Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trial and error in influential social networks

In this paper, we introduce a trial-and-error model to study information diffusion in a social network. Specifically, in every discrete period, all individuals in the network concurrently try a new technology or product with certain respective probabilities. If it turns out that an individual observes a better utility, he will then adopt the trial; otherwise, the individual continues to choose his prior selection. We first demonstrate that the trial and error behavior of individuals characterizes certain global community structures of a social network, from which we are able to detect macro-communities through the observation of micro-behavior of individuals. We run simulations on classic benchmark testing graphs, and quite surprisingly, the results show that the trial and error dynamics even outperforms the Louvain method (a popular modularity maximization approach) if individuals have dense connections within communities. This gives a solid justification of the model. We then study the influence maximization problem in the trial-and-error dynamics. We give a heuristic algorithm based on community detection and provide experiments on both testing and large scale collaboration networks. Simulation results show that our algorithm significantly outperforms several well-studied heuristics including degree centrality and distance centrality in almost all of the scenarios. Our results reveal the relation between the budget that an advertiser invests and marketing strategies, and indicate that the mixing parameter, a benchmark evaluating network community structures, plays a critical role for information diffusion.
Informal insurance, public transfers and consumption smoothing

In developing countries, public programs in the form of food aid distribution are often meant to protect vulnerable households from consumption downturns by providing a safety net. Few studies have evaluated the impact of these programs. Furthermore, households often use a variety of informal mechanisms to cope with risk. We look into the extent to which food aid helps to smooth consumption by reducing the impact of negative shocks, controlling for program placement effects and informal risk-sharing. Using panel data from Ethiopia, we find that despite poor targeting, the programs reduce some of the vulnerability to common shocks via intra-village risk sharing.
EFFECT OF FOOD SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE WHITE BLOOD CELLS COUNT AND DIFFERENTIAL LEUCOCYTES COUNT OF TRYPANOSOME-INFECTED PREGNANT RATS

Trypanosomiasis is an important livestock disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Improvement on host\'s nutrition is mportant in moderating the severity of pathophysiological efect of trypanosomiasis and it also influences the rate of recovery. Earlier researchers demonstrated that dietary supplement of selenium and vitamin E enhanced immune response in white rats. It has also been reported that during pregnancy, immune response is depressed. Leucocytes count has been recognized as a measure of immune response. This research was therefore conducted using chicks\' marsh fortified with 80 mg of vitamin E and 0.3 mg of selenum as control (Diet 1) to determine theefect of dietary suppementaton ofmoderate protein (combinaton of 250 g of corn meal, 240 g soyabean meal and 10 g of crayfish) inthe chicks\' mash (Diet 2), high dietary protein (combination of 400 g of caseinogen and 300 g o soyabean meal) (Diet 3), and high detary carbohydrate (combinaton of 400 g dextrose and 300 g cornmeal) (Diet 4) in the chicks\' mash on the white blood cells count and differential leucocytes count of trypanosome-infected pregnant rats. Dies 1 – 4 were given to rats in Cage A – D, respectively. The rats were nfected withtrypanosomes within 10th to 14th day of pregnancy. Each experimental set up was replicated three times. On comparing the total white blood cell counts of all the rats fed differen diets, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the rats in Cage A (fed Det 1) and rats in Cage B (fed Diet 2), and similarly between rats in Cage C (ed Diet 3) and rats in Cage D (fed Diet 4). There was,however, significant difference (P Keywords : Trypanosomiasis, Nutrition, Leucocytes count, Immune response Animal Research International Vol. 4 (2) 2007 pp. 643-646
Formulation and Evaluation of Controlled-Release Tablet of Zolpidem Tartrate by Melt Granulation Technique

The present investigation describes the influence of the concentration of PEG 6000 as a melt binder and ratio of HPMC K4M : PVP on Zolpidem tartrate controlled-release tablet formulations using 32 full factorial design. The ratio of HPMC K4M and PVP K30 (X 1) and the concentration of melt binder (X 2) were selected as independent variables, and drug release at 1 hr (Q 1), 4 hr (Q 4), 8 hr (Q 8), diffusion coefficient (n), and release rate constant (K) were selected as a dependent variable. Tablets were prepared by melt granulation technique and evaluated for various evaluation parameters. It was observed that concentration of melt binder had significant effect on Q 1, Q 4, n, and K Binder concentration 25% w/w was found optimum. Optimized formulation (F 7) showed good similarity with theoretical profile of drug. The X 2 variable had a significant effect on dependent variables, and the X 1 variable had no significant effect on dependent variables.
A robot as fitness companion: Towards an interactive action-based motivation model

The topic of motivation is a crucial issue for various human-robot interaction (HRI) scenarios. Interactional aspects of motivation can be studied in human-human interaction (HHI) and build the basis for modeling a robot's interactional conduct. Using an ethnographic approach we explored the factors relevant in the formation of motivation-relevant processes in an indoor-cycling activity. We propose an interactive, action-based motivation model for HRI that has been implemented in an autonomous robot system and tested during a long-term HRI study. The model is based on micro-analyses of human indoor cycling courses and resulted in an adaption of specific dialog patterns for HRI. A qualitative evaluation - accompanied by a quantitative analysis - demonstrated that the transfer of interaction patterns from HHI to HRI was successful with participants benefitting from the interaction experience (e.g., performance, subjective feeling of being motivated).
Toward Effective Social Contagion: A Micro Level Analysis of the Impact of Dyadic Network Relationship

Social advertising holds the potential to reshape the traditional advertising industry. Understanding what leads to effective social contagion at the dyadic level lies at the core of cost-effective social advertising strategies. This paper is the first attempt to comprehensively study the effect of dyadic network relationship on social contagion in directed networks. This paper reveals several intriguing findings of great importance to social media marketers: (1) reciprocal followers of adopters are less likely to be influenced than non-reciprocal followers, as moderated by the popularity and novelty of information; (2) social media users pay attention to their followers’ tastes while making the adoption decision; (3) the number of common mutual followers has opposite effects on the dyadic influence between reciprocal (positive) and non-reciprocal (negative) ties. In addition, this paper provides a novel model to identify social influence when adoption events are caused by multiple sources.
Analysis and comparison of fast break in top level handball matches

The aim of this study was to describe an alternative approach in order to estimate the level of specific endurance (stamina) via video-analysis in handball athletes, which is required during the whole game. One thousand five hundred three (1503) attacks from 15 matches of 8 teams participating in the first division of the 2003 National Men’s Handball Championship were studied. For the analysis, all attacks were recorded and categorized based on the type of fast break. Furthermore, for each type of attack the outcome of the shot (goal, riposte, missed goal) and the offensive errors were recorded. All the fast break attempts (successful ones or not) were taken into consideration. The data analysis was conducted using Crosstabulation and chi-square tests. The results revealed that, during the first half, the 1st and 2nd wave were used in a percentage of 45,9% and 54,1%, respectively (p<0.05), although during the second half the percentage of each type was 63,3% and 36,7%, respectively (p<0.05). The third wave of fast break was not recorded. The number of successful attempts of fast break in the first half (77,1%) was greater than in the 2nd half (66,9%) (p<0.05). During the first half the frequency of the 1st wave (45,9%) was lower than that in the 2nd wave (54,1%) (p<0.05). However, during the second half the 1st wave’s frequency (63,3%) was greater compared to the 2nd wave’s (36,7%) (p<0.05). The form of analysis which was used to record, research and compare the frequency of appearance of fast break showed a reduction of fast break in the second half compared to the first half. There was also a significant difference between the two half times regarding the successful and unsuccessful fast breaks. The results may indicate some influence of training specificity and provide suggestions to coaches regarding the organisation of handball training drills that will possibly lead to an increase in explosive power.
Online Learners’ Reading Ability Detection Based on Eye-Tracking Sensors

The detection of university online learners’ reading ability is generally problematic and time-consuming. Thus the eye-tracking sensors have been employed in this study, to record temporal and spatial human eye movements. Learners’ pupils, blinks, fixation, saccade, and regression are recognized as primary indicators for detecting reading abilities. A computational model is established according to the empirical eye-tracking data, and applying the multi-feature regularization machine learning mechanism based on a Low-rank Constraint. The model presents good generalization ability with an error of only 4.9% when randomly running 100 times. It has obvious advantages in saving time and improving precision, with only 20 min of testing required for prediction of an individual learner’s reading ability.
Re-Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Web-based Learning System: A Comparative Case Study

Much is unknown about the effectiveness of networked technology in education. Although a great deal of research exists dealing with the effectiveness of various types of web-based learning systems, the focal question of most evaluation studies does not concern the innovation of the delivery model itself and the factors that contribute to its effectiveness. Moreover, there is a lack of a theoretical or conceptual framework in many existing studies. The authors applied a systematic evaluation method (called CADMOS-E), and present the quantitative and qualitative results of a re-evaluation study on the effectiveness of a web-based learning system used at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Greece, over a period of three years (1998, 1999, and 2000). The system supports an introductory course in software engineering offered by the Software Engineering Laboratory of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the NTUA. The findings were compared with the results from a study done in 1997. According to that study the “quality of the learning material” alone explained almost 28% of the system’s effectiveness (R2adj.= .278). After its first evaluation the system underwent a number of revisions and additions suggested by the results from quantitative and qualitative analysis of students’ feedback. In this article, among
" T he Harder it Gets " : Exploring the Interdependency of Input Modalities and Task Complexity in Human-Robot Collaboration

To enhance successful cooperation in human-robot collaboration tasks, many factors have to be considered. We assume, that for specific levels of task complexity, there is always one complementing input modality which increases the corresponding user satisfaction and performance. In order to identify the ideal mix of these elements, we present two experiments in this paper. T he first study was in a public space and the second in a controlled laboratory environment. Besides investigating the correlation of task complexity and input modality, we explored, whether the appearance of the robot also has an impact, within the lab environment. We identified strong interdependencies between task complexity and input modalities. Specifically with hard tasks, differences in performance and satisfaction were often highly significant. Additionally we found, that the perceived task complexity was strongly dependent on the cognitive workload, driven by the used input modality, which also emphasized the strong coherency of these factors. Regarding the influence of the appearance of the robot, we found, that the human-like shape increases users' self confidence, to be able to solve a task without help.
A First Look at the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Personality Disorders Screening Questionnaire: More Than Just a Screener?

Abstract This study examined the psychometrics of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM -1V Personality Disorders Personality Questionnaire (SC1D-IIP) self-report personality questionnaire. The responses to the instrument were found reliable and evidenced good self-other convergence. Correlations with external criteria showed the SCID-III’ to contain broad personological information. The scale s basis in DSM - IV nosology makes it a potentially important tool for clinical research.
Microbiological Contamination of Drinking Water Associated with Subsequent Child Diarrhea

We used a prospective, longitudinal cohort enrolled as part of a program evaluation to assess the relationship between drinking water microbiological quality and child diarrhea. We included 50 villages across rural Bangladesh. Within each village field-workers enrolled a systematic random sample of 10 households with a child under the age of 3 years. Community monitors visited households monthly and recorded whether children under the age of 5 years had diarrhea in the preceding 2 days. Every 3 months, a research assistant visited the household and requested a water sample from the source or container used to provide drinking water to the child. Laboratory technicians measured the concentration of Escherichia coli in the water samples using membrane filtration. Of drinking water samples, 59% (2,273/3,833) were contaminated with E. coli. Of 12,192 monthly follow-up visits over 2 years, mothers reported that their child had diarrhea in the preceding 2 days in 1,156 (9.5%) visits. In a multivariable general linear model, the log10 of E. coli contamination of the preceding drinking water sample was associated with an increased prevalence of child diarrhea (prevalence ratio = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.23). These data provide further evidence of the health benefits of improved microbiological quality of drinking water.
On addressing ‘Whiteness’ during clinical psychology training

In discussing ‘Whiteness’, a context is provided as to current issues facing British clinical psychology, with an overview of the history of clinical psychology in the United Kingdom, and a particular focus on how issues of immigration, diversity, and racism have been addressed. Following this, the constantly changing training context of clinical psychologists within Britain is explored, with lacunae evident around confronting institutional racism and Black trainee experiences. The history of addressing this issue within the University of East London’s clinical psychology training programme is outlined, as well as the recent introduction of workshops to focus on ‘Whiteness’ and ‘decolonising’ the profession, in response to consistent trainee concerns. This is integrated with respect to focusing on the sorts of psychologists that might be needed to advance and transform the profession positively in the current global political climate.
The Implementation of Cooperative Learning Model STAD to Students Learning Outcome at SMA N 8 Padangsidimpuan

This study aims to look at the differences in mathematics learning outcomes and activities of students taught through the implementation of cooperative learning model STAD STAD that does not apply in class X SMA 8 Padangsidimpuan. This research is a quasi-experimental design with two-group pretest posttest. The subjects of this study were all students of class X SMA N 8 Padangsidimpuan. The sample selection, cluster random sampling, is applied as an experimental class of cooperative learning model type Student Teams Achievement Division (STAD) and grade control applied learning Conventional. The instruments are used in research in iS the form of essays that have been declared invalid by a team of experts. The final conclusion is that the learning outcomes of students who apply learning model type Cooperative Learning Student Teams Achievement (STAD) is better than the results of student learning with conventional learning. Keywords: Cooperative Learning Model Type of Student Teams Achievement (STAD), Learning Outcomes.
Oritavancin for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections: an evidence-based review

The emergence of resistance to glycopeptide antibiotics such as vancomycin and teicoplanin among Gram-positive bacteria has spurred the search for second-generation drugs of this class. Oritavancin, a promising novel, second-generation, semisynthetic lipoglycopeptide, is distinguished by two mechanisms of action: inhibition of cell wall synthesis and disruption of the cell membrane. This dual mechanism of action has increased the activity of oritavancin against vancomycin-resistant Gram-positive bacteria compared to other glycopeptides. Oritavancin has a concentration-dependent and rapid bactericidal activity against Gram-positive bacteria, particularly enterococci, contrary to vancomycin and teicoplanin, which exhibit bacteriostatic activity. It has a long half-life of about 195.4 hours and is slowly eliminated by the liver and kidneys, allowing once-daily dosing. Oritavancin has demonstrated preliminary safety and efficacy in Phase I and Phase II clinical trials. It was recently shown to be noninferior to vancomycin in a large Phase III randomized, double-blind clinical trial. To date, adverse events have been mild and limited, the most common being administration site complaints, headache, and nausea. Oritavancin appears to be a promising antimicrobial alternative to vancomycin with additional activity against Staphylococcus and Enterococcus isolates resistant to vancomycin and a more convenient way of administration.
Lack of Collagen XV Impairs Peripheral Nerve Maturation and, When Combined with Laminin-411 Deficiency, Leads to Basement Membrane Abnormalities and Sensorimotor Dysfunction

Although the Schwann cell basement membrane (BM) is required for normal Schwann cell terminal differentiation, the role of BM-associated collagens in peripheral nerve maturation is poorly understood. Collagen XV is a BM zone component strongly expressed in peripheral nerves, and we show that its absence in mice leads to loosely packed axons in C-fibers and polyaxonal myelination. The simultaneous lack of collagen XV and another peripheral nerve component affecting myelination, laminin α4, leads to severely impaired radial sorting and myelination, and the maturation of the nerve is permanently compromised, contrasting with the slow repair observed in Lama4−/− single knock-out mice. Moreover, the Col15a1−/−;Lama4−/− double knock-out (DKO) mice initially lack C-fibers and, even over 1 year of age have only a few, abnormal C-fibers. The Lama4−/− knock-out results in motor and tactile sensory impairment, which is exacerbated by a simultaneous Col15a1−/− knock-out, whereas sensitivity to heat-induced pain is increased in the DKO mice. Lack of collagen XV results in slower sensory nerve conduction, whereas the Lama4−/− and DKO mice exhibit increased sensory nerve action potentials and decreased compound muscle action potentials; x-ray diffraction revealed less mature myelin in the sciatic nerves of the latter than in controls. Ultrastructural analyses revealed changes in the Schwann cell BM in all three mutants, ranging from severe (DKO) to nearly normal (Col15a1−/−). Collagen XV thus contributes to peripheral nerve maturation and C-fiber formation, and its simultaneous deletion from neural BM zones with laminin α4 leads to a DKO phenotype distinct from those of both single knock-outs.
Emphasis Change and Verbal Elaboration in Skill Acquisition: A Tale of Two Components

The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between multiple emphasis on components (MEC) and verbal elaboration in the acquisition of a complex skill. Participants were trained using either MEC or emphasis on total score (TOT), with or without verbal elaboration between training modules. Results indicated low-aptitude learners performed better when trained with the MEC protocol than with the TOT protocol, but high-aptitude learners benefited from verbal elaborations. Analysis of the component scores indicated that the combined effects of verbal elaboration and MEC disrupted components representing implicit processing, and enhanced components representing explicit processes. These findings are consistent with other research on verbal elaboration and suggest that care must be taken when combining verbal elaboration with emphasis change instructions. More importantly, these results suggest ways to effectively combine the two protocols.
Simulating IGM Reionization

We have studied the IGM reionization process in its full cosmological context including structure evolution and a realistic galaxy population. We have used a combination of high-resolution N-body simulations (to describe the dark matter and diffuse gas component), a semi-analytic model of galaxy formation (to track the evolution of the sources of ionizing radiation) and the Monte Carlo radiative transfer code CRASH (to follow the propagation of ionizing photons into the IGM). The process has been followed in the largest volume ever used for this kind of study, a field region of the universe with a comoving length of L~20/h Mpc, embedded in a much larger cosmological simulation. To assess the effect of environment on the reionization process, the same radiative transfer simulations have been performed on a 10/h Mpc comoving box, centered on a clustered region. We find that, to account for the all ionizing radiation, objects with total masses of M~10^9 Msun must be resolved. In this case, the simulated stellar population produces a volume averaged ionization fraction x_v=0.999 by z~8, consistent with observations without requiring any additional sources of ionization. We also find that environment substantially affects the reionization process. In fact, although the simulated proto-cluster occupies a smaller volume and produces a higher number of ionizing photons, it gets totally ionized later. This is because high density regions, which are more common in the proto-cluster, are difficult to ionize because of their high recombination rates.