Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Linear discriminant feature selection techniques in elastic graph matching

In this paper, we investigate the use of discriminant feature selection techniques in the elastic graph matching (EGM) algorithm. State of the art and novel discriminant dimensionality reduction techniques are used in the node feature vectors in order to extract discriminant features. We illustrate the improvements in performance in frontal face verification using a modified multiscale morphological analysis for forming the node feature vectors. All experiments were conducted in the XM2VTS database.
The Influence of Islamic Moral Values on the Students’ Behavior in Aceh

This study shows the influence and relationship of Islamic moral values to the students’ behavior in Aceh Province. Learning Objects are the moral values of Islam achieved in learning in high school and vocational institutions that are assumed to affect the students’ behavior. The quantitative methods used in this study and was running by SPSS program. Data analysis using MRPI Likert Scale instrument. The data were taken from the students in the school totaling of 191 samples. The t-test and r test are used to analyze data from this research sample. The study found that Islamic moral values significantly correlated with the behavioral student at the level; [r (98) = 2.186 P <0.05]. The mean difference scores is 4.7 percent at the level (eta2 = 0.0047) and it was explained by the mean score at the rate (48.05: 5.56), and the student behavior is described with the average score (45.7: 5.12). In which a relational to behavioral variables (Y) with horizontal and vertical Islamic moral values (X1 and X2). This findings represented by multiple regression test (r) which score of 12.28 percent. Therefore, the study found significant differences between male and female student and positively related to student behavior. These findings have explained the pattern of relationships and the influence of moral values on students and implications for future research practice due to Islamic moral values and behaviral students.
Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods Validity of the Persian Blog Attitude Questionnaire: an Evidence-based Approach Validity of the Persian Blog Attitude Questionnaire: an Evidence-based Approach

1. For consistency and to avoid confusions, the term dimension is used across PCA, CFA, and RSM analyese. Validity evidence is provided for a Persian blog attitude questionnaire (P-BAQ). P-BAQ was administered to 565 Iranians and factor analysis and rating scale model identified affective, behavioral, and perseverance, and confidence dimensions underlying the data. P-BAQ's validity argument was supported by the theoretical and psychometric evidence, although adding a few items to the instrument would improve its construct representativeness.
Exploring the Minority Threat Hypothesis for Juveniles in Criminal Court

In the context of the criminal justice system, the minority threat hypothesis posits that a growing minority population will exacerbate racial and ethnic disparities as those in power seek to establish social control over the threatening population. Decades of research have produced mixed findings, possibly due to the varied approaches to testing this hypothesis as well as the different populations to whom it is applied. To fully explore the racial and ethnic threat hypotheses for an underexamined population—juveniles transferred to criminal court—and an underexamined outcome—pretrial detention—the present article employs a series of multilevel models to test several versions of the hypothesis. Specifically, the article distinguishes between two measures of minority threat—static and dynamic—and two types of threat effects—diffuse and targeted. Findings indicate limited support for the minority threat hypothesis in all forms. Several interpretations are offered, ranging from consideration of the need for more informed measures of threat to a possible need to modify or abandon the minority threat hypothesis in the context of juvenile and criminal justice processing.
Corporate cash holdings: financial determinants and corporate governance

This paper investigates the determinants and consequences of the corporate cash holdings. We use firm-level data of 4,515 firms in Canada, France, Germany, Great-Britain and the USA over the period 1989-2002. We show that financial factors, as well as institutional factors, influence the corporate cash holdings determinants. Moreover, implementing a dynamic panel data estimation, we find empirical support for the hypothesis of implicit cash targets. The second key point of the paper is to investigate the consequences of “excessive” cash holdings. To do so, we implement a bivariate probit model to take into account the fact that cash balances levels and the future performance of these firms are probably jointly determined. We conclude that excessive cash holdings lead to poor firm performances.
Investigation of Near Field Inductive Communication System Models, Channels and Experiments

Near-fleld inductive channels created between two or more magnetically coupled inductive nodes are studied in this paper. Peer- to-peer conflgurations and array architectures are discussed. The array channels are used for cooperative relaying with inductive methods with potential to provide range extension and enhanced data rate access in magnetic induction communication systems. The received power shows the presence of the nearest neighbour interactions and the in∞uences of higher order coupling from nodes two or more positions away from the receiver. This in∞uence causes phase changes in the communication system. Four methods of exciting the antenna arrays are proposed. These are array edge excitation, center excitation, collinear array excitation and multi-array excitation. Experiments with hardware nodes show that while array edge excitation provides increased power at the array edge, it is out performed by array center excitation which results to twice the power captured at the array center node compared to the power captured at edge excited flrst element. We demonstrate by example that a receiver is in∞uenced most by its neighbouring nodes on both sides and that the efiects of second and third tier neighbours are relatively insigniflcant.
The effect of exposure to sexual appeals in advertisements on memory, attitude, and purchase intention: a meta-analytic review

ABSTRACT Researchers have often attempted to answer the question, ‘Does sex sell? ’ In this article, we present a meta-analysis of studies that used an experiment to test the effect of sexual appeals in ads on memory, attitude, and purchase intention. Our analysis revealed a significant positive effect for sexual appeals on ad recognition and recall (weighted Cohen's d = .38, p < .001), but the effect on brand recognition and recall was not significant (d = .09, p = .30). We also found that the effect of sexual appeals on attitude towards the ad was not significant (d = −0.07, p = .26); however, additional analysis showed that males (d = .27, p < .01) evaluate ads with sexual appeals significantly more positively than females (d = −.38, p < .001). Finally, we found a small significant negative effect on brand attitude (d = −.22, p < .05), but no effect on purchase intention (d = .01, p = .94).
Automatic Chord Estimation from Audio: A Review of the State of the Art

In this overview article, we review research on the task of Automatic Chord Estimation (ACE). The major contributions from the last 14 years of research are summarized, with detailed discussions of the following topics: feature extraction, modeling strategies, model training and datasets, and evaluation strategies. Results from the annual benchmarking evaluation Music Information Retrieval Evaluation eXchange (MIREX) are also discussed as well as developments in software implementations and the impact of ACE within MIR. We conclude with possible directions for future research.
Overcoming the J-shaped distribution of product reviews

Introduction While product review systems that collect and disseminate opinions about products from recent buyers (Table 1) are valuable forms of word-of-mouth communication, evidence suggests that they are overwhelmingly positive. Kadet notes that most products receive almost five stars. Chevalier and Mayzlin also show that book reviews on Amazon and Barnes & Noble are overwhelmingly positive. Is this because all products are simply outstanding? However, a graphical representation of product reviews reveals a J-shaped distribution (Figure 1) with mostly 5-star ratings, some 1-star ratings, and hardly any ratings in between. What explains this J-shaped distribution? If products are indeed outstanding, why do we also see many 1-star ratings? Why aren't there any product ratings in between? Is it because there are no "average" products? Or, is it because there are biases in product review systems? If so, how can we overcome them? The J-shaped distribution also creates some fundamental statistical problems. Conventional wisdom assumes that the average of the product ratings is a sufficient proxy of product quality and product sales. Many studies used the average of product ratings to predict sales. However, these studies showed inconsistent results: some found product reviews to influence product sales, while others did not. The average is statistically meaningful only when it is based on a unimodal distribution, or when it is based on a symmetric bimodal distribution. However, since product review systems have an asymmetric bimodal (J-shaped) distribution, the average is a poor proxy of product quality. This report aims to first demonstrate the existence of a J-shaped distribution, second to identify the sources of bias that cause the J-shaped distribution, third to propose ways to overcome these biases, and finally to show that overcoming these biases helps product review systems better predict future product sales. We tested the distribution of product ratings for three product categories (books, DVDs, videos) with data from Amazon collected between February--July 2005: 78%, 73%, and 72% of the product ratings for books, DVDs, and videos are greater or equal to four stars (Figure 1), confirming our proposition that product reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Figure 1 (left graph) shows a J-shaped distribution of all products. This contradicts the law of "large numbers" that would imply a normal distribution. Figure 1 (middle graph) shows the distribution of three randomly-selected products in each category with over 2,000 reviews. The results show that these reviews still have a J-shaped distribution, implying that the J-shaped distribution is not due to a "small number" problem. Figure 1 (right graph) shows that even products with a median average review (around 3-stars) follow the same pattern.
Evolution of Close Neutron Star Binaries

We have calculated evolution of neutron star binaries towards the coalescence driven by gravitational radiation. The hydrodynamical effects as well as the general relativistic effects are important in the final phase. All corrections up to post$^{2.5}$-Newtonian order and the tidal effect are included in the orbital motion. The star is approximated by a simple Newtonian stellar model called affine star model. Stellar spins and angular momentum are assumed to be aligned. We have showed how the internal stellar structure affects the stellar deformation, variations of the spins, and the orbital motion of the binary just before the contact. The gravitational wave forms from the last a few revolutions significantly depend on the stellar structure.
Is Container a Natural and Embodied Image Schema? A Developmental, Pragmatic, and Cultural Proposal

Conceptual metaphor theory showed, from embodiment, the importance of metaphor as a cognitive process. This influential theory assumes the existence of primitive but powerful mental structures called image schemas. In this paper, we conduct a critical inquiry about these structures from the developmental perspective of the pragmatics of the object and show they have serious problems. Taking the CONTAINER image schema as a case, we discuss the plausibility of image schemas in early childhood. We suggest that children do not interact with objects as if a basic and generic CONTAINER cognitive structure preexisted. Instead, in everyday life, they use “container” objects to fulfill very different functions. As object function is construed by children's participation in triadic child-adult-object experiences through semiotic mediation, we propose image schemas are not natural or direct, do not exist in early childhood, and are a developmental, pragmatic, and cultural product. As empirical illustration, we analyze a child-mother-objects interaction at home.
12-month results of the standardised combination therapy for diabetic macular oedema: intravitreal bevacizumab and navigated retinal photocoagulation

Aim To evaluate the efficacy of a standardised combination therapy for clinically significant diabetic macular oedema using bevacizumab injections followed by navigated laser photocoagulation to stabilise retinal thickness. Methods In this pilot study we retrospectively reviewed charts and imaging of 23 eyes treated with the standardised combination regimen. Eyes initially received monthly bevacizumab injections, followed by navigated laser photocoagulation when central retinal thickness (CRT) was <440 µm. Patients were then followed monthly for 12 months. Results At the time of navigated laser after bevacizumab treatment mean vision gain was +10.4 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters (p<0.01) and CRT reduction was 146 µm (p<0.001). At 12 months from baseline, the vision gain remained stable at +10.6 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters (p<0.01), and CRT reduction was stable at 137 µm (p<0.001). At 12 months from laser, the vision gain was 7.8 letters from baseline (p<0.01), with no significant change compared with the gain at 12 months from baseline (p=0.108). At 12 months from laser, CRT reduction was 125 µm from baseline (p<0.001), with no significant change compared with CRT reduction at 12 months from baseline (p=0.601). Total injections needed were 4.4 from baseline to month 12, with 1.3 reinjection needed after laser. 57% of the eyes didn't require injections after laser, while 43% needed two additional injections. Conclusions Standardised combination therapy using bevacizumab injections followed by navigated laser treatment for clinically significant diabetic macular oedema demonstrated significant visual gain and CRT reduction after bevacizumab treatment and stabilisation after navigated laser up to 12 months. The number of injections required in 12 months was lower than reported in previous combination studies.
Louis Bachelier on the Centenary of Théorie de la Spéculation

Written on the occasion of the centenary of Louis Bachelier's 1900 PhD thesis “Theorie de la speculation”, this paper puts Bachelier into a historical perspective. It explains his role as a pioneer in both mathematical finance and probability theory, and it also gives a careful account of Bachelier's difficult personal and scientific career. This includes a discussion of Poincare's report on the PhD thesis (the report itself with an English translation is reproduced in the appendix), and an explanation for the controversy between Bachelier's work and Paul L´evy's reports on it. The paper also contains a curriculum vitae and a list of the publications of Bachelier is made available.
Gendered distribution of ‘knowledge required for empowerment’ in Swedish vocational education curricula?

Abstract Sweden is internationally commended for a high degree of gender equality, but many divisions in Swedish society, including the labour market, disadvantage women. This paper addresses gendered divisions of preparation for civic participation in the vocational upper secondary national curricula, which may participate in reproduction of the pattern. In a comparative analysis of the curriculum guidelines for different vocational upper secondary programmes, we focus on the inclusion of important knowledge for empowerment and how knowledge is contextualised in terms of valued labour positions. We deploy Bernstein’s concepts of horizontal and vertical discourse and Connell’s concepts of production, consumption and gendered accumulation. A general finding is that vertical discourse is contextualised towards discourses of consumption in girl-dominated programmes and towards discourses of production in boy-dominated programmes. Boy-dominated programmes include more knowledge that can be clearly classified in recognised disciplines or fields, whereas girl-dominated programmes include courses of undefined knowledge, such as creativity and entrepreneurship. We conclude that the vocational curricula reinforce rather than challenge existing gender structures in the labour market and wider society. In a historical perspective, it can be concluded that Swedish vocational education policy has a continuum of ‘gender-blindness', and thus confirming with wider norms.
The Pharmacology of Nitric Oxide in the Peripheral Nervous System of Blood Vessels

Unanticipated, novel hypothesis on nitric oxide (NO) radical, an inorganic, labile, gaseous molecule, as a neurotransmitter first appeared in late 1989 and into the early 1990s, and solid evidences supporting this idea have been accumulated during the last decade of the 20th century. The discovery of nitrergic innervation of vascular smooth muscle has led to a new understanding of the neurogenic control of vascular function. Physiological roles of the nitrergic nerve in vascular smooth muscle include the dominant vasodilator control of cerebral and ocular arteries, the reciprocal regulation with the adrenergic vasoconstrictor nerve in other arteries and veins, and in the initiation and maintenance of penile erection in association with smooth muscle relaxation of the corpus cavernosum. The discovery of autonomic efferent nerves in which NO plays key roles as a neurotransmitter in blood vessels, the physiological roles of this nerve in the control of smooth muscle tone of the artery, vein, and corpus cavernosum, and pharmacological and pathological implications of neurogenic NO have been reviewed. This nerve is a postganglionic parasympathetic nerve. Mechanical responses to stimulation of the nerve, mainly mediated by NO, clearly differ from those to cholinergic nerve stimulation. The naming “nitrergic or nitroxidergic” is therefore proposed to avoid confusion of the term “cholinergic nerve”, from which acetylcholine is released as a major neurotransmitter. By establishing functional roles of nitrergic, cholinergic, adrenergic, and other autonomic efferent nerves in the regulation of vascular tone and the interactions of these nerves in vivo, especially in humans, progress in the understanding of cardiovascular dysfunctions and the development of pharmacotherapeutic strategies would be expected in the future.
Score Look-Alike Audiences

Look-alike models, which are efficient tools for finding similar users from a smaller user set, are quickly revolutionizing the online programmatic advertising industry. The datasets in these contexts exhibit extremely sparse feature spaces on a massive scale, so traditionally, the state-of-the-art look-alike models have used pairwise similarities to construct these similar user sets. One of the key challenges of the similarity-based models is that they do not provide a way to measure the potential value of the users to an advertiser, which is crucial in an advertising context. We propose methods to score users within the expanded audience in a way which relates directly to the business metric that the advertiser wants to optimize. We present three scoring models and show that, through empirical evaluation using real-world, large-scale data, by incorporating the potential value of a user to an advertiser into our scoring model, we can significantly improve the performance of the look-alike models over methods which only use pairwise similarities of users.
Keck Spectroscopy of Globular Clusters in the Virgo Cluster Dwarf Elliptical Galaxy VCC 1386

We present the results of a Keck spectroscopic study of globular clusters associated with the Virgo Cluster dwarf elliptical galaxy (dE) VCC 1386. We analyze blue spectroscopic absorption lines from 3500 to 5500 Å for 13 globular cluster candidates and confirm that five are associated with VCC 1386. By comparing metal and Balmer line indices of these globular clusters with α-enhanced single stellar population models, we find that these systems are metal poor, with [Fe/H] > -1.35, and old, with ages >5 Gyr at 3 σ confidence, placing their formation at z ≳ 1. This is one of the first spectroscopic studies of globular clusters surrounding dEs in a cluster, revealing that some low-mass galaxies in rich environments form at least part of their stellar mass early in the history of the universe. We further find that the luminosity-weighted stellar population of VCC 1386 itself is younger and more metal rich than its globular clusters, consistent with (V - I)0 colors from Hubble Space Telescope imaging. This implies that VCC 1386, like the Local Group dEs, has had multiple episodes of star formation. Globular clusters associated with low-luminosity systems, however, appear to be roughly as old as those associated with giant galaxies, contrary to the "downsizing" formation of their bulk stellar populations.
A role of the claustrum in auditory scene analysis by reflecting sensory change

The biological function of the claustrum remains speculative, despite many years of research. On the basis of its widespread connections it is often hypothesized that the claustrum may have an integrative function mainly reflecting objects rather than the details of sensory stimuli. Given the absence of a clear demonstration of any sensory integration in claustral neurons, however, we propose an alternative, data-driven, hypothesis: namely that the claustrum detects the occurrence of novel or salient sensory events. The detection of new events is critical for behavior and survival, as suddenly appearing objects may require rapid and coordinated reactions. Sounds are of particular relevance in this regard, and our conclusions are based on the analysis of neurons in the auditory zone of the primate claustrum. Specifically, we studied the responses to natural sounds, their preference to various sound categories, and to changes in the auditory scene. In a test for sound-category preference claustral neurons responded to but displayed a clear lack of selectivity between monkey vocalizations, other animal vocalizations or environmental sounds (Esnd). Claustral neurons were however able to detect target sounds embedded in a noisy background and their responses scaled with target signal to noise ratio (SNR). The single trial responses of individual neurons suggest that these neurons detected and reflected the occurrence of a change in the auditory scene. Given its widespread connectivity with sensory, motor and limbic structures the claustrum could play the essential role of identifying the occurrence of important sensory changes and notifying other brain areas—hence contributing to sensory awareness.