Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recommendation in Social Media: Utilizing Relationships among Users to Enhance Personalized Recommendation

Recommender systems are ubiquitous in our digital life in recent years. They play a significant role in numerous Internet services and applications such as electronic commerce (Amazon and eBay), on-demand video streaming (Netflix and Hulu). A key task in recommender systems is to model user preferences and to suggest, for each user, a personalized list of items that the user has not experienced, but are deemed highly relevant to her. Many of these recommendation algorithms are based on the principle of collaborative filtering, suggesting items that similar users have consumed. With the advent of online social networks, social recommendation has become one of the most popular research topics in recommender systems, exploiting the effects of social influence and selection in social networks, where user relationships are explicit, i.e., there will be an edge connecting two users if they are friends. In addition, more information about the relationships between users in social media becomes available with the rapid development of various Internet services. For example, more and more online web services are providing mechanisms by which users can self-organize into groups with other users having similar opinions or interests, enabling us to analyze the interactions between users with others insides/outsides groups, as well as the engagement between users and groups. User relationships in these applications are usually implicit and can only be utilized indirectly for recommendation tasks. In this thesis, we focus on utilizing user relationships (either explicit or implicit) to enhance personalized recommendation in social media. We study three problems of recommendation in social media, i.e., recommendation with strong and weak ties, social group recommendation and interactive social recommendation in an online setting. We propose to improve social recommendation by incorporating the concept of strong and weak ties which are two well documented terms in the social sciences, boost the performance of social group recommendation through modeling the temporal dynamics of engagement of users with groups, and tackle the interactive social recommendation problem via employing the exploitation-exploration strategy in an online setting. Our proposed models are all compared with state-of-the-art baselines on several real-world datasets.
Unraveling the Relationship Between Presidential Approval and the Economy: A Multidimensional Semiparametric Approach

Empirical studies analyzing the determinants of U.S. presidential popularity have delivered quite inconclusive results concerning the role of economic variables by assuming linear relationships. We employ penalized spline smoothing in the context of semi-parametric additive mixed models and allow for flexible functional forms and thus possible non-linear effects for the economic determinants. By controlling for the well-known politically motivated covariables, we find strong evidence for non-linear and negative effects of unemployment, inflation, and government consumption on presidential approval. Additionally, we present new results in favor of non-parametric trivariate interaction effects between the macroeconomic covariables.
Global Integration of African Stock Markets

Financial market integration has significant implications for risk sharing and diversification, cost of capital, market efficiency, financial decisions and macro-economic policy. This paper investigates the integration of 11 African markets relative to the world and emerging markets over the period, March 1997 to January, 2013. The investigation is conducted using a multifactor asset pricing model. The paper explores whether a world or emerging market factor commands a premium over a pure African factor. It relies on the returns to a world, emerging and African market indices as risk factors. The factors used in this study are orthogonal to each other. The factors and their associated risk premia are concurrently estimated. Evidence is provided that the world, emerging and African market factors command significant risk premium on the African markets. The findings support partially integrated African market. The evidence shows that both world and emerging market factors are pertinent on the African markets. The evidence is generally sensitive to the period of investigation suggesting changing integration through time.
Relationships Between Latent Factors of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Growth

Abstract In the present study, we examined posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and posttraumatic growth (PTG) responses among a nonclinical sample of 202 participants. Instruments included the PTSD Checklist for the DSM-5 (fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated the most support for the 6-factor DSM-5 PTSD model and 5-factor PTG model, previously supported in the literature. Canonical correlation analysis evidenced a strong relationship between PTSD and PTG subscales. Path analysis results demonstrated that PTSD’s re-experiencing subscale was related to PTG’s appreciation for life subscale. Posttraumatic stress disorder’s avoidance was related to PTG’s personal strength subscale. We also tested curvilinear relationships between PTSD and PTG subscales. Results and implications are discussed in the context of the constructs of PTSD and PTG.
Depth of anaesthesia and post‐operative cognitive dysfunction

Background: A deep level of anaesthesia measured by the bispectral index has been found to improve processing speed as one aspect of cognitive function after surgery. The purpose of the present study was to assess the possible effect of the level of anaesthesia on post‐operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) 1 week after surgery, as assessed by a neuropsychological test battery.
Probing the transition state region in catalytic CO oxidation on Ru

Catching CO oxidation Details of the transition state that forms as carbon monoxide (CO) adsorbed on a ruthenium surface is oxidized to CO2 have been revealed by ultrafast excitation and probe methods. Öström et al. initiated the reaction between CO and adsorbed oxygen atoms with laser pulses that rapidly heated the surface and then probed the changes in electronic structure with oxygen x-ray absorption spectroscopy. They observed transition-state configurations that are consistent with density functional theory and a quantum oscillator model. Science, this issue p. 978 Ultrafast x-ray spectroscopy reveals electronic changes that occur during the oxidation of carbon monoxide on a ruthenium surface. Femtosecond x-ray laser pulses are used to probe the carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation reaction on ruthenium (Ru) initiated by an optical laser pulse. On a time scale of a few hundred femtoseconds, the optical laser pulse excites motions of CO and oxygen (O) on the surface, allowing the reactants to collide, and, with a transient close to a picosecond (ps), new electronic states appear in the O K-edge x-ray absorption spectrum. Density functional theory calculations indicate that these result from changes in the adsorption site and bond formation between CO and O with a distribution of OC–O bond lengths close to the transition state (TS). After 1 ps, 10% of the CO populate the TS region, which is consistent with predictions based on a quantum oscillator model.
LOCAL AUTOMORPHISMS OF OPERATOR ALGEBRAS

A not necessarily continuous, linear or multiplicative function $\theta$ from an algebra $\cal A$ into itself is called a local automorphism if $\theta$ agrees with an automorphism of $\cal A$ at each point in $\cal A$. In this paper, we study the question when a local automorphism of a $C$*-algebra, or a W*-algebra, is an automorphism.
A novel BCR‐ABL transcript e2a2 in a chronic myelogenous leukaemia patient with a duplicated Ph‐chromosome and monosomy 7

A novel BCR‐ABL transcript was detected by multiplex RT‐PCR in a patient with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) positive chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) in accelerated phase. Sequencing of the aberrant transcript revealed an in‐frame e2a2 fusion that included a 9 basepairs insertion. Cytogenetic analysis showed t(9;22), an additional Ph chromosome and monosomy 7. The clinical course was dismal: therapy was poorly tolerated, and the patient died in blast crisis 10 months after diagnosis. These data support the association of additional Ph and monosomy 7 with poor prognosis and suggest that the novel e2a2 BCR‐ABL transcript may be related to an aggressive clinical course.
Early vs late administration of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in primary percutaneous coronary intervention of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis.

CONTEXT Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (Gp IIb/IIIa) inhibitors improve myocardial reperfusion and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but optimal timing of administration remains unclear. No systematic reviews have comprehensively examined the effects of early vs delayed administration of these agents. OBJECTIVE To perform a meta-analysis of randomized trials of early (prior to transfer to the catheterization laboratory) vs late (at the time of PCI) intravenous administration of Gp IIb/IIIa inhibitors in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). DATA SOURCES MEDLINE and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register search of the literature over the past 10 years; papers presented at major cardiac conferences; consultation with national and international colleagues as well as Gp IIb/IIIa inhibitor drug manufacturers; and text and journal article bibliographies. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION We examined trials of randomized comparisons between early administration at the point of initial contact (emergency department or ambulance) and late administration (catheterization laboratory) of Gp IIb/IIIa inhibitors in STEMI. Outcome data had to be available on both culprit artery patency evaluated by Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grades on admission and mortality. Two authors independently reviewed abstracts or complete articles. Six studies met inclusion criteria. Independent data extraction was performed by 2 reviewers and confirmed by consensus. DATA SYNTHESIS The 6 trials enrolled 931 STEMI patients treated with abciximab (3 trials) or tirofiban (3 trials) in combination with primary PCI. TIMI grade 2 or 3 flow (41.7% [194/465 vs 29.8% [139/466]) as well as TIMI grade 3 flow (20.3% [84/413] vs 12.2% [51/418]) were significantly more frequent in the early group compared with the late group (odds ratio [OR], 1.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28-2.22; P<.001; and OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.26-2.71; P<.001, respectively). The early administration of Gp IIb/IIIa inhibitors was associated with a 28% reduction of mortality from 4.7% to 3.4%, which was not significant but consistent with similar trends for reinfarction and the composite ischemic end point. CONCLUSIONS In a meta-analysis of 6 randomized trials, early administration of Gp IIb/IIIa inhibitors in STEMI appeared to improve coronary patency with favorable trends for clinical outcomes. These findings are supportive of a strategy of facilitated PCI. Further evaluations in adequately powered large trials are awaited to confirm the clinical benefit of this strategy.
Dendritic cells and acute graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic stem cell transplantation

The wider use of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is still limited by the immunologic recognition and destruction of host tissues, termed graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The role of inflammatory cytokines and their impact on immune effectors (mainly CD4+ and CD8+ T) cells has been extensively studied in the context of GVHD occurring after standard myeloablative allo-SCT. However, recent data suggested that GVHD pathophysiology is likely to involve more complex interactions where antigen-presenting cells, especially dendritic cells (DCs), may play a major role at time of initiation of acute GVHD. In addition, the wider use of reduced intensity and less toxic conditioning (RIC) regimens prior to allo-SCT would allow better visualization of the fine functions of immune effectors, thereby offering a window of opportunities to better decipher the intimate pathophysiological mechanisms underlying GVHD. The aim of this concise review is to synthesize the available research evidence on the role of DCs as in vivo regulators of GVHD, and their interactions with other immune effectors.
Perceptions and determinants of smallholder farmers’ participation in the production of indigenous leafy vegetables: The case of Coffee Bay, Eastern Cape province of South Africa

There is a high level of consensus on the relevance of indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs) in complementing household food security. Despite such a high level of consensus and several nutritional and health benefits, farmers have opted not to include them in their farming systems thus affecting production volumes and their availability on market. With the emerging interest of linking biodiversity to food security in the face of climate change, there is a need to appraise why many farmers have opted not to include ILVs in their farming systems. Against this background, this study used cross-sectional survey data to estimate determinants of farmers’ participation in the production of ILVs. Descriptive results reveal that the majority of people in the study area share positive perceptions with regards to ILVs. Regression estimates further indicate that production of ILVs are mostly conditioned by shared perceptions and institutional factors rather than socio-economic attributes of farmers. Public policies that address the institutional framework in favour of ILVs are more likely to promote production. Also, more research on benefits of ILVs supported by investments targeting educational campaigns towards promoting positive attitudes and dispelling fears and myths surrounding ILVs will further promote production.
Identifying macroeconomic determinants of daily equity market returns: an Australian study

Understanding macroeconomic risk is a fundamental aspect of economic and financial decision-making. More recently, attention has turned to identifying macroeconomic variables as risk factors (Chen, Ross & Roll 1986; Chan, Karceski & Lakonishok 1998; Flannery & Protopapdakis 2002). Most research, to date, has focused on the relationship between macroeconomic data values and stock market prices over long time horizons. This study extends the existing Australian stock market based literature by examining the relationship between macroeconomic news and stock market returns/return volatility at daily a level, in an event study framework. The study covers the period before, during and after the Global Financial Crisis in 2008 to determine whether the effects of news differ during different phases of stock market activity. In the stock market boom leading up to the Crisis, higher than expected overnight cash rate news was found to have a negative impact on stock returns that disappears in the subsequent period of subdued stock market price growth after the Crisis. Macroeconomic fundamentals such as unemployment, the consumer price index and real gross domestic product matter only after the onset of the Crisis. Over the whole period, consumer sentiment and real gross domestic product surprises are the only macroeconomic variables to impact stock market volatility.
The mediating role of growth opportunity in good corporate governance-stock return relationship

Improving the welfare of its owner or shareholder and maximize shareholder value through increased firm’s value should be one of the goals in establishing a company. Consequently, it becomes essential for the company to continue to increase its value in order to retain the trust of its shareholders, for instance by conducting good corporate governance (GCG). On the other hand, from the owner’s point of view, it is important to not only evaluate the corporate governance, but also to take a look at firm’s growth opportunity, because it basically reflects the management’s productivity. Studies related to the influence of corporate governance on stock return have been extensively done before. Similarly, this research is related to the influence of growth opportunity on stock return. However, it is still difficult to find studies that combine these three variables, therefore this study aims to know the influence of good corporate governance on stock return directly and indirectly through firm’s growth opportunity by using sample data of 92 observation Corporate Governance Perception index lists in Indonesia Stock Exchange for 2010–2014. The analysis method of this research is the quantitative approach by hypothesis testing through path analysis performed with SmartPLS 3.0. The direct hypothesis result showed that: (1) good corporate governance did not have a significant influence on firm’s growth opportunity while; (2) it also had a negative influence and did not have a significant influence on stock return, and (3) firm’s growth opportunity had a significant influence on stocks return. However, the indirect hypothesis result showed that firm’s growth opportunity could not mediate the relationship between good corporate governance and stock return. Rakha Wardhana (Indonesia), Bambang Tjahjadi (Indonesia), Yani Permatasari (Indonesia) BUSINESS PERSPECTIVES LLC “СPС “Business Perspectives” Hryhorii Skovoroda lane, 10, Sumy, 40022, Ukraine www.businessperspectives. org The Mediating Role of Growth Opportunity in Good Corporate Governance-Stock Return Relationship Received on: 26th of June, 2017 Accepted on: 13th of October, 2017
Ownership and governance of large Finnish firms

In this report, we study the ownership structure of large Finnish firms. We make an overview of the evolution of corporate ownership in Finland from the 1970s to today, and contrast the Finnish setting to international patterns of ownership. Factors that make the Finnish ownership field different from most Western countries include large government involvement, and a significant role of co-operatives. We also note that while the role of local banks was very significant, it diminished quickly upon the Finnish banking crisis in the early 1990s, and subsequent regulatory changes. The disappearance of banks as owners seems to have resulted in a power vacuum in Finnish listed firms. While the general lack of capital seems to plague the Finnish corporate sector, we note a specific need for anchor owners, in other words owners who hold a significant proportion of the firm’s shares, and who are actively involved in the firm and can thus be seen as owners, instead of merely as investors. Among our policy implications, we see a need for an improved investing climate in Finland. The goal should be to make Finnish firms attractive in the eyes of both domestic and foreign investors. The government’s large role as owner should, in our view, be reduced. However, changes in government’s role need to be viewed as a long term goal, as hasty actions are likely to cause severe side effects. From the point of economic efficiency, the co-operative form is not optimal for a dynamic, integrated, and fast-changing world. Supporting migration from co-operatives to corporations should thus be considered. Institutions play a large role in corporate ownership throughout the world. We argue that the model of dispersed ownership and large institutional ownership with no active voice works less well in Finland, compared to the Anglo-American countries. Finland should consider ways in which the power of the corporate management team could be solidified, for management to have a better footing to pursue long term policies. Finally, the Finnish stock market needs to be made more attractive. A wider participation in the stock market would have wide spread positive effects to the economy.
Pengaruh Reputasi Auditor, Reputasi Underwriter, dan Persentase Free Float terhadap Tingkat Underpricing pada Initial Public Offering (Studi Empiris pada Perusahaan yang Go Public di Bursa Efek Indonesia Periode Tahun 2012-2014)

Underpricing is a phenomenon that occurs when the stocks price at primary market was lower than the stock's closing price on the first day at the secondary market. This study aims to analyze the effect of auditor reputation, underwriter reputation, and the percentage of shares offered to the public (free float) toward level of underpricing on initial public offering (IPO) at Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2012 to 2014. This study used data of the 61 companies in Indonesia that were found to be underpriced when conducted IPO in 2012 to 2014 as the sample which was obtained by purposive sampling method. The type of data is secondary data which were collected by documentation method. The research used multiple linear regression as data analysis technique. The result of this study indicates that partially auditor reputation variable and underwriter reputation variable have significant and negative effect on the level of underpricing. While the percentage of free float variable has insignificant effect on the level of underpricing but the coefficient direction is positive. Simultaneously, the auditor reputation variable, underwriter reputation variable, and the percentage of free float variable have significant effect on the level of underpricing.
A Raman lidar at La Reunion (20.8° S, 55.5° E) for monitoring water vapor and cirrus distributions in the subtropical upper troposphere: preliminary analyses and description of a future system

A ground based Rayleigh lidar has provided continuous observations of tropospheric water vapor profiles and cirrus cloud using a preliminary Raman channels setup on an existing Rayleigh lidar above La Reunion over the period 2002-2005. With this instrument, we performed a first measurement campaign of 350 independent water vapor profiles. A statistical study of the distribution of water vapor profiles is presented and some investigations concerning the calibration are discussed. The data set having several long acquisition measurements during nighttime, an analysis of the diurnal cycle of water vapor has also been investigated. Analysis regarding the cirrus clouds is presented and a classification has been performed showing 3 distinct classes. Based on these results, the characteristics and the design of a future lidar system to be implemented at the new Reunion Island altitude observatory (2200 m) for long-term monitoring is presented and numerical simulations of system performance have been realized to compare both instruments.
Factors Affecting Earnings Management in the Indonesian Stock Exchange

"Objective – The purpose of this research is to analyze the effect of growth, leverage, fixed asset turnover, profitability, firm size, firm age, industry, audit quality, and auditor independence toward earnings management. Methodology/Technique – The population of this research consist of various sectors of non-financial companies that were listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange (IDX) between 2013 and 2015. The research uses three recent years of data and tests variables that have not been used by prior research. The sample was chosen by using a purposive sampling method. The hypothesis is tested using multiple regression with an SPSS program to investigate the influence of each independent variable to earnings management. Findings – The research results show that return on assets influences earnings management and growth, leverage, fixed asset turnover, profitability, firm size, firm age, industry, audit quality, and auditor independence do not influence earnings management. Novelty – The study supports that the manager in a company will engage in earnings management to receive a bonus from investors because they have received a higher profit. "