Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Theory of Planned Behavior as Applied to Preoperative Smoking Abstinence

Abstinence from smoking on the morning of surgery may improve outcomes. This study examined the explicatory power of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to predict smoking behavior on the morning of surgery, testing the hypothesis that the constructs of attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) will predict intent to abstain from smoking the morning of surgery, and that intent will predict behavior. TPB constructs were assessed in 169 pre-surgical patients. Smoking behavior on the morning of surgery was assessed by self-report and CO monitoring. Correlations and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to determine associations between measures and behavior. All TPB measures, including intent as predicted by the TPB, were correlated with both a lower rate of self-reported smoking on the morning of surgery and lower CO levels. The SEM showed a good fit to the data. In the SEM, attitude and PBC, but not subjective norm, were significantly associated with intent to abstain, explaining 46% of variance. The effect of PBC on CO levels was partially mediated by intent. The amount of variance in behavior explained by these TPB constructs was modest (10% for CO levels). Thus, attitude and perceived behavioral control explain a substantial portion of the intent to maintain preoperative abstinence on the morning of elective surgery, and intent and perceived behavioral control explain a more modest but significant amount of the variance in actual smoking behavior. Trial Registration: Clinical Trials.gov registration: NCT01014455
CDMA-PPM for UWB Impulse Radio

Pulse-position modulation (PPM) is widely used in impulse radio (IR) due to the simplicity of its transceiver structure and signal detection. It is usually used along with time hopping (TH) to support multiple users in IR and to take the advantage of a small collision probability among simultaneous users. This advantage, however, is achieved at the cost of a wider frame length and the concentration of each user's frame signal energy on a single pulse. Thus, it is likely that the TH-PPM information can totally be damaged whenever a collision occurs. In this paper, we take a different philosophy to evenly distribute the signal energy over the entire frame, ending up with a novel ultrawideband (UWB) IR multiple-access scheme, which is called code division multiple access (CDMA)-PPM, for low-rate wireless-personal- area-network application. The new scheme is superior to the conventional one in terms of error performance, as evidenced by theoretical analysis and simulations. We also examine the power spectrum of CDMA-PPM signals, which is found to be comparable to its TH-PPM counterpart.
Export Dynamics and Economic Growth in Latin America: A Comparative Perspective

Export diversification trends the commodity composition of export portfolios export diversification and structural dynamics in the growth process - the case of Chile export sector dynamics and domestic growth - the case of Colombia the oil giants - Mexico and Venezuela Latin American export sector dynamics and economic growth - an international comparison externalities in the export sector and economic growth prospects for intra-Latin integration.
The Fusiform Face Area responds automatically to statistical regularities optimal for face categorization

Statistical regularities pervade our perceptual world. Assuming that the human brain is tuned for satisfying the constraints of the visual environment, visual system computations should be optimized for processing such regularities. A socially relevant and highly recurrent homogenous pattern for which the brain has developed sensitivity is certainly the human face. Yet, for which statistical regularities the face sensitive regions are tuned for, and to what extent their detection occurs automatically is largely unexplored. Using fMRI we measured activations within the face sensitive areas for nonface symmetrical and asymmetrical curvilinear patterns with either more high‐contrast elements in the upper or in the lower part. Faceness evaluation performed outside of the scanner showed that these patterns were not perceived as schematic faces. Noticeably, symmetry violations disrupted perception of faceness, despite objective image similarity measures showing high faceness values for those patterns. Among the faces sensitive regions, only the right Fusiform Face Area (FFA) showed sensitivity to symmetry. This region showed also greater responses to patterns with more elements in the upper part. Critically, the FFA's responses were more strongly correlated with the physical objective faceness properties of the stimuli than the perceived subjective faceness ratings of the observers. These findings provide direct evidence that the neural computations of the right FFA are tuned to curvilinear symmetrical patterns with high‐contrasted elements in the upper part, which fit best with the physical structure of human faces. Such low‐level geometrical regularities might be used by the FFA to automatically categorize visual shapes as faces. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Face Recognition Using Eigen face Coefficients and Principal Component Analysis

— Face Recognition is a field of multidimensional applications. A lot of work has been done, extensively on the most of details related to face recognition. This idea of face recognition using PCA is one of them. In this paper the PCA features for Feature extraction are used and matching is done for the face under consideration with the test image using Eigen face coefficients. The crux of the work lies in optimizing Euclidean distance and paving the way to test the same algorithm using Matlab which is an efficient tool having powerful user interface along with simplicity in representing complex images.
Disinflation and real currency appreciation in Chile and Mexico: the role of monetary policy

Se compara la conduccion de la politica monetaria en Chile y Mexico a traves de (a) un analisis cualitativo de los episodios de politica monetaria definidos por un cambio claro en la postura de dicha politica y (b) la estimacion de modelos de correccion de error para la tasa de interes, e identifica las caracteristicas especificas de la politica monetaria en Mexico qeu contribuyeron a la fuerte apreciacion de su moneda. Clasificacion JEL: E31, E43, E52, E58, E65, O54.
The influence of entrepreneurial orientation on innovative performance: Study of a petrochemical company in Iran

Purpose – Since the entrepreneurship orientation has impact on entrepreneurship behaviors and its role in making competitive advantage, this study aims to discuss the relations between entrepreneurship orientation and innovative performance. Design/methodology/approach – The research has been applied research method. The confirmatory factor analysis has used for analyzing data and testing the research questions. Also, this research has used structural equation model and path analysis via computer-aided systems. Findings – The findings advocate that the dimensions of entrepreneurship orientation have impact on innovative performance except proactiveness and competitive aggressiveness. In addition, the good fitting tests confirm the model of the research. Research limitations/implications – Based on the findings, several implications suggest, such as doing the same research with considering several factors as mediators such as industry, organization size, organization types and so on, also several activitie.
FYCO1 and autophagy control the integrity of the haploid male germ cell-specific RNP granules

ABSTRACT Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules play a major role in compartmentalizing cytoplasmic RNA regulation. Haploid round spermatids that have exceptionally diverse transcriptomes are characterized by a unique germ cell-specific RNP granule, the chromatoid body (CB). The CB shares many characteristics with somatic RNP granules but also has germline-specific features. The CB appears to be a central structure in PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA)-targeted RNA regulation. Here, we identified a novel CB component, FYCO1, which is involved in the intracellular transport of autophagic vesicles in somatic cells. We demonstrated that the CB is associated with autophagic activity. Induction of autophagy leads to the recruitment of lysosomal vesicles onto the CB in a FYCO1-dependent manner as demonstrated by the analysis of a germ cell-specific Fyco1 conditional knockout mouse model. Furthermore, in the absence of FYCO1, the integrity of the CB was affected and the CB was fragmented. Our results suggest that RNP granule homeostasis is regulated by FYCO1-mediated autophagy.
Optimal Selection of-Cycle for Optical Networks . An approach based on Genetic Algorithm

The study of prevention and protection against failures is a central problem in Optical Networks due to the growth of capacity demand for data transmission, especially with the Internet traffic. Without protection, failures of links or nodes cause huge losses of data. The ρCycle protection is a novel approach based on pre-configured protection cycles to provide a fast recovery for single link failure. This work proposes a Genetic Algorithm to solve the ρCycle protection question. Experimental tests carried out on different topologies have shown that this new proposal is a promising approach to achieve better results when compared to a well-known state-of-the-art alternative called Capacitated Iterative Design Algorithm CIDA.
Client influence on valuation: does language matter?: A comparative analysis between Taiwan and Singapore

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to attempt to analyze client influence on valuation in both Taiwan and Singapore. Both countries are chosen because of the similar level of economic development as well as professionalism amongst valuers. However, although both are Chinese‐dominated by population, the culture and language used are substantially different.Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a survey questionnaire to sample valuers' response to client influence in both Taiwan and Singapore. The questionnaire is organized into five parts: social economic data, client influence situation, potential factors, influence method, and influence abilities. The survey findings were analyzed using SPSS and subjected to a number of standard procedures to check for missing values and multivariate normality. Mean difference and F‐test were used to judge whether the valuers in the two countries have significantly different views on client influence.Findings – The results show that client influence on valuati.
A New Model for Black Hole Soft X-Ray Transients in Quiescence

We present models of the soft X-ray transients, A0620-00, V404 Cyg, and X-ray Nova Mus 1991, in quiescence. In each source, we postulate that there is an outer region, extending outward from about 3000 Schwarzschild radii, where the accretion flow is in the form of a standard thin disk. The outer disk produces most of the radiation we observe in the infrared, optical and UV bands. We propose that the disk undergoes an instability at its inner edge, perhaps by the mechanism described recently by Meyer \& Meyer-Hofmeister for cataclysmic variables. The accreting gas is thereby converted into a hot corona which flows into the black hole as a nearly virial two-temperature flow. We describe the hot inner flow by means of a recently discovered stable solution of optically thin advection-dominated accretion. In this flow, most of the thermal energy released by viscous dissipation is advected into the black hole and only a small fraction, $\sim10^{-4}-10^{-3}$, of the energy is radiated. The radiation is in the form of Comptonized synchrotron and bremsstrahlung emission, and has a broad spectrum extending from optical to soft gamma-rays. The models we present are consistent with all the available data in the three sources. In particular, the X-ray emission from the hot inner flow fits the observed flux and spectral index of A0620-00. We derive a mass accretion rate of $\sim10^{-11}\msyr$ in A0620-00 and Nova Mus, and $\sim{\rm few}\times10^{-10}\msyr$ in V404 Cyg. The best fit to the data is obtained for a viscosity parameter $\alpha\sim0.1-0.3$ in the hot flow. The models predict that all three sources must have substantial flux in hard X-rays and soft $\gamma$-rays. This prediction is testable in the case of V404 Cyg with current instruments. A necessary feature of our proposal is that most of the viscous
Organic Food: Buying More Safety or Just Peace of Mind? A Critical Review of the Literature

Consumer concern over the quality and safety of conventional food has intensified in recent years, and primarily drives the increasing demand for organically grown food, which is perceived as healthier and safer. Relevant scientific evidence, however, is scarce, while anecdotal reports abound. Although there is an urgent need for information related to health benefits and/or hazards of food products of both origins, generalized conclusions remain tentative in the absence of adequate comparative data. Organic fruits and vegetables can be expected to contain fewer agrochemical residues than conventionally grown alternatives; yet, the significance of this difference is questionable, inasmuch as actual levels of contamination in both types of food are generally well below acceptable limits. Also, some leafy, root, and tuber organic vegetables appear to have lower nitrate content compared with conventional ones, but whether or not dietary nitrate indeed constitutes a threat to human health is a matter of debate. On the other hand, no differences can be identified for environmental contaminants (e.g. cadmium and other heavy metals), which are likely to be present in food from both origins. With respect to other food hazards, such as endogenous plant toxins, biological pesticides and pathogenic microorganisms, available evidence is extremely limited preventing generalized statements. Also, results for mycotoxin contamination in cereal crops are variable and inconclusive; hence, no clear picture emerges. It is difficult, therefore, to weigh the risks, but what should be made clear is that ‘organic’ does not automatically equal ‘safe. ’ Additional studies in this area of research are warranted. At our present state of knowledge, other factors rather than safety aspects seem to speak in favor of organic food.
Rethinking Bilingual Education in Postcolonial Contexts

Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Language and Education Chapter 3: Mozambique: Historical, Sociolinguistic and Educational Context Chapter 4: The Research Sites: Communities, Schools and Classrooms Chapter 5: Interaction and Pedagogy in Bilingual Classrooms Chapter 6: Socio-Cultural Impact of Bilingual Education Chapter 7: Bilingual Education and Socio-economic Mobility Chapter 8: Conclusion
Strongly Screenableness and its Tychonoff Products

In this paper, we prove that if X is regular strongly screenable DC-like (C-scattered), then X × Y is strongly screenable for every strongly screenable space Y . We also show that the product ∏ i∈ω Yi is strongly screenable if every Yi is a regular strongly screenable DC-like space. Finally, we present that the strongly screenableness are poorly behaved with its Tychonoff products. Keywords—topological game; strongly screenable; scattered; Cscattered.
Socioeconomic status, white matter, and executive function in children

A growing body of evidence links socioeconomic status (SES) to children's brain structure. Few studies, however, have specifically investigated relations of SES to white matter structure. Further, although several studies have demonstrated that family SES is related to development of brain areas that support executive functions (EF), less is known about the role that white matter structure plays in the relation of SES to EF. One possibility is that white matter differences may partially explain SES disparities in EF (i.e., a mediating relationship). Alternatively, SES may differentially shape brain‐behavior relations such that the relation of white matter structure to EF may differ as a function of SES (i.e., a moderating relationship).
Towards solution based thinking: characteristics of servitization at Hungarian manufacturing companies

The main purpose of the article is to describe the servitization process of Hungarian manufacturing companies based on data of the Hungarian Competitiveness research. Servitization aims at supplying a bundle of products and services that offers complete solutions for customers. In this paper we analyze to what extent characteristics of ser-vitization in developed countries are also applicable in a developing macro-environment, i.e. in Hungary. Results of our analysis show that, generally, Hungarian manufacturing companies do not place strategic emphasis on services. Nevertheless, our sample contains a number of manufacturing companies that have taken actions to servitize both on strategic and operational level. However, in case of these companies financial benefits attributable to higher levels of servitization do not yet seem to materialize.
Predicting cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) abundance in high-elevation streams: revisiting a model of translocation success

Assessing viability of stream populations of cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) and identifying streams suitable for establishing populations are priorities in the western United States, and a model was recently developed to predict translocation success (as defined by an index of population size) of two subspecies based on mean July water temperature, pool bankfull width, and deep pools counts. To determine whether the translocation model applied to streams elsewhere with more precise abundance estimates, we examined the relation between electrofishing-based esti- mates of cutthroat trout abundance and these habitat variables plus occupied stream length. The preferred model was (population size) 1/2 = 0.00508(stream length (m)) + 5.148 (N = 31). In contrast, a model based on data from the origi- nal translocation model included stream temperature and deep pool counts as variables. Differences in models appear to largely have a methodological rather than biological basis. Additional habitat coupled with increased habitat complexity may account for the form of the abundance - stream length relation in the electrofishing-based model. Model-derived estimates imply that many cutthroat trout populations are below thresholds associated with reduced risk of extinction. We believe that this model can reduce uncertainty about projected population sizes when selecting streams for reintroductions or evaluating unsampled streams. Resume : La determination de la viabilite des populations de truites fardees (Oncorhynchus clarkii) des cours d'eau et l'identification des milieux d'eau courante adequats pour l'etablissement des populations constituent des priorites dans
Citizen Politics In Post-industrial Societies

* Overview of the Book Michael Rempel and Terry Nichols Clark. Introduction * Postindustrial Politics: A Framework for Interpreting Citizen Politics Since the 1960s M. Rempel and T. N. Clark. Cultural Shifts And Politics: Is Materialism Rising, Declining, Or Both? Implications For Political Activism * The Trend Toward Postmaterialist Values Continues Ronald Inglehart. * American Youth Are Becoming More Materialistic Richard A. Easterlin and Eileen M. Crimmins. * The New Political Culture in Japan Naoyuki Umemori with M. Rempel. The New Middle Class Politics: What Is Special About The Politics Of Professionals And Other Middle Class Persons? * The Politics of Professionals in Five Advanced Industrial Societies Steven Brint, William L. Cunningham, and Rebecca S.K. Li. * Partisan Alignments of the Old and New Middle Classes in Post-Industrial America Clem Brooks and Jeff Manza. New Issues, Ideologies, And Cleavages: What Mobilizes Citizens? * New Fiscal Populism: Innovations in Political Candidates and Campaigns in Illinois, 19561992 G. Allen Mayer. * Contemporary Ideological Cleavages in the United States M. Rempel. * The Social Origins of Feminism and Political Activism: Findings from Fourteen Countries Paul Butts.
The radio spectrum of a quiescent stellar mass black hole

Observations of V404 Cyg performed using the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope at four frequencies, over the interval 1.4-8.4 GHz, have provided us with the first broad-band radio spectrum of a 'quiescent' stellar mass black hole. The measured mean flux density is of 0.35 mJy, with a spectral index a = +0.09 ± 0.19 (such that S v v α ). Synchrotron emission from an inhomogeneous partially self-absorbed outflow of plasma accounts for the flat/inverted radio spectrum, in analogy with hard-state black hole X-ray binaries, indicating that a steady jet is being produced between a few 10 -6 and a few per cent of the Eddington X-ray luminosity.
Detrital carbon pools in temperate forests: magnitude and potential for landscape-scale assessment

Reliably estimating carbon storage and cycling in detrital biomass is an obstacle to carbon accounting. We examined carbon pools and fluxes in three small temperate forest landscapes to assess the magnitude of carbon stored in detrital biomass and determine whether detrital carbon storage is related to stand structural properties (leaf area, aboveground biomass, primary production) that can be estimated by remote sensing. We characterized these relationships with and without forest age as an additional predictive variable. Results depended on forest type. Carbon in dead woody debris was substantial at all sites, accounting for ∼17% of aboveground carbon, whereas carbon in forest floor was substantial in the subalpine Rocky Mountains (36% of aboveground carbon) and less important in northern hardwoods of New England and mixed forests of the upper Midwest (∼7%). Relationships to aboveground characteristics accounted for between 38% and 59% of the variability in carbon stored in forest floor and between 21% .
Poverty and distributional impact of economic policies and external shocks : three case studies from Latin America combining macro and micro approaches

Economists have had much to say about the impact of economic policies on growth, but little on their distributional consequences and poverty impact. The reorientation of development policy from structural adjustment to poverty reduction as the central objective thus called for new tools to examine distributional change. This book analyzes the poverty and distributional impact of policy changes and external shocks in three case studies from Latin America: Trade liberalization in Colombia and Brazil, and the gas boom in Bolivia. It uses an innovative approach that combines computable general equilibrium and microsimulation models. The country applications illustrate that distributional consequences depend very much on the nature of the shock or policy change as well as the characteristics of the country in question. The book issues a warning against policy prescriptions being based on oversimplifying assumptions and models.
ARC CROSS-SECTION DETERMINATION OF CONVECTION STABILIZED ARCS

Convection stabilized high current arcs are found in extinction chambers of AC and DC circuit breakers. Such arcs have a radially flat temperature profile with a sharp drop towards the surrounding cold gas. This is because a large fraction of the emitted radiation is reabsorbed at the edge of the arc column. Therefore, it is reasonable to characterize an arc of this type by its cross-section A. In this contribution, the crosssection of convection stabilized arcs in a model circuit breaker is determined separately by electrical measurements, optical high-speed imaging and the heating chamber pressure drop. The theoretically expected cross-sections increase with current (A ∝ i) and drop with blow pressure (A ∝ p). This was confirmed by all three measurement techniques. However, it became clear that light emitting, electrical and fluid dynamical cross-sections are ambiguous and do not always describe the same physical property.