Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sentiment Analysis in Twitter with Lightweight Discourse Analysis

We propose a lightweight method for using discourse relations for polarity detection of tweets . This method is targeted towards the web-based appli cations that deal with noisy, unstructured text, like the tweets, and cannot afford to use heavy linguistic resource s like parsing due to frequent failure of the parsers to handle noisy dat a. Most of the works in micro-blogs, like Twitter, use a bag-of-words model that ignores the discours e particles like but, since, although etc. In this work, we show how the discourse relations like the connectives and conditionals can be used to incorporate discourse information in any bag-of-words model, to improve sentiment classification accuracy. We also probe the influenc e of the semantic operators like modals and negations on the discourse relations that affect the sentime nt of a sentence. Discourse relations and corresponding rules are identified with minimal processing - just a list look up. We first give a linguistic description of the various discourse r elations which leads to conditions in rules and features in SVM. We show that our discourse-based bag-of-words model performs well in a noisy medium ( Twitter ), where it performs better than an existing Twitte r-based application. Furthermore, we show that our approach is beneficia l to structured reviews as well, where we achieve a better accuracy than a state-of-the-art s ystem in the travel review domain. Our system compares favorably with the state-of-the-art system s and has the additional attractiveness of being less resource intensive.
Classifying and Measuring Strengths of Character

What is the good of a person? Answers to this question lie at the heart of moral philosophy and positive psychology. Our Values in Action (VIA) project describes important strengths of character and ways to measure them. The VIA classification includes 24 strengths of character. VIA measures are assessment devices that measure individual differences in the strengths in the classification. This article describes how the VIA classification was created, the ways character strengths are measured, and major empirical findings: distribution and demographics, correlates and consequences, origins and development, deliberate cultivation, interventions, and structure and trade-offs. Future research should include the relationship of character strengths to hard outcome measures, cultural differences and similarities, development, interventions, and the processes by which strengths of character give rise to actual behavior. This project supports the premise of positive psychology that attention to good character sheds light on what makes life worth living.
Effects of Educational News Stories on the Beliefs of Taiwanese Teacher Education Students

Educational news stories are likely to provide teacher education students with opportunities to understand the educational situation in the real world. However, in the case of Taiwan, most of local newspapers present negative coverage that may induce teacher education students to generate pessimistic opinions and further negatively affect the formation of their beliefs regarding the nature of education. This study determines the effects of reading educational news stories by teacher education students on their beliefs regarding education after controlling for factors like pre-existing beliefs and perceptions of news story credibility. An experimental research method with a two-group pretest-posttest design, consisting of positive and negative newsgroups, is applied. Sixteen news stories, in print and video, were selected and assessed as positive/negative materials. News credibility scale and teacher education student belief questionnaires were the main research measurements. Eighty participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Analytical results reveal the negative effects of negative educational news stories on teacher education students’ beliefs regarding education. This study concludes that reading positive news stories did not significantly strengthen the beliefs of teacher education students, while negative news significantly worsened the beliefs of Taiwanese teacher education students regarding education.
On Synchrony of Weakly Coupled Neurons at Low Firing Rate

The dynamics of a pair of weakly interacting conductance-based neurons, firing at low frequency, v, is investigated in the framework of the phase-reduction method. The stability of the antiphase and the in-phase locked state is studied. It is found that for a large class of conductance-based models, the antiphase state is stable (resp., unstable) for excitatory (resp., inhibitory) interactions if the synaptic time constant is above a critical value cs, which scales as logv when v goes to zero.
Costs and Complications of Short Versus Long Cephalomedullary Nailing of OTA 31-A2 Proximal Femur Fractures in U.S. Veterans

Objectives: In fractures without subtrochanteric extension, the indications for the use of short versus long cephalomedullary nails (CMNs) for intertrochanteric femur fractures are unclear. We hypothesized that long nails would be associated with higher costs and similar complication rates. Design: Retrospective comparative study. Setting: United States Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. Participants: Patients receiving CMNs for OTA 31-A2 pertrochanteric fractures from 2001 to 2010. Interventions: Short versus long cephalomedullary nailing. Main Outcome Measurements: Costs, perioperative complications, readmissions, surgical failures, and mortality. Results: We identified 262 patients with OTA 31-A2 pertrochanteric fractures (125 treated with short CMNs and 137 treated with long CMNs). The 2 cohorts had similar demographic and medical characteristics. There were no significant differences in perioperative complications, readmissions within 30 days, surgical failures within one year, or death within 30 days or one year. The average cost of hospitalization was significantly higher for the cohort treated with long nails (greater than $7000 in actual costs, and greater than $3000 when statistically adjusted for differences in postoperative lengths of stay). Multivariable analyses showed no significant differences in the rates of development of at least one complication, readmission, or death. Conclusions: In a cohort of patients with similar characteristics and fracture patterns, the use of long CMNs was associated with similar rates of complications, readmission, and reoperations, but significantly higher costs than with the use of short nails. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
A Fixed-Complexity Soft-MIMO Detector via Parallel Candidate Adding Scheme and its FPGA Implementation

This paper presents a fully parallel candidate adding (PCA) scheme for the soft-output sphere decoder, which can be used in turbo-coded multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems to provide extrinsic soft information to the outer decoder for more robust decoding. The PCA assisted MIMO detector has been implemented and validated on a state-of-the-art Xilinx FPGA device. The results obtained indicate that the proposed scheme is clearly suitable for a highly parallel and fully pipelined hardware implementation which outperforms alternative algorithms with respect to the resource requirements and the decoding latency.
Predicting DRAM reliability in the field with machine learning

Uncorrectable errors in dynamic random access memory (DRAM) are a common form of hardware failure in server clusters. Failures are costly both in terms of hardware replacement costs and service disruption. While a large body of work exists on analyzing DRAM reliability in large production clusters, little has been reported on the automatic prediction of such errors ahead of time. In this paper, we present a highly accurate predictive model, based on daily event logs and sensor measurements, in a large fleet of commodity servers going back to 2014. By correlating correctable errors with sensor metrics, we can use ensemble machine learning techniques to predict uncorrectable errors weeks in advance. In addition, we show how such models can be applied in the wild and consumed by customer support teams. Our goal is to minimize false positives, as healthy DRAMs should not be replaced, while accounting for common limitations, such as missing data points and rare occurences of uncorrectable errors.
Axial Length to Corneal Radius of Curvature Ratio and Refractive Errors

Purpose To determine the distribution of axial length (AL) to corneal radius of curvature (CRC) ratio and to evaluate its association with refractive errors in an Iranian population. Methods In this cross sectional study, multistage cluster sampling was used to select subjects 40-64 years of age residing in Shahroud, northern Iran. All subjects underwent manifest and cycloplegic refraction, and biometry using the Allegro Biograph (WaveLight AG, Erlangen, Germany). Individuals with a history of intraocular surgery, extensive pterygia and ocular trauma were excluded. Results Of a total of 6,311 patients, 5190 (82.2%) participated in the study. We excluded 247 patients to adhere with study criteria and 132 patients due to missing data. Mean AL/CRC was 3.034 [95% confidence interval (CI), 3.031-3.037]. AL/CRC was 3.028 and 3.042 in female and male subjects, respectively (P<0.001). The R2 coefficients between spherical equivalent (SE) refractive error and AL/CRC, AL, CRC, lens thickness, and anterior chamber depth were 0.607, 0.351, 0.012, 0.038, and 0.091, respectively. Linear regression showed a 12.1 diopter (D) shift towards myopia with every 1 unit increase in AL/CRC (P<0.001). Mean AL/CRC was 3.472 among myopes with SE less than-5.0D; this value decreased linearly and was as low as 2.690 among hyperopes with SE more than 5.0D. R2 coefficients for AL/CRC with spherical and cylindrical power were 0.560 and 0.071, respectively. Conclusions Minimal changes in AL/CRC lead to large changes in refractive error. The correlation between refractive errors was significantly stronger with the AL/CRC ratio than with AL and CRC alone.
Improved PV Inverter Operating Range Using a Miniboost

In the past two decades, the operating voltage of photovoltaic (PV) installation has increased in order to reduce current ratings and system installation costs. Such a large number of PV panels in series (e.g., 1000–1500 V systems) lead to wide variations of PV voltage due undesirable effects such as shading, soiling/dust, aging, and hot surface temperature. A partial shade would normally shut down solar inverters, unless a boost stage is added to the system input to ensure a proper dc-link operating voltage for the inverter. A boost input stage can double the input voltage operating range to extract maximum power under any possible shading and temperature condition. In this paper, a new PV string boost topology arrangement is proposed in the form of a miniboost used for three-phase grid-connected converters. The string miniboost increases the dc voltage range to extend power extraction under shading and low irradiance conditions and only requires to process a fraction of the rated power. The proposed cost-effective solution is further improved by using the inverter peak power envelope at boundary operation, resulting in expanded energy extraction beyond existing techniques. A design procedure to optimally size the miniboost and the peak-power envelope is presented along with a comparative analysis, under different irradiance levels, to illustrate the advantages in energy extraction obtained with the proposed PV string miniboost solution under low voltage and boundary operation. Furthermore, improved efficiency operation schemes and issues of common-mode current are discussed, and three mitigation design techniques intended for three-phase, three-level inverter transformerless topology are presented. Simulations and experimental results using a dual miniboost dc–dc stage and three-phase three-level neutral point clamped inverter are presented to validate the proposed dc-bus extension range and system design.
Successful linkage of medical care and community services for HIV-positive offenders being released from prison

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is more prevalent among the incarcerated than the general population. For many offenders, incarceration is the only time that they may access primary care. Project Bridge is a federally funded demonstration project that provides intensive case management for HIV-positive exoffenders being released from the Rhode Island state prison to the community. The program is based on collaboration between colocated medical and social work staff. The primary goal of the program is to increase continuity of medical care through social stabilization; it follows a harm reduction philosophy in addressing substance use. Program participants are provided with assistance in accessing a variety of medical and social services. The treatment plan may include the following: mental illness triage and referral, substance abuse assessment and treatment, appointments for HIV and other medical conditions, and referral for assistance to community programs that address basic survival needs. In the first 3 years of this program, 97 offenders were enrolled. Injection drug use was reported by 80% of those enrolled. There were 90% followed for 18 months, 7% moved out of state or died, and 3% were lost to follow-up. Reincarceration happened to 48% at least once. Of those expressing a need, 75% were linked with specialty medical care in the community, and 100% received HIV-related medical services. Of those expressing a need for substance abuse treatment, 67% were successful in keeping appointments for substance abuse treatment within the community. Project Bridge has demonstrated that it is possible to maintain HIV-positive ex-offenders in medical care through the provision of ongoing case management services following prison release. Ex-offenders will access HIV-related health care after release when given adequate support.
Extreme Costs of Mating for Male Two-Spot Ladybird Beetles

Male costs of mating are now thought to be widespread. The two-spot ladybird beetle (Adalia bipunctata) has been the focus of many studies of mating and sexual selection, yet the costs of mating for males are unknown. The mating system of A. bipunctata involves a spermatophore nuptial gift ingested by females after copulation. In this study, we investigate the cost to males of mating and of transferring spermatophores in terms of lifespan, ejaculate production and depletion of nutritional reserves. We found that males faced a strong trade-off between mating and survival, with males that were randomly assigned to mate a single time experiencing a 53% reduction in post-mating lifespan compared to non-mating males. This is among the most severe survival costs of a single mating yet reported. However, spermatophore transfer did not impact male survival. Instead, the costs associated with spermatophores appeared as a reduced ability to transfer spermatophores in successive matings. Furthermore, males ingested more food following spermatophore transfer than after matings without spermatophores, suggesting that spermatophore transfer depletes male nutritional reserves. This is to our knowledge the first report of an effect of variation in copulatory behaviour on male foraging behaviour. Overall, our study highlights the advantages of assessing mating costs using multiple currencies, and suggests that male A. bipunctata should exhibit mate choice.
Why Don’t Men Seek Help for Depression?The Impact of Masculinity on Symptom Perception

Evidence suggests that men are less likely than wom en to seek help for depression even though, given depression, they are more at ris k of uicide. Evidence further suggests that this lack of help seeking for depression is as sociated with higher masculinity. This study hypothesised that men’s lack of help seeking for de pression was due to differences in symptom perception. Specifically, the study tested the hypothesis that the factors of a model of symptom perception would mediate an association between higher masculinity and fewer depressive symptoms. In a cross-sectional internet survey design, 325 me n, recruited via employers, completed measures of depression, masculinity, and symptom perception. There was no relationship between masculinity and d epression and, counter to prediction, masculinity was associated with heighte ned symptom perception. The factors of the model of symptom perception accounted for 38% o f the variance in depressive symptoms. After consideration of the strengths and weakness o f the study, it is concluded that the model of symptom perception is a useful model and t hat men’s lack of help seeking for depression is unlikely to be due to differences in ymptom perception, rather some process following the perception of symptoms. Clinical impl ications relating to men’s contacts with services are discussed. Why Don’t Men Seek Help for Depression? iii Why Don’t Men Seek Help for Depression? The Impact of Masculinity on Symptom Perception
Long-term breast-feeding in women with type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE Breast-feeding may be more difficult in women with diabetes because of neonatal morbidity and fluctuating maternal blood glucose values. The frequency of long-term breast-feeding and the possible predictors for successful breast-feeding were investigated. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS One hundred two consecutive women with type 1 diabetes were interviewed about breast-feeding using a semistructured questionnaire 5 days and 4 months after delivery. Clinical data were collected from the medical records. RESULTS Five days after delivery, 86% of the women were breast-feeding. Four months after delivery, 55 (54%) women were exclusively, 14 (14%) were partly, and 33 (32%) were not breast-feeding compared with 50, 26, and 24% in the background population (NS). Mothers exclusively breast-feeding at 4 months were characterized by previous experience with breast-feeding, a higher educational level, and vaginal delivery and included a high proportion of nonsmokers, whereas there were no associations with diabetes-related parameters such as white classes, duration of diabetes, HbA(1c), and insulin dose at conception. Breast-fed offspring had a significantly higher birth weight and gestational age and were less often receiving glucose intravenously compared with the remaining offspring. Independent predictors of exclusive breast-feeding at 4 months were previous experience with breast-feeding (odds ratio 6.3 [95% CI 2.4-17]) and higher educational level (7.1 [2.4-21]). Cessation of breast-feeding was mainly due to common nursing problems, such as perceived milk supply, and not related to maternal diabetes status. CONCLUSIONS The majority of the women with type 1 diabetes initiated breast-feeding, and the prevalence of breast-feeding at 4 months was comparable to that in the background population. Independent predictors of exclusive breast-feeding at 4 months were previous experience with breast-feeding and higher educational level.
Stability of a class of linear switching systems with time delay

We consider a switching system composed of a finite number of linear delay differential equations (DDEs). It has been shown that the stability of a switching system composed of a finite number of linear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) may be achieved by using a common Lyapunov function method switching rule. We modify this switching rule for ODE systems to a common Lyapunov functional method switching rule for DDE systems and show that it stabilizes our model. Our result uses a Riccati-type Lyapunov functional under a condition on the time delay.
Clomiphene citrate is associated with favorable cycle characteristics but impaired outcomes of obese women with polycystic ovarian syndrome undergoing ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization

Abstract The aim of this study was to explore the effect of clomiphene citrate (CC) on the cycle characteristics and outcomes of obese women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) undergoing ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF). This is a retrospective cohort study, and it was conducted at the tertiary-care academic medical center. This study included 174 obese PCOS patients undergoing IVF. In the study group (n = 90), CC and human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) were administered simultaneously beginning on cycle day 3, while in control group (n = 84) HMG was used only. Both of the 2 groups used medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) for preventing premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surges. Ovulation was cotriggered by a GnRH agonist and hCG when dominant follicles matured. The primary outcome measure was the number of oocytes retrieved. Secondary outcomes included the number of top-quality embryos, maturation rate, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, incidence of premature LH surge, and OHSS. The study group received obviously lower total HMG dose [1650 (975–4800) vs 2025 (1350–3300) IU, P = 2.038E–4] but similar HMG duration. While the antral follicle count (AFC) is higher in study group, the number of oocytes retrieved and top-quality embryos are remarkably less [5 (0–30) vs 13 (0–42), P = 6.333E–5; 2 (0–14) vs 3.5 (0–15), P = . 003; respectively]. The mature oocyte rate is higher in study group (P = .036). No significant differences were detected in fertilization rate and cleavage rate between 2 groups. CC has a positive influence on cycle characteristics, but might be correlated with the impaired IVF outcomes (less oocytes retrieved and top quality embryos, lower oocyte retrieval rate) in obese PCOS patients undergoing IVF, when HMG and MPA are used simultaneously.
Phase I/II trial of intravenous Doxil® and whole abdomen hyperthermia in patients with refractory ovarian cancer

Objective: A phase I/II study of Doxil® combined with whole abdomen hyperthermia was conducted in patients with refractory ovarian cancer. Liposomal doxorubicin combined with hyperthermia has been shown to increase both liposomal delivery and drug extravasation into tumour xenografts resulting in enhanced cytotoxic effects. Patients and methods: Thirty patients with either recurrent or persistent epithelial ovarian cancer were enrolled. All patients had either measurable or assessable disease. Patients received intravenous (IV) Doxil® at a dose of 40 mg m−2 as a 1-h infusion followed by whole abdomen hyperthermia. The phase I portion of the study was performed to determine the maximal tolerated dose (MTD) of hyperthermia. Quality of life (QoL) was performed at baseline, prior to each cycle and every 3 months. Plasma pharmacokinetic studies were performed with the first cycle. Results: Ten patients participated in the phase I portion of the study which demonstrated that the MTD of hyperthermia was 60 min after either average vaginal and rectal temperatures of 40°C had been achieved or after 30 min of power application, whichever was shorter. All 30 patients were either paclitaxel and/or platinum resistant initially or developed resistant disease. The median number of prior chemotherapeutic regimens was three (range 2–8) and six patients had been previously treated with Doxil®. There were three partial responses for a response rate of 10% (95% CI: [2%, 27%]) and eight patients (27%; 95% CI: [12%, 46%]) had disease stabilization. The median time to progression or death was 3.4 months (95% CI: [2.6, 5.2]) and the median survival was 10.8 months (95% CI: [8.8, 17.4]). Twelve patients (40%) experienced palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE), but only four (13%) experienced grade 3–4 PPE toxicity. Doxil® systemic exposure was higher in those with grade 3–4 PPE compared to those with no PPE. None of the patients had grade 3–4 thermal toxicity due to hyperthermia. QoL was not decreased in patients responding to therapy. Conclusions: Therapy with intravenous Doxil® and whole abdomen hyperthermia for patients with platinum/paclitaxel resistant ovarian cancer is feasible and does not negatively impact quality of life.