Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diversified query expansion using conceptnet

Search result diversification (SRD) aims to select diverse documents from the search results in order to cover as many search intents as possible. A prerequisite is that the search results contain diverse documents. For this purpose, we investigate a new approach to SRD by diversifying the query. Expansion terms are selected from ConceptNet so as to cover as diverse aspects as possible. The experimental results on several TREC data sets show that our method can outperform the existing state-of-the-art approaches that do not diversify the query.
The role of behavioral loyalty in youth development at summer camp

Abstract Behavioral loyalty, or consistent participation in summer camp, may impact how and in what ways young campers develop. Specifically, this study examines how two factors of behavioral loyalty, dosage (e.g., weeks at last camp) and developmental progression (e.g., transitioning from camper to camp employee), are associated with youth development attributed to the camp experience. Campers categorized as core participants (i.e., those reporting higher dosage and further developmental progression) were compared to fringe participants (i.e., those who reported lower dosage of camp and less developmental progression). As hypothesized, there were significant differences in development for core and fringe participants based on both dosage and developmental progression. Although both core and fringe participants benefited from camp, core participants reported greater development of measured outcomes such as relationship skills, appreciation for diversity, and self-identity. These findings offer insight into the benefits of increased behavioral loyalty in summer camp participants.
BDNF Is a Target-Derived Survival Factor for Arterial Baroreceptor and Chemoafferent Primary Sensory Neurons

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) supports survival of 50% of visceral afferent neurons in the nodose/petrosal sensory ganglion complex (NPG; Ernfors et al., 1994a; Jones et al., 1994; Conover et al., 1995; Liu et al., 1995; Erickson et al., 1996), including arterial chemoafferents that innervate the carotid body and are required for development of normal breathing (Erickson et al., 1996). However, the relationship between BDNF dependence of visceral afferents and the location and timing of BDNF expression in visceral tissues is unknown. The present study demonstrates that BDNF mRNA and protein are transiently expressed in NPG targets in the fetal cardiac outflow tract, including baroreceptor regions in the aortic arch, carotid sinus, and right subclavian artery, as well as in the carotid body. The period of BDNF expression corresponds to the onset of sensory innervation and to the time at which fetal NPG neurons are BDNF-dependent in vitro. Moreover, baroreceptor innervation is absent in newborn mice lacking BDNF. In addition to vascular targets, vascular afferents themselves express high levels of BDNF, both during and after the time they are BDNF-dependent. However, endogenous BDNF supports survival of fetal NPG neurons in vitro only under depolarizing conditions. Together, these data indicate two roles for BDNF during vascular afferent pathway development; initially, as a target-derived survival factor, and subsequently, as a signaling molecule produced by the afferents themselves. Furthermore, the fact that BDNF is required for survival of functionally distinct populations of vascular afferents demonstrates that trophic requirements of NPG neurons are not modality-specific but may instead be associated with innervation of particular organ systems.
The relationship between leadership style and the success of Lean management implementation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to better understand the role that leadership plays in the success of Lean management (LM) implementation, by trying to identify what is the impact of the transactional, transformational, directive and empowering leadership styles on the success of such an implementation in Portuguese companies, and what are the most important leaders’ attributes. Design/methodology/approach An on-line questionnaire was distributed to 65 manufacturing and services Portuguese organizations that have implemented LM. Findings The results suggest that the empowering leadership style has a positive impact on the success of LM implementation. Even though results do not allow concluding about the impact of the other styles, several leader’s attributes were identified as having influence: individualized consideration, information sharing, skill development, intellectual stimulation, assigned goals and self-directed decision making. Originality/value Very few studies have addressed the role of leadership in the success of adopting LM and, to the best knowledge, only one paper studied the critical attributes of leaders in LM implementation. Moreover, the present study focuses in Portugal, country where this topic has rarely been investigated.
Action minimizing properties and distances on the group of Hamiltonian diffeomorphisms

In this article we prove that for a smooth fiberwise convex Hamiltonian, the asymptotic Hofer distance from the identity gives a strict upper bound to the value at 0 of Mather’s function, thus providing a negative answer to a question asked by Siburg [15]. However, we show that equality holds if one considers the asymptotic distance defined by Viterbo [20]. 37J05, 37J50; 53D35
Classification based Filtering for Personalized Information Retrieval

many citations not directly relevant to the user information need. Personalized Information Retrieval (PIR) systems aim to improve the quality of the retrieval results by letting users supply more information than keywords. There are two main problems relate to current PIR systems developed for PubMed: (1) requiring the user to supply a large number of citations directly relevant to search topic, and (2) produces too many search results with high false positive. This paper describes a Classification based multi-stage Filtering (ClaF) approach to address these problems. A small set of citations relevant to the information need is needed from the user. The system automatically finds similar citations to the inputs and builds a larger training set. This training set is used to train multiple text classifiers, each with a different classification scheme. The trained text classifiers are used in a Multi-stage filtering process to find the relevant citations to the user information need. Results show the proposed ClaF system is feasible and produces good retrieval results.
Bilingual lexicon extraction from comparable corpora : A comparative study

This paper presents a comparative study of the impact of the key parameters for bilingual lexicon extraction for nouns from comparable corpora. The parameters we analyzed are: corpus size and comparability, dictionary size and type, feature selection for context vectors and window size, and association and similarity measures. Evaluation against the gold standard shows that window size of 7 with encoded position yields best results. The consistently best-performing association and similarity measures are Jensen-Shannon divergence with log-likelihood. We have shown that very good results can be achieved with small-sized but purpose-built seed lexicons and that problems arising from dissimilarities between the source and the target corpus can be compensated with their sufficient size.
The relative performance of ensemble methods with deep convolutional neural networks for image classification

Artificial neural networks have been successfully applied to a variety of machine learning tasks, including image recognition, semantic segmentation, and machine translation. However, few studies fully investigated ensembles of artificial neural networks. In this work, we investigated multiple widely used ensemble methods, including unweighted averaging, majority voting, the Bayes Optimal Classifier, and the (discrete) Super Learner, for image recognition tasks, with deep neural networks as candidate algorithms. We designed several experiments, with the candidate algorithms being the same network structure with different model checkpoints within a single training process, networks with same structure but trained multiple times stochastically, and networks with different structure. In addition, we further studied the overconfidence phenomenon of the neural networks, as well as its impact on the ensemble methods. Across all of our experiments, the Super Learner achieved best performance among all the ensemble methods in this study.
OTELO SURVEY: DEEP BVRI BROADBAND PHOTOMETRY OF THE GROTH STRIP. II. OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF X-RAY EMITTERS

The Groth field is one of the sky regions that will be targeted by the OSIRIS Tunable Filter Emission Line Object survey in the optical 820 nm and 920 nm atmospheric windows. In the present paper, public Chandra X–ray data with total exposure time of 200 ks are analyzed and combined with optical broadband data of the Groth field, in order to study a set of optical structural parameters of the X-ray emitters and its relation with X-ray properties. To this aim, we processed the raw, public X-ray data using the Chandra Interactive Analysis of Observations, and determined and analyzed different structural parameters, in order to produce a morphological classification of X-ray sources. We present the morphology of 340 X-ray emitters with optical counterpart detected. Objects have been classified by X-ray type using a diagnostic diagram relating X-ray-to-optical ratio (X/O) to hardness ratio. We did not find any clear correlation between X-ray and morphological types. We analyzed the angular clustering of X-ray sources with optical counterpart using two-point correlation functions. A significant positive angular clustering was obtained from a preliminary analysis of four subsamples of the X-ray sources catalog. The clustering signal of the optically extended counterparts is similar to that of strongly clustered populations like red and very red galaxies, suggesting that the environment plays an important role in active galactic nuclei phenomena. Finally, we combined optical structural parameters with other X-ray and optical properties, and we confirmed an anticorrelation between the X/O ratio and the Abraham concentration index, which might suggest that early-type galaxies have lower Eddington rates than those of late-type galaxies.
Identification of T-Cell Antigens Specific for Latent Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection

Background T-cell responses against dormancy-, resuscitation-, and reactivation-associated antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are candidate biomarkers of latent infection in humans. Methodology/Principal Findings We established an assay based on two rounds of in vitro restimulation and intracellular cytokine analysis that detects T-cell responses to antigens expressed during latent M. tuberculosis infection. Comparison between active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients and healthy latently M. tuberculosis-infected donors (LTBI) revealed significantly higher T-cell responses against 7 of 35 tested M. tuberculosis latency-associated antigens in LTBI. Notably, T cells specific for Rv3407 were exclusively detected in LTBI but not in TB patients. The T-cell IFNγ response against Rv3407 in individual donors was the most influential factor in discrimination analysis that classified TB patients and LTBI with 83% accuracy using cross-validation. Rv3407 peptide pool stimulations revealed distinct candidate epitopes in four LTBI. Conclusions Our findings further support the hypothesis that the latency-associated antigens can be exploited as biomarkers for LTBI.
FTrack: Infrastructure-free floor localization via mobile phone sensing

Mobile phone localization plays a key role in the fast-growing Location Based Applications domain. Most of the existing localization schemes rely on infrastructure support such as GSM, WiFi or GPS. In this paper, we present FTrack, a novel floor localization system to identify the floor level in a multi-floor building on which a mobile user is located. FTrack uses the mobile phone's accelerometer only without any infrastructure support. It does not require any prior knowledge of the building such as floor height. By capturing user encounters and analyzing user trails, FTrack finds the mapping from the traveling time (when taking the elevator) or the step counts (when walking on the stairs) between any two floors to the number of floor levels. The mapping can then be used for mobile users to pinpoint their current floor levels. We conduct both simulation and field studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of FTrack. Our field trial in a 10-floor building shows that FTrack achieves an accuracy of over 90% after two hours in our experiment.
Trading volume, volatility, order flow and spread: evidence from a Tunisian dealer

The paper empirically tests Mixture of Distributions Hypothesis theory for the relationship between Order Flow and volatility and bid–ask spread for the two series (USD and EUR) of a Tunisian dealer and find that the dollar exchange rate confirms the microstructure hypothesis, and there is a positive correlation between volatility and spread for the dollar by the inventory cost and the asymmetric information models. The MDH theory cannot explain the behaviour of TND/EUR exchange rate and find the volatility not correlated to volume or to the order flow. We also find that volume has no information content on volatility and spread and this independence exemplifies the degree of Tunisian market illiquidity.
On Detecting Systematic Measurement Error in Cross-Cultural Research: A Review and Critical Reflection on Equivalence and Invariance Tests

One major threat to revealing cultural influences on psychological states or processes is the presence of bias (i.e., systematic measurement error). When quantitative measures are not targeting the same construct or they differ in metric across cultures, the validity of inferences about cultural variability (and universality) is in doubt. The objectives of this article are to review what can be done about it and what is being done about it. To date, a multitude of useful techniques and methods to reduce or assess bias in cross-cultural research have been developed. We explore the limits of invariance/equivalence testing and suggest more flexible means of dealing with bias. First, we review currently available established and novel methods that reveal bias in cross-cultural research. Second, we analyze current practices in a systematic content analysis. The content analysis of more than 500 culture-comparative quantitative studies (published from 2008 to 2015 in three outlets in cross-cultural, social, and developmental psychology) aims to gauge current practices and approaches in the assessment of measurement equivalence/invariance. Surprisingly, the analysis revealed a rather low penetration of invariance testing in cross-cultural research. Although a multitude of classical and novel approaches for invariance testing is available, these are employed infrequent rather than habitual. We discuss reasons for this hesitation, and we derive suggestions for creatively assessing and handling biases across different research paradigms and designs.
Role of PKC in Isoflurane-induced Biphasic Contraction in Skinned Pulmonary Arterial Strips

Background Activation or inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) has been implicated in the anesthetic-induced contraction or relaxation of different types of arteries. In skinned pulmonary arterial strips, the initial halothane-induced contraction has been attributed to PKC activation, but the subsequent relaxation has not. Whether isoflurane has a similar biphasic effect is not known. This study examined the role of PKC and its isoforms in the effect of isoflurane on pulmonary artery. Methods Rabbit pulmonary arterial strips were mounted on force transducers and treated with saponin to make the sarcolemma permeable (“skinned” strips). Skinned strips were activated by low Ca2+ (pCa 6.5 or pCa 6.3 buffered with 7 mm EGTA) or the PKC activator phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (1 &mgr;m) until force reached a steady state (control). Various concentrations of isoflurane (test) were administered, and force was observed at time intervals up to 60 min. The PKC inhibitors (bisindolylmaleimide and Go6976 from 0.1 to 10 &mgr;m) were preincubated in a relaxing solution and the subsequent contracting solutions. The results were expressed as a percentage of control, with P < 0.05 considered significant for statistical comparison between the tests and time controls. Results In a dose-dependent fashion, isoflurane (1–5%) initially increased (5–40%) and then decreased (3–70%) the Ca2+- or phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (pCa 6.7 buffer)–activated force. The increased in force caused by isoflurane was partially reduced by 3 and 10 &mgr;m bisindolylmaleimide, but not by Go6976. Isoflurane-induced relaxation was partially prevented by both inhibitors at 0.1 and 0.3 &mgr;m. Conclusions Isoflurane causes biphasic effects in skinned pulmonary arterial strips that may be in part mediated by different isoforms of PKC.
Investigating the effectiveness of infant feeding school-based education on the breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes of adolescent female students

iii Acknowledgments . iv List of Tables . viii List of Figures. ix List of Appendices . x 1 Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 1.1 Background . 1 1.2 Statement of Problem . 5 1.3 Purpose . 6 1.4 Research Objectives . 7 1.5 Significance of Study . 7 2 Chapter 2: Literature Review . 9 2.1 Adolescent Breastfeeding Knowledge, Attitudes and Intentions . 10 2.1.1 Breastfeeding Knowledge . 10 2.1.2 Breastfeeding Knowledge Deficits . 11 2.1.2.1 Benefits to the mother . 11 2.1.2.2 Technical knowledge of breastfeeding . 11 2.1.2.3 Breastfeeding recommendations . 12 2.1.2.4 Risks of formula feeding . 12 2.1.2.5 Misconceptions of breastfeeding . 13 2.1.3 Breastfeeding Attitudes & Beliefs . 13 2.1.4 Breastfeeding Intention . 14 2.1.4.1 Breastfed as an infant . 15 2.1.4.2 Exposure to breastfeeding . 15 2.1.4.3 Breastfeeding attitudes of family and friends . 16 2.1.4.4 Breastfeeding education . 16 2.2 Educational Interventions . 17 2.2.1 Limitations to Research . 19 2.3 Theoretical Framework . 19
Investigating the Effects of Off-Task Personalization on System Performance and Attitudes within a Game-Based Environment

The current study investigates the relation between personalizable feature use, attitudes, and in-system performance in the context of the game-based system, iSTART-ME. This analysis focuses on a subset (n=40) of a larger study (n=126) conducted with high school students. The results revealed a positive relation between students’ frequency of interactions with personalizable features and their self-reported engagement and perceived system control. Students who frequently interacted with personalizable features also demonstrated better overall in-system performance compared to students who interacted with these features less often. The current paper adds to the growing literature supporting the potential positive impact that personalizable features have on students’ attitudes and performance in adaptive learning environments.
The moving window technique: a window into developmental changes in attention during facial emotion recognition.

The strategies children employ to selectively attend to different parts of the face may reflect important developmental changes in facial emotion recognition. Using the Moving Window Technique (MWT), children aged 5-12 years and adults (N = 129) explored faces with a mouse-controlled window in an emotion recognition task. An age-related increase in attention to the left eye emerged at age 11-12 years and reached significance in adulthood. This left-eye bias is consistent with previous eye tracking research and findings of a perceptual bias for the left side of faces. These results suggest that a strategic attentional bias to the left eye begins to emerge at age 11-12 years and is likely established sometime in adolescence.
Shape-Preserving Rational Bi-Cubic Spline for Monotone Surface Data

In this paper, we extended the rational cubic function to rational bi-cubic function that presents a smooth, visually pleasant and interactive view of monotonicity preserving surface. Moreover, it involves six free parameters in its description. These free parameters are arranged in such a way where two of these are constrained to preserve the monotonicity, while the remaining other four free parameters are left free to designer for the refinement of monotone surface as desired. The scheme under discussion is 1 C , flexible, simple, local and economical as compared to existing schemes. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate that the anticipated scheme is interactive and smooth.
THE UNRELATED PARALLEL MACHINE SCHEDULING PROBLEM WITH EARLINESS AND TARDINESS PENALTIES AND JOB SPLITTING

This article deals with a quite complex machine scheduling problem comprising the following features: 1. unrelated parallel machines; 2. jobs have different due dates; 3. job splitting is allowed; 4. setup times are sequence dependent; 5. the objective function is to minimize the weighted sum of early, tardy and setup costs. The problem is formulated as a mixed-integer programming model which is used to develop a branch-and-bound solution method capable of solving small instances to optimality. For larger ones a filtered beam search heuristic procedure is proposed. A set of randomly generated test problems is used to compare the solutions obtained by four different versions of the heuristic search with optimal solutions and also with a dispachting rule.
Voluntary muscle activation, contractile properties, and fatigability in children with and without cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) may lead to profound weakness in affected portions of the extremities and trunk. Knowing the mechanisms underlying muscle weakness will help to better design interventions for increasing force production in children with CP. This study quantified voluntary muscle activation, contractile properties, and fatigability of the quadriceps femoris and triceps surae in children with and without CP. Twelve children with CP (7–13 years) and 10 unaffected children (controls, 8–12 years) were assessed for (1) voluntary muscle activation during maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs); (2) antagonist coactivation during agonist MVICs; (3) contractile properties, and (4) fatigability using electrically elicited tests. Children with CP were significantly weaker, had lower agonist voluntary muscle activation, and greater antagonist coactivation. In children with CP, the quadriceps normalized force–frequency relationship (FFR) was shifted upward at low frequencies and was less fatigable than controls. No differences were seen between groups in the normalized FFR and fatigability of the triceps surae. In addition, no differences were seen in the sum of the time to peak tension and half‐relaxation times between groups for either muscle. Because children with CP demonstrated large deficits in voluntary muscle activation, using voluntary contractions for strength training may not produce forces sufficient to induce muscle hypertrophy. Techniques such as enhanced feedback and neuromuscular electrical stimulation may be helpful for strengthening muscles that cannot be sufficiently recruited with voluntary effort. Muscle Nerve, 2005