35 to 18.13 ± 2.08 mm. The data were compared with data from other studies using similar age groups. The pre-test percent fat of the young group (25.07 ± .74) was similar to values reported in other studies. The middle-aged group had a relatively lower fat percentage (27.46 ± 1.58) compared with other middle-aged groups.
Structure and energy of a DNA dodecamer under tensile load

In the last decade, methods to study single DNA molecules under tensile load have been developed. These experiments measure the force required to stretch and melt the double helix and provide insights into the structural stability of DNA. However, it is not easy to directly relate the shape of the force curve to the structural changes that occur in the double helix under tensile load. Here, state-of-the-art computer simulations of short DNA sequences are preformed to provide an atomistic description of the stretching of the DNA double helix. These calculations show that for extensions larger that ∼25% the DNA undergoes a structural transformation and a few base pairs are lost from both the terminal and central part of the helix. This locally melted DNA duplex is stable and can be extended up to ∼50–60% of the equilibrium length at a constant force. It is concluded that melting under tension cannot be modeled as a simple two-state process. Finally, the important role of the cantilever stiffness in determining the shape of the force–extension curve and the most probable rupture force is discussed.
The Role of Economic Development and Perceived Growth Opportunities in Employee Reactions to M&As

We draw on the economic institutions literature and on transactional stress theory to explain differences in employee reactions to mergers and acquisitions (M&As) across 29 nations. Using a sample of 10,803 middle managers and executives, we find that country-level economic development moderates the effects of an M&A on employee attitudes and outcomes. Unlike in more advanced economies where M&As are associated with a reduction in perceived growth opportunities among employees, in less advanced economies, M&As are associated with increased perceptions of growth opportunities. These perceived growth opportunities post-M&A are associated with positive employee outcomes such as work–life balance, job satisfaction, organizational satisfaction, and reduced turnover intentions. Our results highlight the role that growth opportunities and the economic context play in harnessing human capital after an M&A.
Boosting ensembles with subsampled LPSVM learners

The lack of diversity of Support Vector Machines (SVMs) makes to use them as learners of boosting ensembles a difficult problem, even using complementary procedures to force more diversity. In this paper, we propose to combine the Linear Programming (LP) SVM formulation with a bagging-type subsampling of kernels to increase this diversity when building Real AdaBoost ensembles. We provide experimental evidence of the performance advantage of the proposed approach, as well a s of the importance of combining LP and subsampling to obtain successful designs.
Perception of Social Marketing of Condom, Level of Education and Resistance to Port of Condom among Female Sex Workers of N'Djamena

This study aims to examine the influence of the perception of social marketing of condoms and education on condom use resistance behavior among sex workers in N'Djamena. It is based on the general assumption that the perception of condom social marketing and the level of education of sex workers determine their resistance to condom use. To test this hypothesis, we adopted a quantitative approach. The sampling technique used is simple random sampling. This has enabled us to create a final sample of 100 subjects. The measuring instrument that used to collect data in the field is the questionnaire. The statistical technique used for data processing is the chi-square. The results indicate, first, that the perception of social marketing of condoms significantly influence the wear condoms resistance among sex workers and, secondly, that the level of sex workers of instruction determines their resistance to the condom port during the sexual act.
Structural Models of Corporate Bond Pricing: An Empirical Analysis

This paper empirically tests five structural models of corporate bond pricing: Those of Merton (1974), Geske (1977), Leland and Toft (1996), Longstaff and Schwartz (1995), and Collin-Dufresne and Goldstein (2001). We implement the models using a sample of 182 bond prices from firms with simple capital structures during the period 1986-1997. The conventional wisdom is that structural models do not generate spreads as high as those seen in the bond market, and true to expectations we find that the predicted spreads in our implementation of the Merton model are too low. The compound option approach of Geske comes much closer to the spreads observed in the market, on average, but still underpredicts spreads. In contrast, the Leland and Toft model substantially overestimates credit risk on most bonds, and especially so for high coupon bonds. The Longstaff and Schwartz model modifies Merton to incorporate a stochastic interest rate and a correlation between interest rates and firm value. While the correlation and the level of interest rates have little effect, higher interest rate volatility leads to higher predicted spreads. However, this and other features of this model result in spreads that are often too high for risky bonds and too low for safe bonds. The target leverage ratio model of Collin-Dufresne and Goldstein helps to raise the spreads on the bonds that were considered very safe by the Longstaff and Schwartz model, but overall tends toward overestimation of credit risk. We conclude that structural models do not systematically underpredict spreads, as the previous literature implies, but accuracy is a problem. Moreover, some of the simplifications made to date lead to overestimation of credit risk on the riskier bonds while scarcely affecting the spreads of the safest bonds.
Photometric Redshift of the GRB 981226 Host Galaxy

No optical afterglow was found for the dark burst GRB 981226, and hence no absorption redshift has been obtained. We here use ground-based and space imaging observations to analyze the spectral energy distribution (SED) of the host galaxy. By comparison with synthetic template spectra, we determine the photometric redshift of the GRB 981226 host to be zphot = 1.11 ± 0.06 (68% confidence level). While the age-metallicity degeneracy for the host SED complicates the determination of accurate age, metallicity, and extinction, the photometric redshift is robust. The inferred zphot value is also robust compared to a Bayesian redshift estimator, which gives zphot = 0.94 ± 0.13. The characteristics for this host are similar to other gamma-ray burst (GRB) hosts previously examined. Available low-resolution spectra show no emission lines at the expected wavelengths. The photometric redshift estimate indicates an isotropic energy release consistent with the Amati relation for this GRB, which had a spectrum characteristic of an X-ray flash.
COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF CENTBUTINDOLE & RISPERIDONE IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

Centbutindole is a new antipsychotic agent related to butyrophenone group. The drug is dopamine antagonist but it also blocks 5HT2 receptors. Clinically the drug has passed through phase I, II & III clinical trials successfully and it has shown effective antipsychotic activity in schizophrenic patients. In the present study the drug was compared with risperidone in a double blind manner for a period of 8 weeks to assess the efficacy in schizophrenic patients. Patients of schizophrenia evaluated on PANSS, CGI & UKU side effect rating scale weekly Out of 44 patients included in study, 38 completed the trial. The intergroup comparison of two drugs showed that centbudindole and risperidone have similar onset of antipsychotic action as both the drugs showed significant decrease in the total PANSS score as well as positive syndrome score, negative syndrome score and general psychopathology score from 2nd week onwards. The scores in both the groups showed a steady and significant decline from 2nd week to 8th week of study. The present study showed that centbutindole has similar improvement on clinical global impression with risperidone. The side effect profile was similar in the two drugs except dystonia (5 patients in centbutindole vs 1 patient in risperidone group). The findings of present study shows that Centbutindole could be used as a promising new drug for treatment of schizophrenia in place of a typical antipsychotics as it has shown improvement on negative symptoms similar to risperidone.