Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving Perception Accuracy in Bar Charts with Internal Contrast and Framing Enhancements

Bar charts are among the most commonly used visualization graphs. Their main goal is to communicate quantities that can be visually compared. Since they are easy to produce and interpret, they are found in any situation where quantitative data needs to be conveyed (websites, newspapers, etc.). However, depending on the layout, the perceived values can vary substantially. For instance, previous research has shown that the positioning of bars (e.g. stacked vs separate) may influence the accuracy in bar ratio length estimation. Other works have studied the effects of embellishments on the perception of encoded quantities. However, to the best of the authors' knowledge, the effect of perceptual elements used to reinforce the quantity depicted within the bars, such as contrast and inner lines, has not been studied in depth. In this research we present a study that analyzes the effect of several internal contrast and framing enhancements with respect to the use of basic solid bars. Our results show that the addition of minimal visual elements that are easy to implement with current technology can help users to better recognize the amounts depicted by the bar charts.
A Case of Elevation of Serum Creatine Kinase With Antithyroid Medications for Graves’ Disease

We describe a female patient with Graves ’ disease (GD) who had abnormal increases of serum creatine kinase (CK) concentration during treatment with antithyroid medications. She experienced myalgia and manifested increased serum CK levels, with a maximum of 7,925 U / L, 2 - 4 months after initiation of methimazole (MMI) treatment at a dose of 10 - 15 mg / day. After MMI was exchanged for potassium iodide (KI), serum CK levels decreased and the myalgia resolved. However, after KI was exchanged for propylthiouracil (PTU), the myalgia recurred and serum CK levels increased with a maximum of 521 U / L. PTU was discontinued and serum CK levels returned to normal, but hyperthyroidism recurred and the patient did not consent to the alteration of treatment from antithyroid drugs to radioiodine therapy or surgical treatment. PTU was restarted and increased gradually from 50 to 300 mg / day. Serum CK levels did not increase, but the hyperthyroidism persisted. After we exchanged PTU for MMI (20 mg / day) and levothyroxine (25 u g / day), serum CK levels did not increase and the hyperthyroidism diminished. While the mechanisms for this process are not clearly defined, a rapid reduction in thyroid hormones in tissues following chronic hyperthyroidism may result in relative hypothyroid states and subsequent alterations in CK concentration. doi: http://dx.doi. org/10.4021/jem130w
Evaluating the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Root Canal Irrigants Against Candida Albicans And Enterococcus Faecalis: in vitro study

To assess the antimicrobial efficacy of super oxidized water (SOW), NaOCl, chlorhexidine, and EDTA against E. faecalis and C. albicans using disc diffusion (DDT) and direct contact (DCT) tests. In DDT, 20 μl of each solution was impregnated to paper discs and the discs were placed on agar plates containing either microorganism. The inhibition zones were measured after 24 h. In DCT, each solution was placed on the surface of agar plates that had been inoculated with each microorganism. After predetermined periods, transfers were made from the contact area between the test specimen and the cultured agar and from the area that had not been in contact with the test specimens. The results were read as presence/absence of microbial growth and statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-test test. In the DDT, all solutions exhibited inhibition zones in varying degrees. CHX and EDTA showed significant antimicrobial properties against E. faecalis and C. albicans (p<0.05). In the DCT, all irrigants eliminated both microorganisms in all time intervals (p>0.05). Albeit, EDTA’s antimicrobial activity increased with the prolonged contact time. NaOCl, CHX, and EDTA were effective against both microorganisms. However, the antimicrobial efficiency of SOW differed between tests.
What Explains Low Female Political Representation? Evidence from Survey Experiments in Japan

Abstract Few democratic countries have lower rates of female political representation than Japan, making it an excellent place to seek clues for female underrepresentation. We were surprised to find, based on three experimental surveys, that Japanese voters do not harbor particularly negative attitudes toward female politicians. The problem instead appears to be that women are reluctant to run for office because of socially mandated family roles. An implication of our study is that gender equality in political representation will likely founder in countries with electoral systems that require around-the-clock constituency service and legislative work, at least until citizens no longer have gendered expectations about time-consuming family obligations.
The Value of the Managed Care Option

Historically, insurers writing coverage on an indemnity basis have had similar incentives and opportunities in reporting estimated loss levels. Indemnity health insurers, for example, may have been just as likely as any property and casualty (P&C) insurer to misestimate or manipulate their reported losses. Several decades ago, the formation of a new type of health insurer – the managed care organization was encouraged in an effort to reign in medical costs. The unique feature of these organizations is that they combine the insuring function with aggressive loss control through direct involvement in health care decision making. This “option” affords them additional opportunities by which to manage their losses, a technique that is not available to traditional insurance companies. In this study, we test how the additional opportunities for managing losses materialize through volatility in financial performance among health insurers using quarterly underwriting data on health insurers and P&C insurers. Significant differences in the reporting of losses across insurance types suggest the extra management tools are actively employed, but not uniformly over the year. Our results may inform decisions to add more aggressive loss management activities to other forms of insurance, and further raise questions about the use of a strategy that may disproportionately affect claimants with losses in the fourth quarter. The Value of the Managed Care Option
Multi-wavelength environment of the Galactic globular cluster Terzan 5

Terzan 5 is a Galactic globular cluster exhibiting prominent X-ray and gamma-ray emission. Following the discovery of extended X-ray emission in this object, we explore here archival data at several wavelengths for other unexpected emission features in the vicinity of this globular cluster. Radio data from the Effelsberg 100-m telescope show several extended structures near Terzan 5, albeit with large uncertainties in the flux estimates and no reliable radio spectral index. In particular, a radio source extending from the location of Terzan 5 to the north-west could result from long-term non-thermal electron production by the large population of milli-second pulsars in this globular cluster. Another prominent radio structure close to Terzan 5 may be explained by ionised material produced by a field O star. As for the diffuse X-ray emission found in Terzan 5, its extension appears to be limited to within 2.5 arcmin of the globular cluster and the available multi-wavelength data is compatible with an inverse Compton scenario but disfavours a non- thermal Bremsstrahlung origin.
Phylogenetic relationships among North American grouse inferred from restriction endonuclease analysis of mitochondrial DNA

Systematic relationships among North American grouse and ptarmigans (Tetraoninae) are not well defined because traditional classifications were based on morphological and behavioral characters with limited taxonomic utility. Restriction enzyme analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was used to generate a phylogeny for North American tetraonines that was then utilized to test previous phylogenetic hypotheses for the group and to examine the origin and evolution of complex reproductive behaviors and morphological features characteristic of grouse and ptarmigan species. Nucleotide sequence divergence among congeneric species derived from mtDNA restriction fragment patterns varied extensively, ranging from 0.28% in prairie grouse (Tympanuchus) to 4.06% among ptarmigans (Lagopus) and 10.15% between Blue Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) and Spruce Grouse (D. canadensis). Using the Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) as an outgroup, the molecular phylogeny partitioned species into three primary groups: (1) Tympanuchus; (2) Lagopus, Dendragapus obscurus, and Tetrao urogallus (the European Capercaillie); and (3) the Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus), Dendragapus canadensis, and Sage Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). Prairie grouse were genetically distinct from other grouse species, but a polyphyletic distribution of haplotypes and limited mtDNA differentiation within Tympanachus suggest that divergence among the prairie grouse occurred very recently. Within Lagopus, the Willow (L. lagopus) and Rock (L. mutus) Ptarmigans were more closely related to each other than either was to the White-tailed Ptarmigan (L. leucurus). Dendragapus canadensis grouped with Bonasa umbellus; whereas D. obscurus was allied with Lagopus and Tetrao. Thus, the genus Dendragapus as currently constructed is polyphyletic (i.e., D. canadensis and D. obscurus have had separate evolutionary histories) and the morphological similarities between the two species may be attributable to convergent adaptation to coniferous forest. We inferred from the molecular phylogeny that the complex reproductive systems in tetraonines have arisen independently and that corresponding morphological and behavioral specializations may reflect parallel evolutionary trends
Huzur Ölçeği’nin Geliştirilmesi ve Psikometrik Özelliklerinin İncelenmesi

Bu arastirmada Huzur Olcegi’nin gelistirilmesi ve olcegin psikometrik ozelliklerinin incelenmesi amaclanmaktadir. Arastirmanin orneklemi, yaslari 18 ile 75 arasinda degisen, yas ortalamalari 30.46 (±12.94) olan 548 kadin ve 330 erkek olmak uzere toplam 900 katilimcidan olusmaktadir. Olcegin yapi gecerligi icin acimlayici faktor analizi ve dogrulayici faktor analizi yapilmistir. Olcegin guvenirligi ic tutarlik ve test-tekrar test yontemiyle incelenmistir. Olcegin olcut bagintili gecerligi icin PERMA Olcegi ile arasindaki iliskilere bakilmistir. Huzur Olcegi’nin acimlayici faktor analizi sonuclari olcegin 8 maddeden olusan tek boyutlu bir yapiya sahip oldugunu gostermistir. Olcegin dogrulayici faktor analizi sonuclari modelin kabul edilebilir duzeyde uyum gosterdigini ortaya koymustur. Olcegin ic tutarlilik katsayisi . 78, test-tekrar test katsayisi . 83 olarak hesaplanmistir. Huzur ile iyi olus arasindaki pozitif korelasyonlarin olcegin olcut bagintili gecerliginin gostergesi oldugu soylenebilir. Arastirmanin sonuclari Huzur Olcegi’nin Turkiye’de yurutulecek bilimsel arastirmalarda kullanilabilecegini gostermektedir.
Coupling of methyl and total mercury in a minerotrophic peat bog in southeastern Sweden

During most of an annual cycle, we studied the temporal variation of total mercury (HgT) and methyl mer- cury (MeHg) in unfiltered and filtered (0.45 µm) peat water from a minerotrophic peat bog in southeastern Sweden. MeHg in bulk water ((MeHgT)) and total Hg in filtered water in discharge water from the peat bog ((HgD)) were an order of magnitude higher than in upland runoff water entering the peat bog. At the discharge end, peat-water (HgD) and (MeHgD) ranged from 8 to 54 pmol·L -1 and from 1 to 32 pmol·L -1 , respectively. Whereas the variation of (MeHgT) was explained by changes in (MeHgD), the variation of inorganic HgT (IHgT )=( HgT) - (MeHgT )w as ex- plained by changes in particle-bound IHg (IHgP) = (IHgT) - (IHgD). Filterable organic matter and sulfide in the water both correlated poorly with (HgD). Neither did the amount of HgT in precipitation and upland runoff water correlate well with the estimated discharge of HgD from the peat bog. However, there was a strong correlation between (HgD) and (MeHgT) in the peat water (r = 0.96). Furthermore, a significant fraction of HgD was MeHg (mean 28%; range 8- 60%). These results suggest that methylation increased the mobility of Hg.
Mesoscale Convective Complexes and Persistent Elongated Convective Systems over the United States during 1992 and 1993

Abstract Large, long-lived convective systems over the United States in 1992 and 1993 have been classified according to physical characteristics observed in satellite imagery as quasi-circular [mesoscale convective complex (MCC)] or elongated [persistent elongated convective system (PECS)] and cataloged. The catalog includes the time of initiation, maximum extent, termination, duration, area of the −52°C cloud shield at the time of maximum extent, significant weather associated with each occurrence, and tracks of the −52°C cloud-shield centroid. Both MCC and PECS favored nocturnal development and on average lasted about 12 h. In both 1992 and 1993, PECS produced −52°C cloud-shield areas of greater extent and occurred more frequently compared with MCCs. The mean position of initiation for PECS in 1992 and 1993 followed a seasonal shift similar to the climatological seasonal shift for MCC occurrences but was displaced eastward of the mean position of MCC initiation in 1992 and 1993. The spatial distribution.
Building on the Enriched Hierarchical Model of Achievement Motivation: Autonomous and Controlling Reasons Underlying Mastery Goals

Two motivational theories – the Achievement Goal Theory and Self-Determination Theory – have recently been combined to explain students’ motivation, making it possible to study the “what” and the “why” of learners’ achievement strivings. The present study built on this approach by (a) investigating whether the distinction between autonomous or volitional and controlling or pressuring reasons can be meaningfully applied to the adoption of mastery-avoidance goals, (b) investigating the concurrent and prospectiverelations between mastery-avoidance goals and their underlying reasons and learning strategies when mastery-approach goals and their underlying reasons were also considered, and by (c) incorporating psychological need experiences as an explanatory variable in the relation between achievement motives (i.e., the motive to succeed and motive to avoid failure) and both mastery goals and their underlying reasons. In two Turkish university students samples (N = 226, Mage = 22.36; N = 331, Mage = 19.5), autonomous and controlling reasons appeared applicable to mastery-avoidance goals and regression and path analysis further showed that mastery-avoidance goals and their underlying autonomous reasons fail to predicted learning strategies over and above the pursuit of mastery-approach goals and their underlying reasons. Finally, need experiences were established as mediators between achievement motives and both mastery goals and their underlying reasons.
Effect of Firm characteristics on Performance of the Microfinance Sector in Nakuru, Kenya

Microfinances are set up to finance small enterprises but still they do meet the capital needs of the entrepreneurs. Therefore in spite of the importance of this sector, the provision and delivery of financial services by these firms has been below expectation. Literature suggests that firm characteristics determine performance of microfinances but it is not clear to what extent. The objective of study was to examine the effect of firm characteristics on the performance of the microfinance sector in Kenya. The study adopted correlational research design. A census was done on the 48 institutions registered with AMFI and operating in Nakuru. Primary data was collected using questionnaires. This was supplemented with secondary data. Data on firm characteristics and organizational performance was summarized using descriptive statistics. The relationship between firm characteristics and performance of MFIs was examined using correlation. The effect of firm characteristics on performance of microfinances was determined by regression analysis. Findings revealed that firm characteristics have a significant positive effect on performance of MFIs. Structure related characteristics had the greatest while capital related had the least effect on performance of microfinances. It is recommended that practitioners address and nurture firm characteristics to improve on performance of the sector.
Applied Economics , 2006 , 38 , 2147 – 2157 A heterogeneous model of disposition effect

A portfolio choice model is provided to illustrate the disposition effect under irrational belief in mean reversion assumption. Higher cognitive reference, stronger irrational belief in mean reversion magnitude and less risk aversion all strengthen the disposition effect in the model. The equilibrium market interest rate is priced after the market clearing condition is employed. The grater disposition effect reduces the capital mobility from the stock market to the bond market and thus mitigates the dropping of the market interest rate.
Coseismic deformation revealed by inversion of strong motion and GPS data: the 2003 Chengkung earthquake in eastern Taiwan

SUMMARY A moderate earthquake of Mw= 6.8 occurred on 2003 December 10. It ruptured the Chihshang Fault in eastern Taiwan which is the most active segment of the Longitudinal fault as a plate suture fault between the Luzon arc of the Philippine Sea plate and the Eurasian plate. The largest coseismic displacements were 13 cm (horizontal) and 26 cm (vertical). We analyse 40 strong motion and 91 GPS data to model the fault geometry and coseismic dislocations. The most realistic shape of the Chihshang fault surface is listric in type. The dipping angle of the seismic zone is steep (about 60°–70°) at depths shallower than 10 km and then gradually decreases to 40°–50° at depths of 20–30 km. Thus the polygonal elements in Poly3D are well suited for modelling complex surfaces with curving boundaries. Using the strong motion data, the displacement reaches 1.2 m dip-slip on the Chihshang Fault and decreases to 0.1 m near surface. The slip averages 0.34 m, releasing a scalar moment of 1.6E26 dyne-cm. For GPS data, our model reveals that the maximal dislocation is 1.8 m dip-slip. The dislocations decrease to 0.1 m near the surface. The average slip is 0.48 m, giving a scalar moment of 2.2E26 dyne-cm. Regarding post-seismic deformation, a displacements of 0.5 m were observed near the Chihshang Fault, indicating the strain had not been totally released, as a probable result of near-surface locking of the fault zone.
Glitter(Foot)ball Tactics

Sterken are an Icelandic gay football team, whose practices fit with a wider discourse of gender mainstreaming. Iceland provides an exceptional context to investigate gender mainstreaming: it has been rated first for gender equality by the World Economic Forum and until recently had a lesbian Prime Minister dedicated to introducing gender equality-led policy; but Iceland has long maintained a commitment to neoliberal ideology. In this article, we present field data collected with Sterken, and introduce the analytic of “glitter(foot)ball tactics:” the glitter representing gay identity politics, while the original shape of the football maintaining hegemonic concepts of masculinity. Drawing on the metaphor of gliter(foot)ball tactics, our analysis shows how masculinity in homonormative cultures was able to uphold male gender power through reconciling both sides of the glitter(foot)ball. Gender mainstreaming here acts as a depoliticized discursive tool in constructing these versions of gay male identities in the context of neoliberal politics.
DEVELOPMENT OF A PRONUNCIATION DICTIONARY FOR THE ROMANIAN LANGUAGE

The scope of this paper is to present a novel automated grapheme-to-phoneme conversion system for Romanian, based on artificial neural networks, together with some transcription results based on a 1.004 words hand built pronunciation dictionary. Using this letter-to-sound transcription system we have also built a pronunciation dictionary for Romanian by transcribing the near 140.000 base form entries from the DEXOnline dictionary.
Transfer of Imagery and Runnability from Analogies to Models in Experts

This paper examines video taped model construction protocols from an expert to generate hypotheses concerning: the relationship between “runnable” schemas and imagery during mental simulation; and how assembling a scientific model from simpler runnable schemas can “transfer runnability” to the model. By the end of the learning episode the expert appears to have acquired something more than a new symbolic relationship. He appears to have an imageable, runnable model where the imagability and runnability have been transferred or “inherited” from a source analogue. One source of support for this finding comes from observing similar depictive hand motions as the subject thought about the analogue case and later about the developing target model. Parallel observations have also been made in student protocols. Objectives and Theoretical Perspective A source of motivation for this study comes from other studies suggesting the important possible role of mental simulation in discovery processes in scientists (Nersessian, 2001). More specifically, the present study responds to the need to develop ways to conceptualize the role of visual (or kinesthetic) representations in the process of constructing models using analogies. (Hegarty, 2002; Collins and Gentner, 1987; Kozma, 2000; White, 1989; Mayer, 1989; Glynn 1997; Jackson et al, 1995). In a previously published case study, a tutored student was able to map and apply an air pressure and flow analogy to electric potential and current as her tutor helped her build a model for electric circuits (Clement and Steinberg, 2002). Her spontaneous use of similar depictive hand motions during the original air analogy, and during the subsequent instructional circuit examples led us to hypothesize a transfer of imagery and “runnability” from the source analogue to the target model. In the present study I examine video taped model construction protocols from expert scientists working on a harder problem to develop evidence and hypotheses for similar processes. Method The database for this case study comes from ten professors and advanced graduate students in scientific fields who were recorded while thinking aloud about the problem of whether a wide spring stretches more than a narrow spring, illustrated in Figure 1.
Internet advertising: Is anybody watching?

Click-through rates are still the de facto measure of Internet advertising effectiveness. Unfortunately, click-through rates have plummeted. This decline prompts two critical questions: (1) Why do banner ads seem to be ineffective and (2) what can advertisers do to improve their effectiveness? To address these questions, we utilized an eye-tracking device to investigate online surfers’ attention to online advertising. Then we conducted a large-scale survey of Internet users’ recall, recognition, and awareness of banner advertising. Our research suggests that the reason why click-through rates are low is that surfers actually avoid looking at banner ads during their online activities. This implies that the larger part of a surfer's processing of banners will probably be done at the pre-attentive level. If such is the case, click-through rate is an ineffective measure of banner ad performance. Our research also shows that banner ads do have an impact on traditional memory-based measure of effectiveness. Thus, we claim that advertisers should rely more on traditional brand equity measures such as brand awareness and advertising recall. Using such measures, we show that repetition affects unaided advertising recall, brand recognition, and brand awareness and that a banner's message influences both aided advertising recall and brand recognition.