Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A hybrid method for the extraction and classification of product features from user-generated contents

Abstract – The research we present in this paper focuses on the automatic management of the knowledge about experience goods and services and their features, starting from real texts generated online by internet users. The details about an experiment conducted on a dataset of product reviews, on which we tested a set of rule-based and statistical solutions, will be described in the paper. The main goals are the review classification, the extraction of relevant product features and their systematization into product-driven ontologies. Feature extraction is performed through a rule-based strategy grounded on SentIta , an Italian collection of subjective lexical resources. Features and Reviews are classified thanks to a Distributional Semantic algorithm. In the end, we face the problem of the extracted knowledge organization by integrating the subjective information produced by the internet users within a product-driven ontology. The Natural Language Processing (NLP) tool exploited in the work is LG-Starship , a hybrid framework for Italian texts processing based on the Lexicon-Grammar theory.
Domestic Outsourcing in the U.S.: A Research Agenda to Assess Trends and Eﬀects on Job Quality

This report was prepared for the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Chief Evaluation Office. The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to DOL, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement of same by the U.S. Government. Work Abstract: The goal of this paper is to develop a comprehensive research agenda to analyze trends in domestic outsourcing in the U.S. – firms’ use of contractors and independent contractors – and its effects on job quality and inequality. In the process, we review definitions of outsourcing, the available scant empirical research, and limitations of existing data sources. We also summarize theories that attempt to explain why firms contract out for certain functions and assess their predictions about likely impacts on job quality. We then lay out in detail a major research initiative on domestic outsourcing, discussing the questions it should answer and providing a menu of research methodologies and potential data sources. Such a research investment will be a critical resource for policymakers and other stakeholders as they seek solutions to problems arising from the changing nature of work.
Pico- and nanoplankton biomass and production in the two largest atoll lagoons of French Polynesia

Pico- and nanoplankton concentrations were measured in the lagoonal waters of the 2 largest atolls of French Polynesia (Fakarava and Rangiroa). Growth, production and grazing rates were estimated using diffusion chambers near the reef flat spillways and near the main channels of the atolls. The overall microbial biomass was dominated by picoplankton, with very high abundances of bacteria and cyanobacteria, these 2 groups representing each 20 to 50% of the total carbon. Nanoplankton (auto- and heterotrophic flagellates) constituted only 10 to 15% of the total biomass. Microbial concentrations were 1.5 to 3-fold lower near the reef flat spillways than near the channels. This suggests an important biomass production inside the lagoon. At Rangiroa, growth rates varied from 0.02 to 0.06 h -1 for bacteria and from 0.01 to 0.04 h -1 for the other groups (cyanobacteria, auto- and heterotrophic flagellates). At Fakarava, growth rates were in the same range except for the heterotrophic flagellates (0.05 to 0.17 h -1 ). Growth rates were significantly higher near the reef flat spillways than near the channels. More than 50% of both bacterial and cyanobacterial production was grazed by the higher trophic levels in both atolls. Bacterial production was enhanced by a nitrogen enrichment whereas production of cyanobacteria and flagellates was enhanced by both a nitrogen and a phosphorus enrichment.
Determinants of Microfinance institutions' access to bank credit in Senegal

The financial relationship between banks and microfinance institutions (MFIs) is a key element of the debate on establishing accessible financial systems in sub-Saharan countries. Today, MFIs face strong and growing pressure in terms of resources, especially due to an increasing demand for funding, both in number and volumes. However, there is virtually no academic literature on refinancing between banks and MFIs. Also, the existing empirical literature on microfinance access to external funding has to some extend neglected the importance of bank financing funds, focusing more on international external funds. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the access of MFIs to external funds from the local banking system. Specifically, we examine the link between an MFI's access to Banks funding and its maturity and performance. From a panel of 156 Senegalese MFIs, we have created a fixed-effects model to help explain the influence of key variables (MFI size, profitability, risk, etc.) on an MFI's ability to raise funds from the local banking system. The results show that bank financing generally benefit large MFIs, those with significant tangible assets and with a high quality portfolio. Profitability does not seem to be a key determinant of MFI's access to bank funding. However, the funds deposited by microfinance organizations in banks act as a financing guarantee and strongly help MFIs to raise funds from local commercial banks.
Fluxes of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) in the High Arctic during atmospheric mercury depletion events (AMDEs)

Abstract. Measurements of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) fluxes over snow surfaces using a relaxed eddy accumulation (REA) system are carried out at the High Arctic site at the Villum Research Station, Station Nord, in North Greenland. Simultaneously, CO 2 fluxes are determined using the eddy covariance (EC) technique. The REA system with dual inlets and dual analyzers is used to measure fluxes directly over the snow. The measurements were carried out from 23 April to 12 May during spring 2016, where atmospheric mercury depletion events (AMDEs) took place. The measurements showed a net emission of 8.9 ng m −2 min −1 , with only a few minor episodes of net depositional fluxes, from a maximum deposition of 8.1 ng m −2 min −1 to a maximum emission of 179.2 ng m −2 min −1 . The data support the theory that gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM) is deposited during AMDEs followed by formation of GEM on surface snow and is re-emitted as GEM shortly after the AMDEs. Furthermore, observation of the relation between GEM fluxes and atmospheric temperature suggests that GEM emission partly could be affected by surface heating. However, it is also clear that the GEM emissions are affected by many parameters.
Effect of Recycled Rubber on the Properties of Road Bitumen

Commercially available road bitumen 50/70 (EN 12591) was modified by recycled rubber and synthetic poly(butadiene) in the presence of sulfur donor. Modification was carried out at 190°C and 220°C. Under such conditions, devulcanization of rubber took place. Prolonged heating in the presence of sulfur caused that devulcanized rubber and poly(butadiene) to revulcanize. The influence of rubber concentration as well as temperature and time of the modification process on the properties of resulted bitumens was studied. The results show that proposed process modifies the properties of base bitumen very effectively. Particularly noteworthy are values of Fraass breaking points, melting temperatures, penetrations, and elastic recoveries.
Birthplace diversity, income inequality and education gradients in generalised trust: The relevance of cognitive skills in 29 countries

The paper examines between-country differences in the mechanisms through which education could promote generalised trust using data from 29 countries participating in the OECD’s Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC). Results indicate that education is strongly associated with generalised trust and that a large part of this association is mediated by individuals’ literacy skills, income and occupational prestige. However, education gradients in levels of generalised trust and in the extent to which they are due to social stratification mechanisms or cognitive skills mechanisms vary across countries. Differences across countries in birthplace diversity and income inequality are correlated with how strongly education is associated with trust in different countries, as well as in the relative magnitude of direct and indirect associations. In particular, the relationship between literacy skills and generalised trust is stronger in the presence of greater birthplace diversity but is weaker in the presence of greater income inequality.
Iron sulfides from magnetotactic bacteria; structure, composition, and phase transitions

Using transmission electron microscopy, we studied the structures and compositions of Fe sulfides within cells of magnetotactic bacteria that were collected from natural habitats. Ferrimagnetic greigite (Fe3S4) occurred in all types of sulfide-producing magnetotactic bacteria examined. Mackinawite (tetragonal FeS) and, tentatively, sphalerite-type cubic FeS were also identified. In contrast to earlier reports, we did not find pyrite (FeS 2) or pyrrhotite (Fe12xS). Mackinawite converted to greigite over time within the bacteria that were deposited on electron microscope grids and stored in air. Orientation relationships between the two minerals indicate that the cubic-close-packed S substructure remains unchanged during the transformation; only the Fe atoms rearrange. Neither mackinawite nor cubic FeS are magnetic, and yet they are aligned in chains such that when converted to magnetic greigite, the probable easy axis of magnetization, [100], is parallel to the chain direction. The resulting chains of greigite are ultimately responsible for the magnetic dipole moment of the cell. Both greigite and mackinawite magnetosomes can contain Cu, depending on the sampling locality. Because bacterial mackinawite and cubic FeS are unstable over time, only greigite crystals are potentially useful as geological biomarkers.
An estimated open-economy model for the EURO area

We estimate a small open economy DSGE model for the euro area. The household sector optimises an intertemporal utility function with habit persistence. Households decide about asset accumulation, consumption and sets wages in a monopolistically competitive labour market. Households trade bonds internationally and there is a risk premium determined by the degree of foreign indebtedness. Firms are owned by domestic households. Consistent with the household objective function they determine labour demand, capacity, investment and they set prices in a monopolistically competitive goods market by maximising the market value of the corporate sector. Apart from technological constraints, decisions are subject to convex adjustment costs. Monetary policy is modelled via a Taylor rule. A Bayesian estimation approach is applied, using the Dynare code, by Michel Juillard, via the log-linearisation of the model around the steady state, solution of the forward looking log-linear model and computation of the likelihood via Kalman filter. After estimating the posterior mode via standard optimisation routines, the posterior distribution of model parameters is estimated with a Metropolis Markov Chain Monte Carlo approach. Unobserved components are also derived, such as technology, target inflation, capital utilisation. A full Bayesian impulse response analysis is then performed, comprising a detailed sensitivity analysis of the main dynamical features of the model simulations versus changes in model parameters.
Classifying spaces of algebras over a prop

We prove that a weak equivalence between cofibrant props induces a weak equivalence between the associated classifying spaces of algebras. This statement generalizes to the prop setting a homotopy invariance result which is well known in the case of algebras over operads. The absence of model category structure on algebras over a prop creates difficulties and we introduce new methods to overcome them. We also explain how our result can be extended to algebras over colored props in any symmetric monoidal model category tensored over chain complexes. 18G55; 18D10, 18D50
Evaluating ICT Integration in Turkish K-12 Schools through Teachers' Views.

Background:The current study aims to explore ICT integration in Turkish K-12 schools purposively selected as a representation of F@tih and non-F@tih public schools, as well as including a private school.Materials and methods:A convergent mixed methods design was employed with a multiple case strategy as such it will enable to make casewise comparison. The quantitative data was collected through e-capacity measurement scales. Concurrently, the qualitative data was gathered through three open-ended questions.Results:The evaluation results illustrate that a private school outperformed all public schools, including F@tih and non-F@tih schools. However there are some promising results indicating that F@tih project has made some significant inroads into improvement of ICT related school conditions, specifically ICT infrastructure of public schools.Conclusions:Yet, the findings also illustrate that ICT coordination and support, ICT vision and policy and teachers’ ICT training and their ICT use are policy domains that should be addressed and improved in both F@tih and non-F@tih schools. In addition, the qualitative findings showed strong parallelism with the quantitative results and mostly concurred with them.
Phytochemical Analysis of Tasmannia lanceolata Extracts and Inhibition of Giardia duodenalis Proliferation

Background: Giardiasis is a debilitating disease caused by gastrointestinal parasites of the genus Giardia. Tasmannia lanceolata (Tasmanian pepper berry) has a high anti-oxidant capacity and has documented therapeutic properties for a variety of pathogenic diseases. Materials and methods: Solvent extracts of T. lanceolata berry and leaf were investigated for the ability to block G. duodenalis growth. The IC50 values of the extracts which displayed inhibitory activity were determined to quantify and compare their efficacies. Toxicity was determined using the Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay. Active extracts were analysed by non-targeted HPLC-QTOF mass spectroscopy (with screening against 3 compound databases) for the identification and characterisation of individual components in crude plant extracts. Results: Methanolic, aqueous and ethyl acetate T. lanceolata berry and leaf extracts displayed potent G. duodenalis growth inhibitory activity. The methanolic extracts were the most potent growth inhibitors with IC50 values of approximately 180 μg/ml and 420 μg/ml for the berry and leaf methanolic extracts respectively. The aqueous, ethyl acetate, chloroform and hexane extracts also inhibited G. duodenalis growth, albeit with lower potency. HPLC-QTOF mass spectroscopy analysis of the extracts identified 45 compounds which were present in all T. lanceolata berry extracts. Forty of these were putatively identified by screening against 3 compound databases. All T. lanceolata berry and leaf extracts were nontoxic in the Artemia fransiscana bioassay. Conclusion: The low toxicity of the T. lanceolata extracts and their potent G. duodenalis growth inhibitory bioactivity indicates their potential as medicinal agents in the treatment and prevention of this disease.
Going it Alone or Working as Part of a Team: The Impact of Human Capital on Entrepreneurial Decision Making

This paper endeavours to measure the effect that human capital has on the decision taken by the entrepreneur to pursue new venture creation either in a lone capacity or collaboratively. Based on a survey of 130 entrepreneurs from 130 new ventures in Canary Island, Spain, this study applies a logit model to investigate the research relationships. The results show that three factors (experience, social perception and extrinsic motivation) are significant in the decision to initiate a new venture either in a lone capacity or as part of a collaborative undertaking. The results indicate that previous experience holds the greatest significance on the decision taken by entrepreneurs to ‘go it alone’, with factors relating to social perception and extrinsic motivation chiefly predicting a decision to work collaboratively. The findings of this study provide new insight and evidence with regard to the factors that influence a key decision in the start-up process: that of continuing in a lone capacity, or proceeding as part of an entrepreneurial team.
Taxonomic Redefinition of the Species of Acestrorhynchus of the microlepis Group with the Description of Acestrorhynchus apurensis , a New Species from Venezuela ( Ostariophysi : Characiformes : Characidae )

The species ofAcestrorhynchus ofthe microlepis group, characterized by the presence of a small, sometimes indistinct, black spot overlying the lateral line, posterior to the opercle, are redefined. Acestrorhynchus guianensis Menezes, 1969, is considered a junior synonym of A. microlepis (Schomburgk, 1841). New diagnoses and synonymies are provided and Acestrorhynchus apurensis, a new species from the Rio Apure drainage system (Rio Orinoco basin) in Venezuela, is described. A key to the species of the microlepis group is provided.
Does the X-ray outflow quasar PDS 456 have a UV outflow at 0.3c?

The quasar PDS 456 (at redshift ~0.184) has a prototype ultra-fast outflow (UFO) measured in X-rays. This outflow is highly ionized with relativistic speeds, large total column densities log N_H(cm}^-2) > 23, and large kinetic energies that could be important for feedback to the host galaxy. A UV spectrum of PDS 456 obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope in 2000 contains one well-measured broad absorption line (BAL) at ~1346A (observed) that might be Ly-alpha at v ~ 0.06c or NV 1240 at v ~ 0.08c. However, we use photoionisation models and comparisons to other outflow quasars to show that these BAL identifications are problematic because other lines that should accompany them are not detected. We argue that the UV BAL is probably CIV 1549 at v ~ 0.30c. This would be the fastest UV outflow ever reported, but its speed is similar to the X-ray outflow and its appearance overall is similar to relativistic UV BALs observed in other quasars. The CIV BAL identification is also supported indirectly by the tentative detection of another broad CIV line at v ~ 0.19c. The high speeds suggest that the UV outflow originates with the X-ray UFO crudely 20 to 30 r_g from the central black hole. We speculate that the CIV BAL might form in dense clumps embedded in the X-ray UFO, requiring density enhancements of only >0.4 dex compared clumpy structures already inferred for the soft X-ray absorber in PDS 456. The CIV BAL might therefore be the first detection of low-ionisation clumps proposed previously to boost the opacities in UFOs for radiative driving.
Comparing Ridge Regression and Principal Components Regression by Monte Carlo Simulation Based on MSE

In multiple regression model, regression variables are usually assumed to be independent from each other. When this assumption is not established, the model would be inappropriate and therefore the results might be incorrect. So, biased regression methods are applied. Ridge regression and principal components regression are two methods of biased regression methods. In this paper, Monte Carlo simulation tests were used for estimating coefficients of ridge and principal components regression. These two methods were compared using minimum squared error (MSE).
The Impact of Task Type and Cognitive Style on Vocabulary Learning.

Vocabulary knowledge influences the learners’ performance so remarkably that success in all language skills is closely related to it. This vital role necessitates studies focusing on the most effective programs of teaching vocabulary. In this study, we aimed to explore the impact of static versus dynamic task type and the possible interaction with field dependence/independence cognitive style on learning English vocabulary among intermediate EFL learners. Eighty four female EFL learners studying at the BS level at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences aged 19-25 were randomly selected and given a Cognitive Style Test and a Nelson Proficiency Test (2000 A) to be assigned to either of the control and experimental groups matched for their vocabulary knowledge and cognitive style. Although the two groups were exposed to identical reading passages during classes held twice a week in the four-month treatment period, the control group received vocabulary instruction through static task type technique based on the traditional approach to teaching vocabulary while the experimental group underwent dynamic task type technique. The Nelson Proficiency Test was once more used as the post-test to show the differences in vocabulary gain in the two groups. The collected data were analyzed through ANOVA, using SPSS software. The results showed that vocabulary instruction led to favorable results among field-dependent learners taught by the dynamic task type technique and poorest performance in field-dependent students exposed to the static task type technique while field-independent learners better performed through the static task-type technique. Task type significantly influences vocabulary learning and may marginally affect reading comprehension performance.
CHANGES IN FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES BY TRANSGLUTAMINASE CROSS LINKING AS A FUNCTION OF pH OF LEGUMES PROTEIN ISOLATE

The effect of cross linking of the protein isolates of pigeon pea and hyacinth bean with the microbial transglutaminase (EC 2.3.2.13) on the functional properties at different pH levels was studied. The protein isolate of each legume was dissolved at concentration of 10 mg mL -1 in 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.5, and then reacted with transglutaminase (0.5 mg mL -1 ). Then, free amino group, solubility, heat stability, and emulsifying and foaming properties of the transglutaminase treated protein isolate were investigated. The reduction in the total free amino groups (OD340) of the polymerized protein showed that transglutaminase treatment cross-linking the protein subunit of each legume. The solubility of the protein polymer of each legume was greatly improved at a wide range of pH level. Cross linked proteins were less turbid on heating to higher temperature as compared to untreated samples and the temperature at which the protein turns turbid also increased in the polymerized samples. The emulsifying and foaming properties of the protein polymers were greatly improved at a wide range of pH level compared to the flour and the native protein of the two legumes.