Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The campaign to end loneliness

Purpose – This paper aims to give an overview of the issue of loneliness, an update of issues heard of from across the country, as well as some positive stories and projects being delivered to alleviate loneliness in older age.Design/methodology/approach – This paper describes the current research into loneliness in older age, including related health issues and anecdotal evidence from local groups linking reductions in services with increased levels of loneliness in older age.Findings – Loneliness is a highly subjective emotion that is difficult and complex to measure. However, research has shown that men and women are affected differently. It has been shown to have strong links to health issues such as depression, Alzheimer's and heart disease as well as having been shown to be a bigger risk factor in early mortality than lifelong smoking and obesity.Originality/value – This paper highlights the first steps being taken by organisations working, under the umbrella of a recently launched Campaign to End L.
Organizational Downsizing During an Economic Crisis: Survivors' and Victims' Perspectives

The recession that began in 2007 resulted in organizational retrenchment strategies focused on workforce reductions. In order to successfully emerge from this crisis and sustain long-term viability for their organizations, managers needed to reengage surviving employees and minimize the potential for retaliatory behavior by the victims of the downsizing activities. An understanding of the perceptions of both survivors and victims is critical when managers implement downsizing and recovery strategies. The psychological contract and attribution theory were used to examine employee perceptions post downsizing. The variables of interest in this study include employee perceptions related to organizational communication; understanding and agreement with organizational strategy; local management's involvement in downsizing decisions; management responsiveness to employee needs; perceived fairness; optimism about the future of the company; and job security. A survey of 540 adults registered in an accelerated bachelor's of business administration program during 2009 completed a downsizing survey designed for this study. This study found perceptual differences between the survivors and victims related to corporate management's responsiveness to employee needs during downsizing; the fairness of the layoff decisions; managements' favoritism in the layoff decisions; employee optimism about the future of the organization; and employee nervousness about job security.
Adaptive Predistortion With Direct Learning Based on Piecewise Linear Approximation of Amplifier Nonlinearity

We propose an efficient Wiener model for a power amplifier (PA) and develop a direct learning predistorter (PD) based on the model. The Wiener model is formed by a linear filter and a memoryless nonlinearity in which AM/AM and AM/PM characteristics are approximated as piecewise linear and piecewise constant functions, respectively. A two-step identification scheme, wherein the linear portion is estimated first and the nonlinear portion is then identified, is developed. The PD is modeled by a polynomial and its coefficients are directly updated using a recursive least squares (RLS) algorithm. To avoid implementing the inverse of the PA's linear portion, the cost function for the RLS algorithm is defined as the sum of differences between the output of the PA's linear portion and the inverse of the PA's nonlinear portion. The proposed direct learning scheme, which is referred to as the piecewise RLS (PWRLS) algorithm, is simpler to implement, yet exhibits comparable performance, as compared with existing direct learning schemes.
Feminization of Professions: The Case of Women in Dentistry

The potential impact of feminization upon professions is examined through a case study of the Ontario dental profession. Women are entering dentistry in larger numbers, and if women practice differently than men, then their increased participation may alter the nature of dental practice. Using data from a survey of dentists in Ontario conducted in 2002 (N=484), this study finds that there are very few differences between male and female dentists in terms of practice characteristics and attitudes towards practise. Although men and women tend to differ in their practice type and average income, they, on average, resemble one another in terms of working hours, practice location and professional attitudes. Nevertheless, age emerged as an important mediating factor and some gender differences do exist amongst the younger cohorts of dentists. The implications of these findings for dentistry, and the feminization of professions more generally, are discussed.
Vertical and horizontal transmission in language evolution

It has been observed that borrowing within a group of genetically related languages often causes the lexical similarities among them to be skewed. Consequently, it has been proposed that borrowing can sometimes be inferred from such skewing. However, heterogeneity in the rate of lexical replacement, as well as borrowing from other languages, can also give rise to skewed lexical similarities. It is important, therefore, to determine to what degree skewing is a statistically significant indicator of borrowing. Here, we describe a statistical hypothesis test for detecting language contact based on skewing of linguistic characters of arbitrary type. Significant probabilities of correct detection of contact are maintained for various contact scenarios, with low false alarm probability. Our experiments show that the test is fairly robust to substantial heterogeneity in the retention rate, both across characters and across lineages, suggesting that the method can provide an objective criterion against which claims of significant skewing due to contact can be tested, pointing the way for more detailed analysis.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Support Expansion of In Vitro Irradiated CD34+ Cells in the Presence of SCF, FLT3 Ligand, TPO and IL3: Potential Application to Autologous Cell Therapy in Accidentally Irradiated Victims

Abstract Mourcin, F. , Grenier, N. , Mayol, J-F. , Lataillade, J-J., Sotto, J-J., Hérodin, F. and Drouet, M. Mesenchymal Stem Cells Support Expansion of In Vitro Irradiated CD34+ Cells in the Presence of SCF, FLT3 Ligand, TPO and IL3: Potential Application to Autologous Cell Therapy in Accidentally Irradiated Victims. Radiat. Res. 164, 1–9 (2005). Ex vivo expansion of residual autologous hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells collected from victims soon after accidental irradiation (autologous cell therapy) may represent an additional or alternative approach to cytokine therapy or allogeneic transplantation. Peripheral blood CD34+ cells could be a useful source of cells for this process provided that collection and ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells could be optimized. Here we investigated whether mesenchymal stem cells could sustain culture of irradiated peripheral blood CD34+ cells. In vitro irradiated (4 Gy 60Co γ rays) or nonirradiated mobilized peripheral blood CD34+ cells from baboons were cultured for 7 days in a serum-free medium supplemented with stem cell factor + thrombopoietin + interleukin 3 + FLT3 ligand (50 ng/ml each) in the presence or absence of mesenchymal stem cells. In contrast to cultures without mesenchymal stem cells, irradiated CD34+ cells cultured with mesenchymal stem cells displayed cell amplification, i.e. CD34+ (4.9-fold), CD34++ (3.8-fold), CD34++/Thy-1+ (8.1-fold), CD41+ (12.4-fold) and MPO+ (50.6-fold), although at lower levels than in nonirradiated CD34+ cells. Fourteen times more clonogenic cells, especially BFU-E, were preserved when irradiated cells were cultured on mesenchymal stem cells. Moreover, we showed that the effect of mesenchymal stem cells is related mainly to the reduction of apoptosis and involves cell-cell contact rather than production of soluble factor(s). This experimental model suggests that mesenchymal stem cells could provide a crucial tool for autologous cell therapy applied to accidentally irradiated victims.
Treatment choice in epidermal growth factor receptor mutation-positive non-small cell lung carcinoma: latest evidence and clinical implications

Discovery of sensitizing mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the subsequent development of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have substantially changed the treatment of lung cancer. First-line treatment with EGFR TKIs (gefitinib, erlotinib and afatinib) has demonstrated a superior response rate and progression-free survival (PFS) compared with chemotherapy in EGFR-mutation positive patients. However, a number of open questions remain, such as choice between the three EGFR TKIs licensed, treatment of patients unsuitable for chemotherapy due to morbidity or advanced age, management of acquired resistance and optimal biological sample to determine EGFR status. Recently the first head-to-head trial comparing gefitinib and afatinib (LUX-Lung 7) has been reported. Moreover, third-generation EGFR TKIs such as osimertinib, rociletinib, olmutinib and ASP8273, with preferential activity against T790M mutant tumours, the commonest resistance mechanism to EGFR TKIs, have shown promising results in early clinical trials, with osimertinib now licensed. In this review, we summarize latest advances in the treatment of EGFR-mutation positive patients focusing on controversial areas and emerging challenges to optimally treat these patients in the future.
Distinctness of compositions of an integer: A probabilistic analysis

Compositions of integers are used as theoretical models for many applications. The degree of distinctness of a composition is a natural and important parameter. In this article, we use as measure of distinctness the number of distinct parts (or components). We investigate, from a probabilistic point of view, the first empty part, the maximum part size and the distribution of the number of distinct part sizes. We obtain asymptotically, for the classical composition of an integer, the moments and an expression for a continuous distribution F, the (discrete) distribution of the number of distinct part sizes being computable from F. We next analyze another composition: the Carlitz one, where two successive parts are different. We use tools such as analytical depoissonization, Mellin transforms, Markov chain potential theory, limiting hitting times, singularity analysis and perturbation analysis. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Random Struct. Alg. , 19: 407–437, 2001
Reconstructing the Cosmic Evolution of Quasars from the Age Distribution of Local Early-Type Galaxies

We use the spectra of ≈22,000 nearby early-type galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) to determine the age distribution of these galaxies as a function of their velocity dispersion σv in the range 100 ≲ σv ≲ 280 km s-1. We then combine the inferred age distributions with the local abundance of spheroids, including early-type galaxies and late-type bulges, to predict the evolution of the quasar luminosity function (LF) in the redshift range 0 < z ≲ 6. We make the following simple assumptions: (1) the formation of stars in each galaxy, at the epoch identified with the mean mass-weighted stellar age, is accompanied by the prompt assembly of the nuclear supermassive black hole (SMBH); (2) the mass of the SMBH obeys the MBH-σv correlation observed in nearby galaxies; (3) the SMBH radiates at a fraction fEdd of the Eddington limit for a fixed duration tq and is identified as a luminous quasar during this epoch; and (4) the intrinsic dispersions in the Eddington ratio and the MBH-σv relation produce a combined scatter of Δ log Lq around the mean logarithmic quasar luminosity ⟨log Lq⟩ at fixed σv. These assumptions require that the SMBH remnants of quasars with Lbol ≲ 1012.5fEdd L☉ reside predominantly in bulges of late-type galaxies. We find that evolution of the observed quasar LF can be fit over the entire redshift range in this simple model, 0 < z ≲ 6, with the choices of 0.6 ≲ Δ log Lq ≲ 0.9, 6 × 107 ≲ tq ≲ 8 × 107 yr, and 0.3 ≲ ⟨fEdd⟩ ≲ 0.5. We find no evidence that any of the model parameters evolves with redshift, supporting the strong connection between the formation of stars and nuclear SMBHs in spheroids.
A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Problem Solving Training and of Cognitive-Emotional Rehabilitation on Neurocognition, Social Cognition and Social Functioning in People with Schizophrenia

Objective: Social cognition and Problem Solving (PS) impairments are common characteristics in patients with schizophrenia. Experimental neuropsychological findings support the hypothesis that schizophrenia is characterized by a broad range of heterogeneous cognitive impairments. Since that time Problem Solving Training has been employed as a core strategy in a wide variety of therapeutic settings. Renewed interest in cognitive functioning, including social Problem Solving skills and social cognition in schizophrenia, has led us to reconsider the potential value of metacognitive strategy as a rehabilitation strategy. Methods: The present study reports the results obtained by 24 persons with schizophrenia who were randomly assigned to one of two training session groups: Cognitive-Emotional Rehabilitation (REC) vs Problem Solving Training (PST). Both treatments were administered to small groups composed of subjects suffering from schizophrenic disorders over a 12 months period: primary measures of clinical, social outcomes and secondary measures of cognitive and Problem Solving functions were conducted at 0, and 12 months. Results: Results showed that both training methods were found to be effective in psychopathological measures and in social functioning. On cognitive function improvements were specific to the rehabilitative approach. PST are mainly improved capacities for planning and memory, while the REC improved measures such as social cognition Theory of mind and emotion recognition. Conclusion: The results confirmed that it is no necessary to divide the rehabilitation training in treatments directed to specific domains. The conceptualization and applicability of PST and REC its implications for persons with schizophrenia, and future studies in this research area have also been discussed.
Inversion-based control of a hybrid Electric Vehicle using a split Electric Variable Transmission

The electric variable transmission (EVT) is an electromechanical converter with two mechanical ports and one electrical port (consisting of two concentric machines and two inverters) which is suitably for applications in hybrid electric vehicle. This paper is focused on an EVT hybrid vehicle modeling and its control structure. EMR (Energetic Macroscopic Representation) is used to the global modeling. The Inversion-based control deduced from the system EMR is mainly discussed. A simple rule-based strategy is used to check the modeling and this control structure under a new European driving cycle (NEDC).
Finite sample properties of system identification methods

We study the performance of system identification methods on a finite data sample. Our results are of the following form: with a probability not less than 1-/spl delta/, minimising the empirical identification cost leads to an estimate which is within an accuracy /spl epsiv/ from the theoretical optimal estimate. Explicit expressions for the accuracy /spl epsiv/ are derived, revealing its dependence on the data generation characteristics and the choices made in the system identification procedure. This paper presents a finite sample identification theory applicable to a general linear time-invariant setting.
Dynamic traffic light system for unhindered passing of high priority vehicles: Wireless implementation of dynamic traffic light systems using modular hardware

Response time of the emergency services is vital in drastically improving the chances of survival and of meaningful recovery for the affected individuals in emergency situations. Often precious time is often lost for emergency services due to traffic, especially at traffic intersections. What we propose is a dynamic solution to the aforementioned problem using an intelligent network of smart traffic lights which all turn green in anticipation of an approaching emergency vehicle, thus providing unhindered passage to it. Further, so to facilitate the implementation of the aforementioned logic in non-smart traffic networks, a wireless embedded system based hardware solution is proposed to convert existing autonomous traffic light systems into a networked one.
Retrieval of Consolidated Spatial Memory in the Water Maze Is Correlated with Expression of pCREB and Egr1 in the Hippocampus of Aged Mice

Objective: To study the relationship of the expression of phosphorylated cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (pCREB) and early growth response protein 1 (Egr1) in the hippocampus of aged mice with retrieval of consolidated spatial memory in a water maze. Methods: Twenty-four aged mice were allocated into no training or probe test (naïve), no training but exposed to the same probe test (NTPRT), received training and probe test (PRT), and received training but no probe test (NPRT) groups. Twelve mice were trained in a water maze over 14 days. After the final probe trial on day 15, all mice were anesthetized and the brains were removed. pCREB immunoreactivity (pCREB-ir) and Egr1 immunoreactivity (Egr1-ir) in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas were examined. Results: pCREB-ir and Egr1-ir in the CA1 and CA3 areas of the NPRT and PRT groups were significantly higher than those of the naïve and NTPRT groups, and those in the PRT group were significantly higher than in the NPRT group. In all groups, pCREB-ir was significantly higher in the CA3 area compared to the CA1 area, while Egr1-ir was significantly higher in the CA1 area compared to the CA3 area. Conclusion: Retrieval, as well as formation, of consolidated spatial memory in the water maze is correlated with expression of pCREB and Egr1 in the hippocampus of aged mice.
Do's and dont's: An Informal Study of Some Prevailing Superstitions

An informal study was conducted to demonstrate the prevalence and relationship to specific background variables of prevailing superstitions. A questionnaire containing 24 superstitious beliefs or practices was independently completed by 132 adults. Each superstition was rated as to whether it had strong, partial, or no influence for the individual, and a total score was obtained. The highest possible score was 48, and the range found in the sample was 0 to 46. The mean total superstition score for women was higher than for men, the difference being statistically significant (p.05). A moderately substantial negative correlation (p.01) was found between superstitious belief and amount of formal education. It is suggested that, particularly in current times, the sense of control inherent in superstitious belief and practice has a therapeutic value in the reduction of anxiety. This value may account for the survival of common superstitions in spite of centuries of advance in scientific knowledge.
Shape based approach for detecting Musa Species in fruit industry

Agro export industries generate a substantial amount of revenue to Indian economy. In the fruit industry, various fruits like banana, mango, apple and pomegranate, etc. are transported in the conveyor for a post harvest process like classification, sorting, grading and juice extraction. The manual discrimination of various fruits consumes time and, it can be automated. This research work is intended to build an image processing algorithm that ensures automatic discrimination of banana (Musa Species.) from other fruits like Citrus, Apple, and Pomegranate. The input object is segmented using Background subtraction and threshold method. Morphological operations are performed to obtain the clear contour of the segmented objects. The shape of the banana and non-banana are described by scale and translation invariant signature. Binary SVM with signature feature vectors detect the banana fruit from the non-banana fruit automatically. The accuracy rate is 95%.
Family Therapy with the Learning Disabled Child and His/Her Family.

No therapist can come in contact with and treat children with minimal brain damage or specific learning disabilities without being struck by the fact that there are numerous intertwined factors that have contributed to and continue to perpetuate the problems. In addition to the helping approaches which have been utilized in recent years, such as tutoring, special education, and child therapy, this article elaborates the importance of utilizing family therapy as the treatment of choice sometime during the course of treating the child and helping the parents to understand and deal with their handicapped youngster.
SENIOR WOMEN MANAGERS WHO LEAVE EMPLOYMENT

The phenomenon of senior women managers who leave their jobs with no plans for next steps in their careers is focused on. Their stories are seen as possible “test cases” of women′s progress into management. There are some suggestions, particularly from North America, that such cases are on the increase. Organisational cultures are still largely dominated by male values and norms of behaviour; their resilience to change helps explain the scarcity of women at senior levels. How cultures operate to marginalise and exclude women, particularly when they near culture‐shaping levels, is explored. Studies from North America on women leaving senior jobs are reviewed. These support the suggestion that issues of culture are involved. Finally, a research project in this area is outlined, and an invitation made for people to contribute.
The continuum of HIV care in South Africa: implications for achieving the second and third UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets

Background:We characterize engagement with HIV care in South Africa in 2012 to identify areas for improvement towards achieving global 90-90-90 targets. Methods:Over 3.9 million CD4+ cell count and 2.7 million viral load measurements reported in 2012 in the public sector were extracted from the national laboratory electronic database. The number of persons living with HIV (PLHIV), number and proportion in HIV care, on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and with viral suppression (viral load <400 copies/ml) were estimated and stratified by sex and age group. Modified Poisson regression approach was used to examine associations between sex, age group and viral suppression among persons on ART. Results:We estimate that among 6511 000 PLHIV in South Africa in 2012, 3300 000 individuals (50.7%) accessed care and 32.9% received ART. Although viral suppression was 73.7% among the treated population in 2012, the overall percentage of persons with viral suppression among all PLHIV was 23.8%. Linkage to HIV care was lower among men (38.5%) than among women (57.2%). Overall, 47.1% of those aged 0–14 years and 47.0% of those aged 15–49 years were linked to care compared with 56.2% among those aged above 50 years. Conclusion:Around a quarter of all PLHIV have achieved viral suppression in South Africa. Men and younger persons have poorer linkage to HIV care. Expanding HIV testing, strengthening prompt linkage to care and further expansion of ART are needed for South Africa to reach the 90-90-90 target. Focus on these areas will reduce the transmission of new HIV infections and mortality in the general population.