Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of a manager training program on sanitary conditions in restaurants.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of a food manager training and certification program in increasing compliance with restaurant sanitary codes. METHODS Using routine sanitary inspection records, the authors compared pre- and post-training inspection scores for 94 restaurants falling into three groups: a "mandatory" group (managers' attendance was mandated for these restaurants); a "voluntary" group (managers attended the training voluntarily); and a control group (no staff attended the training program). RESULTS Restaurants for which managers were mandated to attend a training and certification program demonstrated a significant improvement in inspection scores, an improvement that was sustained over a two-year follow-up period. The mean inspection scores for a control group did not change significantly over time. However, improvements were not noted in all areas of food safety. CONCLUSIONS Food manager training and certification programs may be an effective way to improve the sanitary conditions of restaurants and reduce the spread of foodborne illnesses.
The Role of Intermediaries in the Development of Trust on the WWW: The Use and Prominence of Trusted Third Parties and Privacy Statements

Developing trust between suppliers and consumers is critical for the continued growth of Internet commerce. This article presents an empirical investigation into how firms promote trust by exploring the use and prominence of Trusted Third Parties (TTPs) and privacy statements. The Web sites of 102 publicly held firms with predominantly Internet based businesses were examined for their use of TTPs and privacy statements, the number of links, currency of the Web site, length of time the Web site had been operating, traffic, and financial performance. Surprisingly, only 17 of the firms utilized trusted third parties and only 45 had privacy statements. The article presents a methodology for the analysis of four propositions that explore the relationship of embeddedness and a firm's length of time online to the use and prominence of TTPs and privacy statements. The exploratory data in this article clearly supports the proposition that the use of TTPs and privacy statements increase with the embeddedness of the Web site. This article then discusses the potential reasons for this finding including how TTPs strategically solicit firms and why trusted firms may be more likely to be embedded. The remaining three propositions show mixed results but provide insight into the strategic use of TTPs and privacy statements. One key insight is that TTPs and privacy statements are actually used quite differently by firms to promote trust in Internet commerce.
VisDA: The Visual Domain Adaptation Challenge

We present the 2017 Visual Domain Adaptation (VisDA) dataset and challenge, a large-scale testbed for unsupervised domain adaptation across visual domains. Unsupervised domain adaptation aims to solve the real-world problem of domain shift, where machine learning models trained on one domain must be transferred and adapted to a novel visual domain without additional supervision. The VisDA2017 challenge is focused on the simulation-to-reality shift and has two associated tasks: image classification and image segmentation. The goal in both tracks is to first train a model on simulated, synthetic data in the source domain and then adapt it to perform well on real image data in the unlabeled test domain. Our dataset is the largest one to date for cross-domain object classification, with over 280K images across 12 categories in the combined training, validation and testing domains. The image segmentation dataset is also large-scale with over 30K images across 18 categories in the three domains. We compare VisDA to existing cross-domain adaptation datasets and provide a baseline performance analysis using various domain adaptation models that are currently popular in the field.
Cellular immune responses against the cancer-testis antigen SPAN-XB in healthy donors and patients with multiple myeloma

The cancer-testis antigen SPAN-XB has been recently identified in multiple myeloma (MM). In the present study, we identified and characterized for the first time a cytotoxic cellular immune response against SPAN-XB in healthy donors and patients with MM. Using two independent computer algorithms, two SPAN-XB-derived peptides (peptides 624 and 626) with predicted binding to HLA-A2 were identified. To further improve the immunogenicity of peptide 626 we designed a heteroclitic peptide (peptide 627) by modifying one amino acid on the HLA binding position 2 of peptide 626. Using an IFN-γ Elispot assay we could demonstrate the presence and functional activity of CD8 peptide specific T cells with all tested peptides. By analysis of peripheral blood of 13 healthy donors and five patients with MM peptide specific T-cell precursors specifically recognizing at least one of the tested peptides could be detected and expanded in 9 of 13 of tested donors and 3 of 5 tested patients. Importantly, in two donors specific peptides could be generated against the heteroclitic peptide 627 but not against the native peptide 626. We conclude that SPAN-XB-derived peptides can elicit a consistent CD8 T cell response in healthy donors and patients with MM.
Semi-Supervised Transfer Learning for Convolutional Neural Network Based Chinese Character Recognition

Although transfer learning has aroused researchers' great interest, how to utilize the unlabeled data is still an open and important problem in this area. We propose a novel semi-supervised transfer learning (STL) method by incorporating Multi-Kernel Maximum Mean Discrepancy (MK-MMD) loss into the traditional fine-tuned Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) transfer learning framework for Chinese character recognition. The proposed method includes three steps. First, a CNN model is trained by massive labeled samples in the source domain. Then the CNN model is fine-tuned by a few labeled samples in the target domain. Finally, the CNN model is trained with both a large number of unlabeled samples and the limited labeled samples in the target domain to minimize the MK-MMD loss. Experiments investigate detailed configurations and parameters of the proposed STL method with several frequently used CNN structures including AlexNet, GoogLeNet, and ResNet. Experimental results on practical Chinese character transfer learning tasks, such as Dunhuang historical Chinese character recognition, indicate that the proposed method can significantly improve recognition accuracy in the target domain.
Impacts of supersymmetric higher derivative terms on inflation models in supergravity

We show the effects of supersymmetric higher derivative terms on inflation models in supergravity. The results show that such terms generically modify the effective kinetic coefficient of the inflaton during inflation if the cut off scale of the higher derivative operators is sufficiently small. In such a case, the η-problem in supergravity does not occur, and we find that the effective potential of the inflaton generically becomes a power type potential with a power smaller than two.
Retinal vascular fractal and blood pressure in a multiethnic population

Objective(s): To examine the effect of blood pressure (BP) on retinal vascular fractal dimension (Df), a measure of microvascular network complexity and density in a multiethnic cohort. Methods: A population-based study of 3876 Chinese, Malay and Indian participants in Singapore. Retinal Df was measured using a computer-based program from digital retinal photographs. Associations between retinal Df and mean arterial BP (MABP) in the whole cohort and in each racial group were analysed using linear regression analysis. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between retinal Df and hypertension status. Results: The mean retinal Df of the study population was 1.45 (standard deviation 0.03). After adjustment for age, sex, race, diabetes, BMI, cholesterol and creatinine levels, persons with smaller Df had higher MABP (mean difference MABP was 6.18 mmHg comparing lowest to highest Df quartiles, P < 0.001). This was similar in Chinese, Malay and Indian persons [mean difference 6.40 (P < 0.001), 4.72 (P = 0.011) and 6.62 (P < 0.001) mmHg, respectively]. Persons with smaller retinal Df were more likely to have uncontrolled treated or untreated hypertension [odds ratio 1.79 (P = 0.003) and 2.60 (P = 0.003), respectively, comparing lowest to highest Df quartiles] than those with no hypertension; this relationship was not seen comparing persons with controlled treated hypertension with no hypertension (odds ratio 1.01, P = 0.972). Conclusion: Hypertension was associated with a sparser retinal vascular network, which was similar across different racial/ethnic groups and most apparent in those with uncontrolled or untreated hypertension. These data suggest that microvascular remodelling can be quantified by measuring retinal vasculature.
Incidence of needle‐tract seeding following prostate biopsy for suspected cancer: a review of the literature

With the widespread clinical use of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), biopsy of the prostate has become one of the most commonly performed urological procedures. In general it is well tolerated, although there is some morbidity and risk of infection. In recent years, there have been increasing concerns that prostate biopsy may lead to tumour seeding along the needle tract. The aim of the present paper was to review the evidence on the prevalence of tumour seeding after prostate biopsy and to define the risk of this event in the context of current clinical practice. A PubMed literature search was conducted in January 2014 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis (PRISMA) statement. Literature was examined with emphasis on the incidence of seeding, clinical presentation and on risk factors including type of needle used, transrectal vs transperineal approach, as well as tumour grade and stage. In all, 26 publications were identified reporting needle‐tract seeding after prostate biopsy. In all, 42 patients with needle‐tract seeding were identified. In most cases, seeding was reported after transperineal biopsy of the prostate, while nine cases occurred after transrectal biopsy. Based on the reviewed series the incidence of seeding appears to be <1%. The increase in the number of biopsies and cores taken at each biopsy over the years has not resulted in an increase in the reported cases of seeding. In conclusion, seeding along the needle track is a rare complication after prostate biopsy. Its actual incidence is presently difficult to quantify. It is reasonable to advise appropriate counselling and take measures to reduce this event where possible; however, we do not advocate avoidance of biopsies as the benefits of appropriate cancer diagnosis and management outweigh any potential risks from seeding.
Seasonality of Birth and Onset of Clinical Disease in Children and Adolescents (0-19 Years) with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Canterbury, New Zealand

AIMS To determine the seasonality of clinical disease onset and month of birth in type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) in the southern hemisphere. PATIENTS Two hundred and seventy-five children with type 1 DM in the South Island of New Zealand were studied. The total live births (91,394) of the same period were used as control data. METHODS Seasonal rhythms were analyzed using the 12 month cosinor method. RESULTS The month of birth pattern of the patients with DM showed a statistically significant peak (p < 0.01) in summer, whereas the disease onset had a significant peak in winter (p < 0.01), similar to that registered in countries of the northern hemisphere, but in different months of the year. The total live births had no significant rhythm. The different seasonality of birth of the children who subsequently developed type 1 DM from that of the total live births is suggestive of the initiation of the autoimmune process in utero or perinatally.
H∞ control for linear system over networks with Bernoulli data dropout and actuator saturation

This paper investigates the H∞ control problem for linear system over networks with random communication data dropout and actuator saturation. The random data dropout process is modeled by a Bernoulli random binary distribution and the input saturation is confined in a convex hull by introducing a group of auxiliary matrices. By constructing a quadratic Lyapunov function, effective conditions for the state feedback-based H∞ controller are proposed in the form of non-convex matrix inequalities to take the random data dropout and actuator saturation into consideration simultaneously, and the problem of non-convex feasibility is solved by applying cone complementarity linearization (CCL) procedure. Finally, a simulation example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed new design techniques.
Corporate Governance in China: An Overview

NOTE: A Chinese translation of this paper is available at http://ssrn.com/abstract=1429722.Corporate governance (gongsi zhili) is a concept whose time seems definitely to have come in China. Chinese definitions of corporate governance in the abstract tend to cover the system regulating relationships among all parties with interests in a business organization, usually spelling out shareholders as a particularly important group. But Chinese corporate governance discourse in practice focuses almost exclusively on agency problems, and within only two types of firms: state-owned enterprises (SOEs), particularly after their transformation into one of the corporate forms provided for under the Company Law, and listed companies, which must be companies limited by shares (CLS) under the Company Law. This article discusses Chinese corporate governance in this narrow sense, and attempts to explain some perplexing features of its discourse, laws, and institutions (abbreviated hereinafter as "corporate governance laws and institutions" or CGLI). A fundamental dilemma of Chinese CGLI stems from the state policy of maintaining a full or controlling ownership interest in enterprises in several sectors. The state wants the enterprises it owns to be run efficiently, but not solely for the purpose of wealth maximization. A necessary element of state control of an enterprise is the use of that control for purposes such as the maintenance of urban employment levels, direct control over sensitive industries, or politically-motivated job placement.This in turn creates several problems. First, many of these goals are not easily measured and there is no obvious way of balancing them one against the other. This creates monitoring difficulties. Second, the policy of continued state involvement sets up a conflict of interest between the state as controlling shareholder and other shareholders. In using its control for purposes other than value maximization, the state exploits minority shareholders who have no other way to benefit from their investment.The major theme of this article is that the state wants to make SOEs operate more efficiently by subjecting them to a new and different set of rules - the rules of organization under the "modern enterprise system". Policymakers then find, however, that they must change and adjust the rules to take account of continuing state ownership. Moreover, the need to provide for the special circumstances of state-sector enterprises ends up hijacking the entire Company Law, so that instead of state-sector enterprises being made more efficient by being forced to follow the rules for private-sector enterprises (the original ambition), potential private-sector enterprises are hamstrung by having to follow rules that make sense only in a heavily state-invested economy.
Evidences for the involvement of monoaminergic and GABAergic systems in antidepressant-like activity of garlic extract in mice

Objectives: The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of the ethanolic extract of Allium sativum L. (Family: Lilliaceae), commonly known as garlic, on depression in mice. Materials and Methods: Ethanolic extract of garlic (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) was administered orally for 14 successive days to young Swiss albino mice of either sex and antidepressant-like activity was evaluated employing tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST). The efficacy of the extract was compared with standard antidepressant drugs like fluoxetine and imipramine. The mechanism of action of the extract was investigated by co-administration of prazosin (α1-adrenoceptor antagonist), sulpiride (selective D2-receptor antagonist), baclofen (GABAB agonist) and p-CPA (serotonin antagonist) separately with the extract and by studying the effect of the extract on brain MAO-A and MAO-B levels. Results: Garlic extract (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly decreased immobility time in a dose-dependent manner in both TST and FST, indicating significant antidepressant-like activity. The efficacy of the extract was found to be comparable to fluoxetine (20 mg/kg p.o.) and imipramine (15 mg/kg p.o.) in both TST and FST. The extract did not show any significant effect on the locomotor activity of the mice. Prazosin, sulpiride, baclofen and p-CPA significantly attenuated the extract-induced antidepressant-like effect in TST. Garlic extract (100 mg/kg) administered orally for 14 successive days significantly decreased brain MAO-A and MAO-B levels, as compared to the control group. Conclusion: Garlic extract showed significant antidepressant-like activity probably by inhibiting MAO-A and MAO-B levels and through interaction with adrenergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic and GABAergic systems.
The relationship between children's production and comprehension of realism in drawing

Two studies compared 2- to 14-year-olds’ production and comprehension of realism in human e gure drawings. In the comprehension task, children were asked to choose from an array of children’ s drawings the (1) most realistic drawing, (2) one they liked the best, and (3) one most similar to their own human e gure drawings. Both studies reported that children of all drawing levels typically selected a more advanced drawing than shown in their own productions for all three questions, except that the most advanced drawers consistently estimated their drawing level appropriately. In Study 2, children were also asked to place the drawings in an age-related developmental sequence. Performance on this task was positively related to the child’ s production level, independently of the child’ s age. It is concluded that production lags comprehension in drawing development, but that production level may have an ine uence on children’ s knowledge of the developmental sequence in drawing.
HLA Amino Acid Polymorphisms and Kidney Allograft Survival

Background The association of HLA mismatching with kidney allograft survival has been well established. We examined whether amino acid (AA) mismatches (MMs) at the antigen recognition site of HLA molecules represent independent and incremental risk factors for kidney graft failure (GF) beyond those MMs assessed at the antigenic (2-digit) specificity. Methods Data on 240 024 kidney transplants performed between 1987 and 2009 were obtained from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. We imputed HLA-A, -B, and -DRB1 alleles and corresponding AA polymorphisms from antigenic specificity through the application of statistical and population genetics inferences. GF risk was evaluated using Cox proportional-hazards regression models adjusted for covariates including patient and donor risk factors and HLA antigen MMs. Results We show that estimated AA MMs at particular positions in the peptide-binding pockets of HLA-DRB1 molecule account for a significant incremental risk that was independent of the well-known association of HLA antigen MMs with graft survival. A statistically significant linear relationship between the estimated number of AA MMs and risk of GF was observed for HLA-DRB1 in deceased donor and living donor transplants. This relationship was strongest during the first 12 months after transplantation (hazard ratio, 1.30 per 15 DRB1 AA MM; P < 0.0001). Conclusions This study shows that independent of the well-known association of HLA antigen (2-digit specificity) MMs with kidney graft survival, estimated AA MMs at peptide-binding sites of the HLA-DRB1 molecule account for an important incremental risk of GF.
Distributed Flooding-Based Storage Algorithms for Large-Scale Wireless Sensor Networks

In this paper we propose distributed storage algorithms for large-scale wireless sensor networks. Assume a wireless sensor network with n nodes that have limited power, memory, and bandwidth. Each node is capable of both sensing and storing data. Such sensor nodes might disappear from the network due to failures or battery depletion. Hence it is desired to design efficient schemes to collect data from these n nodes. We propose two distributed storage algorithms (DSA's) that utilize network flooding to solve this problem. In the first algorithm, DSA-I, we assume that the total number of sensors is known to each sensor in the network. We show that this algorithm is efficient in terms of the encoding and decoding operations. Furthermore, every node utilizes network flooding to disseminate its data throughout the network using a mixing time of approximately O(n). In the second algorithm, DSA-II, we assume that the total number of nodes is not known to every sensor; hence dissemination of the data does not depend on n. The encoding operations in this case take O(Cµ2), where µ is the mean degree of the network graph and C is a system parameter. We evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithms through analysis and simulation. We show that the performance of the proposed algorithms matches the derived theoretical results.
Nonspecific Vaginitis and Other Genital Infections in Three Clinic Populations

Nonspecific vaginitis was present in 37% of 40 patients attending the Special Urology (Sexually Transmitted Disease) Clinic at the Victoria General Hospital, in 23% of 75 patients attending the Family Planning Clinic, and in 23% of 13 patients attending the Prenatal Clinic at the Grace Maternity Hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The mean prevalence was 27%. Subjective complaints of vaginal odor were significantly associated with nonspecific vaginitis (P less than .001), but symptoms of vaginal discharge or vulvar irritation and itching were not. No correlations were found between the presence of nonspecific vaginitis and the isolation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Trichomonas vaginalis, or vaginal yeast species. The organic acid present in vaginal washings that best correlated with the presence of nonspecific vaginitis was succinic acid.
The Extratropical Transition of Tropical Cyclones

Abstract : To improve tropical cyclone structure and intensity prediction through a research program combining high-resolution modeling and detailed observational studies to investigate physical processes by which the structure and intensity of a tropical cyclone are modified. The objective is to investigate the physical processes that occur as a tropical cyclone interacts with the environment such that intensity and structure changes occur. Specific interactions being studied are with baroclinic environments in the midlatitudes during extratropical transition. During extratropical transition, radical changes to the storm structure occur as vertical wind shear and intruding cold, dry air from the midlatitudes erode the warm core. Re-intensification to a strong midlatitude system is possible. In cases in which forecast models poorly predicted the motion and re-intensification of the storm during these transitional periods, better understanding of these processes should improve motion and intensity forecasts.