Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Information Revelation in Markets with Pairwise Meetings: Complete Revelation in Dynamic Analysis

We study information revelation in markets with pairwise meetings. We focus on the one-sided case and perform a dynamic analysis of a constant entry flow model. The same question has been studied in an identical framework in Serrano and Yosha (1993) but they limit their analysis to the stationary steady states. Blouin and Serrano (2001) study information revelation in a one-time entry model and obtain different results from the ones of Serrano and Yosha (1993). We establish that the main difference is not due to the steady state analysis but to the differences concerning the entry assumption.
MEMS Accelerometer Based Nonspecific-User Hand Gesture Recognition

This paper presents three different gesture recognition models which are capable of recognizing seven hand gestures, i.e., up, down, left, right, tick, circle, and cross, based on the input signals from MEMS 3-axes accelerometers. The accelerations of a hand in motion in three perpendicular directions are detected by three accelerometers respectively and transmitted to a PC via Bluetooth wireless protocol. An automatic gesture segmentation algorithm is developed to identify individual gestures in a sequence. To compress data and to minimize the influence of variations resulted from gestures made by different users, a basic feature based on sign sequence of gesture acceleration is extracted. This method reduces hundreds of data values of a single gesture to a gesture code of 8 numbers. Finally, the gesture is recognized by comparing the gesture code with the stored templates. Results based on 72 experiments, each containing a sequence of hand gestures (totaling 628 gestures), show that the best of the three models discussed in this paper achieves an overall recognition accuracy of 95.6%, with the correct recognition accuracy of each gesture ranging from 91% to 100%. We conclude that a recognition algorithm based on sign sequence and template matching as presented in this paper can be used for nonspecific-users hand-gesture recognition without the time consuming user-training process prior to gesture recognition.
Influence of Psychosocial work Environment on hydration status of construction workers in Southern Nigeria

Dehydration describes a range of conditions associated with fluid deficit [1]. It is a growing public health burden due to its effect on health, economy, work performance and health related quality of life (HRQL) [2, 3]. Dehydration is an undesirable condition regardless of its magnitude [1] but frequently encountered. It is a well-known risk factor for morbidity and mortality such as renal injury, cardiovascular disease, poor oral hygiene, gastrointestinal disorders, poor skin integrity, poor work performance, cognitive dysfunction, urinary tract infection and malnutrition, and does not only constitutes a reason for hospital admission [4] but also increased the risk of death among patients admitted to hospital as medical emergency.
Characteristics of Batterers in a Multi-site Evaluation of Batterer Intervention Systems

Acknowledgments Many individuals and agencies have contributed to this first phase of our multi-site evaluation of batterer intervention. The program directors at the four research sites offered essential assistance in developing and implementing the data collection: helped to administer questionnaires and test materials at the sites, along with assistance from staff at the respective sites. of the University of Pittsburgh have served as co-investigators. Th characteristics of batterers in court-referred programs have significant implications for program development and evaluation research. Background and test data, including information from the MAST and MCMI-III, were systematically collected from four geographically distributed batterer programs as part of our multi-site evaluation of batterer intervention. Cross-tabulations using chi square were used to describe the characteristics of the program enrollees overall and across the sites. The men demographically appeared similar to previous portrayals of court-referred batterers, except that our sample had a greater portion of African American and Latino men than previous studies. According to formalized screening tests, over half of the men were apparently "alcoholic," and over a quarter had severe mental problems (major clinical syndromes [Axis I disorders] or severe personality pathology [Axis II disorders]). No distinct personality profile, however, emerged. Self-reports for heavy drinking and for depression produce similar prevalence rates as formalized testing instruments; however, they do not successfully identify alcoholism or depressive disorders in individual cases. Several dichotomies appear among the men that might influence intervention, such as differences in living arrangements (over half are not living with their partners and nearly half are), education (a quarter without a high school diploma and a third with some college), employment (a third under employed versus two-thirds fully employed), and drinking (nearly a third seldom used alcohol versus a half who reported heavy drinking). Over half of the men in our sample have been previously arrested. 3 Characteristics of Batterers in a Multi-site Evaluation of Batterer Intervention Systems As practitioners assert, the men appear to grossly under report their abusive behavior with only about 40% acknowledging their recent assaults, and less than a fifth admitting to using severe tactics in the last three months. Over 40% of the partners responded by contacting the criminal justice system sometime in the past, but only about an eighth of the women had previously contacted a women's shelter or a counseling service about their being abused. The four sites reflected regional differences in demographics, but had relatively similar …
Pre-main-sequence stars in the young open cluster NGC 1893 II. Evidence for triggered massive star formation

Context. The open cluster NGC 1893 illuminating the H ii region IC 410 contains a moderately large population of O-type stars and is one of the youngest clusters observable in the optical range. It is suspected of harbouring a large population of pre-main-sequence (PMS) stars. Aims. We have probed the stellar population of NGC 1893 in an attempt to determine its size and extent. In particular, we look for signs of sequential star formation. Methods. We classify a large sample of cluster members with new intermediate-resolution spectroscopy. We used Hα slitless spectroscopy of the field to search for emission-line objects, identifying 18 emission-line PMS stars. We then combined existing optical photometry with the 2MASS JHKS photometry to detect stars with infrared excesses, finding close to 20 more PMS candidates. Results. While almost all stars earlier than B2 indicate standard reddening, all later cluster members show strong deviations from a standard reddening law, which we interpret in terms of infrared excess emission. Emission-line stars and IR-excess objects show the same spatial distribution, concentrating around two localised areas, the immediate vicinity of the pennant nebulae Sim 129 and Sim 130 and the area close to the cluster core where the rim of the molecular cloud associated with IC 410 is illuminated by the nearby O-type stars. In and around the emission nebula Sim 130, we find three Herbig Be stars with spectral types in the B1–4 range and several other fainter emission-line stars. We obtain a complete census of B-type stars by combining Stromgren, Johnson and 2MASS photometry and find a deficit of intermediate mass stars compared to massive stars. We observe a relatively extended halo of massive stars surrounding the cluster without an accompanying population of intermediate-mass stars. Conclusions. Stars in NGC 1893 show strong indications of being extremely young. The pennant nebula Sim 130 is an area of active massive star formation, displaying very good evidence of triggering by the presence of nearby massive stars. The overall picture of star formation in NGC 1893 suggests a very complex process.
Prediction of peptide conformation by multicanonical algorithm: New approach to the multiple‐minima problem

We apply a recently developed method, the multicanonical algorithm, to the problem of tertiary structure prediction of peptides and proteins. As a simple example to test the effectiveness of the algorithm, metenkephalin is studied and the ergodicity problem, or multiple‐minima problem, is shown to be overcome by this algorithm. The lowest‐energy conformation obtained agrees with that determined by other efficient methods such as Monte Carlo simulated annealing. The superiority of the present method to simulated annealing lies in the fact that the relationship to the canonical ensemble remains exactly controlled. Once the multicanonical parameters are determined, only one simulation run is necessary to obtain the lowest‐energy conformation and further the results of this one run can be used to calculate various thermodynamic quantities at any temperature. The latter point is demonstrated by the calculation of the average potential energy and specific heat as functions of temperature. © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Multilevel Approach to Examining Continuance Usage of Information Systems

The user’s usage continuance of an information system (IS) has been considered as a key factor in determining whether an IS is useful or not. This usage continuance not only allows firms to recoup their IS investment but also represents the sustainability of IS success. However, continuance of IS usage is a long-term organizational process; it can be influenced by contingency factors (e.g., environmental and situational conditions) and has different effects on IS users. This paper attempts to apply the contingency theory approach to explore the complex relationship between IS effectiveness and user’s usage intention. Contingency factors usually are organization-dependent, thus we must examine their differences between organizations. For this purpose, we proposed a multilevel research model using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) method. A sample of 485 IS users and 166 IS department employees from 47 firms was surveyed to verify our model. The findings have several implications for IS management.
The co-movement of US stock markets and the dollar

The relationship between US stock markets and the dollar has been the subject of increased interest recently. In part, this interest reflects the view that portfolio flows may have exerted an important influence on recent movements of the major exchange rates (BIS (2000)). Indeed, while fixed income securities still account for the bulk of cross-border financial transactions, equities markets are playing an increasing role in such transactions. In 1995, cross-border transactions in bonds into and out of the United States amounted to 110% of US GDP, more than five times the corresponding ratio for equity flows. In 1999, cross-border transactions in bonds rose to 126% of US GDP, while transactions in equities tripled and reached 75% of US GDP. From a policy point of view, the interest in this topic reflects in part concerns about the current high valuation of the US stock market and the consequent global deflationary impact should the dollar fall along with that market.
A Study on Parental Knowledge and Pattern of Medicine Use in Acute Respiratory Infections among Under Five Children in Urban Field Practice Area of Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences , Bangalore

Introduction: Acute respiratory infections is one of the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in developing and developed countries among under five children and has a public health issue in India. But the knowledge among parents about ARI and its management is low. Hence the present study has been taken up to assess the parental knowledge and pattern of medicine use in acute respiratory infections (ARI).
Sun-Protective Behavior among Individuals with a Family History of Melanoma

Routine sun protection is recommended to prevent skin cancer. Skin cancer prevention may be particularly important for individuals at greater risk, such as those with a family history of melanoma. Our aims were to examine the prevalence of sun-protective behavior (SPB) in unaffected first-degree relatives (FDR) of individuals diagnosed with melanoma and to examine the relationship between protection motivation theory (PMT) variables (i.e., perceived risk, perceived severity, self-efficacy, response efficacy) and SPB. FDRs (n = 100), who were nominated by melanoma patients, completed a standardized, self-report questionnaire measuring demographic characteristics, melanoma risk factors, PMT variables, and SPB. The results indicated that less than one-third of FDRs used sunscreen routinely when in the sun and fewer stayed in the shade or used protective clothing on a frequent basis. FDRs with a college education and with more melanoma risk factors reported higher levels of SPB. Of the four PMT variables, greater perceived risk and greater self-efficacy were significantly correlated with higher levels of SPB. Furthermore, results of multiple regression analyses suggest that perceived risk mediated the relationship between education and SPB and between melanoma risk factors and SPB. These findings suggest that interventions to increase the frequency of SPB in at-risk individuals should highlight risk information as well as methods to improve individuals' confidence in their abilities to engage in SPB. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(1):142–5)
Hepatitis C- and HIV-induced porphyria cutanea tarda

Patient: Male, 47 Final Diagnosis: Porphyria cutanea tarda Symptoms: Chills • cough dry • thumb swelling Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Metabolic Disorders and Diabetics Objective: Challenging differential diagnosis Background: Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is the most common type of the porphyria. It occurs due to the deficiency of enzyme uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD), which is the fifth enzyme in the biosynthesis of heme and catalyzes the conversion of uroporphyrinogen to coproporphyrinogen. The risk factors for PCT include hereditary hemochromatosis, hepatitis C infection, ethanol abuse, estrogen use, HIV, smoking, chlorinated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and hemodialysis. Case Report: A 47-year-old Hispanic man presented with right thumb swelling, redness, and pain for approximately 1 week. Past medical history included HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C infection, alcohol abuse, heroin abuse, and CMV retinitis. Skin examination revealed blistering and hypo/hyper pigmented lesions over the dorsal aspects of the hands and other sun-exposed areas. Serum porphyrins were discovered to be elevated. The quantitative urine porphyrins revealed elevation of uroporphyrins, heptacarboxyl-porphyrins, hexacarboxy-porphyrins, pentacarboxyl-porphyrins and coproporphyrin. Genetic mutation of UROD was not detected. Due to the classic cutaneous lesions, laboratory findings, and associated risk factors, we were able to confirm our suspicion of the sporadic (type 1) form of PCT. Conclusions: A strong correlation has been demonstrated between the sporadic (type 1) form of PCT and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in multiple studies. The mechanism through which HCV infection may cause or trigger PCT is unknown. PCT has been described for many years, but still eludes the differential diagnosis in a patient with cutaneous findings. The uniqueness of our case is the possibility that combined risk factors have an effect on PCT.
The Role of Norepinephrine and Its α-Adrenergic Receptors in the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder and Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review

Norepinephrine (NE) is recognized as having a key role in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia, although its distinct actions via α-adrenergic receptors (α-ARs) are not well defined. We performed a systematic review examining the roles of NE and α-ARs in MDD and schizophrenia. PubMed and ProQuest database searches were performed to identify English language papers published between 2008 and 2015. In total, 2,427 publications (PubMed, n = 669; ProQuest, n = 1,758) were identified. Duplicates, articles deemed not relevant, case studies, reviews, meta-analyses, preclinical reports, or articles on non-target indications were excluded. To limit the review to the most recent data representative of the literature, the review further focused on publications from 2010 to 2015, which were screened independently by all authors. A total of 16 research reports were identified: six clinical trial reports, six genetic studies, two biomarker studies, and two receptor studies. Overall, the studies provided indirect evidence that α-AR activity may play an important role in aberrant regulation of cognition, arousal, and valence systems associated with MDD and schizophrenia. Characterization of the NE pathway in patients may provide clinicians with information for more personalized therapy of these heterogeneous diseases. Current clinical studies do not provide direct evidence to support the role of NE α-ARs in the pathophysiology of MDD and schizophrenia and in the treatment response of patients with these diseases, in particular with relation to specific valence systems. Clinical studies that attempt to define associations between specific receptor binding profiles of psychotropics and particular clinical outcomes are needed.
Sequential Treatments with Tongsai and Bufei Yishen Granules Reduce Inflammation and Improve Pulmonary Function in Acute Exacerbation-Risk Window of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rats

Background. Sequential treatments of Chinese medicines for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) risk window (RW) have benefits for preventing reoccurrences of AEs; however, the effects on pulmonary function, pulmonary, and systemic inflammatory biomarkers remain unclear. Methods. Cigarette-smoke/bacterial infections induced rats were randomized into Control, COPD, AECOPD, Tongsai Granule/normal saline (TSG/NS), moxifloxacin + salbutamol/NS (MXF+STL/NS), TSG/Bufei Yishen Granule (BYG), MXF+STL/STL, and TSG+MXF+STL/BYG+STL groups and given corresponding medicine(s) in AE- and/or RW phase. Body temperature, pulmonary function, blood cytology, serum amyloid A (SAA) and C-reactive protein (CRP), pulmonary histomorphology and myeloperoxidase (MPO), polymorphonuclear (PMN) elastase, interleukins IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α expressions were determined. Results. Body temperature, inflammatory cells and cytokines, SAA, CRP, and pulmonary impairment were higher in AECOPD rats than stable COPD, while pulmonary function declined and recovered to COPD level in 14–18 days. All biomarkers were improved in treated groups with shorter recovery times of 4–10 days, especially in TSG+MXF+STL/BYG+STL group. Conclusion. Sequential treatments with Tongsai and Bufei Yishen Granules, during AECOPD-RW periods, can reduce inflammatory response and improve pulmonary function and shorten the recovery courses of AEs, especially the integrated Chinese and Western medicines.
Surgical Outcomes of Pneumatic Compression Using Carbon Dioxide Gas in Thoracoscopic Diaphragmatic Plication

Background Surgical correction needs to be considered when diaphragm eventration leads to impaired ventilation and respiratory muscle fatigue. Plication to sufficiently tense the diaphragm by VATS is not as easy to achieve as plication by open surgery. We used pneumatic compression with carbon dioxide (CO2) gas in thoracoscopic diaphragmatic plication and evaluated feasibility and efficacy. Methods Eleven patients underwent thoracoscopic diaphragmatic plication between January 2008 and December 2013 in Pusan National University Hospital. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed, and compared between the group using CO2 gas and group without using CO2 gas, for operative time, plication technique, duration of hospital stay, postoperative chest tube drainage, pulmonary spirometry, dyspnea score pre- and postoperation, and postoperative recurrence. Results The improvement of forced expiratory volume at 1 second in the group using CO2 gas and the group not using CO2 gas was 22.46±11.27 and 21.08±5.39 (p=0.84). The improvement of forced vital capacity 3 months after surgery was 16.74±10.18 (with CO2) and 15.6±0.89 (without CO2) (p=0.03). During follow-up (17±17 months), there was no dehiscence in plication site and relapse. No complications or hospital mortalities occurred. Conclusion Thoracoscopic plication under single lung ventilation using CO2 insufflation could be an effective, safe option to flatten the diaphragm.
Optimal Storage Aware Caching Policies for Content-Centric Clouds

Caches in Content-Centric Networks (CCN) are increasingly adopting flash memory based storage. The current flash cache technology stores all files with the largest possible expiry date, i.e. the files are written in the memory so that they are retained for as long as possible. This, however, does not leverage the CCN data characteristics where content is typically short-lived and has a distinct popularity profile. Writing files in a cache using the longest retention time damages the memory device thus reducing its lifetime. However, writing using a small retention time can increase the content retrieval delay, since, at the time a file is requested, the file may already have been expired from the memory. This motivates us to consider a joint optimization wherein we obtain optimal policies for jointly minimizing the content retrieval delay (which is a network-centric objective) and the flash damage (which is a device-centric objective). Caching decisions now not only involve what to cache but also for how long to cache each file. We design provably optimal policies and numerically compare them against prior policies.
Relationship between Need for Belongingness and Facebook Addiction: Mediating Role of Number of Friends on Facebook

As humans, we need to connect with one another, our friends and families, our culture and country. Present age is the era of information and technology and social media. College and University students spend significant amount of time on Social Networking Sites like Facebook etc. The present study was conducted to explore role of number of friends on Facebook on the relationship between individual’s need for belongingness and Facebook addiction. A sample of 180 university students was selected as sample through the non-probability sampling technique. Findings suggested that male Facebook users had significantly higher number of friends on Facebook than female Facebook users. Findings also explored significant positive correlation among need for belongingness, number friends on Facebook, and Facebook addiction. The relationship between need for belongingness and Facebook addiction was partially mediated by number of friends on Facebook. The study findings would be helpful to mental health practitioners to effectively deal with emerging problem of Facebook addiction.
Consensus problems for linear time-invariant multi-agent systems with saturation constraints

A class of networked multi-agent systems is studied in this study where each agent has an identical dynamics of a simple integrator and the topology of the connections is fixed. It is proved that, when there are saturation constraints, a general consensus protocol widely used in the literatures for this class of multi-agent systems remains valid. As an extension, a 'bang-bang' type of consensus protocol is proposed to achieve the finite-time consensus, which relaxes the previous undirected connection assumption.