Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the cut locus of free, step two Carnot groups

In this note, we study the cut locus of the free, step two Carnot groups $\mathbb{G}_k$ with $k$ generators, equipped with their left-invariant Carnot-Carath\'eodory metric. In particular, we disprove the conjectures on the shape of the cut loci proposed in [Myasnichenko - 2002] and [Montanari, Morbidelli - 2016], by exhibiting sets of cut points $C_k \subset \mathbb{G}_k$ which, for $k \geq 4$, are strictly larger than conjectured ones. While the latter were, respectively, smooth semi-algebraic sets of codimension $\Theta(k^2)$ and semi-algebraic sets of codimension $\Theta(k)$, the sets $C_k$ are semi-algebraic and have codimension $2$, yielding the best possible lower bound valid for all $k$ on the size of the cut locus of $\mathbb{G}_k$. Furthermore, we study the relation of the cut locus with the so-called abnormal set. In the low dimensional cases, it is known that \[ \mathrm{Abn}_0(\mathbb{G}_k) = \overline{\mathrm{Cut}_0(\mathbb{G}_k)} \setminus \mathrm{Cut}_0(\mathbb{G}_k), \qquad k=2,3. \] For each $k \geq 4$, instead, we show that the cut locus always intersects the abnormal set, and there are plenty of abnormal geodesics with finite cut time. Finally, and as a straightforward consequence of our results, we derive an explicit lower bound for the small time heat kernel asymptotics at the points of $C_k$. The question whether $C_k$ coincides with the cut locus for $k\geq 4$ remains open.
The Rise of the 'Redback' and the People's Republic of China's Capital Account Liberalization: An Empirical Analysis of the Determinants of Invoicing Currencies

This study investigates the determinants of currency choice for trade invoicing in a cross-country context while focusing on the link between capital account liberalization and its impact on the use of the renminbi (RMB). The authors find that while countries with more developed financial markets tend to invoice less in the US dollar, countries with more open capital accounts tend to invoice in either the euro or their home currency. These results indicate that financial development and financial openness are among the keys to challenging the US dollar dominance in general, and to internationalizing the RMB for the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The model also suggests that the share of the RMB in export invoicing should have been higher than the actually observed share of less than 10%. The underperformance of RMB export invoicing can be attributed to the inertia in the choice of currency for trade invoicing; once a currency is used for trade invoicing or settlements, it becomes difficult for traders to switch from one currency to another. This same phenomenon was also observed in the cases of the Japanese yen and the euro at their inceptions as international currencies. The model predicts that the share of RMB invoicing for the PRC’s exports will rise to above 25% in 2015 and above 30% in 2018, whether or not the PRC implements drastic financial liberalization. As the near future path of RMB use is also expected to be inertial, these forecasts are probably at the upper end of the actual path of RMB export invoicing.
Consumer behavior towards Online shopping of electronics in pakistan

E-commerce has made life simple and innovative of individuals and groups; consumer Behavior in online shopping is different from the physical market where he has access to see the product. The purpose of the research was to study the consumer behavior in online shopping of electronics especially in Pakistan. The main research question in thesis is how consumers behave while shopping online. Primary data was collected through the questionnaire survey and by emails from personal contacts in two major cities of Pakistan. Price, time saving and convenience were identified as important factors which lead to certain buying behavior in online shopping. The www is rebuild around people where social circles influence and lead to online buying.
HEMATOLOGICAL AND LIPID PROFILES OF BLOOD DONORS AT RED CROSS CENTER IN ADDIS ABABA.

BACKGROUND Physiological range of clinically important hematological laboratory values and lipid profiles of healthy population in Ethiopia is not well assessed. OBJECTIVE to determine hematologic and lipid profiles of healthy blood donors in Addis Ababa. METHODS Red Cross Society located in Addis Ababa was selected as a study area. 336 donors; age range between 18-58 years participated. Venous blood sample was collected by tube containing Ehtylenediaminetetraaceticacid tri potassium (EDTA) for hematology test and sterile tube for lipid test. After centrifugation serum was extracted for lipid test and transported to St. Pauls's Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) within 5-8hrs of sample collection. IBM.SPSS version 21 was used for data analysis, statistical significance was set at P< 0.05 and 95% CL was accepted. RESULTS Red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume, platelet count and triglyceride level were significantly higher in the present study than the reference range. RBC indices, white blood cell, Hemoglobin, hematocrit, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol were higher in the reference range used in clinical practice. Significantly higher red blood count (p = 0.000), Hg (p = 0.000), Hematocrit (p = 0.000) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (p = 0.009) were observed in the male. Significantly higher platelet count and high density lipoprotein were observed among females (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001 respectively). No significant change in hematological laboratory values and lipid profiles was seen across age groups. CONCLUSION It is evident from this study that hematological and lipid variables obtained were statistically significantly different from the reference range currently used in clinical practice.
SWOT Analysis of Religious Tourism in the Roi Kaen Sarn Sin Cluster of Northeastern Thailand

This article aims to examine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for tourism in the Roi Kaen Sarn Sin (RKSS) cluster, using a qualitative approach to consider religious tourism in northeastern Thailand. Semi-structured interviews were the main data collection tools, and key informants of this study included officers from both government and private sectors related to tourism in northeastern Thailand. The results found that religious tourism took place within this area a long time ago. Elements of religious tourism in the RKSS cluster include 1) attractions, 2) accessibility, 3) accommodations, 4) safety, 5) activities supporting tourism, and 6) social issues. Opportunities and weaknesses of the provincial clusters, from the point of view of religious tourism, can be classified into several issues, including infrastructure and transportation, tourism attractions, religious activities, networks, and local beliefs; the development strategies for increasing potential for religious tourism are 1) transportation coverage through public transport and 2) local sectors that keep area monastery histories.
Evolution of molecular error rates and the consequences for evolvability

Making genes into gene products is subject to predictable errors, each with a phenotypic effect that depends on a normally cryptic sequence. Many cryptic sequences have strongly deleterious effects, for example when they cause protein misfolding. Strongly deleterious effects can be avoided globally by avoiding making errors (e.g., via proofreading machinery) or locally by ensuring that each error has a relatively benign effect. The local solution requires powerful selection acting on every cryptic site and so evolves only in large populations. Small populations with less effective selection evolve global solutions. Here we show that for a large range of realistic intermediate population sizes, the evolutionary dynamics are bistable and either solution may result. The local solution facilitates the genetic assimilation of cryptic genetic variation and therefore substantially increases evolvability.
Time course of neurotrophic factor upregulation and retinal protection against light-induced damage after optic nerve section.

PURPOSE To assess neurotrophic factor upregulation in the retina after damage to the optic nerve and relate that regulation to changes in photoreceptor stability and function. METHODS Retinas of adult pigmented (Long-Evans) rats were examined at successive times (1-60 days) after unilateral optic nerve section. The distribution and expression of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) and their receptor elements FGFR1 and CNTFRalpha were studied with immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. FGF-2 and CNTF mRNA levels were also assessed, with semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Levels and localization of the intracellular signaling molecule ERK and its activated, phosphorylated form pERK, were examined by immunohistochemistry. To assess the correlation between neurotrophic factor levels and their protective effect against light damage, albino (Sprague-Dawley) rats were exposed to bright continuous light (1000 lux) for 24 or 48 hours at successive times after nerve section. The TUNEL technique was used to visualize neuronal cell death in the retina. RESULTS CNTF upregulation was detected 1 week after optic nerve section, peaked at 2 weeks, and fell to control levels at 4 weeks. CNTF appeared first in the inner retina in the ganglion cells, then in the Muller cells in which it became prominent at the outer limiting membrane (OLM) and in the outer segment (OS) region of photoreceptors. FGF-2 upregulation became prominent, particularly in photoreceptors, 21 to 28 days after surgery, continued to 2 months, and slowly declined thereafter. Double labeling with antibodies to ligand and the receptor showed colocalization of CNTF to its receptor at the OS region, whereas FGF-2-to-FGFR1 binding was found in the outer nuclear (ONL) and outer plexiform (OPL) layers. Optic nerve section provided a significant protective effect against light-induced damage in the first 2 weeks. There was no protection when animals were exposed to damaging light 1 month after nerve section. CONCLUSIONS The upregulation of CNTF 7 to 14 days after nerve section correlates with a reduction in the a-wave described previously. Colocalization of CNTF and CNTFRalpha on the outer segments suggests that CNTF acts at the photoreceptor membrane. The slower upregulation of FGF-2 correlates with a reduction of the b-wave. FGF-2/FGFR1 colocalization in the OPL suggests that this factor acts at the synaptic terminals of photoreceptors, modulating the release of neurotransmitters. The time course of pERK upregulation suggests that the successive upregulation of CNTF and FGF-2 activates the ERK pathway. Based on the time course of protection against bright continuous light, it seems that CNTF plays a major role in this effect, and FGF-2 has a less important role in the protection against light-induced damage.
EmaA, a Potential Virulence Determinant of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in Infective Endocarditis

ABSTRACT The gram-negative fastidious human oropharyngeal Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is implicated in the etiology of infective endocarditis. EmaA, an oligomeric coiled-coil adhesin homologous to YadA of Yersinia enterocolitica, was hypothesized to mediate the interaction of A. actinomycetemcomitans with collagen. Collagen, the most abundant protein in human bodies and the main component of extracellular matrix (ECM), predominates in the supporting tissue of cardiac valves. To extend our earlier studies using purified collagen to determine bacterial binding activities, we developed a tissue model using rabbit cardiac valves to investigate the interaction of A. actinomycetemcomitans with native collagen. The resected mitral valves, with or without removal of the endothelium, were incubated with equivalent numbers of the wild type and the isogenic emaA mutant defective in collagen binding. There was no difference in binding between the wild-type and the mutant strains when the endothelium remained intact. However, the emaA mutant was fivefold less effective than the wild-type strain in colonizing the exposed ECM. A 10-fold increase in the binding of the wild-type strain to ECM was observed compared with the intact endothelium. Similar observations were replicated in an in vivo endocarditis rabbit model; the emaA mutant was 10-fold less effective in the initial infection of the traumatized aortic valve. Colocalization studies indicated that A. actinomycetemcomitans bound to type I collagen. A. actinomycetemcomitans preferentially colonized the ECM and, together with the evidence that EmaA interacts with the native collagen, suggested that the adhesin is likely a potential virulence determinant of the bacterium in the initiation of infective endocarditis.
More on one-loop massless amplitudes of superstring theories.

A systematic way of explicitly evaluating one-loop superstring amplitudes with M>4 external massless bosons is studied. In particular, we give an algorithm to derive various new theta-function identities which are useful for directly summing over spin structures of massless amplitudes. These identities make the validity of the cancellation mechanism of the dilaton tadpole divergence in higher-point amplitudes of type-I theory very transparent.
Changes in CSF acetyl‐ and butyrylcholinesterase activity after long‐term treatment with AChE inhibitors in Alzheimer’s disease

Parnetti L, Chiasserini D, Andreasson U, Ohlson M, Hüls C, Zetterberg H, Minthon L, Wallin ÅK, Andreasen N, Talesa VN, Blennow K. Changes in CSF acetyl‐ and butyrylcholinesterase activity after long‐term treatment with AChE inhibitors in Alzheimer’s disease. Acta Neurol Scand: 2011: 124: 122–129. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
Domestic violence and mental health

There are clear gender differences in the experience of domestic violence and associated mental health outcomes. There is also increasing evidence of chronic, severe and often long-term adverse mental health effects for victims. This paper explores these gender differences and the evidence on how mental health care services should respond to domestic violence. The authors argue that any strategy to reduce the burden of women's mental health problems should include efforts to identify, prevent or reduce violence against women.
Influence of Staging Thoracic Computed Tomography on Radiation Therapy Planning for Esophageal Carcinoma

Radiation therapy with concurrent chemotherapy is frequently used as definitive treatment for esophageal carcinoma. Although thoracic computed tomography (CT) is widely used in staging esophageal carcinoma, its application to radiation therapy planning has been regarded as optional rather than mandatory. Conventional radiation therapy planning is esophagogram-based rather than CT-based. The treatment port is generated by adding 5 cm to the proximal and distal margins of the tumor-involved segment as seen on esophagogram performed in the treatment position. Historically, a maximum port length of 15 cm was recommended to avoid excessive treatment morbidity. The authors examined the limitations of such a planning protocol by projecting conventional treatment ports onto the thoracic CT of 75 consecutive newly diagnosed cases of nondisseminated esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The authors assessed the adequacy of coverage of the primary tumor and metastatic nodes, with respect to data from thoracic CT and neck ultrasonography. It was found that up to 38% of T2-T3 tumors and 30% of short-length (≤5 cm) tumors had metastatic nodes outside the port. The addition of neck ultrasonography led to identification of an additional 5% of patients with nonpalpable nodes outside the port. It is concluded that the frequency of inadequate tumor coverage using an esophagogram-based planning protocol, with a maximum port length of 15 cm, is unacceptably high. Thoracic CT should be a mandatory rather than optional imaging investigation in guiding radiation therapy planning for esophageal cancer.
Choice, Rejection, and Elaboration on Preference-Inconsistent Alternatives

Previous research has demonstrated that rejecting product alternatives (i.e., choosing which alternatives to give up) may cause preference reversals compared to choosing alternatives. We provide an investigation into the psychological processes underlying this phenomenon. These preference reversals can be caused by increased elaboration on the features of preference-inconsistent alternatives when people reject alternatives. When these features are appealing, increased elaboration increases preference for preference-inconsistent alternatives. When these features are unappealing, increased elaboration may reduce preference for preference-inconsistent alternatives. The findings provide insight into how the amount of elaboration on product alternatives may mediate the influence of different decision-making tasks on decision outcomes.
Serum Levels of Selenium , Zinc , and Magnesium in Children with Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract, characterized by air way hyper responsiveness. Zinc (Zn) is an important antioxidant element, possesses antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory feature indicating a possible role in asthma pathogenesis and treatment. Selenium (Se) has been hypothesized to ameliorate oxidative stress which significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma and thus reducing asthma. Magnesium (Mg) is an important mineral in the body and is essential to good health. Aim of the work: The aim of this work was to measure serum selenium, zinc, and magnesium in children with bronchial asthma and compare them with that of normal children. Patients and Methods: This study was carried upon 2 groups: (group 1) consisted of 50 patients with bronchial asthma 26 males (52%) and 24 females (48%) with age ranged from 3 to12 years with a mean 6.9±2.7. The 2 nd group (control group) consisted of 30 apparently healthy volunteers with age and sex matched to the diseased patients. Serum levels of zinc, Se, Mg were measured. Results: hemoglobin, Zinc, and Selenium levels were highly significantly decreased in patients than in controls and to a lesser extinct, there was a decrease in Mg level in patients than in controls. Conclusion: serum levels of zinc, selenium, and magnesium in asthmatic children are lower than that of controls; also, serum levels of zinc, selenium, and magnesium in asthmatic children are lowered with increasing asthma severity.
The Empirical Study of Relationship Marketing in Maritime Transportation Service

Maritime transportation is one of the most important services in the international trade, especially for international cargo transportation. Literature reviews extract several components of trust and commitment for study. Theoretical foundations are drawn from the commitment-trust theory of relationship marketing to find out the key factor, the relationship result of cooperation. A conceptual model of business to business (B2B) is established to address new Key Mediating Variables (KMV) paradigm of the relationship marketing in maritime transportation service. Research findings reveal that (1) cognition-based and affect-based trusts are positively related to both normative and affective commitment respectively, but are negatively related to continuance commitment. The result infers that some moderated variables might exist; (2) perceived cognition-based and affect-based trusts are the fundamental factors of inter-organizational cooperative intention. Theoretical and managerial implications together with limitations and future suggestions for research are also discussed in the conclusion.
The influence of perceived risk on purchase intent – the case of premium grocery private label brands in South Africa

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceived risks that consumers associate with premium grocery private label brands in South Africa, and to understand which of these risks significantly affect their purchase intention.Design/methodology/approach – A self‐administered survey consisting of 325 respondents was utilised. Item total reliability and confirmatory factor analysis were used to test the reliability and validity of the constructs. Furthermore, path modelling in the form of partial least squares analysis was employed to analyse the relationship between consumers' perceived risks and their purchase intention.Findings – This study revealed that functional and time risk both have a significant negative influence on consumers' purchase intention of premium grocery private label brands (at the 5 per cent significance level), while financial, physical, psychological and social risks do not significantly influence their purchase intention.Research limitations/implications – This stu.
Mandarin-speaking three-year-olds' demonstration of productive knowledge of syntax: evidence from syntactic productivity and structural priming with the SVO-ba alternation *

ABSTRACT Two studies investigated syntactic productivity in three-year-old Mandarin speakers' use of verbs in the SVO and SbaOV constructions. In Study 1, children were taught novel verbs in one construction and assessed for their production in the other construction. Children produced verbs taught in the ba constructions in SVO utterances, but showed order effects when producing verbs taught in SVO constructions in ba utterances. In Study 2, children described animated scenes either with structural priming (i.e., after hearing verbs in SVO or ba constructions). Children demonstrated structural priming, producing more SVO and ba utterances, respectively, directly after hearing verbs in these constructions. These results indicate that Mandarin speaking three-year-olds demonstrate productive knowledge of both SVO and SbaOV constructions. Their ability to override the predominant input frequency of SVO runs counter to a purely usage-based account of early acquisition of grammar.
Developing a Social Media and Marketing Course

This paper describes the process used and experiences gained in developing a social media and marketing course. As the first known paper on this topic appearing in the marketing education literature, the paper provides educators with a framework for developing similar courses. The course was developed using a sound instructional design model, the Kemp Instructional Model, and was continuously improved over a four-year cycle. The course concept entailed four distinguishing characteristics: an experiential-learning approach, a nontraditional class format, a practitioner orientation that focused on the use of social media in marketing, and the integration of a Learning Community (LC) that consisted of multiple participants with different professional perspectives and areas of expertise. Based on quantitative and qualitative evaluations collected over a four-year period from all members of the LC, the course was found to be highly successful in achieving all course objectives.
PSİKOLOJİK SÖZLEŞME İHLAL ALGISI VE İŞ TATMİNİ İLİŞKİSİ: İSTANBUL AVRUPA YAKASI ENDÜSTRİ MESLEK LİSESİ ÖĞRETMENLERİ ÜZERİNE BİR ARAŞTIRMA

Isletmelerde psikolojik sozlesmenin ihlal edilmesi durumunda isgorenler islerinden tatmin olmamaya baslamakta ve isinden tatmin olmayan isgorenler zaman icerisinde isinden, orgutunden sogumaktadir. Bunun sonucu olarak da butun orgut ciktilarinin olumsuz etkilenmesi mumkun olabilmektedir. Bu calisma Istanbul ili Avrupa yakasinda hizmet veren mesleki ve teknik egitim kurumlarindaki ogretmenlerin psikolojik sozlesme ihlallerinin is tatminine etkisini arastirmayi amaclamaktadir. Bu arastirmanin sonuclarina gore, isgorenlerin psikolojik sozlesme ihlâli algi duzeyleri ile is tatmini duzeyleri arasinda istatistiki olarak anlamli iliskiler tespit edilmistir. Ayrica, arastirma bulgularina gore psikolojik sozlesme boyutlarinin bazilarinin is tatmini uzerindeki degisimi acikladigini ifade etmek mumkundur. Diger bir ifade ile, psikolojik sozlesme ihlallerinin is tatminini negatif olarak etkiledigi anlasilmaktadir.