Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
"Shared joy is double joy": the social practices of user networks within group shopping sites

Group shopping sites are beginning to rise in popularity amongst eCommerce users. Yet we do not know how or why people are using such sites, and whether or not the design of group shopping sites map to the real shopping needs of end users. To address this, we describe an interview study that investigates the friendship networks of people who participate in group shopping sites (e.g., Groupon) with the goal of understanding how to best design for these experiences. Our results show that group shopping sites are predominently used to support social activities; that is, users do not use them first and foremost to find 'deals'. Instead, group shopping sites are used for planning group activities, extending and building friendships, and constructing one's social identity. Based on these findings, we suggest improved social network integration and impression management tools to improve user experience within group shopping sites.
Imaging three‐dimensional myocardial mechanics using navigator‐gated volumetric spiral cine DENSE MRI

A navigator‐gated 3D spiral cine displacement encoding with stimulated echoes (DENSE) pulse sequence for imaging 3D myocardial mechanics was developed. In addition, previously described 2D postprocessing algorithms including phase unwrapping, tissue tracking, and strain tensor calculation for the left ventricle (LV) were extended to 3D. These 3D methods were evaluated in five healthy volunteers, using 2D cine DENSE and historical 3D myocardial tagging as reference standards. With an average scan time of 20.5 ± 5.7 min, 3D data sets with a matrix size of 128 × 128 × 22, voxel size of 2.8 × 2.8 × 5.0 mm3, and temporal resolution of 32 msec were obtained with displacement encoding in three orthogonal directions. Mean values for end‐systolic mid‐ventricular mid‐wall radial, circumferential, and longitudinal strain were 0.33 ± 0.10, −0.17 ± 0.02, and −0.16 ± 0.02, respectively. Transmural strain gradients were detected in the radial and circumferential directions, reflecting high spatial resolution. Good agreement by linear correlation and Bland‐Altman analysis was achieved when comparing normal strains measured by 2D and 3D cine DENSE. Also, the 3D strains, twist, and torsion results obtained by 3D cine DENSE were in good agreement with historical values measured by 3D myocardial tagging. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Systematic Comparison of Semantic Models on Human Similarity Rating Data : The Effectiveness of Subspacing

A critical issue in the development of statistical models of lexical semantics is the nature of the background corpus that is used to derive term representations. Often good performance can be achieved if background corpora are hand selected, but performance can drop precipitously when this is not the case. In this study, we investigated querying a larger textbase (Wikipedia) to create subcorpora for analysis with lexical semantics models (Zelikovitz & Kogan, 2006). Similarities generated from six models of lexical semantics were compared against human ratings of document similarity on two document sets the Internet Movie Database set and the newswire set from Lee, Pincomb and Welsh (2005). These methods included the vector space model (Salton, Wong & Yang, 1975), Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA, Kintsch, McNamara, Dennis, & Landauer, 2006), sparse Independent Components Analysis (Bronstein, Bronstein, Zibulevsky, & Zeevi, 2005), the topics model (Griffiths & Steyvers, 2002, Blei, Ng, & Jordan, 2003), nonnegative matrix factorization (Xu, Liu, & Gong, 2003) and the constructed semantics model (Kwantes, 2005). We found that on these datasets the creation of subcorpora can be very effective even improving upon the performance of corpora that had been hand selected for the domain. Surprisingly, the overall best performance was observed for the vectorspace model.
Impact of Political Events on Stock Market: Evidence from Pakistan

In this paper it is examined that how much political events impact the KSE-100 index returns, fifty major political events are selected from the period of 1998 to 2013. To calculate the abnormal returns, event study methodology is applied and KSE-100 index returns data for 30 days before and 60 days after happening of an event are also collected. Results of each window verify that negative abnormal returns are observed some days before and some days after happening of an event. This study helps the investor to judge the effect of political events on KSE-100 index returns and develop strategy according to the political environment. Only major political events are selected for a selected time horizon which is not covering the all political episodes. Political conditions vary country to country and period to period. Further researches can be made by selecting different political events for any other country. This study contributes in literature and verifies the significant relationship between political events and stock market returns.
Object Detection using Image Processing

An Unmanned Ariel vehicle (UAV) has greater importance in the army for border security. The main objective of this article is to develop an OpenCV-Python code using Haar Cascade algorithm for object and face detection. Currently, UAVs are used for detecting and attacking the infiltrated ground targets. The main drawback for this type of UAVs is that sometimes the object are not properly detected, which thereby causes the object to hit the UAV. This project aims to avoid such unwanted collisions and damages of UAV. UAV is also used for surveillance that uses Voila-jones algorithm to detect and track humans. This algorithm uses cascade object detector function and vision. train function to train the algorithm. The main advantage of this code is the reduced processing time. The Python code was tested with the help of available database of video and image, the output was verified.
Outer structure of the Galactic warp and flare: explaining the Canis Major over-density

Aims. In this paper we derive the structure of the Galactic stellar warp and flare. Methods. We use 2MASS red clump and red giant stars, selected at mean and fixed heliocentric distances of $R_{\odot}\simeq3$, 7 and 17 kpc. Results. Our results can be summarized as follows: (i) a clear stellar warp signature is derived for the 3 selected rings, proving that the warp starts already within the solar circle; (ii) the derived stellar warp is consistent (both in amplitude and phase-angle) with that for the Galactic interstellar dust and neutral atomic hydrogen; (iii) the consistency and regularity of the stellar-gaseous warp is traced out to about $R_{\rm GC}\sim20$ kpc; (iv) the Sun seems not to fall on the line of nodes. The stellar warp phase-angle orientation ($\phi\sim15^{\circ}$) is close to the orientation angle of the Galactic bar and this, most importantly, produces an asymmetric warp for the inner $R_{\odot}\simeq3$ and 7 kpc rings; (v) a Northern/Southern warp symmetry is observed only for the ring at $R_{\odot}\simeq17$ kpc, at which the dependency on ϕ is weakened; (vi) treating a mixture of thin and thick disk stellar populations, we trace the variation with R GC of the disk thickness (flaring) and derive an almost constant scale-height (~0.65 kpc) within $R_{\rm GC}\sim15$ kpc. Further out, the disk flaring increase gradually reaching a mean scale-height of ~1.5 kpc at $R_{\rm GC}\sim23$ kpc; (vii) the derived outer disk warping and flaring provide further robust evidence that there is no disk radial truncation at $R_{\rm GC}\sim14$ kpc. Conclusions. In the particular case of the Canis Major (CMa) over-density we confirm its coincidence with the Southern stellar maximum warp occurring near $l\sim240^{\circ}$ (for $R_{\odot}\simeq7$ kpc) which brings down the Milky Way mid-plane by ~$3^{\circ}$ in this direction. The regularity and consistency of the stellar, gaseous and dust warp argues strongly against a recent merger scenario for Canis Major. We present evidence to conclude that all observed parameters (e.g. number density, radial velocities, proper motion etc) of CMa are consistent with it being a normal Milky Way outer-disk population, thereby leaving no justification for more complex interpretations of its origin. The present analysis or outer disk structure does not provide a conclusive test of the structure or origin of the Monoceros Ring. Nevertheless, we show that a warped flared Milky Way contributes significantly at the locations of the Monoceros Ring. Comparison of outer Milky Way $\ion{H}{i}$ and CO properties with those of other galaxies favors the suggestion that complex structures close to planar in outer disks are common, and are a natural aspect of warped and flaring disks.
Burr prediction due to flank wear in end-milling

A new model to predict burr formation due to tool wear of a cutting tool in end-milling is proposed. The model shows that the burr sizes vary according to flank wear of a cutting tool. A system was developed to simulate burr to be formed at each edge point on machined surfaces based on flank wear of a cutting tool and cutting conditions by using the proposed model. In addition, the experimental works of steel with a 0.45% carbon and aluminum alloy AlMg0.5Si with solid carbide tools was executed to investigate the relationship between burr size and tool flank wear, and comparison between experimental results and predicted results was discussed. The comparison results showed that the proposed model could help to predict burr size under the effect of tool flank wear with high accuracy.
The Globular Cluster Systems of the Early-Type Galaxies NGC 3379, NGC 4406, and NGC 4594 and Implications for Galaxy Formation

We have investigated the global properties of the globular cluster (GC) systems of three early-type galaxies: the Virgo Cluster elliptical NGC 4406, the field elliptical NGC 3379, and the field S0 galaxy NGC 4594. These galaxies were observed as part of a wide-field CCD survey of the GC populations of a large sample of normal galaxies beyond the Local Group. Images obtained with the Mosaic detector on the Kitt Peak 4 m telescope provide radial coverage to at least 24′, or ∼70–100 kpc. We use BVR photometry and image classification to select GC candidates and thereby reduce contamination from non-GCs, as well as Hubble Space Telescope WFPC2 data to help quantify the contamination that remains. The GC systems of all three galaxies have color distributions with at least two peaks and show modest negative color gradients. The proportions of blue GCs range from 60% to 70% of the total populations. The GC specific frequency (SN) of NGC 4406 is 3.5 ± 0.5, ∼20% lower than past estimates and nearly identical to SN for the other Virgo Cluster elliptical included in our survey, NGC 4472. SN for NGC 3379 and NGC 4594 are 1.2 ± 0.3 and 2.1 ± 0.3, respectively; these are similar to past values, but the errors have been reduced by a factor of 2–3. We compare our results for the early-type sample (including NGC 4472) to models for the formation of massive galaxies and their GC systems. Of the scenarios we consider, a hierarchical merging picture, in which metal-poor GCs form at high redshift in protogalactic building blocks and metal-rich GC populations are built up over time during subsequent gas-rich mergers, appears most consistent with the data.
Elevated peptide YY levels in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa.

BACKGROUND Peptide YY (PYY) is an intestinally derived anorexigen that acts via the Y2 receptor, and Y2 receptor deletion in rodents increases bone formation. Anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with a deliberate reduction in food intake and low bone density, but endocrine modulators of food intake in AN are not known. In addition, known regulators of bone turnover, such as GH, cortisol, and estrogen, explain only a fraction of the variability in bone turnover marker levels. HYPOTHESES We hypothesized that PYY may be elevated in AN compared with controls and may contribute to decreased food intake and bone formation. METHODS Fasting PYY was examined in 23 AN girls and 21 healthy adolescents 12-18 yr old. We also examined GH, cortisol, ghrelin, and leptin (overnight frequent sampling) and fasting IGF-I, estradiol, total T3, and bone markers. Macronutrient intake and resting energy expenditure (REE) were measured. RESULTS AN girls had higher PYY levels compared with controls (17.8 +/- 10.2 vs. 4.8 +/- 4.3 pg/ml; P < 0.0001). Predictors of log PYY were nutritional markers, including body mass index (r = -0.62; P < 0.0001), fat mass (r = -0.55; P = 0.0003), and REE (r = -0.51; P = 0.0006), and hormones, including GH (r = 0.38; P = 0.004) and T3 (r = -0.59; P = 0.0001). Body mass index, fat mass, REE, GH, and T3 explained 68% of the variability of log PYY. Log PYY predicted percentage of calories from fat (r = -0.56; P = 0.0002) and independently predicted osteocalcin (r = -0.45; P = 0.003), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (r = -0.46; P = 0.003), N-telopeptide/creatinine (r = -0.55; P = 0.0003), and deoxypyridinoline/creatinine (r = -0.52; P = 0.001) on regression modeling. CONCLUSION Elevated PYY may contribute to reduced intake and decreased bone turnover in AN.
Safeguarding Childhood: Early Intervention and Surveillance in a Late Modern Society

Following the Children Act 2004 and the launch of the ‘Every Child Matters: Change for Children’ programme, England has embarked on the most ambitious changes in children’s services for over a generation. While the government presented the changes as a response to the Laming Report into the death of Victoria Climbie, they are much more than this. They build on a number of ideas and policies which had been developed over a number of years, which emphasise the importance of intervening in children’s lives at an early stage in order to prevent problems in later life. This paper provides a critical analysis of the assumptions which underpin the changes and argues that the relationships between parents, children, professionals and the state, and their respective responsibilities, are being reconfigured as a result, and that the priority given to the accumulation, monitoring and exchange of electronic information has taken on a central significance. What we are witnessing is the emergence of the ‘preventive-surveillance’ state, where the role of the state is becoming broader, more interventive and regulatory at the same time.
The effect of a heavy exercise program on the distribution of pancreatic hormones in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat.

CONTEXT Exercise training has long been utilized as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy in the management of diabetes. OBJECTIVES The effects of a heavy exercise training program on the distribution of insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide in pancreatic islet cells of diabetic rats was investigated. ANIMALS Forty male Wistar rats. DESIGN The animals were divided into 4 groups: control sedentary, diabetic sedentary, control heavy exercise, and diabetic heavy exercise. INTERVENTION Diabetes was induced with a single injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg i.p.). The exercise program included five 60-min sessions per week, speed 18 m/min with a running belt at a 5% incline and began 1 week after the streptozotocin treatment and continued for 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Immunohistochemistry was used to label insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide in islet cells. RESULTS The percentage of insulin-positive cells was significantly lower in islets from diabetic rats (24.2+/-2.3%) as compared to the controls (87.5+/-2.0%). The percentage of glucagon-positive cells was significantly higher in islets from diabetic rats (44.0+/-1.7%) as compared to the controls (34.7+/-2.1%). The percentage of pancreatic polypeptide-positive cells was also significantly higher in islets from diabetic rats (20.8+/-1.6%) as compared to the controls (12.7+/-1.8%). The percentage of somatostatin-positive cells was not significantly altered in islets from diabetic rats (28.2+/-2.0%) as compared to the controls (21.9+/-2.7%). Heavy exercise did not significantly alter insulin, glucagon, pancreatic peptide or somatostatin labeling in either diabetic or control rats. CONCLUSIONS Alterations in the distribution of pancreatic hormones in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, a model of type 1 diabetes, are not improved with heavy exercise.
Top Management Team Members’ Decision Influence and Cooperative Behaviour: An Empirical Study in the Information Technology Industry

Organizational leadership is generally distributed between the chief executive officer (CEO) and the top management team (TMT) members. Building on this observation, we present an empirical investigation of the cues for CEOs to delegate decision‐making influence to particular TMT members. In the literature, explanations both based on expertise and driven by similarity are described. In this study, we reconcile both explanations by examining the moderating role of the TMT's level of ‘cooperative behaviour’ (collaboration and information exchange). We analyse when and in what circumstances TMT members’ expertise and similarity to the CEO regarding his/her functional background and/or locus‐of‐control predict their decision‐making influence. We postulate that TMT cooperative behaviour will advance the effect of expertise on TMT members’ decision influence but impede the effect of similarity to the CEO. Our hypotheses are tested on a data set of 135 TMT members from 32 Dutch and Belgian information technology firms. Overall, we find that our proposed research model is confirmed for technology‐oriented decisions. Furthermore, we draw exploratory conclusions about the effect of TMT cooperative behaviour on the systematic distribution of decision influence in TMTs.
Intrastriatal Transforming Growth Factor α Delivery to a Model of Parkinson's Disease Induces Proliferation and Migration of Endogenous Adult Neural Progenitor Cells without Differentiation into Dopaminergic Neurons

We examined the cell proliferative, neurogenic, and behavioral effects of transforming growth factor α (TGFα) in a 6-OHDA Parkinson's disease model when compared with naive rats. Intrastriatal TGFα infusion induced significant proliferation, hyperplastic nodules, and substantial migratory waves of nestin-positive progenitor cells from the adult subventricular zone (SVZ) of dopamine-denervated rats. Interestingly, SVZ cells in naive rats displayed proliferation but minimal migration in response to the TGFα infusion. The cells in the expanded SVZ accumulated cytoplasmic β-catenin, indicating activation of classical Wnt signaling. However, no evidence of any neuronal differentiation was found of these recruited progenitor cells anywhere examined in the brain. Consequently, no evidence of dopaminergic (DA) neurogenesis was found in the striatum or substantia nigra in any experimental group, and amphetamine-induced behavioral rotations did not improve. In summary, the cells in the TGFα-induced migratory cellular wave remain undifferentiated and do not differentiate into midbrain-like DA neurons.
Performance improvement of two-hop cooperative relay system under correlated Ricean fadings

This paper studies performance of two-hop cooperative relaying system employing regenerative decode-and-forward (DF) technique. Infrastructure based relay equipped with dual-polarized antenna is assumed, performing maximal ratio combining of the received signals. Link between the source and the relay is characterized as two correlated and non-identical Ricean fading channels. There is also direct communication between the source and the destination. In order to determine the level of improvement introduced through the implementation of polarization diversity, performances of the considered system are compared with the DF relay system with single antenna relay. The obtained results show that, using polarization diversity, the same BER (Bit Error Rate) values can be obtained with significantly lower SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio), despite a certain level of correlation and power unbalance between the diversity branches. In that manner, compared to the system with no diversity, the total needed transmit power for achieving the same level of system performances is reduced, and thus more energy efficient communication is enabled.
Bacterial persistence increases as environmental fitness decreases

Since persister cells cause chronic infections and since Escherichia coli toxin MqsR increases persisters, we used protein engineering to increase the toxicity of MqsR to gain insights into persister cell formation. Through two amino acid replacements that increased the stability of MqsR, toxicity and persistence were increased. A whole‐transcriptome study revealed that the MqsR variant increased persistence by repressing genes for acid resistance, multidrug resistance and osmotic resistance. Corroborating these microarray results, deletion of rpoS, as well as the genes that the master stress response regulator RpoS controls, increased persister formation dramatically to the extent that nearly the whole population became persistent. Furthermore, wild‐type cells stressed by prior treatment to acid or hydrogen peroxide increased persistence 12 000‐fold. Whole‐transcriptome analyses of persister cells generated by two different methods (wild‐type cells pretreated with hydrogen peroxide and the rpoS deletion) corroborated the importance of suppressing RpoS in persister cell formation. Therefore, the more toxic MqsR increases persistence by decreasing the ability of the cell to respond to antibiotic stress through its RpoS‐based regulation of acid resistance, multidrug resistance and osmotic resistance systems.
MEASURING DISTRIBUTION MODEL RISK

We propose to interpret distribution model risk as sensitivity of expected loss to changes in the risk factor distribution, and to measure the distribution model risk of a portfolio by the maximum expected loss over a set of plausible distributions defined in terms of some divergence from an estimated distribution. The divergence may be relative entropy or another f‐divergence or Bregman distance. We use the theory of minimizing convex integral functionals under moment constraints to give formulae for the calculation of distribution model risk and to explicitly determine the worst case distribution from the set of plausible distributions. We also evaluate related risk measures describing divergence preferences.
The Persistence of Female Labor Supply: Empirical Evidence and Implications

Previous research has shown that female hours of work are very persistent over women's lifetimes-that women tend to be either workers or nonworkers. This paper uses PSID data from 1967 to 1987 to examine changes in persistence over time. The overall finding is that there is little change in persistence because as women entered the labor force in greater numbers they tended to become continuous workers, replacing continuous nonworkers. Among older women, spells of reduced hours are now less prolonged (holding constant a fixed effect). Among young women, the persistence of hours has increased slightly over time, and patterns of employment now appear to develop prior to marriage and continue into the married years.