Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The social consequences of disparagement humor: Introduction and overview

Disparagement humor refers to communication that is intended to elicit amusement through the denigration, derogation, or belittlement of a given target (Ferguson and Ford 2008; Zillmann 1983). It can uniquely denigrate its target without challenge or criticism by communicating its message is to be taken as “just a joke”—funny, benign horseplay (e.g., Bill and Naus 1992; Johnson 1990). Accordingly, empirical research on disparagement humor has traditionally been guided by superiority theories (e.g., Gruner 1997; La Fave 1972; La Fave et al. 1976; Zillmann and Cantor 1976) developed to explain why and under what conditions people interpret disparagement humor as just a joke versus an offensive expression of hostility. In the context of the prevailing theories and research that emphasized amusement, William H. Martineau’s (1972) consideration of disparagement humor was unique and influential. In his seminal chapter, A Model of Social Functions of Humor, published in McGhee and Goldstein’s (1972) book, The Psychology of Humor, Martineau delineated a broad theoretical model for deriving hypotheses about the ways that disparagement humor shapes social relationships. Martineau’s model has appealed to and inspired scholars in many disciplines, and has guided a wealth of empirical research for over forty years. The purpose of this special issue is to highlight advancements of humor scholars following Martineau’s seminal work with the ultimate goal of initiating a new curiosity and interest in the social consequences of disparagement humor. Accordingly, this special issue is comprised of articles that review the existing
Solution to the Registration Problem Using Differential Evolution and SSD-ARC Function

The problem of image registration is to find the best set of parameters of an affine transformation, which applied to a given image yields the closest match to a target image (possibly with noise). We present a method to perform parametric image registration based on Differential Evolution. Besides using Differential Evolution, we propose to use an error function robust enough to discard misleading information contained in outliers. The results are compared to those obtained using Genetic Algorithms. It is clear that Differential Evolution outperforms Genetic Algorithms in terms of speed (number of evaluations), and quality of the solutions (accuracy). The quality of the solutions provided by Differential Evolution is so good that they do not need to be refined by gradient methods. At the end we present a general analysis and discussion about why DE converges in a better way than GA.
Spectral Tuning in the Eyes of Deep-Sea Lanternfishes (Myctophidae): A Novel Sexually Dimorphic Intra-Ocular Filter

Deep-sea fishes possess several adaptations to facilitate vision where light detection is pushed to its limit. Lanternfishes (Myctophidae), one of the world's most abundant groups of mesopelagic fishes, possess a novel and unique visual specialisation, a sexually dimorphic photostable yellow pigmentation, constituting the first record of a visual sexual dimorphism in any non-primate vertebrate. The topographic distribution of the yellow pigmentation across the retina is species specific, varying in location, shape and size. Spectrophotometric analyses reveal that this new retinal specialisation differs between species in terms of composition and acts as a filter, absorbing maximally between 356 and 443 nm. Microspectrophotometry and molecular analyses indicate that the species containing this pigmentation also possess at least 2 spectrally distinct rod visual pigments as a result of a duplication of the Rh1 opsin gene. After modelling the effect of the yellow pigmentation on photoreceptor spectral sensitivity, we suggest that this unique specialisation acts as a filter to enhance contrast, thereby improving the detection of bioluminescent emissions and possibly fluorescence in the extreme environment of the deep sea. The fact that this yellow pigmentation is species specific, sexually dimorphic and isolated within specific parts of the retina indicates an evolutionary pressure to visualise prey/predators/mates in a particular part of each species' visual field.
Secrecy Outage Performance of Full-Duplex Spectrum Sharing Networks with Different Antenna Reception Schemes

In this paper, we investigate the secrecy performance of full-duplex multi-antenna spectrum-sharing wiretap networks, in which a jamming signal is simultaneously transmitted by the full-duplex secondary receiver (Bob) based on the zero forcing beamforming (ZFB) algorithm. For the security enhancement, we propose the two antenna reception schemes, i.e., (i) random selection combining (RSC) where Bob selects LB antennas at random to combine the received signals, and (ii) generalized selection combining (GSC) where Bob selects LB strongest antennas to combine the received signals. We derive the exact closed-form expressions for the secrecy outage probability of fullduplex multi-antenna spectrum-sharing wiretap networks with ZFB algorithm. In order to explore a new design of the proposed schemes, we provide tractable asymptotic approximations for the secrecy outage probability in high signal-to-noise ratio regime under two distinct scenarios. From the analysis, we demonstrate that a) when the main channel is much better than the eavesdropper’s channel, GSC/ZFB scheme achieves full diversity NB while RSC/ZFB scheme only achieves partial diversity LB, b) GSC/ZFB scheme achieves better secrecy performance than RSC/ZFB with different antenna numbers at Bob.
Error density and size in Ada software

The author and her colleagues have completed the development of a large project written in Ada. The project team kept error reports, and the many modules ranged greatly in size. They analyzed module size to see if there was a relationship with module quality. They used error density-defects per thousand lines-as an inverse measure of quality: the lower the error density, the higher the quality. The author presents and discusses the results, which lend support to the hypothesis that there is an optimal, intermediate module size. <<ETX>>
Model and Optimization of Organic Photovoltaic Cells

This paper focuses on optimizing the organic photovoltaic cell, an important topic in the energy industry which has not been well studied. We are especially interested in the optimization of the two active layers in the solar cell, the PEOPT polymer and the C60 (Fullerene) layer. Using a numerical scheme (the finite difference method) we solve the diffusion equation of exitons in the one dimensional case, and implement it with two different accepted models of energy dissipation. This allows us to compare the exciton density and flux accross the heterojunction between active layers which each model produces. Using our preferred model, we optimize the layer thicknesses of the two active layers, PEOPT and C60 and determined them to be 12 nm and 40 nm respectively. We extend our analysis to a two-dimensional case including a curved boundary at the donor-acceptor heterojunction, using the simpler model, and study the effect of such a boundary on the conversion efficiency.
Lightning hazard mitigation in Uganda

This paper addresses a concurrent burning issue in Uganda; the mitigation of rapidly increasing lightning hazards in the country. By analyzing various economic, technical and social factors a feasible hazard mitigation module has been proposed. The module essentially needs government intervention for providing facilities and coordination of various contributors and stakeholders for channeling expertise and possible funding. Several lightning disaster mitigation strategies have been proposed whereas practicality and limitations of applying them in Uganda are discussed in detail. Proposed modules are applicable in many countries having similar socio-economic environment.
Probabilistic Topic Models for Learning Terminological Ontologies

Probabilistic topic models were originally developed and utilized for document modeling and topic extraction in Information Retrieval. In this paper, we describe a new approach for automatic learning of terminological ontologies from text corpus based on such models. In our approach, topic models are used as efficient dimension reduction techniques, which are able to capture semantic relationships between word-topic and topic-document interpreted in terms of probability distributions. We propose two algorithms for learning terminological ontologies using the principle of topic relationship and exploiting information theory with the probabilistic topic models learned. Experiments with different model parameters were conducted and learned ontology statements were evaluated by the domain experts. We have also compared the results of our method with two existing concept hierarchy learning methods on the same data set. The study shows that our method outperforms other methods in terms of recall and precision measures. The precision level of the learned ontology is sufficient for it to be deployed for the purpose of browsing, navigation, and information search and retrieval in digital libraries.
GAPS AND GLISSANDOS: INEQUALITY, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND SOCIAL MOBILITY IN 24 COUNTRIES*

Intergenerational mobility has been seen as influenced by both level of economic development and political democracy. Here, with a sample of 24 countries, the first of these relationships is assessed. The observed effect of economic development (GNP/capita) on mobility we conclude to be a spurious consequence of the shape of the stratification system, indicated here by the shape of both reward distributions and occupational distributions. Some discussion precedes this analysis about how the shape of a stratification system should affect mobility. Some discussion follows about how the shape of the system must affect political democracy, and leads us to a partial reinterpretation of the findings of Rubinson and Quinlan (1977) on this topic.
A Study on the Effect of Self-Review Method on Women's Happiness

Background: The present study was conducted with the aim to investigate the effectiveness of self-review technique on women’s happiness. Methods: This experimental study was conducted with a pre-test and post-test and a control group. The Oxford Happiness Inventory (OHI) was used to measure the dependent variable. In order to implement the research project, 22 individuals were randomly assigned to the control and experimental groups in the pre-test phase based on acquisition of the lowest happiness scores. The 8-session self-review single intervention was presented to the experimental group. Repeated measures ANOVA was used in order to analyze the data. Results: The research findings indicated that the rate of happiness of individuals in the experimental group had significantly increased in the post-test and even follow-up stages (P < 0.01). Conclusion: In conclusion, the self-review method can be considered as a positive activity-based intervention.
Prevalence of asthma, atopy and bronchial hyperresponsiveness and their interrelation in a semi-rural area of Chile.

OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of asthma symptoms and their association with sensitisation to eight allergens and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) to methacholine. SETTING A random sample of 1232 adults, aged 22 to 28 years, studied in a Chilean semi-rural area. DESIGN A cross-sectional design for the purpose of this analysis. RESULTS The prevalence of wheeze was 27.4% (95%CI 24.9-29.9) and waking with breathlessness 13.7% (95%CI 11.8-15.6), higher than the results of a multi-centre European study. Only 7.8% (95%CI 6.3-9.3) had a positive BHR (< or =8 mg/ml) and 26.3% (95%CI 23.8-28.8) were atopic. The Youden index of asthma symptoms in non-atopic subjects varied from 0.184 to 0.259 when using BHR as gold standard for asthma, and increased from 0.379 to 0.504 among those with positive atopy. Only 4.5% reported asthma, and the Youden index was slightly higher in comparison to the asthma symptom groups. CONCLUSION The prevalence of asthma symptoms in young adults was high, but only a small proportion of these were sensitised or had a positive BHR. We believe that aetiological studies of asthma should analyse subjects with asthma symptoms separately from those with positive atopic status or positive BHR.
Static vs . Dynamic Faces as Retrieval Cues in Recognition of Spoken Words

Three experiments examined the integration of auditory and visual information in memory for spoken words. Across experiments, recognition of isolated words was tested in the context of studied or non-studied faces and voices. The degree to which faces were informative about the studied speech event was manipulated between experiments. In Experiment 1, faces were static pictures experimentally paired to the voice speaking the word. In Experiment 2, a control for Experiment 1, faces were presented upside down. In Experiment 3, faces were dynamic video clips of talkers articulating. Subjects were either instructed that faces were to be recognized explicitly or not. The results show that static faces can only be used as effective retrieval cues to the recognition of words when experimental conditions encourage the association between visual and auditory information. By contrast, dynamic, articulating faces are automatically encoded along with voice and word information and improve recognition performance substantially. In addition, the encoding of faces for explicit recognition interferes with the utility of dynamic faces in recognizing speech. The results are taken to imply that visual information is encoded in cross-modally integrated memory representations for speech, but only when it is informative about the speech event.
Role of endothelium-derived relaxing factor in active hyperemia of the canine diaphragm.

To assess the effect of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) on diaphragmatic vascular resistance at rest and during contractions, we studied an in situ isolated diaphragm preparation in anesthetized and mechanically ventilated dogs. The arterial supply of the left diaphragm (phrenic artery) was catheterized and perfused with arterial blood at a fixed flow rate. Drugs were infused through a side port of the arterial catheter at 1/100th of the phrenic arterial flow. The inferior phrenic vein was catheterized to complete the isolation from the systemic circulation. Three sets of experiments were performed. In set 1 (n = 3), we infused endothelium-dependent (acetylcholine, ACh) and endothelium-independent (sodium nitroprusside, SNP) dilators at increasing concentrations. ACh and SNP infusion elicited a dose-dependent decline in phrenic vascular resistance (Rphr) at concentrations greater than 10(-8) M and 0.50 micrograms/ml, respectively. In set 2 (n = 15), we infused an inhibitor of EDRF synthesis and release, L-argininosuccinic acid (ArgSA), at increasing concentrations (10(-4), 3 x 10(-4), and 6 x 10(-4) M). ArgSA produced a dose-dependent increase in Rphr. Infusion of another EDRF inhibitor (NG-nitro-L-arginine, LNA, 6 x 10(-4) M) elicited increase in Rphr similar to that induced by ArgSA. In set 3 (n = 25), we infused ArgSA or LNA (6 x 10(-4) M) simultaneously with ACh and SNP and during sustained (2-Hz) contractions of the diaphragm. Both ArgSA and LNA completely reversed ACh vasodilation, whereas SNP vasodilation was reversed by 26 and 11%, respectively. ArgSA or LNA infusion during contractions reversed vasodilation by 48 and 52%, respectively. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
An Assessment of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Among Nationally Certified EMS Professionals

Abstract Objectives. The primary objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, and stress among a cohort of nationally certified emergency medical services (EMS) professionals. The secondary objective was to determine whether there were differences between individuals who were experiencing depression, anxiety, or stress and those who were not. Methods. This was a questionnaire-based, case–control analysis of nationally certified emergency medical technician (EMT)-Basics and paramedics who applied for national recertification in 2009. The three outcome variables of interest included measures of depression, anxiety, and stress, and were assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Descriptive statistics and investigator-controlled backwards-selection logistic regression modeling were utilized to quantify the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress and to predict the association of demographic and work–life characteristics with each outcome. Results. A total of 64,032 individuals were eligible to renew their national certification and 34,340 (53.6%) individuals returned a questionnaire. The DASS-21 classified 1,589 (6.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.4%–7.1%) EMS professionals as depressed, 1,406 (6.0%, 95% CI = 5.7%–6.3%) as anxious, and 1,382 (5.9%, 95% CI = 5.6%–6.2%) as stressed. Multivariable logistic regression estimates showed that paramedics (odds ratio [OR] = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.22–1.39), those working in county or municipal services (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.16–1.60) or private services (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.14–1.52), and those with ≥16 years of EMS experience (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.01–1.62) had an increased odds of depression. A stepwise increase was found when estimating the effects of self-reported general health on the odds of anxiety (very good, OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.53–2.22; good, OR = 3.88, 95% CI = 3.32–4.67; fair/poor, OR = 10.81, 95% CI = 8.14–14.34). Likewise, paramedics (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.23–1.42), those working in a private EMS system (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.16–1.56), and those with ≥16 years of EMS experience (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.28–2.18) had an increased odds of stress. Conclusions. This study was able to estimate the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among a large cohort of nationally certified EMS professionals and identified statistically significant demographic and work–life characteristics that predicted depression, anxiety, and stress. Future research should attempt to follow EMS professionals prospectively to determine specific characteristics associated with occupational traumatic exposure and the development of depression, anxiety, and stress.
Effect of inhaled nitric oxide on pulmonary function after sepsis in a swine model.

BACKGROUND Inhaled nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to improve sepsis induced pulmonary dysfunction. This study evaluated the mechanism by which inhaled NO improves pulmonary function in a porcine sepsis model. METHODS After an infusion of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 200 micrograms/kg), animals were resuscitated with saline solution (1 ml/kg/min) and observed for 3 hours while mechanically ventilated (fraction of inspired oxygen, 0.6; tidal volume, 12 ml/kg; positive end-expiratory pressure, 5 cm H2O). Group 1 (LPS, n = 6) received no additional treatment. Group 2 (NO, n = 6) received inhaled NO (40 ppm) for the last 2 hours. Group 3 (control, n = 5) received only saline solution without LPS. Cardiopulmonary variables and blood gases were measured serially. Multiple inert gas elimination technique was performed at 3 hours. Wet to dry lung weight ratio was measured after necropsy. RESULTS Lipopolysaccharide resulted in pulmonary arterial hypertension, pulmonary edema, and hypoxemia. Multiple inert gas elimination technique analysis indicated a significant increase in blood flow to true shunt and high ventilation perfusion distribution (VA/Q) areas with an increased dispersion of VA/Q distribution. All of these changes were significantly attenuated by NO. CONCLUSIONS Inhaled NO significantly improved LPS induced VA/Q mismatching by decreasing both true shunt and high VA/Q areas, by decreasing pulmonary edema, and by redistributing blood flow from true shunt to ventilated areas.
Is Hearing Believing? Perception of Online Information Credibility by Screen Reader Users who are Blind or Visually Impaired

While credibility perception on the Web is a well-researched topic across multiple disciplines, extant studies have not considered nonvisual modalities of Web access. This research explored how Web users who are blind or visually impaired perceive the credibility of online information and how the screen reader used by them to interact with the Web mediates the process. Credibility perception was studied in the context of the screen reader users’ everyday information practices, examining in depth the effect of Web accessibility on their online information interactions, information practices and credibility perception. Adopting an exploratory approach, a sequential multimethods research design was used. Between April and July 2008 data were collected from adult screen reader users residing in Ontario, Canada through an electronic questionnaire survey (N=60) to identify salient issues, which were then examined deeper through semi-structured interviews with a subsample (N=13) during June 2009. Hands-on online information activities (with participant observation and think-aloud protocol) were also conducted during the interview session. Primary findings emerged through qualitative content analysis of descriptive data, with quantitative results guiding and supplementing the analysis.
Disappearance of anti-MDA-5 autoantibodies in clinically amyopathic DM/interstitial lung disease during disease remission.

OBJECTIVE Autoantibodies against melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA-5) are one of the serological markers for DM. Anti-MDA-5 antibodies are especially associated with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD) in amyopathic DM (ADM). It is known that the antibody status of anti-ENAs does not generally change significantly with disease course. For anti-MDA-5 antibodies, however, few longitudinal studies have investigated such changes. This study aimed to establish a quantitative assay for anti-MDA-5 antibodies towards assessing the long-term outcome of ADM patients who had anti-MDA-5 antibodies. METHODS We established ELISA for measuring anti-MDA-5 antibody levels using in vitro transcription and translation recombinant protein. The antibody levels were measured at different time points in 11 clinically ADM patients who tested positive for the anti-MDA-5 antibody on their first visit (range of follow-up 3 months to 16 years). RESULTS At the stage of clinical remission, six patients received no medication and the four others received low-dose CS. ELISA showed that anti-MDA-5 antibodies disappeared in nine of the patients and fell to just above the cut-off in one patient; in the patient who died, the antibodies remained. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that anti-MDA-5 antibodies may be useful as a marker for monitoring disease activity in ILD complicated with ADM. Serial monitoring at short intervals is required to evaluate whether anti-MDA-5 antibody levels correlate with ADM disease activity.