Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cross-media semantic representation via bi-directional learning to rank

In multimedia information retrieval, most classic approaches tend to represent different modalities of media in the same feature space. Existing approaches take either one-to-one paired data or uni-directional ranking examples (i.e., utilizing only text-query-image ranking examples or image-query-text ranking examples) as training examples, which do not make full use of bi-directional ranking examples (bi-directional ranking means that both text-query-image and image-query-text ranking examples are utilized in the training period) to achieve a better performance. In this paper, we consider learning a cross-media representation model from the perspective of optimizing a listwise ranking problem while taking advantage of bi-directional ranking examples. We propose a general cross-media ranking algorithm to optimize the bi-directional listwise ranking loss with a latent space embedding, which we call Bi-directional Cross-Media Semantic Representation Model (Bi-CMSRM). The latent space embedding is discriminatively learned by the structural large margin learning for optimization with certain ranking criteria (mean average precision in this paper) directly. We evaluate Bi-CMSRM on the Wikipedia and NUS-WIDE datasets and show that the utilization of the bi-directional ranking examples achieves a much better performance than only using the uni-directional ranking examples.
Evolution of a double-exponential pulse signal in a rectangular cavity filled with a plasma

Goal of this study is to present an evolutionary approach for the analysis of waveforms which can be excited by a pulse signal in a rectangular cavity filled with a plasma and bounded by perfect electric conductor surfaces. Maxwell's equations with time-derivative supplemented with initial conditions have been solved under the principle of causality. Dynamic version of the Ohm's law for plasma was involved in the system of Maxwell's equations as the constitutive relation between the plasma current vector and the electric field. Solutions have been obtained explicitly in the form of convolution integrals.
Genome-wide analyses to investigate the genetic factors underlying specific psychotic experiences in adolescence and their overlap with psychiatric disorders

Psychotic experiences (PEs) are non-clinical traits, which at the extreme resemble symptoms of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. PEs during adolescence have been associated with a range of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. Adolescent PEs are moderately heritable, however no genetic variant has been associated with adolescent PEs at genome-wide significance. There are limited and mixed findings regarding a common genetic overlap between adolescent PEs and psychiatric disorders. Following a systematic review of previous studies using genome-wide genetic data to investigate adolescent PEs, this thesis sets out to improve upon previous research through two main approaches: 1) the use of specific and quantitative measures of adolescent PEs, and 2) the combined analysis of multiple samples. In Chapter 2, a GWAS (genome-wide association study) is performed using specific and quantitative measures of adolescent PEs using the TEDS (Twins Early Development Study) sample. In Chapter 3, the procedure in which phenotypic data is normalised and controlled for covariates is investigated. The remainder of the thesis is based on the combined analysis of three European adolescent samples (TEDS and two others) with available PE data. In Chapter 4, the phenotypic data relating to PEs within each sample are harmonised to create four measures assessing specific PE traits that are comparable across samples. These four traits are Paranoia and Hallucinations, Cognitive Disorganisation, Anhedonia, and Parent-rated Negative Symptoms. In Chapter 5, mega-GWASs of the four specific PE traits (N = 6,297-10,098) are performed across the three samples to highlight associated genetic variation. Chapter 6 then estimates the variance in specific PEs, and the covariance between PEs, that is attributable to common genetic variation. Chapter 4 7 uses both polygenic risk scoring and LD-score regression to test for common genetic overlap between specific adolescent PEs and schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. This thesis provides evidence that specific PEs during adolescence show common genetic effects, and have a common genetic overlap with psychiatric disorders, specifically schizophrenia and major depression. The findings of this thesis are placed in the context of previous research, with a discussion of the limitations and future directions
An Assessment of Item Statistics Estimates of Basic Education Certificate Examination through Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory approach

In this study, the researchers assessed comparability of item statistics of 2017 basic education certificate mathematics examination of National Examinations Council (NECO) through Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT) measurement frameworks. The study adopted instrumentation design. A 60-item NECO basic education certificate education mathematics objective test paper I was administered to 978 basic nine examinees, randomly selected from Osogbo and Olorunda Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria. The responses of the examinees to the test data were analysed using Marginal Maximum Likelihood Estimation of JMETRIK software. The result showed that the test data obey the assumption of unidimensionality of 3-parameter logistic model and Classical Test Theory measurement framework deleted more items 33 (55%) compare to IRT measurement framework 12 (20%). Also, it was observed that item statistics from the two contrasting frameworks (CTT and IRT) were not comparable. Moreover, further analysis showed that there was low correlation among the item statistics index. The implication of this is that NECO should jettison the use of Classical Test Theory and embrace utilization of Item Response Theory framework during their test development and item analysis.
The utility of select psychological, behavioral, and affective dimensions in differentiating among categories of eating disturbances.

Three hundred twenty-six female undergraduate women participated in this investigation o f the relationship o f psychological, behavioral, and affective dimensions to categories o f eating disturbances as delineated by the Questionnaire o f Eating Disorders Diagnoses (QEDD). In addition to the Q-EDD, participants completed the Eating Disorder Inventory second edition (EDI-2), Beck Depression Inventory second edition (BDI-II), State Trait Anger Expression Inventory second edition (STAXI-2), and items from the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale. Discriminant analyses revealed that the select psychological, behavioral, and affective dimensions measured by these instruments were highly effective in differentiating between asymptomatic and symptomatic groups. Exploratory graphical analyses revealed that mean differences between the asymptomatic, symptomatic, and eating disordered groups were in the predicted direction for 10 o f the 11 EDI-2 scales. On the affective scales, the pattern o f differences among groups was more variable, although the same clear predicted pattern was observed for depression, trait anger, and suppressed anger. These results provide support for the validity o f the Q-EDD categories. These results further suggest that differences between groups may be better characterized as a matter o f the degree o f severity o f symptomatology, rather than substantive differences in the nature o f symptoms
Building and Structuring Knowledge That Could Actually Improve Instructional Practice

In our March editorial (Cai et al., 2018), we considered the problem of isolation in the work of teachers and researchers. In particular, we proposed ways to take advantage of emerging technological resources, such as online archives of student data linked to instructional activities and indexed by learning goals, to produce a professional knowledge base (Cai et al., 2017b, 2018). This proposal would refashion our conceptions of the nature and collection of data so that teachers, researchers, and teacher–researcher partnerships could benefit from the accumulated learning of ordinarily isolated groups. Although we have discussed the general parameters for such a system in previous editorials, in this editorial, we present a potential mechanism for accumulating learning into a professional knowledge base, a mechanism that involves collaboration between multiple teacher–researcher partnerships. To illustrate our ideas, we return once again to the collaboration between fourth-grade teacher Mr. Lovemath and mathematics education researcher Ms. Research, who are mentioned in our previous editorials (Cai et al., 2017a, 2017b).
Metformin Reduces Hepatic Expression of SIRT3, the Mitochondrial Deacetylase Controlling Energy Metabolism

Metformin inhibits ATP production in mitochondria and this may be involved in the anti-hyperglycemic effects of the drug. Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is a mitochondrial protein deacetylase that regulates the function of the electron transport chain and maintains basal ATP yield. We hypothesized that metformin treatment could diminish mitochondrial ATP production through downregulation of SIRT3 expression. Glucagon and cAMP induced SIRT3 mRNA in mouse primary hepatocytes. Metformin prevented SIRT3 induction by glucagon. Moreover, metformin downregulated constitutive expression of SIRT3 in primary hepatocytes and in the liver in vivo. Estrogen related receptor alpha (ERRα) mediates regulation of Sirt3 gene by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α). ERRα mRNA expression was regulated in a similar manner as SIRT3 mRNA by glucagon, cAMP and metformin. However, a higher metformin concentration was required for downregulation of ERRα than SIRT3. ERRα siRNA attenuated PGC-1α mediated induction of SIRT3, but did not affect constitutive expression. Overexpression of the constitutively active form of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) induced SIRT3 mRNA, indicating that the SIRT3 downregulation by metformin is not mediated by AMPK. Metformin reduced the hepatocyte ATP level. This effect was partially counteracted by SIRT3 overexpression. Furthermore, metformin decreased mitochondrial SIRT3 protein levels and this was associated with enhanced acetylation of several mitochondrial proteins. However, metformin increased mitochondrial mass in hepatocytes. Altogether, our results indicate that metformin attenuates mitochondrial expression of SIRT3 and suggest that this mechanism is involved in regulation of energy metabolism by metformin in the liver and may contribute to the therapeutic action of metformin.
Am I Expected to Be Ethical? A Role-Definition Perspective of Ethical Leadership and Unethical Behavior

Prior studies have demonstrated that leaders’ ethical behaviors have an impact on followers’ unethical behaviors, and yet the explanatory mechanisms in this relationship have not been fully explored. To further explicate the relationship between ethical leadership and unethical employee behavior, we adopted a role-based perspective and introduced the concept of role ethicality. That is, we explored the impact that leaders’ actions and voice behaviors, particularly regarding ethical issues, have on perceptions of ethical role requirements and in turn the effect such perceptions have on unethical behavior. In a field study involving 394 employees and 68 supervisors and a randomized experiment conducted with 121 working professionals, we find that as predicted, leaders’ behaviors and ethical voice have a significant influence on role ethicality, which in turn impacts unethical behavior. Based on our empirical findings, we describe the implications, limitations, and future directions relevant to this study.
Effect of temperature and light on seed germination of Erysimum naxense and Erysimum krendlii

Seed germination of two local Greek endemics was studied (Erysimum naxense, Erysimum krendlii). Seed viability was determined by using the tetrazolium method and germination was studied in synchronized cycles of five and four alternating temperatures [10/5 (for E. naxense only) and 15/10, 20/15, 25/20, and 30/25°C for both species, in cycles of 16 h day/8 h night], and in five light regimes (red, blue, green, white, and dark). Germination of E. naxense and E. krendlii seeds was determined daily for six and five weeks, respectively, with the data analyzed as viability adjusted accumulative seed germination at the end of each week. E. naxense’s seed viability was higher (90%) than that of E. krendlii (64%); seed germination (%) of both increased at low alternating temperatures (10/5°C, 15/10°C, 20/15°C). Germination of E. naxense seeds at low temperatures was light-independent, whereas at high temperatures it was increased with red light. Germination of E. krendlii seeds was inconsistently affected by light at the temperatures studied. Percentages of seed germination of both species were higher in experimental conditions similar to the ones of their natural habitats during autumn and/or spring (facilitated with Geographic Information Systems). These conclusions provide guidelines for species-specific propagation protocols and ex situ conservation.
AN APPROACH TO EVALUATING COMPUTER NETWORK SIMULATION TOOL SUPPORT FOR VERIFICATION AND VALIDATION

iii ABSTRACT Domain-specific tools are frequently used in modeling and simulation (M&S) of computer networks. While such tools are important to varying degrees across different stages of the modeling and simulation lifecycle, they can also impose major constraints on the expressivity of models, and limit the ability to carry out model verification and validation (V&V). An approach is devised for evaluating domain-specific M&S tools, in which one analyzes the model development process for each tool, and identifies key advantages and limitations that affect different aspects of development, particularly the ability to perform V&V. One then chooses a set of features based on one's requirements, which broadly capture the observed characteristics of the selected tools. After assigning a quantitative or qualitative rating to each tool with respect to each feature, one can assess the effectiveness of each tool for use in a given M&S project, based on the assigned ratings, and the importance of each feature to the project in question. This approach is demonstrated using OPNET IT Guru and the INET Framework, two domain-specific computer network M&S tools. It is found that both tools have certain distinct advantages and limitations, with IT Guru's user interface (UI) allowing for faster and more user-friendly model construction, while the source code included in INET provides a thorough and unambiguous description of model structure and behavior, which can be a crucial asset during V&V; conversely, model construction in INET tends to proceed more slowly, and requires a greater level of software engineering maturity on the part of the model developer, while IT Guru does not provide enough information on model structure and behavior to strongly support V&V. These and other observations determine the scores assigned for the set of features used to compare the two tools. Such an analysis allows one to determine if a given tool is likely to support V&V and other activities of model development. Some observations regarding future research in the evaluation of M&S tools are also presented.
Boston Naming Test performance in French-speaking Acadians

ABSTRACT Background: Standardized tools for the assessment of language and cognition for French Canadians are limited, especially for those living outside of Quebec, making it difficult for clinicians to diagnose and treat language and cognitive impairments. Acadians are an understudied, linguistically diverse group with varying levels of bilingualism in French and English that affords the opportunity to study naming performance in individuals with varying degrees of bilingualism. Aims: The goals of this investigation were threefold: a) to describe the naming performance of Acadians in French, including name agreement on individual Boston Naming Test (BNT) items and naming performance as a function of age and education; b) to investigate the effect of using different published datasets (Kaplan’s norms for English speakers and the Quebec naming dataset for French speakers) when calculating the naming ability level (i.e., high average, average, low average, borderline, and extremely low) on the BNT in French; and c) to examine the effects of bilingualism on BNT performance in French and English. Methods & Procedures: French-speaking Acadians (N = 119) aged 20–81 years (M = 44.3, SD = 14.49) completed a questionnaire self-reporting their language proficiency and use, followed by the administration of the BNT (Kaplan et al., 2001) in French. Outcomes & Results: Name agreement analyses revealed a high percentage of correct responses for many items, while other items were frequently described using regionalisms. Naming performance improved as a function of education, but there was no effect of age. The study also highlighted the effects of using different naming datasets to calculate each participant’s naming ability. Overall, the Acadian sample’s naming ability was lower than expected when calculating naming ability using either the Kaplan English norms (Kaplan et al, 2001) or the Quebec naming dataset for French speakers (Roberts & Doucet, 2011). Moreover, agreement in the naming ability level (from extremely low to high average) was poor. Consistent with previous studies, total BNT scores in French were significantly lower for French-speaking bilinguals (FS-BIs) compared to French-speaking unilinguals (FS-UNIs) after controlling for educational levels. It was also noted that French-English bilinguals performed better on the English compared to the French administration of the BNT. Conclusion: The results of this study support the need for a separate naming dataset for bilingual and French-speaking Acadians. Implications for the assessment of naming ability and deficits in clinical practice with French and French/English bilingual speakers are discussed.
The Effect of Visual Apparent Motion on Audiovisual Simultaneity

Visual motion information from dynamic environments is important in multisensory temporal perception. However, it is unclear how visual motion information influences the integration of multisensory temporal perceptions. We investigated whether visual apparent motion affects audiovisual temporal perception. Visual apparent motion is a phenomenon in which two flashes presented in sequence in different positions are perceived as continuous motion. Across three experiments, participants performed temporal order judgment (TOJ) tasks. Experiment 1 was a TOJ task conducted in order to assess audiovisual simultaneity during perception of apparent motion. The results showed that the point of subjective simultaneity (PSS) was shifted toward a sound-lead stimulus, and the just noticeable difference (JND) was reduced compared with a normal TOJ task with a single flash. This indicates that visual apparent motion affects audiovisual simultaneity and improves temporal discrimination in audiovisual processing. Experiment 2 was a TOJ task conducted in order to remove the influence of the amount of flash stimulation from Experiment 1. The PSS and JND during perception of apparent motion were almost identical to those in Experiment 1, but differed from those for successive perception when long temporal intervals were included between two flashes without motion. This showed that the result obtained under the apparent motion condition was unaffected by the amount of flash stimulation. Because apparent motion was produced by a constant interval between two flashes, the results may be accounted for by specific prediction. In Experiment 3, we eliminated the influence of prediction by randomizing the intervals between the two flashes. However, the PSS and JND did not differ from those in Experiment 1. It became clear that the results obtained for the perception of visual apparent motion were not attributable to prediction. Our findings suggest that visual apparent motion changes temporal simultaneity perception and improves temporal discrimination in audiovisual processing.
Determining mutations in G6PC and SLC37A4 genes in a sample of Brazilian patients with glycogen storage disease types Ia and Ib

Glycogen storage disease (GSD) comprises a group of autosomal recessive disorders characterized by deficiency of the enzymes that regulate the synthesis or degradation of glycogen. Types Ia and Ib are the most prevalent; while the former is caused by deficiency of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), the latter is associated with impaired glucose-6-phosphate transporter, where the catalytic unit of G6Pase is located. Over 85 mutations have been reported since the cloning of G6PC and SLC37A4 genes. In this study, twelve unrelated patients with clinical symptoms suggestive of GSDIa and Ib were investigated by using genetic sequencing of G6PC and SLC37A4 genes, being three confirmed as having GSD Ia, and two with GSD Ib. In seven of these patients no mutations were detected in any of the genes. Five changes were detected in G6PC, including three known point mutations (p.G68R, p.R83C and p.Q347X) and two neutral mutations (c.432G > A and c.1176T > C). Four changes were found in SLC37A4: a known point mutation (p.G149E), a novel frameshift insertion (c.1338_1339insT), and two neutral mutations (c.1287G > A and c.1076-28C > T). The frequency of mutations in our population was similar to that observed in the literature, in which the mutation p.R83C is also the most frequent one. Analysis of both genes should be considered in the investigation of this condition. An alternative explanation to the negative results in this molecular study is the possibility of a misdiagnosis. Even with a careful evaluation based on laboratory and clinical findings, overlap with other types of GSD is possible, and further molecular studies should be indicated.
Cyclical Behavior of Occupational Choices and Wages

A dynamic-general-equilibrium-assignment model is developed. Agents self-select into managerial, production, or non-market tasks based on comparative advantages. An equilibrium is characterized by a mapping from the skill distribution and production technology into the critical values of talent for job assignments. The model has the following features: (a) Aggregate labor supply elasticity depends on the cross-sectional correlation between the productivity at home and the earning ability in the market; (b) A procyclical span of control generates a procyclical managerial wage premium which is observed in the PSID data for 1971-1992; (c) Entry and exit of workers with different skill creates counter-cyclical compositional bias in labor productivity and aggregate wages. In expansions not only do less skilled workers enter the workforce, biasing down wages and productivity, but higher wage earners become managers, lowering aggregate wages; (d) Under capital-skill complementarity, compositional bias reduces the cyclicality of average labor productivity and aggregate wages by 19% and 34% respectively, while they are estimated as 16% and 33%, respectively in the PSID. * I would like to thank Mark Bils for guidance and encouragement. I am grateful to Jeffrey Campbell, Sei-Jin Kim, Sergio Rebelo, Patrick Kehoe, Alan Stockman, and workshop participants at Penn, Penn State, Rochester, Rice and Texas A&M for helpful comments. All remaining errors are mine. Address: Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania, 3718 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6297. E-mail: yohg@econ.sas. upenn.edu.