Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perfectionism in the workplace: examining the influence of perfectionistic characteristics on employees' work day and respite experiences

This thesis comprises three studies that were designed to investigate the outcomes and mechanisms of perfectionism in a working population. Study one utilised a daily diary design and asked participants to complete questionnaires recording levels of event stress, emotional exhaustion, negative affect and coping immediately after work for five consecutive days. Work characteristics, demographics and measures of neuroticism, conscientiousness and perfectionism were collected in initial questionnaire booklets in all three studies. Results from 136 employees found that evaluative concerns perfectionism predicted daily levels of negative affect, event stress and avoidant coping. As predicted, event stress and avoidant coping mediated the relationship between evaluative concerns perfectionism and both negative affect and emotional exhaustion. Study two employed the same daily diary methodology and participant sample as study one but asked participants to record their levels of work-related perseverative cognition, negative affect and emotional exhaustion experienced during the evening. Analyses revealed that evaluative concerns perfectionism predicted evening levels of negative affect and work-related perseverative cognition. Work-related perseverative cognition predicted evening levels of negative affect and emotional exhaustion. End of work-day well-being was controlled for in both models. Further analyses suggested that work-related perseverative cognition mediated the relationship between evaluative concerns perfectionism and emotional exhaustion but not negative affect. Study three applied an eight-week longitudinal respite design over the Christmas vacation, in a sample of 140 teachers from the UK and Canada. Levels of fatigue, emotional exhaustion and negative affect were recorded weekly for eight consecutive weeks. In addition levels of work-related perseverative cognition were measured during the two Christmas vacation weeks (weeks three and four). Socially prescribed perfectionism predicted a quicker fade-out rate of vacation effects upon return to work. Work-related perseverative cognition during the vacation predicted levels of well-being upon return to work but further analysis suggested it did not function as a mechanism of perfectionism. The general discussion focuses on the theoretical implications of this research for the perfectionism and leisure time recovery literatures.
Efficient Pricing of European-Style Asian Options under Exponential Lévy Processes Based on Fourier Cosine Expansions

We propose an efficient pricing method for arithmetic and geometric Asian options under exponential Levy processes based on Fourier cosine expansions and Clenshaw–Curtis quadrature. The pricing method is developed for both European style and American-style Asian options and for discretely and continuously monitored versions. In the present paper we focus on the European-style Asian options. The exponential convergence rates of Fourier cosine expansions and Clenshaw–Curtis quadrature reduces the CPU time of the method to milliseconds for geometric Asian options and a few seconds for arithmetic Asian options. The method’s accuracy is illustrated by a detailed error analysis and by various numerical examples.
Perceptions of a Changing World Induce Hope and Promote Peace in Intractable Conflicts

The importance of hope in promoting conciliatory attitudes has been asserted in the field of conflict resolution. However, little is known about conditions inducing hope, especially in intractable conflicts, where reference to the outgroup may backfire. In the current research, five studies yielded convergent support for the hypothesis that hope for peace stems from a general perception of the world as changing. In Study 1, coders observed associations between belief in a changing world, hope regarding peace, and support for concessions. Study 2 revealed the hypothesized relations using self-reported measures. Studies 3 and 4 established causality by instilling a perception of the world as changing (vs. unchanging) using narrative and drawing manipulations. Study 5 compared the changing world message with a control condition during conflict escalation. Across studies, although the specific context was not referred to, the belief in a changing world increased support for concessions through hope for peace.
Unsupervised Segmentation of Retinal Blood Vessels Using a Single Parameter Vesselness Measure

In this paper, a novel vesselness measure based on analysis of the Hessian matrix is presented. The larger eigenvalue of the Hessian matrix is used for vessel centerlines detection, while vessel orientations are estimated from the eigenvectors corresponding to the smaller eigenvalue. The vesselness measure combines information from vessel centerlines and orientations over scales to segment retinal blood vessels from colour fundus images. A publicly available dataset is used to evaluate the performance of our proposed method which has the advantage of being unsupervised and of using only one parameter.
Oral tegafur-uracil as metronomic therapy following intravenous FOLFOX for stage III colon cancer

The purpose of this study was to estimate the impact of metronomic therapy with oral tegafur-uracil (UFUR) following an intravenous FOLFOX regimen as surgical adjuvant chemotherapy on the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of stage III colon cancer patients. From the retrospective database of patients who underwent a surgical resection for colorectal cancer at the Tri-Service General Hospital from October 2008 through December 2014, stage III colon carcinomas treated with radical R0 resection were reviewed. One hundred thirty two patients were treated with a FOLFOX regimen (comparison group), and 113 patients were treated with the same regimen followed by additional oral UFUR (UFUR group). The clinical characteristics and mean age of the comparison and UFUR groups were similar. Furthermore, for all study patients, DFS was not significantly different between the two groups. However, 5-year OS rates were 86.8% and 68.5% in the UFUR and comparison groups, respectively (p = 0.0107). Adding UFUR to a FOLFOX regimen was found to significantly improve the OS in patients with stage III colon cancer. UFUR as a maintenance therapy following FOLFOX regimen as an alternative therapeutic option for the treatment of stage III colon cancer patients.
Keyhole endoscopic hematoma evacuation in patients.

AIM Keyhole endoscopy is a promising therapeutic option for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We sought to compare the clinical outcomes between keyhole endoscopy surgery and craniotomy for basal ganglia ICH. MATERIAL AND METHODS The authors performed a retrospective analysis of the clinical and radiographic data obtained in 28 keyhole endoscopic procedures and 30 craniotomy procedures. Hematoma evacuation rate, infection rate, rebleeding and mean operation time were recorded as primary end points. Outcome Scale (GOS) values were recorded at the 3-month postoperative follow-up. The operation time from symptom onset is also studied between < 8 hours group and 8-24 hours group. RESULTS The evacuation rate was significantly higher in the endoscopy group compared with the craniotomy group (P < 0.05), and infectious rate was lower in the endoscopy group compared with the craniotomy group( P < 0.05). Mortality rates between the 2 groups did not show statistically significant differences. The patients operated within 8h had better outcome (GOS 4 and 5) than that operated between 8-24h (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The data indicate that in patients with ICH, keyhole endoscopic surgery is safe and feasible, while operation within 8h can promote recovery of patients. These preliminary results warrant further study in a large, prospective, randomized trial in the near future.
Metabolism and Excretion of the Once Daily Human GLP-1 Analog liraglutide in Healthy Male Subjects and its In Vitro Degradation by Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV and Neutral Endopeptidase

Liraglutide is a novel once-daily human glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 analog in clinical use for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. To study metabolism and excretion of [ 3 H]-liraglutide, a single subcutaneous dose of 0.75 mg/14.2 MBq was given to healthy males. The recovered radioactivity in blood, urine and feces was measured and metabolites profiled. In addition, [ 3 H]-liraglutide and [ 3 H]-GLP-1(7-37) were incubated in vitro with dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) and neutral endopeptidase (NEP) to compare the metabolite profiles and characterize the degradation products of liraglutide. The exposure of radioactivity in plasma (AUC 2-24 h ) was represented by liraglutide ( ≥ 89%) and two minor metabolites (totaling ≤ 11%). Similarly to GLP-1, liraglutide was cleaved in vitro by DPP-IV in the Ala8–Glu9 position of the N-terminal and degraded by NEP into several metabolites. The chromatographic retention time of DPP-IV-truncated liraglutide correlated well with the primary human plasma metabolite [GLP-1(9-37)], and some of the NEP degradation products eluted very close to both plasma metabolites. Three minor metabolites totaling 6% and 5% of the administered radioactivity were excreted in urine and feces, respectively, but no liraglutide was detected. In conclusion, liraglutide is metabolized in vitro by DPP-IV and NEP in a similar manner to native GLP-1 although at a much slower rate. The metabolite profiles suggest that both DPP-IV and NEP are also involved in the in vivo degradation of liraglutide. The lack of intact liraglutide excreted in urine and feces and the low levels of metabolites in plasma indicate that liraglutide is completely degraded within the body. Preclinical showed that [ 3 H], [ 125 I], or [ 14 C]-liraglutide was extensively metabolized in the body. No major route of elimination could be determined but several minor metabolites were detected in plasma with a similar overall pattern across the species. Thus, the aim of the present study was to elucidate the metabolism and excretion of liraglutide following a single s.c. injection of [ 3 H]-liraglutide in healthy adult men. Furthermore, the involvement of DPP-IV and NEP was examined by comparing the structures of the plasma and excreta metabolites with the in vitro [ 3 H]-liraglutide and [ 3 H]-GLP-1(7-37) degradation products and with those reported for native GLP-1. trifluoroacetic mobile phase linearly 48% B radiochemical homogenous M scintillation feces metabolite profiling plasma profiling reference min/fraction, preparation
Oil prices and U.S. aggregate economic activity: a question of neutrality

Considerable research finds oil price shocks have had major effects on U.S. output and inflation. Several recent studies argue that the response of monetary policy-rather than the oil price shocks themselves-caused the fluctuations in economic activity. Stephen Brown and Mine Yucel show that an oil price increase will lead to a decline in real GDP and an increase in the price level that are of a similar magnitude if the federal funds rate is unconstrained-a finding consistent with the definition of monetary neutrality in which nominal GDP is constant. Brown and Yucel also find that holding the federal funds rate constant in the face of an oil price increase is an accommodative policy that boosts real GDP, the price level, and nominal GDP. In short, the monetary authority can use accommodative policy to cushion the negative effects of higher oil prices on real GDP, but at the expense of higher inflation.
Climate classification revisited: from Köppen to Trewartha

The analysis of climate patterns can be performed separately for each climatic vari- able or the data can be aggregated, for example, by using a climate classification. These classifi- cations usually correspond to vegetation distribution, in the sense that each climate type is domi- nated by one vegetation zone or eco-region. Thus, climatic classifications also represent a con - venient tool for the validation of climate models and for the analysis of simulated future climate changes. Basic concepts are presented by applying climate classification to the global Climate Research Unit (CRU) TS 3.1 global dataset. We focus on definitions of climate types according to the Koppen-Trewartha climate classification (KTC) with special attention given to the distinction between wet and dry climates. The distribution of KTC types is compared with the original Kop- pen classification (KCC) for the period 1961�1990. In addition, we provide an analysis of the time development of the distribution of KTC types throughout the 20th century. There are observable changes identified in some subtypes, especially semi-arid, savanna and tundra.
Improvements to the Block Sorting Text Compression Algorithm

This report presents some further work on the recently described “Block Sorting” lossless or text compression algorithm. It is already known that it is a context-based compressor of unbounded order, but those contexts are completely restructured by the sort phase of the compression. The report examines the effects of those context changes. It is shown that the requirements on the final compression stage are quite different from those in compressors of more conventional design. The report then presents several different approaches to improving the compression performance, eventually yielding a compressor which is among the best so far presented and is actually based on fundamental work by Shannon in 1950. It is shown that the block-sorting technique compares well with other compressors in terms of compression factor, compression speed and working memory. This report is available by anonymous FTP from ftp.cs. auckland.ac. nz /out/peter-f/report120.ps
Quantum Error Correction and Orthogonal Geometry

A group theoretic framework is introduced that simplifies the description of known quantum error-correcting codes and greatly facilitates the construction of new examples. Codes are given which map 3 qubits to 8 qubits correcting 1 error, 4 to 10 qubits correcting 1 error, 1 to 13 qubits correcting 2 errors, and 1 to 29 qubits correcting 5 errors.
ScholarWorks @ UTRGV ScholarWorks @ UTRGV

We generalize the Poland-Scheraga model to consider DNA denaturation in the presence of an external stretching force. We demonstrate the existence of a force-induced DNA denaturation transition and obtain the temperature-force phase diagram. The transition is determined by the loop exponent c , for which we ﬁnd the new value c (cid:1) 4 (cid:1) (cid:2) 1 = 2 such that the transition is second order with c (cid:1) 1 : 85 < 2 in d (cid:1) 3 . We show that a ﬁnite stretching force F destabilizes DNA, corresponding to a lower melting temperature T (cid:3) F (cid:4) , in agreement with single-molecule DNA stretching experiments.
The Effects of the Warrior Transition Unit’s Physical Activity Program on Affect of Wounded Military Personnel

Warrior Transition Units (WTU) were created to successfully transition soldiers who are considered wounded, ill, or injured through comprehensive medical and adaptive reconditioning care, including sport and recreational activities. Entry-level sports engagement in WTU may transition from noncompetitive to competitive which may impact the soldier’s physical and emotional well-being status. The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in physical activity affect between two groups of wounded military personnel ( N = 22) with WTU experience. Group 1 (NonCompWTU, n =11) engaged in on and off campus noncompetitive activities (e.g., rock wall climbing, community golf driving range) and Group 2 (CompWTU, n =11) competed in a wheelchair basketball tournament. Physical activity affect was measured using the physical activity affect scale ([PAAS], Lox et al., 2000) pre and post activities. The PAAS is a 12-item tool that measures 4 subscales (Positive Affect [PA], Negative Affect [NA], Tranquility [TR], and Fatigue [FA]). Independent and paired t -tests were used to determine differences across groups and pre-post activities ( p <.05). Cohen’s D effect size (ES) was also reported. Results reported no statistical differences in PA, NA, TR, and FA across groups at the beginning of the activities; however, PA was significantly different across groups following the activities. The noncompetitive activities significantly increased PA and TR, while reducing NA from pre to post within Group 1. However, a significant increase between pre and post activities existed for FA within each group. While further study is needed to investigate the impact of the noncompetitive and competitive physical activity participation on affect of wounded military personnel, APA professionals should consider this challenge to improve the well-being of this population. Subscribe to Palaestra
Role of Human Breast Cancer Related Protein versus P-Glycoprotein as an Efflux Transporter for Benzylpenicillin: Potential Importance at the Blood-Brain Barrier

While the blood-brain barrier (BBB) protects the brain by controlling the access of solutes and toxic substances to brain, it also limits drug entry to treat central nervous system disorders. Many drugs are substrates for ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters at the BBB that limit their entry into the brain. The role of those transporters in limiting the entry of the widely prescribed therapeutic, benzylpenicillin, has produced conflicting results. This study investigated the possible potential involvement of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), two ABC transporters, in benzylpenicillin transport at BBB in human using MDCKII cells overexpressing those transporters as well as pharmacological inhibition. MDCKII cells overexpressing human BCRP (MDCKII-BCRP) but not those overexpressing human P-gp (MDCKII-MDR cells) had reduced [3H]benzylpenicillin uptake. Similarly, inhibiting BCRP increased [3H]benzylpenicillin uptake in MDCKII-BCRP cells, while inhibiting P-gp in MDCKII-MDR cells had no effect on uptake although there was evidence that benzylpenicillin is a substrate for canine P-gp. While inhibiting BCRP affected [3H]benzylpenicillin cell concentrations it did not affect transepithelial flux in MDCKII-BCRP cells. In summary, the results indicate that human BCRP and not human P-gp is involved in benzylpenicillin transport. However, targeting BCRP alone was not sufficient to alter transepithelial flux in MDCKII cells. Whether it would be sufficient to alter blood-to-brain flux at the human BBB remains to be investigated.
Estimating the Standard Deviation From the Range: a Replication of Analysis of Demographic Data Reported in Marriage & Family Review, 2016-2017

Abstract A major concern in the social sciences is lack of replication of previous studies. An important methodological concern in the social sciences is the ability to determine effect sizes in addition to statistical significance levels. Effect sizes cannot be easily calculated in the absence of sufficient data; usually standard deviations are needed. If standard deviations are not available, how can they be estimated? Various proposals have been offered to solve this question. One solution is to divide the range (maximum–minimum) by four; a variety of more complicated solutions, based on sample size or the skew of the variable’s distribution, have been suggested (Schumm, Higgins, et al., 2017). Here, 30 cases involving the demographic variable of age, from 23 articles published in Marriage & Family Review between 2016 and 2017, are assessed to replicate the previous report of Schumm, Higgins et al. (2017). Our results indicated that both linear and power functions significantly predicted the size of standard deviations, with larger samples featuring smaller standard deviations. Aside from sample size, the best solution appears to be to divide the range by 4.5–5.0; although for very small samples (N < 50), it is probably better to divide by 3.5–4.0 whereas for larger samples, especially those that involve higher levels of skew, it may be better to divide by 5.0 or higher. The Wan et al. (2014) estimation procedure appears to be approximately a power function of sample size. For samples up to several thousand in size, the range of divisors appears to run between 3.0 and 8.0, extremes that could be used to determine the largest or smallest possible standard deviations, respectively. Values far below 3.0 or above 8.0 may reflect typographical errors in data reports or possibly be evidence of artificially generated data, if not scientific fraud. When a variable is split into subsamples, its standard deviations should usually increase for the subsamples compared with the total sample. Similar assessments remain in progress for non-demographic variables in social sciences.
A nonlinear impact: evidences of causal effects of social media on market prices

Online social networks offer a new way to investigate financial markets' dynamics by enabling the large-scale analysis of investors' collective behavior. We provide empirical evidence that suggests social media and stock markets have a nonlinear causal relationship. We take advantage of an extensive data set composed of social media messages related to DJIA index components. By using information-theoretic measures to cope for possible nonlinear causal coupling between social media and stock markets systems, we point out stunning differences in the results with respect to linear coupling. Two main conclusions are drawn: First, social media significant causality on stocks' returns are purely nonlinear in most cases; Second, social media dominates the directional coupling with stock market, an effect not observable within linear modeling. Results also serve as empirical guidance on model adequacy in the investigation of sociotechnical and financial systems.
Tolerance of ambiguity at work predicts leadership, job performance, and creativity

Tolerance of Ambiguity (TOA) is a well-established personality trait known to predict several adaptive outcomes in the workplace such as creativity and job performance. Existing measures are limited however in that they often demonstrate weak psychometric properties and are not tailored to workplace behavior. In this study we develop a new, workplace-specific measure of TOA and test several hypotheses related to construct validity and incremental validity. We also test hypotheses related to generational differences in TOA and the effects of TOA several work behaviors on overall wellbeing. Using three samples (N = 830) of employees from a range of white-collar professions, we used factor analysis to reduce an initial pool of 111 items into a multidimensional, 45 item questionnaire. Major factors emerging from the analysis included comfort with ambiguity, desire for challenging work, and coping with uncertainty. Our overall measure of TOA correlated moderately with self and peer report measures of trait emotional intelligence, leadership, creativity, courage, locus of control and wellbeing. Interestingly, age was positively correlated with the overall measure of TOA, and these effects were primarily driven by the discomfort with ambiguity factor (i.e. older employees tended to be more comfortable with ambiguity than younger employees).
Team Contests with Multiple Pairwise Battles

We consider a multi-battle team contest in which players from two rival teams form pairwise matches to fight in distinct component battles, which are carried out sequentially or (partially) simultaneously. A team wins if and only if its players win a majority of battles. Each player benefits from his team's win, while he can also receive a private reward for winning his own battle. We find that the outcomes of past battles do not distort the outcomes of future battles. Neither the total expected effort nor the overall outcome of the contest depends on the contest's temporal structure or its feedback policy. (JEL C72, D72, D74, D82)