Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Culture, Institutions and the Gender Gap in Competitive Inclination: Evidence from the Communist Experiment in China

Can government policy change competitive preferences? This study compares behavior in a controlled lab setting across three ethnic groups to examine the effect of communist institutional reforms promoting female labor force participation on the gender gap in competitive inclination. Results suggest that the exogenously imposed institutions may be effective in increasing female competitive inclination, although they do not eliminate the gender gap in all cultural contexts. Confounders are minimized by ensuring subjects are of the same age, live in the same small geographical area, have similar demographics and socioeconomic status, are genetically closely related, and attend the same high school where they have similar academic performance.
Skype Traffic Classification Using Cost Sensitive Algorithms

Voice over IP (VoIP) technologies such as Skype are becoming increasingly popular and widely used in different organisations, and therefore identifying the usage of this service at the network level becomes very important. Reasons for this include applying Quality of Service (QoS), network planning, prohibiting its use in some networks and lawful interception of communications. Researchers have addressed VoIP traffic classification from different viewpoints, such as classifier accuracy, building time, classification time and online classification. This previous research tested their models using the same version of a VoIP product they used for training the model, giving generalizability only to that version of the product. This means that as new VoIP versions are released, these classifiers become obsolete. In this paper, we address if this approach is applicable to detecting new, untrained, versions of Skype. We suggest that using cost-sensitive classifiers can help to improve the accuracy of detecting untrained versions, by testing compared to other algorithms. Our experiment demonstrates promising preliminary results to detect Skype version 4, by building a cost sensitive classifier on Skype version 3, achieving an F-measure score of 0.57. This is a drastic improvement from not using cost sensitivity, which scores an F-measure of 0. This approach may be enhanced to improve the detection results and extended to improve detection for other applications that change protocols from version to version.
A Primer on Emerging Market Crises

Over the past 20 years there has been a proliferation of emerging market crises and a vast accumulation of commentary -- descriptive, theoretical and applied -- highlighting the origins and mechanics of each crisis and of crises in general. And there is plenty of analysis on how to deal with crises both in terms of prevention and of cures. Is it possible now to distill from all this a simple set of propositions that summarize the experience and capture the chief lessons? This paper sets out a few propositions that summarize what is known and accepted. The interest in doing so is to promote a set of presumptions about what is unsound practice with a presumption that it cannot fail to engender, in time, a crisis. At the center of that discussion is the role of balance sheets. Moreover, crises are not just financial experiences but rather involve large and lasting social costs and important redistribution of income and wealth. That makes it especially important to secure agreement on what constitutes bad practice and identify areas of continuing controversy.
Pediatric asthma management in the family context: the family asthma management system scale.

OBJECTIVE To examine psychometric properties of a revised version of the Family Asthma Management System Scale (FAMSS), a clinical interview to assess asthma management. METHODS The FAMSS was administered to 115 children with asthma and their primary caregivers, along with a measure of asthma morbidity. A subset of families (n = 53) participated also in objective-adherence monitoring and completed measures of asthma knowledge and self-efficacy. RESULTS The FAMSS demonstrated good internal consistency (alpha = .84). The FAMSS summary score was unrelated to age, gender, race, or minority status, but was related to socioeconomic status (SES) and to functional morbidity at baseline and prospectively. Convergent validity of the FAMSS was documented. The FAMSS explained additional variance in concurrent-asthma morbidity beyond self-reports or objective adherence monitoring. CONCLUSION The FAMSS is a valuable tool to assess family-based asthma management that addresses gaps in available assessment methodologies and holds promise for research and clinical applications.
Risk of HIV and Hepatitis B and C Over Time Among Men Who Inject Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs in England and Wales: Results From Cross-Sectional Prevalence Surveys, 1992–2013

Background:Infection risks among people who inject drugs (PWID) are widely recognized, but few studies have focused on image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs). Globally, concern about IPED injection has increased and, in the United Kingdom, IPED injectors have become the largest group using Needle and Syringe Programmes. Blood-borne virus prevalence trends among IPED injectors are explored. Method:Data from 2 surveys of IPED injectors (2010–2011; 2012–2013) and the national bio-behavioral surveillance system for PWID (1992–1997; 1998–2003; 2004–2009) were merged. Psychoactive drug injectors and women were excluded. Logistic regression analyses explored temporal changes. Results:Between 1992 and 2009, median age increased from 25 to 29 years (N = 1296), years injecting from 2 to 4. There were 53 men who had sex with men (MSM). Overall, 0.93% had HIV, 4.4% ever had hepatitis B (HBV), and 3.9% hepatitis C (HCV, from 1998, N = 1083). In multivariable analyses, HIV increased in 2004–2009 [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 10 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.94 to 106) vs. 1992–2003], and remained elevated (AOR = 4.12, 95% CI: 0.31 to 54, 2012–2013); HBV also increased in 2004–2009 (AOR = 3.98, 95% CI: 1.59 to 9.97). HCV prevalence increase was only borderline significant (AOR = 2.47, 95% CI: 0.90 to 6.77, 2010–2011). HIV and HBV were associated with MSM and HCV with sharing needles/syringes. Uptake of diagnostic testing for HIV and HCV, and HBV vaccination increased (to 43%, 32% and 44% respectively). Condom use was consistently poor; needle/syringe sharing occurred. Conclusion:Blood-borne virus prevalences among IPED injectors have increased and for HIV, is now similar to that among psychoactive drug injectors. Targeted interventions to reduce risks are indicated.
A systematic review of the clinimetric properties of neuromotor assessments for preterm infants during the first year of life

This systematic review evaluates assessments used to discriminate, predict, or evaluate the motor development of preterm infants during the first year of life. Eighteen assessments were identified; nine met the inclusion criteria. The Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS), Bayley Scale of Infant and Toddler Development ‐ Version III, Peabody Developmental Motor Scales ‐ Version 2, Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP), and Toddler and Infant Motor Examination have good discriminative validity when examined in large populations. The AIMS, Prechtl's Assessment of General Movements (GMs), Neuro Sensory Motor Development Assessment (NSMDA), and TIMP were designed for preterm infants and are able to detect more subtle changes in movement quality. The best predictive assessment tools are age dependent: GMs, the Movement Assessment of Infants, and TIMP are strongest in early infancy (age 4mo or less) and the AIMS and NSMDA are better at older ages (8‐12mo). The TIMP is the only tool that has demonstrated a difference between groups in response to intervention in two randomized controlled trials. The AIMS, TIMP, and GMs demonstrated the highest levels of overall reliability (interrater and intrarater intraclass correlation coefficient or κ>0.85). Selection of motor assessment tools during the first year of life for infants born preterm will depend on the intended purpose of their use for discrimination, prediction, and/or evaluation.
Probabilistic Boolean Logic

In this paper, we introduce and define Probabilistic Boolean Logic, whose logical operators are “correct” with a probability 0 < p ≤ 1. Analogous to conventional Boolean logic, we define well-formed probabilistic Boolean formulae (pbf). Every pbf is associated with two attributes, the underlying Boolean function it computes, and a for a specific input, the probability that this boolean function is computed correctly. To characterize these attributes simultaneously, we introduce the concept of a sample space generator associated with any pbf. For a specific input, a sample space generator of a pbf generates a sample space, which defines the random experiment which determines the value of the pbf. Using the notion of sample space generators, we define equivalence of two pbf, derive identities and properties. Based on properties of sample space generators, we prove that for any probabilistic boolean function, there is a probabilistic boolean formula which computes it and vice versa. We introduce and relate probabilistic boolean circuits to classical models of computation, such as randomized circuits and probabilistic automata. Synthesis and optimization of probabilistic boolean circuits from specifications (in the form of probabilistic boolean functions) has implications to circuit design with unreliable logic gates. It has been experimentally demonstrated earlier that such circuits which utilize unreliable logic gates, can dramatically reduce energy consumption of certain applications and are vital towards sustaining Moore’s law into the next decades. Extending this, we derive a theoretical result to prove that in the domain of cmos, transition functions of probabilistic automata maybe realized with lesser energy complexity by probabilistic circuits when compared to randomized circuits of identical size and depth.
Counting the Poor: Measurement and Other Issues

This paper first presents approach of Expert Group (Rangarajan). The clarifications are given under the following heads: (1) what is new in the approach for poverty line; (2) Use of calories; (3) Multi-dimensional poverty; (4) High urban poverty in many states; (5) NAS-NSS consumption differences; (6) poverty measure in other countries; (7) public expenditure and poverty; (8) poverty ratio under eligibility under programmes. As the most of the researchers commented on multi-dimensional poverty, this note elaborates on the reasons for not undertaking this measure in the report.
Imperfect Competition, Monetary Policy and Welfare in a Currency Area

This paper studies the implication, in terms of welfare and monetary policy, of unequal degrees of competition across members of a currency area. We look at two ways in which the degree of competition in the market for goods can affect welfare in a currency area. One is through different average degrees of competition in the monetary union; the other is through different degrees of competition across its members. We find two interesting results. First, if prices are sticky, more competition tends to be detrimental to welfare. Second, welfare increases in proportion to the asymmetry of the union. These results imply that the monetary authority should react more strongly to inflationary pressure coming from the more competitive member of the monetary union. We compute the optimal monetary policy of the central bank of the union and compare its performance with a simple Taylor rule. We discuss the circumstances under which the Taylor rule approaches the optimal rule. The optimal inflation target for the asymmetric union is also discussed.
Development and Validation of a Game Addiction Scale for Adolescents

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a scale to measure computer and videogame addiction. Inspired by earlier theories and research on game addiction, we created 21 items to measure seven underlying criteria (i.e., salience, tolerance, mood modification, relapse, withdrawal, conflict, and problems). The dimensional structure of the scale was investigated in two independent samples of adolescent gamers (N = 352 and N = 369). In both samples, a second-order factor model described our data best. The 21-item scale, as well as a shortened 7-item version, showed high reliabilities. Furthermore, both versions showed good concurrent validity across samples, as indicated by the consistent correlations with usage, loneliness, life satisfaction, social competence, and aggression.
Lung Volume, Breathing Pattern and Ventilation Inhomogeneity in Preterm and Term Infants

Background Morphological changes in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) have functional consequences on lung volume, ventilation inhomogeneity and respiratory mechanics. Although some studies have shown lower lung volumes and increased ventilation inhomogeneity in BPD infants, conflicting results exist possibly due to differences in sedation and measurement techniques. Methodology/Principal Findings We studied 127 infants with BPD, 58 preterm infants without BPD and 239 healthy term-born infants, at a matched post-conceptional age of 44 weeks during quiet natural sleep according to ATS/ERS standards. Lung function parameters measured were functional residual capacity (FRC) and ventilation inhomogeneity by multiple breath washout as well as tidal breathing parameters. Preterm infants with BPD had only marginally lower FRC (21.4 mL/kg) than preterm infants without BPD (23.4 mL/kg) and term-born infants (22.6 mL/kg), though there was no trend with disease severity. They also showed higher respiratory rates and lower ratios of time to peak expiratory flow and expiratory time (t PTEF/t E) than healthy preterm and term controls. These changes were related to disease severity. No differences were found for ventilation inhomogeneity. Conclusions Our results suggest that preterm infants with BPD have a high capacity to maintain functional lung volume during natural sleep. The alterations in breathing pattern with disease severity may reflect presence of adaptive mechanisms to cope with the disease process.
DISSECTING INSECT FLIGHT

▪ Abstract “What force does an insect wing generate? ” Finding answers to this enduring question is an essential step toward our understanding of interactions of moving objects with fluids that enable most living species such as insects, birds, and fish to travel efficiently and us to follow similar suit with sails, oars, and airfoils. We give a brief history of research in insect flight and discuss recent findings in unsteady aerodynamics of flapping flight at intermediate range Reynolds numbers (10–104). In particular, we examine the unsteady mechanisms in uniform and accelerated motions, forward and hovering flight, as well as passive flight of free-falling objects. The results obtained by “taking the insects apart” helped us to resolve previous puzzles about the force estimates in hovering insects, to ellucidate basic mechanisms essential to flapping flight, and to gain insights about the efficieny of flight.
Metal-on-Metal Hip Arthroplasty: A Review of Adverse Reactions and Patient Management

Recent alarming joint registry data highlighting increased revision rates has prompted further research into the area of metal-on-metal hip replacements and resurfacings. This review article examines the latest literature on the topic of adverse reactions to metal debris and summarises the most up-to-date guidelines on patient management. Adverse reactions to metal debris can cause significant damage to soft tissue and bone if not diagnosed early. Furthermore, not every patient with an adverse reaction to metal debris will be symptomatic. As such, clinicians must remain vigilant when assessing and investigating these patients in order to detect failing implants and initiate appropriate management.
Evaluation of surrogate tissues as indicators of drug activity in a melanoma skin model

The development of novel cancer treatments is a challenging task, partly because results from model systems often fail to predict drug efficacy in humans, and also tumors are often inaccessible for biochemical analysis, preventing effective monitoring of drug activity in vivo. Utilizing a model system, we evaluated the use of drug‐induced DNA damage in surrogate tissues as indicators of drug efficacy. Samples of a commercially available melanoma skin model (Mattek MLNM‐FT‐A375) containing keratinocyte and fibroblast layers with melanoma nodules were subjected to various chemotherapeutic regimens for one, four, or eight days. At these times they were analyzed for DNA double‐stranded breaks (γH2AX foci) and apoptosis (TUNEL). A wide range of drug responses in both tumor and normal tissues were observed and cataloged. For the melanoma, the most common drug response was apoptosis. The basal keratinocyte layer, which was the most reliable indicator of drug response in the melanoma skin model, responded with γH2AX foci formation that was abrupt and transient. The relationships between tumor and surrogate tissue drug responses are complex, indicating that while surrogate tissue drug responses may be useful clinical tools, careful control of variables such as the timing of sampling may be important in interpreting the results.
Modeling Financial Volatility: Extreme Observations, Nonlinearities and Nonstationarities

This paper presents a selective survey of volatility topics, with emphasis on the measurement of volatility and a discussion of some of the most important time series models commonly employed in its modelling. In particular, the paper details the long memory characteristics of volatility, and discusses its possible origins and impact on option pricing. To conclude, the paper discusses statistical tools that discriminate between nonlinearity and nonstationarity.
Comparative Study of Edge Detection Algorithms Applying on the Grayscale Noisy Image Using Morphological Filter

In this paper, classified and comparative study of edge detection algorithms are presented. Experimental results prove that Boie-Cox, ShenCastan and Canny operators are better than Laplacian of Gaussian (LOG), while LOG is better than Prewitt and Sobel in case of noisy image. Subjective and objective methods are used to evaluate the different edge operators. The morphological filter is more important as an initial process in the edge detection for noisy image and used opening-closing operation as preprocessing to filter noise. Also, smooth the image by first closing and then dilation to enhance the image before the edge operators affect.
On Optimizing Certification-Based Database Recovery Supporting Amnesia ?

Certification-based database replication protocols are a good basis to develop replica recovery when they provide the snapshot isolation level. For such isolation level, no readset needs to be transferred between replicas nor checked in the certification phase. Additionally, these protocols need to maintain a historic list of writesets that is used for certifying the transactions that arrive to the commit phase. Such historic list can be used to transfer the missed state of a recovering replica. In this paper we design a basic recovery approach –to transfer all missed writesets– and a version-based optimization –to transfer the latest version of each missed item, compacting thus the writeset list–, and study and solve problems associated to the adoption of the crash-recovery with partial amnesia failure model.
Contextual admissions and social justice in selective English higher education institutions

The policies that higher education institutions (HEIs) operate when choosing whom to select for admission raise profoundly important issues of social justice. Until recently, HEIs in England have selected applicants for admissions offers primarily on predicted and actual examination achievements. However, newer approaches to selection called ? contextual admissions? have emerged in some HEIs that attempt to view the examination achievement of applicants in a wider social context. For example, an increasing number of England? s most selective HEIs are prioritising admissions offers to applicants from less advantaged backgrounds, such as state schools students or those living in areas of low participation in higher education (HE). Despite increasing attention by government and HEIs to enhance ? fairness? in admissions through the use of contextual admissions policies, academic studies of this important phenomenon are curious by their absence. Using a policy scholarship approach, this study explores, describes and explains the contextual undergraduate admissions policies of England? s most selective HEIs in relation to the concept of social justice. Documentary content analysis of the policies of 20 English universities in the Russell Group is employed to originate an ideal-type classification system for how selective HEIs are enacting social justice through contextual admissions. Drawing principally on the work of Sharon Gewirtz and Alan Cribb, in-depth interviews with senior policy actors and qualitative documentary analysis are used across three purposively selected sites to suggest social justice can be thought about in three ways. Firstly, it is a multi-dimensional concept (having distributive, cultural and associational forms) where different dimensions can conflict with each other. Secondly it is mediated by structural constraints and other norms, which limit the pursuit of justice. Thirdly, it is context- and level-dependent. This study suggests that no philosophical resolution can be found for what counts as social justice in contextual admissions. Instead, justice in admissions should be understood in its real contexts of enactment and through its propensity to provide empirical outcomes in admissions-offers for less advantaged students that are at least equivalent to their more advantaged counterparts. A number of macro, meso and micro-level factors, that enable or constrain the pursuit of just outcomes for less advantaged learners through contextual admissions, are suggested. These provide the basis for a fruitful range of new potential quantitative and qualitative studies by scholars of social justice, stratification and mobility to an important but under-researched area of education policy.
The evolution of genomic imprinting: costs, benefits and long‐term consequences

Genomic imprinting refers to a pattern of gene expression in which a specific parent's allele is either under‐expressed or completely silenced. Imprinting is an evolutionary conundrum because it appears to incur the costs of diploidy (e.g. presenting a larger target than haploidy to mutations) while foregoing its benefits (protection from harmful recessive mutations). Here, we critically evaluate previously proposed evolutionary benefits of imprinting and suggest some additional ones. We discuss whether each benefit is capable of explaining both the origin and maintenance of imprinting, and examine how the different benefits interact. We then outline the many costs of imprinting. Simple models show that circulating deleterious recessives can prevent the initial spread of imprinting, even if imprinting would be evolutionarily stable if it could persist long enough to purge these. We also show that imprinting can raise or lower the mutation load, depending on the selective regime and the degree of dominance. We finish by discussing the population‐level consequences of imprinting, which can be both positive and negative. Imprinting offers many insights into evolutionary conflict, the interaction between individual‐ and population‐level fitness effects, and the ‘gene's‐eye view’ of evolution.