Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experimental Evidence on Valuation and Learning with Multiple Priors

Abstract Popular models for decision making under ambiguity assume that people use not one but multiple priors. This paper is a first attempt to experimentally elicit multiple priors. In an ambiguous scenario with two underlying states we measure a subject’s single prior, her other potential priors (multiple priors), her confidence in these priors valuation of an ambiguous asset with the same underlying states. We also investigate subjects' updating of (multiple) priors after receiving signals about the true states. We find that single priors are best understood as a confidence-weighted average of multiple priors. Single priors also predict the valuation of ambiguous assets best, while both the minimum and maximum of subjects' multiple priors add explanatory power. This provides some but no exclusive support for the maxmin (Gilboa and Schmeidler, 1989) and the alpha maxmin model (Ghirardato et al., 2004). With regard to updating of priors, we do not observe strong deviations from Bayesian learning, although subjects overadjust/underadjust their priors and their confidence in multiple priors after a contradictory/confirming signal. Subjects also react to neutral information with more confidence in their priors. This holds under ambiguity, but not in a comparison treatment under risk.
Field-Scale Soil Moisture PaƩ ern Mapping using ElectromagneƟ c InducƟ on

Soil apparent electrical conducƟ vity (EC a ) responds to Ɵ me-variable soil properƟ es, such as soil water content (θ), and can therefore be used to characterize the spaƟ al and temporal dynamics of θ at the fi eld scale. When clay content is high and uniform and the θ range small, however, it is not clear whether EC a maps can be used for this purpose. A soil management experiment established in a VerƟ sol in 1982 was surveyed for EC a on 13 occasions to capture changing soil condiƟ ons and to determine the sources of this variability. Less variaƟ on with Ɵ me was found in subsoil than in topsoil EC a paƩ erns, especially within the convenƟ onal Ɵ llage (CT) plots, in areas with shallow soil, and along the drainage network. Using the 13 EC a relaƟ ve diff erence data sets as variables, principal component (PC) analysis showed that the fi rst three PCs explained 90% of their total variance. The Ɵ me-stable or mean EC a paƩ ern was signifi cantly correlated with PC1 and could also be associated with topography, soil depth, and soil structure but could not be related to a single survey. Topography and soil management could be associated with PC2 and PC3, respecƟ vely. Time-stable θ patterns, inferred from 26 surveys, revealed topographical and management characterisƟ cs and showed signifi cant relaƟ onships (P < 0.001) with EC a –derived paƩ erns like soil porosity and infi ltraƟ on caused by soil management, topography, and rainfall. ElectromagneƟ c inducƟ on sensors were useful for mapping soil spaƟ al variability and changing soil condiƟ ons due to management eff ects and external forcing in uniform clay soils.
Crowding and hydration effects on protein conformation: a study with sol-gel encapsulated proteins.

We are developing an experimental system for testing the effects of macromolecular crowding and molecular confinement on protein structure. In the present study, solvent effects on the secondary structure of two proteins were examined by circular dichroism following encapsulation in the hydrated pores of a silica glass matrix by the sol-gel method. Changes in the unfolded conformations of encapsulated apomyoglobin and reduced serum albumin were analyzed after equilibration with aqueous solutions of natural osmolytes, short-chain alcohols, polyethylene glycol, and a complete series of Hofmeister cations. In many instances, the alpha-helical content of the encapsulated protein was increased by addition of solutes at concentrations that have no effect on the protein in the absence of the glass. The results are discussed from the perspective of water structure. We argue that perturbed water at the silica interface causes an increase in the average free energy of the bulk water phase which, consequently, diminishes the strength of the hydrophobic effect inside the glass matrix and destabilizes the conformation of encapsulated proteins. We propose that solutes can increase the strength of the hydrophobic effect and influence folding equilibria without directly interacting with the protein. A hypothesis is provided for the apparent paradox that kosmotropic (strongly water binding) anions favor native protein structure, whereas chaotropic (weakly water binding) cations enhance native protein structure. The encapsulation results suggest that macromolecular crowding and molecular confinement are accompanied by hydration effects that may oppose or potentiate the stabilizing effects of excluded volume on protein structure, depending on the surface chemistry of the crowding agent and its influence on bulk water structure. In the crowded environment of a living cell, excluded volume effects, surface-induced water structure, and compatible solutes are expected to complement the dominant forces in protein folding.
Vagal nerve stimulation: Adjustments to reduce painful side effects

Vagal nerve stimulation is an approved adjunctive treatment for medically intractable epilepsy. Although it is generally well tolerated, some patients experience pain, coughing, or hoarseness during stimulation. Lowering the pulse width in these patients alleviates pain and reduces voice alteration without loss of efficacy. This allows more optimal programming of stimulation intensities.
The South African Halal Industry: A Case of Cultural Intermediaries

Introduction In November 2011, a controversy in the South African halal industry emerged. Orion Cold Storage, a halal certified importer of meat, was accused of fraudulently placing halal logos on non-halal products. The company was a client of the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), the fi rst halal authority in South Africa. The MJC came under fi re for having failed the Muslim community with regards to the proper fulfi lment of the procedures designed to ensure certifi cation of halal. How was it that the religious ritual of halal had come to be mediated by authorities? Preliminary research into the South African halal industry has revealed some insights regarding the effect of market competition and the contemporary consumer culture on the meaning and practice of halal consumption. I will argue that the unique position of halal authorities afforded them the opportunity to both service consumer demand for halal authorization and contribute to the creation of demand. I will show that this position has been used to produce a consumer that is fearful of the possibility of consuming impermissible products, and demands halal certification. Furthermore, certifying authorities have used their position to pursue rigid interpretations of Islamic dietary law in order to demarcate and defi ne halal as separate and identifi able from that which is haram.
Acute changes in arginine vasopressin, sweat, urine and serum sodium concentrations in exercising humans: does a coordinated homeostatic relationship exist?

The parallel response of sweat rate and urine production to changes in plasma osmolality and volume support a role for arginine vasopressin (AVP) as the main endocrine regulator of both excretions. A maximal test to exhaustion and a steady-state run on a motorised treadmill were both completed by 10 moderately trained runners, 1 week apart. Sweat, urine and serum sodium concentrations ([Na+]) were evaluated in association with the plasma concentrations of cytokines, neurohypophyseal and natriuretic peptides, and adrenal steroid hormones. When data from both the high-intensity and steady-state runs were combined, significant linear correlations were noted between: sweat [Na+] versus postexercise urine [Na+] (r=0.80; p<0.001), postexercise serum [Na+] versus both postexercise urine [Na+] (r=0.56; p<0.05) and sweat [Na+] (r=0.64; p<0.01) and postexercise urine [Na+] versus postexercise plasma arginine vasopressin concentration ([AVP]P) (r=0.48; p<0.05). A significant positive correlation was noted between postexercise [AVP]P and sweat [Na+] during the steady-state condition only (r=0.66; p<0.05). These correlations suggest that changes in serum [Na+] during exercise may evoke corresponding changes in sweat and urine [Na+], which are likely regulated coordinately by changes in [AVP]P to preserve body fluid homeostasis.
Building and Sustaining Buyer–Seller Relationships in Mature Industrial Markets

Empirical research in relationship management has tended to take a snapshot of a relationship at a given time and attempt to project its trajectory, despite agreement among researchers that a longitudinal perspective focused on process models advances the implications for practice. The authors use a field investigative approach to study, over time, the evolution of three industrial buyer–seller relationships in mature industrial markets. The relationships are characterized by various degrees of initial asymmetry and have evolved in dramatically different ways over time. Their findings suggest that weaker firms can structure and thrive in long-term relationships with powerful partners because initial asymmetries are subsequently redressed through the development of high levels of interpersonal trust across the dyad, which in turn leads to increased levels of interorganizational commitment.
Genomic typing of BK virus in clinical specimens by direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products

Two hundred and twelve urine specimens, from several clinical groups, were examined for BK virus (BKV) using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the VP1 region of BKV DNA. Positive results were obtained on 14 specimens from 44 post‐transplant patients (31.8%), 10 specimens from 39 pregnant women (25.6%), and 5 specimens from 100 children (5%) but not on any specimens from 29 laboratory staff. Twentyeight of the amplified BKV genomes, 19 from urine specimens, eight from culture fluid of inoculated tissue, and also one from a throat washing were directly sequenced from single‐stranded templates immobilized via a biotinylated primer; it was possible to assign all to one of the four subtypes of BKV which had previously been identified on the basis of variation in nucleotide sequence of the VP1 region. Serological subgroup classification correlated with the genomic subtyping results in 21 of the isolates. The distribution of the BKV subtypes and the clinical status of the infected individuals are discussed.
Effects of Polybenzoxazine on Shape Memory Properties of Polyurethanes with Amorphous and Crystalline Soft Segments

This paper evaluates the role of minor component polybenzoxazine (PB) on shape-memory properties of polyurethanes (PU) with glassy and crystalline soft segments. The polymer compounds were prepared in two steps. In the first step, benzoxazine, polyurethane pre-polymer, and chain extender butanediol (BD) were mixed into a solution followed by chain-extension of the pre-polymer with BD. In the second step, benzoxazine was polymerized at 180 °C for 3 h to obtain shape memory polymer compounds. The atomic force microscopy images revealed that the PB-phase formed uniform dispersions in PU. The presence of PB-phase induced shape-memory behavior in non-shape memory PU with amorphous soft segment and significantly improved the values of shape fixity, recovery ratio, and recovery stress in shape memory polyurethane with crystalline soft segment.
Mining Static and Dynamic Structural Patterns in Networks for Knowledge Management: a Computational Framework and Case studies

Contemporary organizations live in an environment of networks: internally, they manage the networks of employees, information resources, and knowledge assets to enhance productivity and improve efficiency; externally, they form alliances with strategic partners, suppliers, buyers, and other stakeholders to conserve resources, share risks, and gain market power. Many managerial and strategic decisions are made by organizations based on their understanding of the structure of these networks. This dissertation is devoted to network structure mining, a new research topic on knowledge discovery in databases (KDD) for supporting knowledge management and decision making in organizations. A comprehensive computational framework is developed to provide a taxonomy and summary of the theoretical foundations, major research questions, methodologies, techniques, and applications in this new area based on extensive literature review. Research in this new area is categorized into static structure mining and dynamic structure mining. The major research questions of static mining are locating critical resources in networks, reducing network complexity, and capturing topological properties of large-scale networks. An inventory of techniques developed in multiple reference disciplines such as social network analysis and Web mining are reviewed. These techniques have been used in mining networks in various applications including knowledge management, marketing, Web mining, and intelligence and security. Dynamic pattern mining is concerned with network evolution and major findings are reviewed. A series of case studies are presented in this dissertation to demonstrate how network structure mining can be used to discover valuable knowledge from various networks ranging from criminal networks to patent citation networks. Several techniques are developed and employed in these studies. Performance evaluation results are provided to demonstrate the usefulness and potential of this new research field in supporting knowledge management and decision making in real applications.
Digit-Sparing Mohs Surgery for Melanoma

BACKGROUND Digital melanoma is commonly treated with amputation or wide local excision. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) may offer an alternative treatment modality. OBJECTIVE To describe outcomes of digital melanomas treated with MMS over a 35-year period. METHODS A retrospective series of digital melanomas treated with MMS was studied. Tumor and treatment characteristics were described and follow-up was assessed. RESULTS Sixty-two digital (1.2%) tumors were identified from 4995 melanomas, of which 57 (91.9%) were primary and 5 (8.1%) were recurrent on enrollment. Melanocytic antigen recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes from melanoma patients (MART)-1 and HMB-45 immunostains were used in 34 (54.8%) and 14 (22.6%) cases, respectively. Five (8.2%) tumors recurred locally during the course of the study, none of which occurred with MART-1 use. Three (60.0%) local recurrences were salvaged with additional MMS. Local recurrence-free survival rates for primary melanomas at 5 and 10 years were 91.8% and 82.6%, respectively. Overall, 55 (96.5%) patients with primary digital melanomas avoided amputation. Five and 10-year melanoma-specific survival rates for all patients were 95.0% and 81.2%, respectively. LIMITATIONS A formal comparison group was not studied. CONCLUSION In the management of digital melanoma, MMS conserves function by avoiding amputation and offers a low local recurrence rate. Outcomes are improved with the use of MART-1.
Adenosine Triphosphate Induces Inhibition of Na+ Absorption in Mouse Endometrial Epithelium: A Ca2+-Dependent Mechanism1

Abstract The present study investigated the inhibitory effect of extracellular ATP on Na+ absorption and the possible underlying mechanism in cultured mouse endometrial epithelium using the short-circuit current (ISC) technique. The cultured epithelia exhibited a Na+-dependent basal current that could be predominately blocked by the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) blocker, amiloride (10 μM). Apical addition of ATP (10 μM) induced a reduction in basal ISC. However, in the presence of amiloride or when apical Na+ was removed, the ATP-induced reduction was abolished and an increase in the ISC was observed with kinetic characteristics similar to those reported previously for the ATP-induced Cl− secretion, indicating that ATP could induce both Cl− secretion and inhibition of Na+ absorption. Further reduction in ISC after ATP challenge could be obtained with forskolin (10 μM), which indicates that different inhibitory mechanisms are involved. The ATP-induced inhibition of Na+ absorption, but not that induced by forskolin, could be abolished by the P2 receptor antagonist, reactive blue (100 μM), indicating the involvement of a P2 receptor in mediating the ATP response. ATP and uridine 5′-diphosphate (UDP; 100 μM), a relatively selective agonist for the pyrimidinoceptor, induced separate ISC reduction, and distinct ISC increases in the presence of amiloride, regardless of the order of drug administration, indicating the involvement of two receptor populations. The ATP-induced inhibition of Na+ absorption was mimicked by the Ca2+ ionophore, ionomycin (1 μM), whereas the Ca2+ chelators, EGTA and BAPTA-AM, abolished the ATP-induced, but not the forskolin-induced, inhibition of Na+ absorption, suggesting the involvement of a Ca2+-dependent pathway. In the presence of the Cl− channel blocker, DIDS (100 μM), both inhibitory and stimulatory responses to ATP were abolished, suggesting the involvement of a Ca2+-activated Cl− channels (CaCCs) in mediating both ATP responses. The ATP-induced as well as the forskolin-induced reduction in ISC was not observed when Cl− was removed from the bathing solution, indicating that Cl− permeation is important for the inhibition of Na+ absorption. The results suggest the presence of a Ca2+-dependent ENaC-inhibiting mechanism involving CaCC in mouse endometrial epithelial cells. Thus, extracellular nucleotides may play an important role in the fine-tuning of the uterine fluid microenvironment by regulating both Cl− secretion and Na+ absorption across the endometrium.
The Effect of Development Impact Fees on Housing Values

This paper examines the effects of impact fees on housing prices using data from 46,420 properties in 63 Texas cities, 38 of which impose an impact fee. After controlling for self-selection of the imposition of the impact fee, findings indicate that the prices for both new and existing homes in areas with impact fees are 1.44% and 6.5% higher, respectively, compared to those in areas without impact fees. The imposition of impact fees is associated with increased property values that benefit homeowners and increase the property tax base. A coincident negative impact is decreased home affordability.
Customer typology: 3D virtual world

Purpose – The goal of this paper is to develop a customer typology for 3D virtual world by grouping similar Second Life (SL) virtual world users into homogeneous groups.Design/methodology/approach – The research method entails the empirical analysis of 176 survey respondents. The evaluation of the data was done using cluster analysis technique. The use of cluster analysis is appropriate for developing marketplace typology.Findings – The outcome of the study reveals the presence of three distinct customer clusters in SL virtual world: virtualskeptics, evirtualist, and virtualcentrist. Overall, the three distinct customer clusters differ on individual flow state and individual attitude toward SL.Research limitations/implications – Marketers can implement specific marketing strategies/tactics that take into consideration the similarities and differences among the members of the three groups identified in the analysis.Originality/value – The study reveals the existence of unique customer use behavior in the 3.
Environmental scanning and organizational strategy

The purpose of this study was to test empirically the relationships between the environmental scanning activities of upper‐level executives and their organizations' strategies, on the premise that executives would scan to reinforce their organization's particular basis for competing. Among the three industries studied, there were differences in the strategy–scanning link. These differences may have been attributable to different dominant environmental requirements existing in each industry.
Surgical site infections: A one year prospective study in a tertiary care center.

BACKGROUND Surgical Site Infections (SSI) is the third most commonly reported nosocomial infection which has an adverse impact on the hospital as well as on the patient. A continuous surveillance is called for, to keep a check on the occurrence of SSI. OBJECTIVES to study the incidence of SSI in our hospital.to study the risk factors of SSI in our hospital.to identify the areas in our hospital, which need to be strengthened and dealt with proactive measures to curb the incidence of SSI, which is an indicator of health care system in a given set up. METHODOLOGY We conducted a one year study of SSI in our hospital. 300 cases of Surgery and Obstetrics and Gynaecology were included in the study. A few host factors, wound factors and surgery related factors that cause SSI were studied. Swabs were collected from the infected surgical wounds and processed by the conventional microbiological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility was done by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. RESULTS Prolonged surgery (>2hours) and insertion of drain were found to be significantly associated with occurrence of SSI and the clean surgeries showed minimum risk of infection. Escherichia coli (31.25%) was the commonest pathogen, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (25 %) and Staphylococcus aureus 22%. The incidence of SSI in our set up is 6%. CONCLUSIONS THE OUTCOME OF THE SSI SURVEILLANCE IN OUR HOSPITAL REVEALED THAT IN ORDER TO DECREASE THE INCIDENCE OF SSI WE WOULD HAVE TO: a) decrease the duration of the surgeries performed b) focus on regular and intensive drain care c) identify poor risk patients and ensure their proper management d) conduct periodic surveillance to keep a check on SSI.