Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Emergent Communication under Varying Group Sizes and Connectivities

Recent advances in deep neural networks allowed artiﬁcial agents to derive their own emergent languages that promote interaction, coordination, and collaboration within a group. Just as we humans have succeeded in creating a shared language that allows us to interact within a large group, can the emergent communication within an artiﬁcial group converge to a shared, agreed language? This research provides an analytical study of the shared emergent language within the group communication settings of different sizes and connectivities. As the group size increases up to hundreds, agents start to speak dissimilar languages, but the rate at which they successfully communicate is maintained. We observe the emergence of different dialects when we restrict group communication to have local connectivities only. Finally, we provide optimization results of group communication graphs when the number of agents one can communicate with is restricted or when we penalize communication between distant agent pairs. The optimized communication graphs show superior communication success rates compared to graphs with the same number of links, as well as the emergence of hub nodes and scale-free networks.
High-Accuracy Numerical Data on Propagation Characteristics of alpha-Power Graded-Core Fibers

High-accuracy data of normalized cutoff frequencis, propagation constants, and delay time of LP/sub ml/ modes for alpha-power graded-core fibers (alpha= 1, 2, 4, and 10) are obtained by using two entirely different methods: power-series expansion and finite element methods, and the results are compared. The difference between cutoff frequencies obtained by these methods is less than 0.005 percent for most of the LP modes. The obtained data are accurate enough to be used as the standard for estimating the accuracy of other various analyses.
DC120393 2380..2387

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSdEight hundred seventy-nine subjects in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT)/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) studywere evaluated. The stiffness/distensibility of the ascending thoracic aorta (AA) was measured with magnetic resonance imaging. Associations of AA distensibility and CVD risk factors, mean HbA1c, and cardiovascular complications including macroalbuminuria were assessed using multivariate linear regression models.
Removable tubing interconnects for glass-based micro-fluidic systems made using ECDM

Reversible tubing connections for glass micro-fluidic systems are realized using electro-chemical discharge machining of three-dimensional glass vias. The connections reversibly connect standard sized plastic tubing to holes in borosilicate microscope slides. Tubing connections are demonstrated on a sealed, micro-fluidic channel which is fabricated between two glass slides using SU-8. The connections are experimentally tested to withstand up to 30 psi (~206 kPa) of air pressure without leaking.
Income and the desire to migrate

We analyse the role of household and country-level personal income in explaining both the desire to emigrate and the desired destination country. We use data from the Gallup World Poll and applications to the US Diversity Visa Program. We find that higher GDP per capita at destination is strongly associated with a higher desire to move to that country. We do not find strong support for the selection hypothesis that people want to move to countries with a higher return to their level of education. On emigration, we find that both personal income and aggregate income matter. In poorer countries richer people are more likely to want to emigrate, while the opposite is true in richer countries. In looking at the impact of origin country income on the desire to emigrate, we find little evidence for the upward part of Zelinsky’s ‘hump-shape’ migration transition hypothesis.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE LEADERSHIP PREFERENCES OF CHINESE MILLENNIALS AND NON-MILLENNIALS BY YIWAN WANG A thesis submitted to Victoria University of Wellington in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Commerce in Management

II ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . III TABLE OF CONTENTS . IV LIST OF TABLES . VI LIST OF FIGURES . VII CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1. PERSONAL MOTIVATIONS FOR THE STUDY . 4 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW . 5 2.1. THE CONCEPT OF GENERATIONS . 5 2.2. CRITIQUES OF RESEARCH ON GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES . 6 2.3. GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES AND LEADERSHIP . 9 2.3.1. Generational Differences in Leadership Preferences . 10 2.4. LEADERSHIP PREFERENCES . 12 2.4. 1. Transformational/Transactional Leadership . 13 2.4. 2. Implicit Leadership Theory . 13 2.4. 3. Culturally Endorsed Leadership Theory . 14 2.4. 4. The GLOBE Study of Leadership . 14 2.5. GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES AND LEADERSHIP PREFERENCES IN CHINA . 15 2.5. 1. Generations in China: Millennials vs. Non-Millennials . 15 2.5. 2. The Psychology of Chinese Millennials . 17 2.5. 3. General and Generation-Specific Leadership Preferences in China . 18 CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY . 21 3.1. RESEARCH DESIGN . 21 3.2. QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGN & MEASURES . 23 3.3. SAMPLING . 24 3.4. DATA ANALYSIS . 26 3.5. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS . 27
AMEP_A_343792 1487..1497

1Department of Hematology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia Objective: Due to introduction of a new curriculum and the related stressors that medical students might encounter, we aimed to assess the quality of the students’ learning environment across academic years at Umm Al-Qura University (UQU), by evaluating stress levels, their sources, and impacts on students, to help improve the quality of learning environment and protect students from personal and academic burnout. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in August and September of 2020 on 572 students enrolled in the new Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) curriculum at UQU. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software and two-tailed tests. Results: In total, 46.5% of participants encountered severe stress levels during their studies at UQU. In term of stressor sources, the highest prevalence of severe stress was found among students who lacked learning resources (68.8%), followed by those who complained of ambiguity in teaching, learning, and assessment strategies (64.1%). Self-study strategy issues (58.4%) and difficulty in reading textbooks (58.2%) also ranked high. Anxiety was often reported by the students as an impact of stress (62.9%), followed by mood swings (60%). Severe stress levels showed a statistically significant relationship to gender, being highest among females (P = 0.001). For a solution to manage the stress, 79% of the students suggested a supportive learning environment and identification of students’ struggles at early stages. Conclusion: Almost half the medical students were severely stressed after the new curriculum was introduced. Therefore, professors and universities should look out for potential stressors and help students overcome them. Universities can also help by offering counseling services to students, improving the student tutoring system, providing appropriate learning environment and resources, and including stress management courses as a part of the overall curriculum.
A STUDY OF ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOUR OF TEACHERS AT SECONDARY SCHOOL LEVEL

The existing research study was aimed to study the organizational citizenship behaviour of teachers at Secondary level. The nature of this research study was descriptive and gathered the data by survey method. Hundred male and hundred female teachers teaching at Secondary level were chosen by stratified sampling technique from the Islamabad Model Secondary Schools. A standardized questionnaire based on Organizational Citizenship Behavior Scale (OCBS) of 24 items developed by Podsakoff and Moorman (1995) was employed to gather data which have five subscales. Mean, Standard deviation, an independent sample t-test and ANOVA were applied for data analysis. The consciousness dimension has shown high mean score value as compare to the other dimensions of OCB. An independent t-test was employed to see the major difference regarding OCB of male and female teachers. Results indicated that there is a substantial difference in OCB between male and female teachers, moreover results also displays that male teachers have considerably higher level of OCB than female teachers. There is no significant difference found in OCB of teachers based on their marital status and age group. Educational administration should work out on fostering a perception of OCB in their institutions to improve their PJER, Vol 4, Issue 2 (2021) A study of organizational. 56 teaching standard and teachers should also be given incentives by their heads in order to exhibit high level of OCB that will be resulted in their improved performance.
Industry Impacts of US Unconventional Monetary Policy∗

While conventional monetary policy has been shown to create differential impacts on industry output, how unconventional monetary policy affects industries is not yet known. This paper studies the effects of unconventional monetary policy on industry output in the United States. I employ both sign restrictions and high frequency data identifications within a structural global vector autoregressive framework. The effects on output have substantial heterogeneity across industries. Furthermore, the effects on output and monetary policy transmission mechanisms are qualitatively similar to that of conventional monetary policy in the literature. These findings suggest a substitutability between conventional and unconventional monetary policies. Thus, unconventional monetary policy can be used as another tool in the policymakers’ toolkit with similar industry impacts. JEL classification: E32; E52; G32
Acceptable facial profiles in Thai non-straight profile patients

Objective This study aimed to determine the acceptable facial profiles in non-straight profile patients. Gender difference was also considered to have an effect on the profiles. Orthodontists were also asked to find out the possible differences in patientsu facial profile preferences. Materials and methods The patientsu pre-treatment lateral cephalometric radiographs were traced. Soft tissue landmarks (G, A, Pgu) were marked and facial contour angles (FCA) were measured. Fifty-eight patients were selected by a purposive sampling method and divided into 3 groups: concave, straight, and convex profiles according to Thai norms. Nineteen orthodontists were included in this study as the gold standard group. FaceGen Modeller 3.1. 2 software was used to create the facial profile distortion. Eight constructed facial profiles of each sex were presented-2 straight profiles and the other 6 facial profiles starting from decreased FCA to the most concave profile and vice versa, arranged in random order. As a result, the acceptable facial profile evaluation of the questionnaire comprised 4 pages: male concave profiles, male convex profiles, female concave profiles and female convex profiles. The subjects were asked to choose as many cacceptable facial profilese as they wished. The subjects were also asked to evaluate their facial profiles. The frequency of each selected profile was used in the calculations. Results The straight profile was the most popular facial profile and convex profiles were more acceptable than concave profiles if there was equal deviation from the straight profile for both subjects and orthodontists. Convex profile subjects accepted convex profiles equally or more than any other profile subjects while concave profile subjects tended not to accept severe concave profiles. Male profiles were more acceptable if deviating from normal. Male subjects could accept the severe concave profiles more than females. Non-straight profile subjects could assess themselves more accurately than those with straight profiles. Conclusion The acceptable facial profiles of straight, convex and concave profile subjects were different. Overall, patientsu acceptable profiles showed the same trend with orthodontists. The gender of the subject and of the facial profile affected what was considered an acceptable profile. (CU Dent J. 2008;31:235-48) Key words : acceptable facial profiles; facial contour angle; facial profile preferences
WEST AFRICAN INSTITUT MONETAIRE DE MONETARY INSTITUTE L'AFRIQUE DE L'OUEST UNCERTAINTY AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE IN THE WEST AFRICAN MONETARY ZONE (WAMZ): A FIXED EFFECT PANEL THRESHOLD

Concerns about the impact of the general global uncertainty on economic performance have dominated academic debate in the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis leading to huge body of empirical studies on ways of measuring and quantifying countries uncertainty and its impact on GDP, investment flows and employment. The paper utilized the Global Uncertainty Index a metric developed from the quarterly Economic Intelligence Unit reports from 1996 to 2018. The paper adopted fixed-effect threshold model to determine whether uncertainty does affect economic performance in the WAMZ and to test for the presence of at least a threshold effects that would justify the consideration of nonlinear regression in estimating the nexus between uncertainty and economic performance in the WAMZ. The overall results confirmed the presence of both single and double threshold effects thus justifying the acceptance of a nonlinear panel regression model against a linear one. The paper brought to the fore, the negative consequences of ignoring the role of uncertainty when member countries are making growth projections. The paper recommends policy actions that may reduce uncertainty, boost investment, and pare-up economic activities in the Zone. JEL Classification: C13, C33, C58 Keyword: Uncertainty, Growth, West African Monetary Zone, Global Uncertainty Index,
A rare CTSC mutation in Papillon-Lefèvre Syndrome results in abolished serine protease activity and reduced NET formation but otherwise normal neutrophil function

Papillon-Lefèvre Syndrome (PLS) is an autosomal recessive monogenic disease caused by loss-of-function mutations in the CTSC gene, thus preventing the synthesis of the protease Cathepsin C (CTSC) in a proteolytically active form. CTSC is responsible for the activation of the pro-forms of the neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs; Elastase, Proteinase 3 and Cathepsin G), suggesting its involvement in a variety of neutrophil functions. In PLS neutrophils, the lack of CTSC protease activity leads to inactivity of the NSPs. Clinically, PLS is characterized by an early, typically pre-pubertal, onset of severe periodontal pathology and palmoplantar hyperkeratosis. However, PLS is not considered an immune deficiency as patients do not typically suffer from recurrent and severe (bacterial and fungal) infections. In this study we investigated an unusual CTSC mutation in two siblings with PLS, a 503A>G substitution in exon 4 of the CTSC gene, expected to result in an amino acid replacement from tyrosine to cysteine at position 168 of the CTSC protein. Both patients bearing this mutation presented with pronounced periodontal pathology. The characteristics and functions of neutrophils from patients homozygous for the 503A>G CTSC mutation were compared to another previously described PLS mutation (755A>T), and a small cohort of healthy volunteers. Neutrophil lysates from patients with the 503A>G substitution lacked CTSC protein and did not display any CTSC or NSP activity, yet neutrophil counts, morphology, priming, chemotaxis, radical production, and regulation of apoptosis were without any overt signs of alteration. However, NET formation upon PMA-stimulation was found to be severely depressed, but not abolished, in PLS neutrophils.
Is there really a proportional relationship between VO2max and body weight? A review article

Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) is a “gold standard” in aerobic capacity assessment, playing a vital role in various fields. However, ratio scaling (VO2maxbw), the present method used to express relative VO2max, should be suspected due to its theoretical deficiencies. Therefore, the aim of the study was to revise the quantitative relationship between VO2max and body weight (bw). Dimensional analysis was utilized to deduce their theoretical relationship, while linear or nonlinear regression analysis based on four mathematical models (ratio scaling, linear function, simple allometric model and full allometric model) were utilized in statistics analysis to verify the theoretical relationship. Besides, to investigate the effect of ratio scaling on removing body weight, Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between VO2maxbw and bw. All the relevant data were collected from published references. Dimensional analysis suggested VO2max be proportional to bw23. Statistics analysis displayed that four mathematical expressions were VO2max = 0.047bw (p<0.01, R2 = 0.68), VO2max = 0.036bw+0.71 (p<0.01, R2 = 0.76), VO2max = 0.10bw0. 82 (p<0.01, R2 = 0.93) and VO2max = 0.23bw0. 66–0.48 (p<0.01, R2 = 0.81) respectively. Pearson correlation coefficient showed a significant moderately negative relation between VO2maxbw and bw (r = -0.42, p<0.01), while there was no correlation between VO2maxbw0.82 and bw (r = 0.066, p = 0.41). Although statistics analysis did not fully verify the theoretical result, both dimensional and statistics analysis suggested ratio scaling distort the relationship and power function be more appropriate to describe the relationship. Additionally, we hypothesized that lean mass, rather than body weight, plays a more essential role in eliminating the gap between theoretical and experimental b values, and is more appropriate to standardize VO2max, future studies can focus more on it.
Age-related changes in Kv4/Shal and Kv1/Shaker expression in Drosophila and a role for reactive oxygen species

Age-related changes in ion channel expression are likely to affect neuronal signaling. Here, we examine how age affects Kv4/Shal and Kv1/Shaker K+ channel protein levels in Drosophila. We show that Kv4/Shal protein levels decline sharply from 3 days to 10 days, then more gradually from 10 to 40 days after eclosion. In contrast, Kv1/Shaker protein exhibits a transient increase at 10 days that then stabilizes and eventually declines at 40 days. We present data that begin to show a relationship between reactive oxygen species (ROS), Kv4/Shal, and locomotor performance. We show that Kv4/Shal levels are negatively affected by ROS, and that over-expression of Catalase or RNAi knock-down of the ROS-generating enzyme, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADPH) Oxidase (NOX), can attenuate the loss of Kv4/Shal protein. Finally, we compare levels of Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 in the hippocampus, olfactory bulb, cerebellum, and motor cortex of mice aged 6 weeks and 1 year. While there was no global decline in Kv4.2/4.3 that parallels what we report in Drosophila, we did find that Kv4.2/4.3 are differentially affected in various brain regions; this survey of changes may help inform mammalian studies that examine neuronal function with age.
Women’s perceptions and experiences of reproductive coercion and abuse: a qualitative evidence synthesis

Background Reproductive coercion and abuse is a major public health issue, with significant effects on the health and well-being of women. Reproductive coercion and abuse includes any form of behaviour that intentionally controls another person’s reproductive choices. The aim of this qualitative evidence synthesis is to explore women’s experiences of reproductive coercion and abuse globally, to broaden understanding of the different ways reproductive coercion and abuse is perpetrated, perceived and experienced across settings and socio-cultural contexts. Method We searched Medline, CINAHL and Embase for eligible studies from inception to 25th February 2021. Primary studies with a qualitative study design that focused on the experiences and perceptions of women who have encountered reproductive coercion and abuse were eligible for inclusion. Titles and abstracts, and full texts were screened by independent reviewers. We extracted data from included studies using a form designed for this synthesis and assessed methodological limitations using CASP. We used Thomas and Harden’s thematic analysis approach to analyse and synthesise the evidence, and the GRADE-CERQual approach to assess confidence in review findings. Results We included 33 studies from twelve countries in South Asia, the Asia Pacific, North America, South America, Africa and Europe. Most studies used in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to discuss women’s experiences of reproductive coercion and abuse. Reproductive coercion and abuse manifested in a range of behaviours including control of pregnancy outcome, pregnancy pressure or contraceptive sabotage. There were a range of reasons cited for reproductive coercion and abuse, including control of women, rigid gender roles, social inequalities and family pressure. Women’s different responses to reproductive coercion and abuse included using covert contraception and feelings of distress, anger and trauma. Across contexts, perpetration and experiences of reproductive coercion and abuse were influenced by different factors including son preferences and social exclusion. Conclusions We reflect on the importance of socio-cultural factors in understanding the phenomenon of reproductive coercion and abuse and how it affects women, as well as how the mechanisms of power and control at both individual and societal levels work to perpetuate the incidence of reproductive coercion and abuse against women.
UHF RFID feasibility research: The endless possibilities and challenges of item‐level tagging in a retail store

This article investigates the effects of the environment on ultrahigh frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) tags in both the near‐field and far‐field. Item‐level tagging has always been challenging due to the negative impact of metals on RFID. Full‐scale RFID item‐level tagging has always been difficult to integrate in retail (department) stores. This UHF RFID feasibility research examines the technical differences between near‐field and far‐field coupling by testing theoretical hypotheses through empirical experiments. These experiments are based on a specific case‐study, where a distributor wants to tag multimedia objects. Based on the results obtained, we found that metal had less effect on the RFID tags in the near‐field than in the far‐field. In both cases the RFID tag was not readable, when placed directly onto metal. When the multimedia object itself was tagged, the reading range decreased to around half the free‐space reading range in near‐field and far‐field. We can conclude that the RFID implementation in the retail store is feasible, but depends to a large extent on the product and its environment. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:718–727, 2014