Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What is the influence of cultural capital on student reading achievement in Confucian as compared to non-Confucian heritage societies?

Abstract The present study compared the contribution of familial cultural capital to the reading achievement of 116,508 15-year-old students who participated in PISA 2012 in six Confucian heritage cultures (CHCs) and nine non-CHCs with comparable educational and economic development. The different states of cultural capital examined comprised institutionalised (maternal, paternal education) and objectified (educational, cultural resources) indicators. Results showed that: (1) cultural capital levels were lower in CHCs (vis-à-vis non-CHCs); (2) cultural capital was generally positively related to student achievement in CHCs and non-CHCs; (3) the relationships between all cultural capital indicators, except educational resources, and achievement were weaker in CHCs than non-CHCs; and (4) objectified (vis-à-vis institutionalised) cultural capital was more strongly associated with achievement in CHCs. These results suggest that the stronger sociocultural emphasis on education in CHCs may have moderated cultural capital effects on student achievement and enabled more students to succeed academically.
Accommodation or political identity: Scottish members of the UK Parliament

Abstract Phonetic variation among Scottish members of the UK Parliament may be influenced by convergence to Southern English norms (Carr & Brulard, 2006) or political identity (e.g., Hall-Lew, Coppock, & Starr, 2010). Drawing on a year's worth of political speeches (2011–2012) from 10 Scottish members of the UK Parliament (MPs), we find no acoustic evidence for the adoption of a Southern English low vowel system; rather, we find that vowel height is significantly correlated with political party: Scottish Labour Party MPs produce a higher cat vowel (Johnston, 1997) than do Scottish National Party MPs. The results contradict claims that Scottish MPs acquire Anglo-English features while serving in the UK Parliament. Rather, we suggest that the variation indexes political meaning, with a subset of individuals drawing on that indexicality in production.
Online Learning for Strong Branching Approximation in Branch-and-Bound

We present an online learning approach to variable branching in branch-and-bound for mixed-integer linear problems. Our approach consists in learning strong branching scores in an online fashion and in using them to take branching decisions. More specifically, numerical scores are used to rank the branching candidates. If, for a given variable, the learned approximation is deemed reliable, then the score for that variable is computed thanks to the learned function. If the approximation is not reliable yet, the real strong branching score is used instead. The scores that are computed through the real strong branching procedure are fed to the online learning algorithm in order to improve the approximated function. The experiments show promising results.
Testing for Unit Root Against LSTAR Model: Wavelet Improvement Under GARCH Distortion

In this article, we propose a nonlinear Dickey–Fuller F test for unit root against first-order Logistic Smooth Transition Autoregressive (LSTAR) (1) model with time as the transition variable. The nonlinear Dickey–Fuller F test statistic is established under the null hypothesis of random walk without drift and the alternative model is a nonlinear LSTAR (1) model. The asymptotic distribution of the test is analytically derived while the small sample distributions are investigated by Monte Carlo experiment. The size and power properties of the test were investigated using Monte Carlo experiment. The results showed that there is a serious size distortion for the test when GARCH errors appear in the Data Generating Process (DGP), which led to an over-rejection of the unit root null hypothesis. To solve this problem, we use the Wavelet technique to count off the GARCH distortion and improve the size property of the test under GARCH error. We also discuss the asymptotic distributions of the test statistics in GARCH and wavelet environments.
Corporate Ownership and Market Valuation in South Africa: Uncovering the Effects of Shareholdings by Different Groups of Corporate Insiders and Outsiders

This paper examines the connection between shareholdings by different groups of corporate officers (insiders and outsiders) and market valuation in South Africa. Specifically, we examine the effect of shareholdings by employees, chief executive officers (CEOs), chief financial officers (CFOs), other executive directors, and non-executive (outside) directors on market valuation. We find that total ownership by all corporate officers (insiders and outsiders) is positively related to market valuation. However, when we examine the link between ownership by individual groups of corporate officers and market valuation, our results suggest that firms with higher ownership by CEOs and other executive directors have lower market valuation, but we do not find any evidence that ownership by CFOs has any significant effect on market valuation. In contrast, we find that ownership by employees and non-executive outside) directors is positively related to market valuation. Our findings are generally consistent with the predictions of agency theory.
Semi‐Parametric Models for the Multivariate Tail Dependence Function – the Asymptotically Dependent Case

Abstract. In general, the risk of joint extreme outcomes in financial markets can be expressed as a function of the tail dependence function of a high‐dimensional vector after standardizing marginals. Hence, it is of importance to model and estimate tail dependence functions. Even for moderate dimension, non‐parametrically estimating a tail dependence function is very inefficient and fitting a parametric model to tail dependence functions is not robust. In this paper, we propose a semi‐parametric model for (asymptotically dependent) tail dependence functions via an elliptical copula. Under this model assumption, we propose a novel estimator for the tail dependence function, which proves favourable compared to the empirical tail dependence function estimator, both theoretically and empirically.
An Information-Theoretic Analysis of Genetics, Gender and Age in Cancer Patients

Germline genetics, gender and hormonal-signaling pathways are all well described modifiers of cancer risk and progression. Although an improved understanding of how germline genetic variants interact with other cancer risk factors may allow better prevention and treatment of human cancer, measuring and quantifying these interactions is challenging. In other areas of research, Information Theory has been used to quantitatively describe similar multivariate interactions. We implemented a novel information-theoretic analysis to measure the joint effect of a high frequency germline genetic variant of the p53 tumor suppressor pathway (MDM2 SNP309 T/G) and gender on clinical cancer phenotypes. This analysis quantitatively describes synergistic interactions among gender, the MDM2 SNP309 locus, and the age of onset of tumorigenesis in p53 mutation carriers. These results offer a molecular and genetic basis for the observed sexual dimorphism of cancer risk in p53 mutation carriers and a model is proposed that suggests a novel cancer prevention strategy for p53 mutation carriers.
Satisfaction guaranteed? How individual, partner, and relationship factors impact sexual satisfaction within partnerships

Within committed relationships, a wide range of factors may challenge or facilitate sexual satisfaction. The aim of this study was to clarify which individual, partner-, and partnership-related aspects of a sexual relationship are crucial for the prediction of sexual satisfaction. The study included data of a representative sample of 964 couples from the general population. The actor-partner interdependence model was used to estimate actor and partner effects. Overall, predictors explained 57% of outcome variance. Actor effects were found for sexual function, sexual distress, frequency of sexual activity, desire discrepancy, sexual initiative, sexual communication, sociosexual orientation, masturbation, and life satisfaction. Gender-specific partner effects were found for sexual function and sexual distress. Neither age, nor relationship duration were significant predictors. To deepen our understanding of sexual satisfaction, it is necessary to take quantitative and qualitative aspects of sexual relationships into account and to consider actor-, partner-, and relationship-related predictors.
CIRCUIT DYNAMICS UNDERLYING CONTROL OF DOPAMINE NEURON ACTIVITY BY THE NUCLEUS REUNIENS OF THE MIDLINE THALAMUS

The circuitry mediating top-down control of dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) is exceedingly complex. Characterizing these networks will be critical to our understanding of fundamental behaviors, such as motivation and reward processing, as well as several disease states. Previous work suggests that the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) exerts a profound influence on VTA DA neuron firing. Recently, our group reported that inhibition of the infralimbic subdivision of the medial prefrontal cortex (ilPFC) increases the proportion of VTA DA neurons that are spontaneously active (i.e., “population activity”) and that this effect depends on activity in the ventral subiculum of the hippocampus (vSub). However, there is no direct projection from the mPFC to the vSub. Anatomical evidence suggests that communication between the two structures is mediated by the nucleus reuniens of the midline thalamus (RE). The work presented in this dissertation aims to determine if RE controls VTA DA neuron firing and to describe the circuits underlying ilPFC-RE communication. In Chapter 2, we present findings demonstrating that RE can drive VTA DA neuron firing by engaging vSub. In addition, we show that ilPFC opposes this effect, likely via input to RE in the form of feedforward inhibition from TRN. In Chapter 3, we present findings that characterize the diverse array of RE neuron firing patterns in an intact preparation and describe the circuit dynamics underlying projections from ilPFC to RE. These studies suggest that ilPFC exerts control of RE neuron firing pattern through direct, monosynaptic connections and via the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN). Overall, the studies described in this dissertation reveal a novel role for a corticothalamic circuit including the ilPFC, RE, and vSub in controlling VTA DA neuron firing and confirm that corticothalamic input from ilPFC to RE can modulate RE neuron firing pattern in nuanced and complex ways. In addition, these findings provide a plausible circuit basis for various behavioral phenomena observed in schizophrenia, and could help inform the development of novel treatments.
Multigrid solution of the Poisson—Boltzmann equation

A multigrid method is presented for the numerical solution of the linearized Poisson–Boltzmann equation arising in molecular biophysics. The equation is discretized with the finite volume method, and the numerical solution of the discrete equations is accomplished with multiple grid techniques originally developed for twodimensional interface problems occurring in reactor physics. A detailed analysis of the resulting method is presented for several computer architectures, including comparisons to diagonally scaled CG, ICCG, vectorized ICCG and MICCG, and to SOR provided with an optimal relaxation parameter. Our results indicate that the multigrid method is superior to the preconditioned CG methods and SOR and that the advantage of multigrid grows with the problem size. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
On the Relation Between Social Dominance Orientation and Environmentalism

Approval of hierarchy and inequality in society indexed by social dominance orientation (SDO) extends to support for human dominance over the natural world. We tested this negative association between SDO and environmentalism and the validity of the new Short Social Dominance Orientation Scale in two cross-cultural samples of students (N = 4,163, k = 25) and the general population (N = 1,237, k = 10). As expected, the higher people were on SDO, the less likely they were to engage in environmental citizenship actions, pro-environmental behaviors and to donate to an environmental organization. Multilevel moderation results showed that the SDO–environmentalism relation was stronger in societies with marked societal inequality, lack of societal development, and environmental standards. The results highlight the interplay between individual psychological orientations and social context, as well as the view of nature subscribed to by those high in SDO.
Intact blood pressure, but not sympathetic, responsiveness to sympathoexcitatory stimuli in a patient with unilateral carotid body resection

Despite rapidly growing interest in the therapeutic resection of the carotid body (CB) chemoreceptors, few physiologic studies exist on the consequences of unilateral CB resection. We present a case of an otherwise healthy postmenopausal female who underwent unilateral CB resection for a paraganglioma. Approximately 4 years postoperatively, she underwent analysis of her sympathetic and hemodynamic responses to hypoxia, lower body negative pressure, cold pressor test (CPT), and ischemic hand grip exercise and postexercise ischemia (IHE/PEI). Hypoxic ventilatory response and baroreflex sensitivity were relatively normal. Hemodynamic responses to IHE/PEI and CPT showed characteristic increases in cardiac output (from 3.9 L/min to 5.2 L/min [IHE/PEI] and 4.9 L/min [CPT]) and blood pressure (from 126/72 mmHg to 161/87 mmHg [IHE/PEI] and 171/93 mmHg [CPT]). However, muscle sympathetic nerve activity (microneurography of the peroneal nerve) decreased from baseline during IHE/PEI and CPT (burst incidence nadir of 45% and 40% of baseline, respectively) and there was no observable change in total peripheral resistance (from 24 mmHg*min/L to 22 mmHg*min/L [IHE/PEI] and 25 mmHg*min/L [CPT]). These findings illustrate intact blood pressure responsiveness despite attenuated sympathoexcitation, possibly due to an increase in cardiac output and/or adaptive inhibitory effect of the baroreflex on peripheral sympathetic activity.
The Normative Dimension and Legal Meaning of Endangered and Recovery in the U.S. Endangered Species Act

Abstract: The ethical, legal, and social significance of the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) is widely appreciated. Much of the significance of the act arises from the legal definitions that the act provides for the terms threatened species and endangered species. The meanings of these terms are important because they give legal meaning to the concept of a recovered species. Unfortunately, the meanings of these terms are often misapprehended and rarely subjected to formal analysis. We analyzed the legal meaning of recovered species and illustrate key points with details from “recovery” efforts for the gray wolf (Canis lupus). We focused on interpreting the phrase “significant portion of its range,” which is part of the legal definition of endangered species. We argue that recovery and endangerment entail a fundamentally normative dimension (i.e., specifying conditions of endangerment) and a fundamentally scientific dimension (i.e., determining whether a species meets the conditions of endangerment). Specifying conditions for endangerment is largely normative because it judges risks of extinction to be either acceptable or unacceptable. Like many other laws that specify what is unacceptable, the ESA largely specifies the conditions that constitute unacceptable extinction risk. The ESA specifies unacceptable risks of extinction by defining endangered species in terms of the portion of a species' range over which a species is “in danger of extinction. ” Our analysis indicated that (1) legal recovery entails much more than the scientific notion of population viability, (2) most efforts to recover endangered species are grossly inadequate, and (3) many unlisted species meet the legal definition of an endangered or threatened species.
Copyright 2009 by Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Inc. All rights reserved. 10.1518/107118109X12524444082358

Rear-end collisions and distraction are major concerns in automotive transportation. This study investigated the conspicuity of current rear automobile lighting (red brake and red tail lamps) compared to a proposed arrangement (red brake lamps with yellow tail lamps) in a task where participants only had time to perform one saccade and fixation (200ms) to identify the presence or absence of brake lamps across 60 static traffic scenes projected on a screen. The hypothesis that separating brake and tail lamps by color alone would result in greater conspicuity as evidenced by fewer errors and faster RT was supported. Conspicuity of vehicle brake lamps will be improved in the situations tested by implementing the proposed yellow tail-lamp coloring on vehicles
Lung and chest wall mechanics in ventilated patients with end stage idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is an inflammatory disease which leads to chronic ventilatory insufficiency and is characterised by a reduction in pulmonary static and dynamic volumes. It has been suggested that lung elastance may also be abnormally increased, particularly in end stage disease, but this has not been systematically tested. The aim of this study was to assess the respiratory mechanics during mechanical ventilation in patients affected by end stage disease. METHODS Respiratory mechanics were monitored in seven patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis being ventilated for acute respiratory failure (Pao 2/Fio 2 5.8 (0.3); pH 7.28 (0.02); Paco 2 8.44 (0.82) kPa; tidal volume 3.4 (0.2) ml/kg; respiratory rate 35.1 (8.8) breaths/min) using an oesophageal balloon and airway occlusion during constant flow inflation. The total respiratory system mechanics (rs) was partitioned into lung (L) and chest wall (w) mechanics to measure static intrinsic positive end expiratory pressure (PEEPi), static (Est) and dynamic (Edyn) elastances, total respiratory resistance (Rrs), interrupter respiratory resistance (Rint,rs), and additional respiratory resistance (ΔRrs). RESULTS PEEPi was negligible in all patients. Edyn,rs and Est,rs were markedly increased (60.9 (7.3) and 51.9 (8.0) cm H2O/l, respectively), and this was due to abnormal lung elastance (dynamic 53.9 (8.0) cm H2O/l, static 46.1 (8.1) cm H2O/l) while chest wall elastance was only slightly increased. Rrs and Rint,rs were also increased above the normal range (16.7 (4.5) and 13.7 (3.5) cm H2O/l/s, respectively). RL and Rint,L contributed 88% and 89%, on average, to the total. Edyn,rs, Est,rs, Rrs and Rint,rs were significantly correlated with the degree of hypercapnia (r = 0.64 (p<0.01),r = 0.54 (p<0.05),r = 0.84 (p<0.001), andr = 0.72 (p<0.001), respectively). CONCLUSIONS The elastances and resistances of the respiratory system are significantly altered in ventilated patients with end stage idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. These features are almost totally due to abnormalities in lung mechanics. These profound alterations in elastic and resistive mechanical properties at this stage of the disease may be responsible for the onset of hypercapnia.
Emotion recognition employing ECG and GSR signals as markers of ANS

Change in GSR and ECG signals are expression of Autonomic Nervous System response to change in environment and physiological system. In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of GSR and ECG in emotional state recognition. We took into account three mutually exclusive emotional stateshappy, sad and neutral and three different approaches to recognize these emotional states. The results indicate that to classify opposite valence emotion (happy and sad) GSR solely is capable of recognizing emotions with enhanced accuracy with a minimum accuracy of 99.44%. However, in classifying emotionally active state (happy or sad) in reference to neutral state, combined feature set of both ECG and GSR is more effective, especially the combination of PSD features and SVM classifier, providing a high accuracy for classifying all three emotional states.
Tacaribe Virus but Not Junin Virus Infection Induces Cytokine Release from Primary Human Monocytes and Macrophages

The mechanisms underlying the development of disease during arenavirus infection are poorly understood. However, common to all hemorrhagic fever diseases is the involvement of macrophages as primary target cells, suggesting that the immune response in these cells may be of paramount importance during infection. Thus, in order to identify features of the immune response that contribute to arenavirus pathogenesis, we have examined the growth kinetics and cytokine profiles of two closely related New World arenaviruses, the apathogenic Tacaribe virus (TCRV) and the hemorrhagic fever-causing Junin virus (JUNV), in primary human monocytes and macrophages. Both viruses grew robustly in VeroE6 cells; however, TCRV titres were decreased by approximately 10 fold compared to JUNV in both monocytes and macrophages. Infection of both monocytes and macrophages with TCRV also resulted in the release of high levels of IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α, while levels of IFN-α, IFN-β and IL-12 were not affected. However, we could show that the presence of these cytokines had no direct effect on growth of either TCRV of JUNV in macrophages. Further analysis also showed that while the production of IL-6 and IL-10 are dependent on viral replication, production of TNF-α also occurs after exposure to UV-inactivated TCRV particles and is thus independent of productive virus infection. Surprisingly, JUNV infection did not have an effect on any of the cytokines examined indicating that, in contrast to other viral hemorrhagic fever viruses, macrophage-derived cytokine production is unlikely to play an active role in contributing to the cytokine dysregulation observed in JUNV infected patients. Rather, these results suggest that an early, controlled immune response by infected macrophages may be critical for the successful control of infection of apathogenic viruses and prevention of subsequent disease, including systemic cytokine dysregulation.
Of maps and scripts—the status of formal constructs in cooperative work

The received understanding of the status of formal organizational constructs in cooperative work is problematic. The paper shows that the empirical evidence is not as strong as we may have believed and that there is evidence from other studies that contradicts what we may have taken for granted for years. This indicates that the role of formal con- structs is more differentiated than generally taken for granted. They not only serve as 'maps' but also as 'scripts'.