Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SO(2)-equivariance in Neural networks using tensor nonlinearity

Inspired by recent work of Kondor [11] and Cohen and Welling [3], we build rotation equivariant autoencoders to obtain a basis of images adapted to the group of planar rotations SO ( 2 ) , directly from the data. We do this in an unsupervised fashion, working in the Fourier domain of SO ( 2 ) . Working in the Fourier domain we build a rotation equivariant classiﬁer to classify images. As in the recent papers of Thomas et al. [20] and Kondor et al. [12] we use tensor product nonlinearity to build our autoencoders and classiﬁers. We discover the basis using a small sample of inputs. As a consequence our classiﬁer is robust to rotations - the classiﬁer trained on upright images, classiﬁes rotated versions of images, achieving state of the art. In order to deal with images under different scales simultaneously, we deﬁne the notion of a coupled-bases and show that a coupled-bases can be learned using tensor nonlinearity.
Framing Gender Justice A comparative analysis of the media coverage of #metoo in Denmark and Sweden

This study examines the media coverage of the #metoo movement in neighbouring countries Denmark and Sweden. A comparative content analysis shows differences in genres, sources and themes across the two samples. Further, the analysis shows that the coverage predominantly positioned #metoo within an individual action frame portraying sexual assault as a personal rather than societal problem in both countries. However, the individual action frame and a delegitimising frame focused on critique of #metoo were more prevalent in the Danish coverage. A framing analysis revealed four different news frames in the coverage: #metoo as (1) an online campaign connecting networked individuals, (2) part of a broader and long-standing social movement for gender justice, (3) an unnecessary campaign fuelled by cultures of political correctness and, finally, (4) a witch hunt and “kangaroo court”. Finally, we discuss and relate these findings to the political and cultural contexts of the two countries and their different historical trajectories for the institutionalisation of feminism and implementation of gender equality policies.
Price Transparency, Media and Informative Advertising

We study the effects of a price transparency regulation in Israeli supermarkets. Using price data collected before and after the regulation and a difference-in-difference research design, we show that price levels and price dispersion declined significantly after the regulation. Chains also began setting identical prices in all stores. We use Robert and Stahl (1993) to interpret our findings, showing that low-priced chains extensively used price advertising after prices became transparent. These chains referenced price-comparison surveys conducted by the media to induce credibility for ads. Our findings highlight the importance of price transparency and the procompetitive role of informative advertising. (JEL D22, D83, L11, L81, L82, L88, M37)
Adolescent substance use in different social and peer contexts: A social network analysis

This exploratory study investigates whether associations between social network measures and substance use differ according to type of substance and social context. The analyses use data obtained from 13 and 15 year olds (N = 3146) in a school-based survey and focus on three social network measures: sociometric position (e.g. group, dyad, isolate); popularity (friendship nominations received); and expansiveness (nominations made). The study aims to investigate: (i) the patterning of these social network measures by age, gender and school socioeconomic status (SES); and (ii) their relationships with substance use (current smoking, experience of drugs, alcohol in the previous week). Females and those from higher SES schools were more likely to be in groups, more popular and more expansive. Analyses including all three network measures, together with age, gender and school SES found main effects of sociometric position on smoking (lower than average rates among group members, higher than average for pupils in dyads and among isolates), of popularity on drugs and alcohol (highest levels among the most popular pupils) and of expansiveness on alcohol (highest rates among the most expansive). Interactions between the network measures, age, gender, school SES and substance use were also examined. We discuss our results concerning the use of different substances in relation to the mechanisms of selection and influence (as suggested by sociometric position, popularity and expansiveness) in differing social contexts represented by gender and school SES.
Application of a Functional Mathematical Index to the Evaluation of the Nutritional Quality of Potatoes

This paper describes the derivation and application of a new functional mathematical index that was used to evaluate the nutritional, safety, and processing quality aspects of potatoes. The index introduces the concept of an “optimal potato”, using appropriate distance and N-dimensional parameter space models. Although the index may not be a unique answer to the need for defining a “quality potato index”, the results of the present study show that it presents an approach that can be used to establish whether a specific potato variety or processed potato product can be considered of high, medium, or low nutritional quality. The main goal of the index is to link composition and chemical quality to factors that govern growth, production, distribution, and processing of potatoes and potato products for commercial use. In addition, it is expected that the index will be a useful parameter that can detect critical points (harvest time, storage conditions, treatment processes) as affected by variety and composition during the entire growth, production, and distribution cycle of potatoes, and thus suggests new ways to increase the value of potatoes for the human diet. The index is intended to complement and extend methods for nutritional quality and safety of potato proteins. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Abortion in association with transplacental Theileria equi infection in a mare from the State of Espírito Santo, southeast Brazil: case report

Equine piroplasmosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the protozoan parasites Babesia caballi and Theileria equi. We report a case of abortion in association with transplacental Theileria equi infection in a mare from the State of Espírito Santo, southeast Brazil. An apparently healthy mare aborted at the tenth month of gestation. At necropsy, the subcutaneous tissue, skeletal muscles, and visible mucosae of the aborted fetus were pale, and there was moderate hydrothorax and marked splenomegaly. Microscopic findings included splenic lymphoid hyperplasia and nephrosis. Merozoite-infected erythrocytes were found within blood vessels of all organs examined and were most numerous in the brain. DNA extracted from the spleen, liver, kidney, and thymus was used as a template for PCR. Generic primers were employed for the detection of piroplasm 18S ribosomal gene. All samples were positive for piroplasm DNA by PCR. Amplicons were purified and then sequenced. Sequencing analysis of these amplicons revealed 98% identity to T. equi sequences. Based on our findings, we suggest that abortion in this case resulted from transplacental Theileria infection.
A Investigative Study of Role Expectation on the Clinical Nurse Specialist

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role expectation of Clinical Nurse Specialist(CNS) in A tertiary-affiliated hospital in Seoul. Data were surveyed from Jul. 8, to Jul. 20, 1996. 74 medical doctors and 119 nurses participated in this survey. For data analysis, SPSS/PC+ program was used: , t-test, ANOVA. The difference was analyzed by the subjects' position and department. The results of this study were summarized as follows: 1. The perception about the CNS system : Most of the subjects of study perceived that the introduction of CNS system was needed. And the introduction time of CNS system was demanded as fast as possible, or after special preparation. 2. The comparison of the need for the subroles of the CNS in A tertiary-affiliated hospital : The need for the subroles(0=not known, 1=not needed to 4=absolutely essential) was significantly different between medical doctors and nurses. The total mean scores for degree of need for each subole were as follows: Education 3.37, Consultant 3.34, Researcher 3.29, Direct care provider 2.86. 3. The comparison of the percent of time spent in A tertiary-affiliated hospital : The percent of time spent was significantly different between medical doctors and nurses. The total mean percent of time spent in the five subroles was as follows: Direct care provider 34.9%, Educator 23.9%, Researcher 18.9%, Consultant 12.8%, and Management/Change agent 9.5% According to the study results, suggestions were made: 1. Further study for the need of the CNS role as direct care provider is needed, after correcting the items within the narrow scope in some clinical department. 2. Development of the detail roles for the extent of autonomy is needed, and validity should be tested. And then they will be used for the basic data of the role development of the CNS.
Prevalence of Personality Disorders among Alcoholics and Drug Addicts: An Overview

Personality disorders (PDs) are considered to be potential predictors of outcome and potential matching variables. In this report the authors review the available epidemiological studies regarding the overall prevalence of DSM-III(Pv) PDs in alcohol, cocaine, opiate and polydrug addicts in both patient and nonpatient samples. Special attention is paid to the prevalence of antisocial and borderline PDs. Fifty-two studies were identified covering the time period 1982–1994. The findings of these studies suggest that the best estimate of overall axis II prevalence ranges from 44% among alcoholics to 79% among opiate addicts. However, a wide range of prevalence rates was observed in all types of substance use disorders. These differences could only partly be accounted for by differences in primary substance of abuse, assessment procedure, and setting. Gender distribution, the alternate application of exclusion criteria, classification system and time-frame, seem to be other important factors in understanding the divergent findings.
LEVEL OF NATURAL AUTOANTIBODY BINDING CARDIOLIPIN IN COLOSTRUM AND NAÏVE CALVES, IN RELATION WITH DIFFERENT MATERNAL DRY PERIOD LENGTH

Natural autoantibodies may prevent infections, clear aging cells and metabolic waste, and also play a role in anti-tumor surveillance, anti-inflammatory activity and maintenance of homeostasis. The objective of this study was to study the presence of natural autoantibody (NAAb) IgM binding cardiolipin in colostrum of cows subjected to different dry period lengths and in plasma of their calves prior colostrum intake. Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were randomly assigned to 2 dry period lengths (0 or 60 days). Colostrum was sampled directly after calving. Blood samples of female calves were collected before colostrum intake. The titers of IgM in plasma or colostrum were determined by an indirect ELISA method. Natural autoantibody titers IgM binding cardiolipin are present in colostrum and plasma of naive calves prior colostrum intake. Cows with a 0-d dry period had lower IgM titers binding cardiolipin in colostrum compared with cows with a 60-d dry period. Naive calves have NAAb and omission of the dry period resulted in lower NAAb levels in colostrum and, but did not affect NAAb levels in plasma of calves before colostrum intake.
UNIVERSITÉ DU QUÉBEC EN ABITIBI-TÉMISCAMINGUE ASPEN DYNAMICS AFTER HARVESTING IN BOREAL CONIFEROUS FOREST OF NORTHWESTERN QUEBEC

Previous studies have shown that aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx) trees were gradually expanding into previously conifer-dominated stands after harvesting. Harvesting practices create disturbances on a wide range of spatial scales and intensities, and it is not known how different practices favour aspen invasion into black spruce (Picea mariana) forests. A clear understanding of how silvicultural treatments affect recruitment of aspen into coniferous stands is required to be able to modify forest practices in order to avoid conversion of previously coniferous stands into mixed or deciduous stands. The main objective of this work was to study the relationship between different levels of harvesting intensity (clear cutting with scarification [CPRS-S], clear cutting [CPRS], and partial cutting [PC]), the mode of aspen recruitment, post-harvest aspen density, and aspen genetic diversity. A field study was established to test whether aspen regeneration density and its mode of regeneration (sexual or vegetative) could be affected by different levels of harvesting disturbance. It was further tested how organic matter (LFH) thickness, drainage class, percentage cover of woody debris, and shrubs affected aspen density and its mode of regeneration into previously coniferous forests. The mode of aspen recruitment was determined through dendrochronological analysis and five microsatellite DNA loci analyses were used for clone and genetic structure identification. Aspen regeneration density significantly varied between the three harvesting treatments, but it was however unrelated to the gradient of disturbance intensity. The vast majority of regeneration was of seedling origin in two harvesting methods (CPRS-S and CPRS), while it originated from root suckering in the PC treatment. Even though, the environmental variables (LFH thickness, drainage class and percentage cover of shrubs) significantly affected the density and mode of regeneration of aspen, they were inefficient in predicting aspen density and of recruitment mode. High levels of genetic and genotypic variability were observed that did not differ between the harvesting treatments and between the modes of aspen recruitment, sexual or vegetative . We concluded that differences in aspen modes of recruitment and density were more related to pre-harvest conditions rather than to the harvesting intensity.
EVENTS IN SEQUENTIAL & OPTIMISTIC PARALLEL DISCRETE EVENT SIMULATIONS by

MANAGING PENDING EVENTS IN SEQUENTIAL & OPTIMISTIC PARALLEL DISCRETE EVENT SIMULATIONS by Julius Didier Higiro The choice of data structure for managing and processing pending events in timestamp priority order plays a critical role in achieving good performance of sequential and parallel Discrete Event Simulation (DES). Accordingly, we propose and evaluate the effectiveness of multi-tiered (2 and 3 tier) data structures, including our proposed 2-tier Ladder Queue, for both sequential and optimistic parallel simulations, on distributed memory platforms. Our assessments use (a fine-tuned version of) the Ladder Queue, which has shown to outperform many other data structures for DES. The experimental results based on the PHOLD benchmark and the PCS simulation model show that our 3-tier heap and 2-tier ladder queue outperform the Ladder Queue by 10% to 50% in simulations, particularly those with higher concurrency per Logical Process (LP), in both sequential and Time Warp synchronized parallel simulations. MANAGING PENDING EVENTS IN SEQUENTIAL & OPTIMISTIC PARALLEL DISCRETE EVENT SIMULATIONS
Confidence enhanced performance-Evidence from professional golf tournaments

This paper provides field evidence on the causal impact of past successes, which are assumed to build confidence, on future performances. Since persistence in success or failure is likely to be influenced by individual, potentially time-varying, heterogeneity it is intrinsically difficult to identify the causal effect of succeeding on the probability of succeeding again. We therefore employ a regression discontinuity design on data from professional golf tournaments exploiting that almost equally skilled players are separated into successes and failures half-way into the tournaments (the “cut”). We show that players who (marginally) succeeded in making the cut substantially increased their performance in subsequent tournaments relative to players who (marginally) failed to make the cut. This confidence-effect is substantially larger when the subsequent (outcome) tournament involves more prize money. The results imply that confidence is an important prerequisite when performing high-stakes tasks.
Private Eye Special Report on MMR

It is four years since the Lancet published work by the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Study Group from the Royal Free Hospital on a possible link between autism and bowel problems. In view of subsequent events it is sometimes hard to believe that the paper actually included the statement “We did not prove an association between measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and the syndrome described. ” Despite this, immediately following publication one of the members of the group, Andrew Wakefield, announced, “There is sufficient concern in my own mind for a case to be made for the vaccines to be given individually at not less than one year intervals. ” At the time the British satirical magazine Private Eye ran an article entitled “National Bad Science Week. ” The article was scathing about Wakefield's suggestion, pointing out that “British taxpayers are now funding the damage limitation” and suggesting that “approval for Wakefield is to court flapdoodle. ” Since …
Reducing antipsychotic prescriptions in primary care : a healthcare perspective

Purpose – One in 14 people over 65 years suffer from dementia in the UK. Over 25 per cent are receiving antipsychotics, which cause increases in mortality and cerebrovascular events. The need for a reduction and the use of alternative supportive strategies has been advocated. Risperidone at six‐week intervals is the only antipsychotic licensed for treatment with regular review. The majority of management occurs at primary care level and in care homes. The purpose of this paper is to investigate antipsychotic prescribing practices and patient review in these settings.Design/methodology/approach – In total, two surveys comprising questions addressing prescribing practices were developed and distributed electronically to all GP practices and care homes in Coventry and Warwickshire, West Midlands, England.Findings – The majority of GPs (75 per cent) reported only “occasional” discontinuation of antipsychotics due to concerns at reducing drugs on their own, expectations of regulation from secondary care and re.
Effect of wheat flour substitution, maize variety and fermentation time on the characteristics of Makala (Cameroonian fried do

An investigation into the possibility of using local cereal resources (maize) to develop composite flour suitable for the production of Akara (a deep fried fermented dough) was undertaken. The experimental design was a 4 x 5 x 5 factorial experiment. Factor one was the maize variety (CMS 8806, CMS 8501, CMS 9015 and CMS 8704), factor two the substitution level (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40%) of wheat for maize flour and factor three was the fermentation times (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min). Dough nuts were produced from composite flour from wheat and maize flour. For the production of maize fine flour, wet milling of de-hulled, soaked grain was made followed by drying and sieving. Composite flours (32.4%) and other ingredients (13.5% sugar, 0.5% instant bakers’ yeast and 0.3% iodised salt) were mixed with water, whipped for 10 min and cut into samples of 40 g which were manually shaped into balls. They were allowed to ferment and rise prior to deep frying. Flour samples were analyzed for their physicochemical and functional properties. A mixed panel of women operating in dough nut production and some regular consumers was trained for sensory evaluation. The sensory attributes considered were colour, taste, texture and overall acceptability on a five point scale. Results showed that maize cultivars did not affect the quality of fine flours from wet milling. In composite flours, proteins, lipids and ash contents were significantly reduced as the level of maize flour increased. An inverse trend was observed with water absorption capacity. Dough swelling capacity and Akara density decreased with increase in maize substitution levels independently of the fermentation time and maize variety. Similarly, sensory scores decreased with increases in the substitution level independently of the maize cultivar used for composite flour preparation. However, Akara from composite flours had overall acceptability scores between 4.2 and 2.8 on a five-point scale. Akara prepared from CMS 8806 and CMS 8704 all of yellow color showed the highest sensory scores. From the results obtained, it could be suggested that composite flour from wheat and maize with up to 40% substitution level is acceptable for local commercial production of Akara with preference given to yellow maize.
Learning Network Parameters in the ReLU Model

Rectified linear units, or ReLUs, have become a preferred activation function for artificial neural networks. In this paper we consider the problem of learning a generative model in the presence of nonlinearity (modeled by the ReLU functions). Given a set of signal vectors y ∈ R, i = 1, 2, . , n, we aim to learn the network parameters, i.e., the d×k matrix A, under the model y = ReLU(Ac+b), where b ∈ R is a random bias vector, and c ∈ R are arbitrary unknown latent vectors. We show that it is possible to recover the column space of A within an error of O(d) (in Frobenius norm) under certain conditions on the distribution of b.
Malondialdehyde and Uric Acid as Predictors of Adverse Outcome in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

In chronic heart failure (HF), some parameters of oxidative stress are correlated with disease severity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of oxidative stress biomarkers in prognostic risk stratification (death and combined endpoint: heart transplantation or death). In 774 patients, aged 48-59 years, with chronic HF with reduced ejection fraction (median: 24.0 (20-29)%), parameters such as total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, and concentration of uric acid (UA), bilirubin, protein sulfhydryl groups (PSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. The parameters were assessed as predictive biomarkers of mortality and combined endpoint in a 1-year follow-up. The multivariate Cox regression analysis was adjusted for other important clinical and laboratory prognostic markers. Among all the oxidative stress markers examined in multivariate analysis, only MDA and UA were found to be independent predictors of death and combined endpoint. Higher serum MDA concentration increased the risk of death by 103.0% (HR = 2.103; 95% CI (1.330-3.325)) and of combined endpoint occurrence by 100% (HR = 2.000; 95% CI (1.366-2.928)) per μmol/L. Baseline levels of MDA in the 4th quartile were associated with an increased risk of death with a relative risk (RR) of 3.64 (95% CI (1.917 to 6.926), p < 0.001) and RR of 2.71 (95% CI (1.551 to 4.739), p < 0.001) for the occurrence of combined endpoint as compared to levels of MDA in the 1st quartile. Higher serum UA concentration increased the risk of death by 2.1% (HR = 1.021; 95% CI (1.005-1.038), p < 0.001) and increased combined endpoint occurrence by 1.4% (HR = 1.014; 95% CI (1.005-1.028), p < 0.001), for every 10 μmol/L. Baseline levels of UA in the 4th quartile were associated with an increased risk for death with a RR of 3.21 (95% CI (1.734 to 5.931)) and RR of 2.73 (95% CI (1.560 to 4.766)) for the occurrence of combined endpoint as compared to the levels of UA in the 1st quartile. In patients with chronic HF, increased MDA and UA concentrations were independently related to poor prognosis in a 1-year follow-up.