Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Social stress and performance in human-machine interaction: a neglected research field

Abstract Given the increasing capabilities of highly automated systems, the article argues for a need to address the issue of social stress in human-machine interaction. It suggests a classification system of subordinate concepts found in the research literature under the heading of social stress. A review of the literature revealed a paucity of studies examining the effects of social stressors on performance. In particular, the review showed a shortage of experimental lab-based work, needed to establish clear cause-effect relationships. The article examined the suitability of different social stressors for lab-based research, not only when humans are the source of stress but also in so-called hybrid teams where social stress is caused by machine agents. The review shows that a closer link is needed between the separate literature on social stress and automation. Finally, three mechanisms are proposed that may predict how social stress may affect performance: ‘blank-out’-mechanism, ‘rumination’-mechanism, and ‘increased-motivation’-mechanism. Practitioner summary: Theories of ergonomics and human factors may benefit from better integration of research and theoretical work in the domain of social stress. This is due to the increasing capabilities of machines to induce social stress. Abbreviations: HMI: human-machine interaction; TSST: trier social stress test
The Stability Properties of Monetary Constitutions

Abstract The financial crisis brought about a higher degree of monetary policy unpredictability. To anchor expectations and promote nominal stability, there is a need for predictable monetary rules or stable constitutions. This paper’s purpose is to define the general expectational properties that monetary constitutions should possess to work as coordination devices. I use Buchanan’s predictability criterion, as well as the expectational monetary transmission mechanism, to propose that monetary constitutions should be considered stable as long as they contain dynamics allowing self-reinforcing expectations of monetary neutrality. Self-reinforcement of expectations is an integral property of monetary constitutions for them to be agents of coordination and therefore stable. I find that these expectational properties are consistent with the stability properties established in the constitutional literature.
Privatization, Unemployment, and Welfare in the Harris-Todaro Model with a Mixed Duopoly

Abstract This paper explores the unemployment and welfare effects of privatization through the Harris-Todaro model with a mixed duopoly. Our approach is more generalized than the existing literature. When capital is sector-specific (i. e., it is in the short run), an increase in the degree of partial privatization will raise the unemployment rate, but the change of social welfare is conditional on the market share of the public firm and the relative degree of partial privatization. When capital is sector-mobile (i. e., it is in the long run), an increase in the degree of partial privatization will reduce the unemployment rate, but the change of social welfare is also dependent on the market share of the public firm and the relative degree of partial privatization. Our results capture the fact that the public firm and the private firm usually coexist in a competitive environment in the real world.
Primary Cutaneous CD4-Positive Small/Medium Pleomorphic T-cell Lymphoma – A Case Report

Primary cutaneous CD4-positive smallto medium-sized pleomorphic T-cell lymphoma is a provisional entity in the 2005 WHO-EORTC classification for cutaneous lymphomas. It is a rare condition and, in most cases, it has a favorable clinical course and prognosis. Primary cutaneous CD4-positive small/medium pleomorphic T-cell lymphoma (PCSM-TCL) is defined as a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with predominantly smallto medium-sized CD4-positive pleomorphic T-cells without a history of patches and plaques typical of mycosis fungoides. PCSM-TCL usually presents as a solitary plaque or tumor on the head, neck, trunk or upper extremities and it is considered to have indolent clinical behavior. Histologically, it is characterized by a dense infiltration of small/medium-sized pleomorphic T-cells that involves the entire dermal thickness, often with nodular extension into the hypodermis. Using immunohistochemical staining, the majority of the reported cases proved to be CD3, CD4 positive and CD8, CD30 negative. However, due to the rarity and heterogeneity of the PCSM-TCL, precise clinicopathologic characteristics of PCSM-TCL have not been well characterized and the optimal treatment for this group of lymphomas is yet to be defined. Dermatologists and pathologists should be aware of this entity in order to avoid unnecessary aggressive treatments. Here we present a 30-year-old man with a solitary lesion on the scalp with histopathological features corresponding to PCSMTCL. After surgical excision, the patient has been disease-free so far, with no additional therapy used to the present day with regular checkups.
Recent progress in organic spintronics

Abstract The field of organic spintronics deals with spin dependent phenomena occurring in organic semiconductors or hybrid inorganic/organic systems that may be exploited for future electronic applications. This includes magnetic field effects on charge transport and luminescence in organic semiconductors, spin valve action in devices comprising organic spacers, and magnetic effects that are unique to hybrid interfaces between (ferromagnetic) metals and organic molecules. A brief overview of the current state of affairs in the field is presented.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in children: a retrospective study at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand 1992–2012

Abstract Background Stevens–Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are life-threatening skin conditions with an etiology of drug exposure or infections. Objectives To determine the cause, treatments, complications, and outcomes of SJS/TEN in children admitted to Srinagrind Hospital during 1992–2012. Methods Retrospective chart review. A diagnosis of SJS and TEN was confirmed by pediatric dermatologists. Results A total of 38 patients was recorded. They consisted 31 (82%) SJS patients and 7 (18%) TEN patients. Mean age 6.6 years (range 1 to 14 years). Male to female was 1.1:1. Most cases (30 or 79%) were caused by drug exposure. Three cases (8%) by infection, and 5 cases (13%) were of unknown cause. The antiepileptic drug group was the most common cause. Systemic corticosteroids were used in 33 cases (87%). Intravenous immunoglobulin was used in one TEN patient (3%). There were 18 cases (47%) with acute complications. Ocular complications (7 cases, 39%), septicemia (4 cases, 22%), and secondary skin infections (3 cases, 17%) were the most common. Mean difference in length of hospital stay between those with and without acute complications was 12.3 days (P < 0.01, 95% CI 5.9–18.6). Ocular complications were the only long-term complications at 1-year follow up, and included symblepharon, corneal pannus, and dry eyes. Two patients (5%), both having cases of TEN, died. Conclusions Antiepileptic drugs were the most common causes of SJS/TEN in our study. Good ophthalmologic care of the prevalent acute eye complications in these patients is needed to prevent long-term ophthalmic complications.
Optimal Penalties for Repeat Offenders – The Role of Offence History

Abstract Within an infinite and a corresponding finite game framework we analyse intertemporal punishment for repeat offenders. The legal authority is assumed to maximize social welfare by minimizing the sum of harm from crimes and cost of punishment. We show that the time horizon considerably affects the structure of the optimal penalty scheme. In the finite game framework decreasing as well as escalating penalty schemes may be optimal. For the more appropriate infinite game framework we show three main results: First, any penalty scheme can be replaced by a (weakly) escalating penalty scheme that leads to the same criminal activity and the same social penalization cost. Second, the optimal penalty scheme is of the escalating type. Third, the socially optimal level of crime under escalating penalties may be higher than the level which would be optimal under uniform penalties.
Differences in Body Build and Physical Fitness of PE Students from the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport in Biała Podlaska in the Years 1989, 2004, and 2014

Abstract Introduction. In the current situation of the demographic decline and simultaneous tough competition on the educational market, the issues of not only teaching levels but also the competences and aptitudes of students themselves are raised more and more often. Therefore, this study sought to analyse differences in the body build and physical fitness of physical education (PE) students from the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport in Biała Podlaska in the years 1989, 2004, and 2014. Material and methods. The material included the results of the anthropometric measurements and physical fitness tests of second-year students examined in 1989 (n = 111), 2004 (n = 181), and 2014 (n = 127). Martin and Saller’s technique was employed to measure anthropometric features necessary to establish body build types using the Heath-Carter method. Physical fitness was evaluated with the International Physical Fitness Test. Sample size (n), arithmetic mean (x̅), standard deviation (SD), and the T point scale were applied to assess the collected variables. Differences in the sizes of the analysed features between the groups were estimated with the use of ANOVA and the Newman-Keuls test. Results. The analysis revealed a constant increase in basic somatic features and endomorphy and a decrease in mesomorphy and physical fitness in male subjects. The ectomorphy of students examined in 2014 was at a level similar to that recorded in 1989. The pace of the described changes was different depending on the study period. Conclusions. Secular trends in body build and physical fitness observed in the study may stem from deterioration in the biological potential of youths or may result from lowering physical education entrance exam criteria at the university.
Modeling and forecasting the outcomes of NBA basketball games

Abstract This paper treats the problem of modeling and forecasting the outcomes of NBA basketball games. First, it is shown how the benchmark model in the literature can be extended to allow for heteroscedasticity and estimation and testing in this framework is treated. Second, time-variation is introduced into the model by introducing a dynamic state space model for team strengths. The in-sample results based on eight seasons of NBA data provide weak evidence for heteroscedasticity, which can lead to notable differences in estimated win probabilities. However, persistent time variation is only found when combining the data of several seasons, but not when looking at individual seasons. The models are used for forecasting a large number of regular season and playoff games and the common finding in the literature that it is difficult to outperform the betting market is confirmed. Nevertheless, a forecast combination of model based forecasts with betting odds can lead to some slight improvements.
Acceptability, tolerability, and satisfaction of a contraceptive vaginal ring (the NuvaRing) among Thai women

Abstract Background The NuvaRing has demonstrated efficacy and acceptability in a number of clinical studies mostly in western countries. Because of cultural differences and self-administration of the device, it may not be wellaccepted by Thai women. Objectives To assess the acceptability, tolerability and satisfaction of Thai women who started to use the NuvaRing. Methods The levels of acceptance by 39 clients who began using the NuvaRing were reviewed in this retrospective observational cohort study of clients at a family planning clinic in Bangkok. Ring-related and other adverse events were recorded at the end of second, fourth, and sixth cycles. Results Included in this study were clients (38/39; 97%) who used the NuvaRing for six cycles consecutively. Difficulties in removing the NuvaRing were experienced by 13% of the participants and 49% felt transient vaginal discomfort; however, these problems resolved over time. Approximately one third of clients had asymptomatic watery discharges. Of the total of 229 cycles 95.1% were as usual with scheduled bleeding. Seventy-one percent of the clients were very satisfied. Before and after 6 cycles of using the NuvaRing, there were no significant clinical differences between body weight, blood pressure, duration of period, and amount of pads used per cycle found using paired 2-sample t tests. Conclusions NuvaRing has demonstrated no significant effects on regular cycle continuation and had very few clients experienced adverse events. The acceptability of this device and satisfaction of using it were partly owing to structural, comprehensive counseling, and support provided by the family planning staff.
Ideology and Strategy among Politicians: The Case of Judicial Independence

Abstract Politicians act strategically. In the face of competition they modify their decisions in order to restrict the latitude of their potential successors. On the other hand, politicians have ideological preferences that also affect their decisions. The literature, however, has neglected to fully explore the interaction between these two considerations. This work offers such an analysis, using an empirical investigation of judicial independence as an example. We show that when the interaction between ideological considerations and strategic ones is accounted for, the impact of political competition on the level of judicial independence that politicians prefer – may in fact be opposite to the traditional wisdom.
Ownership and Control in Large Eastern European Companies

Abstract The aim of this paper is to determine if the ownership structure of large Central Eastern-European companies, can influence the performance of the companies via better monitoring and control of managers done by individual blockholders. We use a sample of 497 large private and public CEE companies and analyze influence of large individual type of blockholders on performance over the period 2004-2013. We use ROA as a proxy for performance, firm, country characteristics and ownership indicators in a fixed-effect panel model. Our estimates indicate that only state and foreign ownership can influence performance while individual and widely held ownership do not influence performance in large CEE companies. On average, state controlled companies tend to underperform while foreign ownership seems to be beneficial for performance. This suggests that ownership can be used as a substitute for missing good governance institutions, in such a specific environment as CEE countries.
Predicting Survival of Small Intestine Neuroendocrine Tumors: Experience From a Major Referral Center

Objective Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) comprise 41.8% of small intestine malignancies. The NET nomogram is a 15-item prognostic tool that includes relevant factors for guiding management decisions. This is the first external validation of this tool among American patients at a tertiary treatment center. Methods Patients who underwent surgical intervention from 2005 to 2017 were screened by retrospective chart review. Nomogram scores were calculated following the methods outlined by Modlin et al (Neuroendocrinology. 2010;92:143–157). Validation assessed the association between nomogram scores and survival using Wilcoxon test and Cox regression. Results Among the 121 patients selected, the NET nomogram significantly predicted survival as a continuous variable (P < 0.01) and when dichotomized using 83 points to distinguish low-risk versus high-risk groups (P < 0.01). However, the nomogram was not universally applicable as even at our specialty center, variables such as chromogranin A and urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid are not routinely collected, whereas others, like tumor grade, do not reflect the most recently updated classifications. Conclusion The NET nomogram accurately identified patients at low and high risk of death. However, revision to update prognosticators could improve its usefulness for predicting survival of small intestine NETs.
Overview of Analytical Techniques Associated with Pattern Recognition Methods in Sugarcane Spirits Samples

Abstract Sugarcane spirits and cachaça are distilled beverages derived from the fermentation of sugarcane juice. The production of these spirits has significant influence on the economy of several regions in Brazil, being the third most consumed distilled beverage in the world. To ensure the safety for human consumption and also to add value to these products, it is imperative to apply quality control techniques. The complexity of food matrices along with the fact that the currently used instrumental techniques have several disadvantages, such as being expensive, laborious and time-consuming, have turned research attention to multivariate analysis techniques. In consequence, chemometric techniques have been applied in laboratories around the world aiming at data reduction, pattern recognition, cluster analysis, classification and quantification of data. This article provides an overview of the application of analytical techniques with nonsupervised and supervised pattern recognition methods for the analysis of sugarcane spirits samples. Assessments discussed include promising results for the discrimination among samples, verification of adulteration, tendencies in sensorial characteristics as well as relationships between chemical information and the geographical origins.
Correlation of computed tomography characteristics of cystic renal cell carcinoma with histopathology

Abstract Background Renal cysts are common incidental findings in computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and range from benign to cystic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Cystic RCC has various pathology, clinical prognosis, and treatment options. Objectives To compare preoperative CT of cystic RCC with histopathology. Methods Preoperative CT of histopathologically proven cystic RCCs were retrospectively reviewed in this single-center cross-sectional observational study. Two investigators recorded consensus CT features for each cystic RCC. The means of descriptive continuous data were calculated. A chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, or an ANOVA were used for compare the frequency of findings for each histopathological subtype. Results Of 38 cystic RCCs, 25 were clear cell RCC, 5 were papillary RCC, 4 were multilocular cystic RCC, 1 was chromophobe RCC, and 3 were mixed type/other type (papillary/chromophobe, clear cell/chromophobe, and sarcomatoid type). We classified 36 lesions as Bosniak category IV and 2 lesions as Bosniak category III. There was no significant difference in cyst attenuation in any phase. Solid attenuation of the tumors was significantly different for each type in corticomedullary and nephrogenic phases (P = 0.001 and 0.042, respectively). Clear cell RCC was enhanced the most on corticomedullary and nephrogenic phases (means 135.5 and 112.1 Hounsfield Units, respectively). Septal thickening, enhancement, and multilocularity were significantly different between subtypes, particularly in multilocular cystic RCCs (P = 0.018, 0.018, and 0.02, respectively). Conclusion Preoperative CT findings may help clinicians and radiologists to predict tumor subtypes and aid treatment planning.
Founders in the Living-Dead Trap: A Theoretical Exploration at Entrepreneurship’s Dark Core

Abstract This paper explores the concept of the living-dead trap (LDT), a pervasive state of entrepreneurship resulting from the decision to persevere in the operation of a venture in the face of sustained financial underperformance and personal psychological disutility. Financially underperforming firms can survive for long periods, usually with injections of sweat equity and debt, often decimating in the process the capital of their founders and investors as well as the obligations incurred to employees and other creditors. More specifically, this paper suggests a personal composite of specific cognitive and affective processes that leads entrepreneurs to commit to “failing but not failed” projects. That is, to fall into a trap known as the living-dead trap. We posit the living-dead phenomenon as a most pervasive state in firm founding drawing on cognitive and affective perspectives to model the attendant decision-making processes.
Ownership and Capital Structure of Pakistani Non Financial Firms

Abstract Existing literature has not yet defined a clear-cut relationship between ownership structure and capital structure. This study aims to contribute to this controversial argument by examining the impact of internal (managerial) ownership and external ownership on financing preferences using the case of non-financial firms listed on Karachi stock exchange during the period of 2008-2012. Our results suggest that the external ownership has a significant effect on capital structure in accordance with the presence of blockholders. In contrast, the internal ownership has a complicated effect; it shows significant positive and negative relationship to leverage at lower and certain higher proportion of managerial shareholding respectively. Besides, the combined analyses suggest that the presence of blockholders negates the impact of managerial ownership on capital structure. This implies that the presence of large and dominant shareholders in Pakistani firms may have caused a bias for debt financing to protect their voting power and returns.
Temperamental basis of sense of humor: validating the state-trait-cheerfulness-inventory in Mainland China

Abstract This paper examined the reliability and validity of the State-Trait-Cheerfulness-Inventory (STCI) in Mainland China. The Chinese translation of the STCI-T<106i>, STCI-S<45i> and the Temporal Satisfaction with Life Scale (TSWLS) were administered to 476 university students (313 females, 157 males, 6 missing; 20.40 ± 1.35 years of age). Results showed that the STCI-T<106> and the STCI-S<45> had high Cronbach alphas ranging from 0.60 to 0.92 in Mainland China, and the factorial structures of the instruments were supported. The STCI-T<60> and STCI-S<30> were developed utilizing three criteria for the selection of items. Cronbach alphas were satisfactory ranging from 0.67 to 0.94. The factor structure of the items appeared to be highly generalizable in Mainland China. Joint factor analyses of the state and trait items yielded three factors (cheerfulness, seriousness and bad mood) both as traits and states with the homologous concepts positively correlated. As expected, cheerfulness correlated negatively with bad mood, and cheerfulness correlated negatively with state seriousness. Meanwhile, seriousness correlated positively with bad mood. Moreover, life satisfaction was related positively with cheerfulness and negatively with bad mood, and could be predicted by high cheerfulness and low bad mood. Applications of the STCI-T<60> and STCI-S<30> in the Chinese context and future research are discussed.
The Impact of Education Earmarking on State-Level Lottery Sales

Abstract Prior research argues that lottery consumers consider how funds are to be used in making lottery purchase decisions. Possible explanations for this behavior include altruism as well as the desire of low-income families to provide educational opportunities within their community. This paper uses a panel of lottery sales for U.S. states covering the period 1980–2000 to test hypotheses regarding the impact of educational earmarking on lottery purchases. Our estimates suggest that states earmarking all or part of their revenue to education experience an increase in lottery sales between 11 % and 25 %, depending on the specification of state trends. Whether the propensity for earmarking to increase sales is viewed positively or negatively depends largely on one’s ethical and moral views of lotteries.