Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Cross Aisles in a Rectangular Warehouse: A Computational Study

Order picking is typically the most costly operation in a warehouse, and traveling is typically the most time-consuming task within order picking. In this study, we focus on the layout design for a rectangular warehouse, a warehouse with parallel storage blocks with main aisles separating them.We specifically analyze the impact of adding cross aisles that cut storage blocks perpendicularly,which can reduce travel times during order picking by introducing flexibility in going from one main aisle to the next. We consider two types of cross aisles, those that are equally spaced (Case 1) and those that are unequally spaced (Case 2), which respectively have equal and unequal distances among them. For Case 2, we extend an earlier model and present a heuristic algorithm for finding the best distances among cross aisles. We carry out extensive computational experiments for a variety of warehouse designs. Our findings suggest that warehouse planners can obtain great traveltime savings by establishing equally spaced cross aisles, but little additional savings in unequally spaced cross aisles. We present a look-up table that provides the best number of equally spaced cross aisles when the number of cross aisles (N) and the length of the warehouse (T) are given. Finally, when the values of N and T are not known, we suggest establishing three cross aisles in a warehouse.
Methods for Creating Semantic Orientation Dictionaries

We describe and compare different methods for creating a dictionary of words with their corresponding semantic orientation (SO). We tested how well different dictionaries helped determine the SO of entire texts. To extract SO for each individual word, we used a common method based on pointwise mutual information. Mutual information between a set of seed words and the target words was calculated using two different methods: a NEAR search on the search engine Altavista (since discontinued); an AND search on Google. These two dictionaries were tested against a manually annotated dictionary of positive and negative words. The results show that all three methods are quite close, and none of them performs particularly well. We discuss possible further avenues for research, and also point out some potential problems in calculating pointwise mutual information using Google.
Revisiting Mandarin ‘apical vowels’: An articulatory and acoustic study

The present study investigates the articulatory and acoustic properties of the unique apical segments in Mandarin Chinese that occur after dental and retroflex sibilants instead of the high front vowel [i]. An ultrasound study showed that the segments are homorganic with the preceding dental and retroflex sibilants. However, an acoustic study showed that they have a periodic waveform and clear formant structures with no inherent frication noise, indicating that they are not ‘voiced fricatives’. The results also suggest that the observed F2 pattern can only be explained with an acoustic model of a sonorant consonant, wherein F2 is attributed to the cavity behind the apical constriction. Based on this, it is argued that the segments can be best seen as ‘dental approximant [ ]’ and ‘retroflex approximant [ɻ]’. A phonological implication of the pattern is also discussed: the co-occurrence restriction with the high front vowel eliminates a potential chance of palatalization of the dental and retroflex sibilants that may lead to neutralization of the place contrast. The tongue front gesture in the following approximants seems to provide an additional cue to the place of the preceding consonants; the low F3 of [ɻ], for example, enhances cues to the place of the preceding retroflex sibilant.
Yaws: A Second (and Maybe Last?) Chance for Eradication

Some diseases are neglected; others are simply forgotten. Yaws belongs to the second group. One of the first diseases to be targeted for eradication on a global scale, yaws almost disappeared, thanks to a massive treatment program started in the 1950s that eliminated it from many endemic areas. Then something went wrong. The combat line somehow broke down in several points, people focused on other health emergencies, and yaws vanished from the political agenda. Not surprisingly, the disease has now resurged in several countries, where mass treatment has had to be reintroduced. Although rarely fatal, yaws leaves its indelible mark on many of those touched, horribly corroding their skin and bones. Victims are mostly young children, who end up disabled, stigmatized, and poor. However, despite its visible effects, its amenability for eradication, and all the past efforts made to eliminate it, this bacterial infection is still a menace. The present situation calls for immediate action to wipe yaws out forever. Its history, on the other hand, has much to teach on how eradication campaigns should—and should not—be planned and conducted.
Retirement Arrangements of the Self-Employed

When compared to wage earners, the take up rate of qualified retirement plans by the self-employed seems to be much lower. This paper explores the various factors that influence the observed participation and contributions to such plans. The findings show that participation declines with business interest expenses suggesting liquidity constraints. In contrast, both participation and contributions rise with mortgage interest expenses. They also rise with interest and dividend income, self-employment income, as well as tax rates. On the other hand, they decline with the size of partnership income. The latter is perhaps a reflection of reporting conventions employed by high income partners which may mask the true participation rate.
The Bielefeld Longitudinal Study of Adult Twins (BiLSAT)

The Bielefeld Longitudinal Study of Adult Twins (BiLSAT) is a German longitudinal study of monozygotic and dizygotic twins reared together, including more than 1,100 twin pairs aged between 14 and 80 who participated in the first wave. Data were collected at five waves of assessment between 1993 and 2009. Initially, the study focused on genetic and environmental influences on the structure and the development in adult temperament and personality. Today, the study includes a broad range of individual variables, such as personality disorders, major life goals, interests, attitudes, values, life and work satisfaction, and major life events. A special feature of this genetically informative study lies in the multiple-rater approach (i.e., self-reports and peer reports). Longitudinal multiple-rater analyses allow researchers to go beyond the basic nature–nurture decomposition of variance in self-reports examining genetic and environmental influences on stability and change in more accurately measured individual attributes. In the current article, we briefly describe the design and contents of BiLSAT as well as some recent major findings and future plans.
Proposal of a Consensus Set of Hypervariable Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive-Unit–Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Loci for Subtyping of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing Isolates

ABSTRACT Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing strains represent targets of special importance for molecular surveillance of tuberculosis (TB), especially because they are associated with spread of multidrug resistance in some world regions. Standard 24-locus mycobacterial interspersed repetitive-unit–variable-number tandem-repeat (MIRU-VNTR) typing lacks resolution power for accurately discriminating closely related clones that often compose Beijing strain populations. Therefore, we evaluated a set of 7 additional, hypervariable MIRU-VNTR loci for better resolution and tracing of such strains, using a collection of 535 Beijing isolates from six world regions where these strains are known to be prevalent. The typeability and interlaboratory reproducibility of these hypervariable loci were lower than those of the 24 standard loci. Three loci (2163a, 3155, and 3336) were excluded because of their redundant variability and/or more frequent noninterpretable results compared to the 4 other markers. The use of the remaining 4-locus set (1982, 3232, 3820, and 4120) increased the number of types by 52% (from 223 to 340) and reduced the clustering rate from 58.3 to 36.6%, when combined with the use of the standard 24-locus set. Known major clonal complexes/24-locus-based clusters were all subdivided, although the degree of subdivision varied depending on the complex. Only five single-locus variations were detected among the hypervariable loci of an additional panel of 92 isolates, representing 15 years of clonal spread of a single Beijing strain in a geographically restricted setting. On this calibrated basis, we propose this 4-locus set as a consensus for subtyping Beijing clonal complexes and clusters, after standard typing.
Dynamic Analysis of Grid Connected Wind Farms Using ATP

The use of wind turbines is increasing in very high rates in many countries around the world. Studies to evaluate the impact of connecting these new generation units to the existing power systems must be done and the alternative transients program - ATP, one of the most used simulation tools for power systems transient analysis, does not contain wind generation systems in its libraries. In this paper, three types of variable speed wind generation system models are developed using ATP. The model include the representation of the wind, the turbine mechanical parts, the generator, the static converter, the control systems and the power system. Simulation results of connecting a 10 MW wind farm to a real power system are presented
Redistribution, Inequality And Political Conflict

This paper analyses the relationship between redistributive policies and civil unrest. This relationship is modelled in a discrete two-period recursive model. Key theoretical assumptions and outcomes are tested empirically using data for a panel of 14 major Indian states between 1973 and 2000. The analysis shows that, in the medium-term, redistributive policies have been significantly more effective in reducing civil unrest in India than more direct solutions, such as the use of police and military forces, and have resulted in important positive externalities on economic growth. This represents an important lesson for countries where social cohesion tends to break frequently but large-scale wars may be avoidable.
A χ-binding function for the class of { 3 K 1 , K 1 ∪ K 4 }-free graphs

We prove that the chromatic number of any {3K1,K1∪K4}-free graph is at most a factor 28/15 times its clique number. In order to prove this result we prove that any connected subcubic triangle-free graph G on n vertices has a matching of size at least (n− 1)/3, and we characterise the extremal graphs.
Gender Equality and Democracy

Although democratic institutions existed long before gender equality, at this point in history, growing emphasis on gender equality is a central component of the process of democratization. Support for gender equality is not just a consequence of democratization. It is part of a broad cultural change that is transforming industrialized societies and bringing growing mass demands for increasingly democratic institutions. This article analyzes the role of changing mass attitudes in the spread of democratic institutions, using survey evidence from 70 societies containing 80 percent of the world's population. The evidence supports the conclusion that the process of modernization drives cultural change that encourage both the rise of women in public life, and the development of democratic institutions.
THE IMPACT OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT ON POVERTY REDUCTION . A SURVEY OF

Developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America have come increasingly to see foreign direct investment (FDI) as a source of economic development, modernization, income growth, employment, and so poverty reduction. This is reflected by their currently pursued economic policies, which is explicitly intended to improve conditions to attract FDI and to maximize the benefits of the presence of FDI in their domestic economy. Since the Asian financial crisis in 1997, Indonesia has become much more liberal in its economic policies to attract more FDI to increase its economic growth and hence (though not mentioned explicitly in official policy statements) to alleviate poverty in the country. The main aim of this study is to ascertain whether since the establishment of New Order government led by Soeharto in 1966 up to now FDI have been played a crucial role in determining economic growth and hence poverty reduction in Indonesia. Based on a literature survey on the role of FDI in poverty alleviation, this paper argues that FDI may have positive effects on poverty reduction mainly through three ways: (1) labor intensive economic growth with export growth as the most important engine, (2) technological, innovation and knowledge spillover effects from FDI-based firms on local economy, and (3) poverty alleviation government programs or projects financed by tax revenues collected from FDI-based firms. A temporary finding based on secondary data only from Indonesia is very likely to support the role of FDI in poverty alleviation through that first way in the country. While, no evidence so far to prove the importance of the second and third ways in transferring the benefits of FDI to the poor in Indonesia, as no studies so far have been undertaken.
‘We are all herd animals’: Community and organizationality in coworking spaces

This article develops an understanding of coworking spaces as organizational phenomena. Based on an ethnography of betahaus in Berlin, we demonstrate how coworking spaces not only provide a sense of community but also pattern the work activities of their members. We theorize this finding by drawing on the emergent literature on organizationality. Our contribution is twofold. First, we challenge current understandings of coworking spaces as neutral containers for independent work. Instead, we show how coworking incorporates the disposition of becoming organizational. That is, coworking spaces can frame and organize work and may even provide a basis for collective action. Second, we add to research on organizing outside traditional organizations by drawing attention to the complex and shifting interplay of formal and informal relationships in such settings. In doing so, we inform current debates about new forms of organization and organizing.
Serum Uric Acid and Nigral Iron Deposition in Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Study

Background Uric acid (UA) is an endogenous antioxidant which is known to reduce oxidative stress and also chelate iron ion. Recent studies have provided evidence that UA may play a neuroprotective role in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, it is unknown whether UA relates to nigral iron deposition, which is a characteristic pathophysiological alteration in PD. The aim of this study was to determine the potential relationship of these two markers in patients with PD. Methods A total of 30 patients of PD and 25 age- and gender- matched healthy controls underwent 3-Tesla MRI and laboratory tests including serum UA levels. We assessed iron levels by measuring phase shift values using susceptibility-weighted image. Mean phase shift values of the substantia nigra (SN), red nucleus, head of the caudate nucleus, globus pallidus, putamen, thalamus, and frontal white matter were calculated and correlated with serum UA levels. Results Serum UA levels were significantly decreased in the PD patients than in the controls. Phase shift values in bilateral SN were significantly increased in the PD patients than in the controls. There was no significant correlation between serum UA levels and nigral phase shift values. Conclusions As previous studies, low serum UA level and increased nigral iron content in the PD was reconfirmed in this study. However, we failed to find the relationship between these two markers. Our data suggest that serum UA may not be important determinant of nigral iron deposition in PD.
The Twelve Who Survive: Strengthening Programmes of Early Childhood Development in the Third World. Second Edition.

Section One: Setting the Stage 1. Why Invest in Early Childhood Development? 2. Where We Are and How We Got There, Section Two: In Search of Conceptual Clarity 3. What Do They Mean and What Do We Know 4. Trends, Frameworks and Relationships: Collecting the Pieces 5. Programme Approaches and Guidelines, Section Three: A State of the Practice 6. Some Examples of What Can Be Done 7. Beyond Centres and Pre-Schools: Some Additional Examples of What Can Be Done, Section Four: Combining Programme Concerns 8. Integrating Programmes: An Elusive Goal 9. Relating Health and Nutrition to Social and Psychological Development 10. Relating Child Development to Schooling 11. Relating Child Care, Women's Work, and Child Development, Section Five: Involving People 12. Community Participation: Towards Patnership 13. Understanding Cultural Differences in Childrearing Practices and Patterns, Section Six: How Big and What Will It Cost 14. Going to Scale 15. Costs and Resource Mobilisation, Section Seven: Conclusions 16 Toward a "Fair Start" for The Twelve Who Survive.
Effects of Teacher Praise and Reprimand Rates on Classroom Engagement and Disruptions of Elementary Students at Risk for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

Effects of Teacher Praise and Reprimand Rates on Classroom Engagement and Disruptions of Elementary Students at Risk for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Kade Rolan Downs Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education, BYU Educational Specialist In the United States educators often feel underprepared to manage student behavior in the classroom, which management is crucial for students with or at risk for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD) to learn effectively. Research on School-wide Positive Behavior Support (SWPBS) programs has reflected how effective simple principles, such as increasing teacher praise and decreasing teacher reprimands, can be. The current study is a secondary analysis of data originally gathered from 65 teachers and 239 students across three states. Results of these analyses bring principles of effective SWPBS programs and educator needs together by identifying how teacher behaviors correlated with at-risk student behaviors in different ways than the behaviors of students who were not at risk. Using multiple linear regression, we illustrated how students at risk for EBD were more sensitive to teacher praise and reprimands than students who were not at risk, which adds support to SWPBS theory and invites teachers to consider that who they praise and reprimand is just as important as how.
Tracing Indian girls’ embodied orientations towards public life

Abstract Contemporary figurations of the ‘the Indian Woman’ over recent years have been heavily influenced by national and international media coverage focused on high profile, gruesome and brutal cases of rape and sexual assault of women in public. The suffering involved in such cases notwithstanding, we argue that investment in such representations runs the risk of limiting our understanding of the varied experiences of female bodies in public life. Most significantly, the bodies of younger girls and how they relate to public life is mostly assumed rather than studied. Drawing on a sub-sample of ethnographies of younger children aged 6–8 living in the city of Hyderabad, India and employing the phenomenological concept of ‘orientation’, the article explores young girls’ everyday embodied orientation towards public life, with an intersectional framework. The paper considers three case studies from different spatial/cultural contexts and the empirical material is organised around the themes of the male gaze in a public space, orienting bodies in a schooled space, and the lived body in a domestic space.
Rising and Volatile Food Prices: Are Index Fund Investors to Blame?

The recent sharp increase in the prices of primary food commodities has raised serious concerns of policy makers on the role of index funds in these food markets. In this paper, we employ a dataset on trading positions of index fund investors from the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and analyze the relationship between index fund activity and food prices and their volatility. We focus on three major and liquid agricultural markets: corn, soybeans and wheat. We find little evidence that the positions of index fund investors can help explain changes in food prices. Instead, causality from food price changes to position changes appears to be much stronger. Furthermore, our findings suggest that index trader positions bear some predictive ability for volatility. This relationship is mainly concentrated on the 2006-2009 period that includes the recent financial crisis. Finally, we find that volatility decreases with the positions of index fund traders.
Mortality at a Night Roost of Great-tailed Grackles and European Starlings During a Spring Hail Storm

Abstract We report on mortality caused by an evening hailstorm to a night-time roost of Great-tailed Grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus) and European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) in Austin, Texas. The hailstorm was of short duration (6 min), and hail stones were not too large (most <20 mm in diameter). Approximately 7% of female grackles, 12% of male grackles, and 26% of starlings died. Greater mortality in male grackles suggests that preferred roost locations were more exposed to hail.
Genetic fuzzy learning

A hybrid approach to fuzzy supervised learning is presented. It is based on a genetic-neuro learning algorithm. The mixed-genetic coding adopted involves only the premises of the fuzzy rules. The conclusions are derived through a least-squares solution of an over-determined system using the singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithm. The paper presents the results obtained with C++ software called GEFREX that implements the proposed algorithm. The main characteristic of the algorithm is the compactness of the fuzzy systems extracted. Several comparisons ranging from approximation problems, classification problems, and time series predictions show that GEFREX reaches a smaller error than found in previous works with the same or a smaller number of rules. Further, it succeeds in identifying significant features. Although the SVD is used extensively, the learning time is decidedly reduced in comparison with previous work.
Hydrogen ion modulation of Ca channel current in cardiac ventricular cells. Evidence for multiple mechanisms

We have investigated the effects of H ions on (L-type) Ca channel current in isolated ventricular cells. We find that the current amplitude is enhanced in solutions that are alkaline relative to pH 7.4 and reduced in solutions acidic to this pH. We measured pH0-induced shifts in channel gating and analyzed our results in terms of surface potential theory. The shifts are well described by changes in surface potential caused by the binding of H ions to negative charges on the cell surface. The theory predicts a pK of 5.8 for this binding. Gating shifts alone cannot explain all of our observations on modulation of current amplitude. Our results suggest that an additional mechanism contributes to modification of the current amplitude.