Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Profile-based recommendation: A case study in a parliamentary context

In the context of e-government and more specifically that of parliament, this paper tackles the problem of finding Members of Parliament (MPs) according to their profiles which have been built from their speeches in plenary or committee sessions. The paper presents a common solution for two problems: firstly, a member of the public who is concerned about a certain issue might want to know who the best MP is for dealing with their problem (recommending task); and secondly, each new piece of textual information that reaches the house must be correctly allocated to the appropriate MP according to its content (filtering task). This paper explores both these ways of searching for relevant people conceptually by encapsulating them into a single problem: that of searching for the relevant MP’s profile given an information need. Our research work proposes various profile construction methods (by selecting and weighting appropriate terms) and compares these using different retrieval models to evaluate their quality and suitability for different types of information needs in order to simulate real and common situations.
A new computing rule for neuromorphic engineering

Neuromorphic engineering has helped to build a brain-inspired intelligent paradigm based on VLSI, and to promise a new application space on smart devices. Throughout most of the state-of-the-art neuromorphic systems, including analog, digital, the mixed one, as well as some other memristor-based systems, the dominated computing rule in neuron is simply based on the linear-superposition operation of the excitatory and inhibitory pre-synaptic inputs. However, recent discoveries in neuroscience field reveal that the post-synaptic potential at the soma cannot be directly achieved by linearly adding up all the pre-synaptic inputs, which indicates the prevailing computing rule in current neuromorphic systems is not very biologically plausible. In this paper, we introduce a new computing rule in neuron block, which nonlinearly depends on the pre-synaptic inputs. Besides the superposition operation, the membrane potential is also related to the product item of the excitatory and inhibitory inputs. Furthermore, we design a heuristic circuit for the bio-plausible computing rule, which is compatible with the crossbar structure based systems. These results provide a new insight into the role of inhibitory signals in the brain, which is very helpful to explore more reliable computing principles in future neuromorphic devices.
Using Operating Cash Flow Data to Predict Financial Distress: Some Extensions

Recently, financial statement users and regulators of publicly reported financial accounting data have argued in favor of the disclosure of detailed information on firms' current operating cash flows (Harris et al. [1980], FASB [1981], Smith [1982], and Thomas [1982]). The FASB suggests that such disclosures will allow users to assess better the amount, timing, and uncertainty of future cash flows. It states that "the greater the amount of future net cash inflows from operations, the greater the ability of the enterprise to withstand adverse changes in operating conditions" [1981, p. 11]. The presumption that historical operating cash flows enable better assessments of future cash flows, however, is based on intuition rather than on empirical evidence (Griffin [1982]). Our study was conducted to assess whether operating cash flow data and related measures lead to more accurate predictions of bankrupt and
Marginal and internal fit of curved anterior CAD/CAM-milled zirconia fixed dental prostheses: an in-vitro study.

OBJECTIVE To test whether or not different types of CAD/CAM systems, processing zirconia in the densely and in the pre-sintered stage, lead to differences in the accuracy of 4-unit anterior fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) frameworks, and to evaluate the efficiency. METHOD AND MATERIALS 40 curved anterior 4-unit FDP frameworks were manufactured with four different CAD/CAM systems: DCS Precident (DCS) (control group), Cercon (DeguDent) (test group 1), Cerec InLab (Sirona) (test group 2), Kavo Everest (Kavo) (test group 3). The DCS System was chosen as the control group because the zirconia frameworks are processed in its densely sintered stage and there is no shrinkage of the zirconia during the manufacturing process. The initial fit of the frameworks was checked and adjusted to a subjectively similar level of accuracy by one dental technician, and the time taken for this was recorded. After cementation, the frameworks were embedded into resin and the abutment teeth were cut in mesiodistal and orobuccal directions in four specimens. The thickness of the cement gap was measured at 50× (internal adaptation) and 200× (marginal adaptation) magnification. The measurement of the accuracy was performed at four sites. Site 1: marginal adaptation, the marginal opening at the point of closest perpendicular approximation between the die and framework margin. Site 2: Internal adaptation at the chamfer. Site 3: Internal adaptation at the axial wall. Site 4: Internal adaptation in the occlusal area. The data were analyzed descriptively using the ANOVA and Bonferroni/ Dunn tests. RESULTS The mean marginal adaptation (site 1) of the control group was 107 ± 26 μm; test group 1, 140 ± 26 μm; test group 2, 104 ± 40 μm; and test group 3, 95 ± 31 μm. Test group 1 showed a tendency to exhibit larger marginal gaps than the other groups, however, this difference was only significant when test groups 1 and 3 were compared (P = .0022; Bonferroni/Dunn test). Significantly more time was needed for the adjustment of the frameworks of test group 1 compared to the other test groups and the control group (21.1 min vs 3.8 min) (P < .0001; Bonferroni/Dunn test). For the adjustment of the frameworks of test groups 2 and 3, the same time was needed as for the frameworks of the control group. CONCLUSIONS No differences of the framework accuracy resulting from the different CAM and CAD/CAM procedures were found; however, only after adjustment of the fit by an experienced dental technician. Hence, the influence of a manual correction of the fit was crucial, and the efforts differed for the tested systems. The CAM system led to lower initial accuracy of the frameworks than the CAD/CAM systems, which may be crucial for the dental laboratory. The stage of the zirconia materials used for the different CAD/CAM procedures, ie presintered or densely sintered, exhibited no influence.
Predictive data analytics for agent-based management of electrical micro grids

Micro grids represent an emergent vision to address the challenges imposed by recent trends in smart electrical grids, where the large-scale integration of distributed energy production units plays an important role. Nevertheless, the realization of this vision requires the use of advanced intelligent approaches to manage the micro grids elements, such as distributed renewable energy production units, loads and storage devices. Multi-agent systems provide a suitable framework to design and implement such systems, where autonomous agents are endowed with predictive data analytics capabilities, e.g., for the prediction of renewable energy production and consumption, taking advantage of the large amount of data produced in these environments. In this context, this paper presents an agent-based system for the management of micro grids, where predictive capabilities were embedded in agents to provide real-time data analytics. The proposed approach was applied to an experimental case study where a set of predictive models was tested for short and long term forecasting of the energy produced by photovoltaic units.
Informational support exchanges using different computer‐mediated communication formats in a social media alcoholism community

E‐patients seeking information online often seek specific advice related to coping with their health condition(s) among social networking sites. They may be looking for social connectivity with compassionate strangers who may have experienced similar situations to share opinions and experiences rather than for authoritative medical information. Previous studies document distinct technological features and different levels of social support interaction patterns. It is expected that the design of the social media functions will have an impact on the user behavior of social support exchange. In this part of a multipart study, we investigate the social support types, in particular information support types, across multiple computer‐mediated communication formats (forum, journal, and notes) within an alcoholism community using descriptive content analysis on 3 months of data from a MedHelp online peer support community. We present the results of identified informational support types including advice, referral, fact, personal experiences, and opinions, either offered or requested. Fact type was exchanged most often among the messages; however, there were some different patterns between notes and journal posts. Notes were used for maintaining relationships rather than as a main source for seeking information. Notes were similar to comments made to journal posts, which may indicate the friendship between journal readers and the author. These findings suggest that users may have initially joined the MedHelp Alcoholism Community for information‐seeking purposes but continue participation even after they have completed with information gathering because of the relationships they formed with community members through social media features.
Sociodemographic, Socio-economic, Clinical and Behavioural Factors Modifying Experience and Prevalence of Dental Caries in the Permanent Dentition.

OBJECTIVE To identify the sociodemographic, socio-economic, clinical and behavioural factors that modify the experience of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) and caries prevalence in Nicaraguan children 9-12 years old. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study in 800 school children 9-12 years old in the city of León, Nicaragua. The clinical oral examinations to identify caries experience were undertaken by two trained and certified examiners. Sociodemographic, socio-economic and behavioural data were collected using questionnaires. Negative binomial regression (NBR) and binary logistic regression (BLR) models were used to model caries experience and caries prevalence, respectively. RESULTS Mean DMFT index was 0.98 ± 1.74 and caries prevalence (DMFT > 0) was 37.9%. In the NBR model, the categories that increase the expected DMFT mean were: older age, female gender, presence of plaque, and if the school children received curative and curative/preventive dental care in the last year. In the BLR model, the odds of presenting with caries in the permanent dentition were increased in older children, those from large families, mothers with a positive dental attitude, and those school children who received curative and curative/preventive dental care in the last year. CONCLUSIONS Using different models, we identified several sociodemographic, socio-economic, clinical and behavioural factors that modify the experience (NBR) and prevalence (BLR) of dental caries.
Optimizing K-means text document clustering using latent semantic indexing and pillar algorithm

Document clustering is an important tool to help managing the vast amount of digital text document. This paper introduces a new approach to cluster text document. First, text is preprocessed and indexed using inverted index. Then the index is trimmed using TF-DF thresholding. After that, Term Document Matrix is built based on TF-IDF. Next step uses Latent Semantic Indexing to extract important feature from Term Document Matrix. The following process is selecting seeds via Pillar algorithm. Based on determined seeds, K-Means clustering is performed. Experiment result proves that this approach outperforms standard K-Means document clustering.
Fabrication of large-scaled organic light emitting devices on the flexible substrates using low-pressure imprinting lithography

This paper demonstrates an approach to fabricate large-scaled (70 /spl times/70 mm) patterned organic light-emitting devices (ITO/CuPc/NPB/Alq3/LiF/Al) on the flexible polyethyleneterephthalate substrates using low-pressure imprinting lithography. The patterns of the pixel array were defined in crossed-strip style with anode patterned by imprinting techniques followed by wet chemical etching and cathode strips deposited using metal mask. The measured results were: The turn-on voltage of the device was 7.5 V; the luminous efficiency reached 1.13 lm/W (3.04 cd/A) at a luminance of 3.8 cd/m/sup 2/ and its maximum luminance was 2440 cd/m/sup 2/, which were comparable to the performances of the devices patterned by conventional photolithography.
A smartphone-enabled communication system to improve hospital communication: usage and perceptions of medical trainees and nurses on general internal medicine wards.

BACKGROUND There is increasing interest in the use of information and communication technologies to improve how clinicians communicate in hospital settings. METHODS We implemented a communication system with support for physician handover and secure messaging on 2 general internal medicine wards. We measured usage and surveyed physicians and nurses on perceptions of the system's effects on communication. RESULTS Between May 2011 and August 2012, a clinical teaching team received, on average, 14.8 messages per day through the system. Messages were typically sent as urgent (69.1%) and requested a text reply (76.5%). For messages requesting a text reply, 8.6% did not receive a reply. For those messages that did receive a reply, the median response time was 2.3 minutes, and 84.5% of messages received a reply within 15 minutes. Of those who completed the survey, 95.3% were medical residents (82 of 86) and 81.7% were nurses (83 of 116). Medical trainees (82.8%) and nursing staff (78.3%) agreed or strongly agreed that the system helped to speed up their daily work tasks. Overall, 67.1% of the trainees and 73.2% of nurses agreed or strongly agreed that the system made them more accountable in their clinical roles. Only 35.8% of physicians and 26.3% of nurses agreed or strongly agreed that the system was useful for communicating complex issues. CONCLUSIONS In summary, with a system designed to improve communication, we found that there was high uptake and that users perceived that the system improved efficiency and accountability but was not appropriate for communicating complex issues.
Technical Efficiency Measurement Incorporating Risk Preferences: An Empirical Analysis of Chinese Commercial Banks

Abstract By adjusting direction vectors, we are able to measure technical efficiency incorporating risk preference of individual banks using non-parametric and parametric approaches. Furthermore, we explore categories of commercial banks by comparing their risk preferences to the risk preference that optimizes technical efficiency. Three results emerged. First, technical efficiency scores of joint stock and city commercial banks surpassed those of state-owned commercial banks under the optimal risk preference, and technical efficiency generally improved over time. Second, the preference for risk balance was optimal for achieving technical efficiency. Third, a larger proportion of state-owned and joint stock commercial banks fall into the preference for risk neutral category than city commercial banks.
The management of active surveillance in prostate cancer: validation of the Canary Prostate Active Surveillance Study risk calculator with the Spanish Urological Association Registry

The follow up of patients on active surveillance requires to repeat prostate biopsies. Predictive models that identify patients at low risk of progression or reclassification are essential to reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies. The aim of this study is to validate the Prostate Active Surveillance Study risk calculator (PASS-RC) in the multicentric Spanish Urological Association Registry of patients on active surveillance (AS), from common clinical practice. Results We find significant differences in age, PSA and clinical stage between our validation cohort and the PASS-RC generation cohort (p < .0001), with a reclassification rate of 10–22% on the follow-up Bx, no cancer was found in 43% of the first follow-up Bx. The calibration curve shows underestimation of real appearance of reclassification. The AUC is 0.65 (C.I.95%: 0.60–0.71). PDF and CUC do not suggest a specific cut-off point of clinical use. Methods We select 498 patients on AS with a minimum of one follow-up biopsy (Bx) from the 1,024 males registered by 36 Spanish centers recruiting patients on the Spanish Urological Association Registry on AS. PASS-RC external validation is carried by means of calibration curve and area under de ROC-curve (AUC), identifying cut-offs of clinical utility by probability density functions (PDF) and clinical utility curves (CUC). Conclusions In our first external validation of the PASS-RC we have obtained a moderate discrimination ability, although we cannot recommend cut-off points of clinical use. We suggest the exploration of new biomarkers and/or morpho-functional parameters from multiparametric magnetic resonance image, to improve those necessary tools on AS.
In vivo tear-film thickness determination and implications for tear-film stability.

PURPOSE Previous measurements of tear-film thickness in vivo are limited and cannot be easily applied in a clinical setting. A novel technique to measure tear-film thickness indirectly is introduced here, requiring only a slit lamp, video camera, and computer. A recent fluid mechanical theory relates tear-film thickness h, to the tear meniscus radius R, tear surface tension or, tear viscosity mu, and upper lid velocity U. This theory yields the result that h/R = 2.12 (microU/sigma)2/3. All parameters except h/R are taken as known physical constants, and R was measured for each subject, allowing the above equation to establish h. Tear-film breakup was also evaluated and correlated with tear-film thickness. METHODS A clinical study was performed in which aqueous tear-film thickness was determined for 45 subjects, including 24 non-lens subjects, 15 hydrogel contact lens wearers, and 6 RGP lens wearers. R was measured by instilling fluorescein dye in the form of an eyedrop and videotaping the tear meniscus in profile. Tear-film breakup was videotaped through the ocular port of the slit lamp and evaluated based on a severity scale. RESULTS Aqueous tear-film measurements are in the same range as literature values, with most measured values falling between 6 and 12 microm. Average tear-film thicknesses for non-lens, hydrogel, and RGP subjects are 10.4, 6.5, and 5.8 microm, respectively. Tear-film breakup is most severe in subjects with thin tear films, especially in contact-lens wearers. CONCLUSIONS Tear-film thickness is an important parameter that varies among individuals. These variations correlate with differences in tear-film stability.
INTRAPULMONARY DELIVERY OF ETHYL PYRUVATE ATTENUATES LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE- AND LIPOTEICHOIC ACID-INDUCED LUNG INFLAMMATION IN VIVO

Ethyl pyruvate (EP) is a stable pyruvate derivative that has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects in various models of systemic inflammation including endotoxemia. We here sought to determine the local effects of EP, after intrapulmonary delivery, in models of lung inflammation induced by instillation via the airways of either lipopolysaccharide (LPS, a constituent of the gram-negative bacterial cell wall) or lipoteichoic acid (LTA, a component of the gram-positive bacterial cell wall). For this, we first established that EP dose dependently reduced the responsiveness of mouse MH-S alveolar macrophages and mouse MLE-15 and MLE-12 respiratory epithelial cells to stimulation with LPS or LTA in vitro. We then showed that intranasal administration of EP dose dependently inhibited tumor necrosis factor α release in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice challenged with either LPS or LTA via the airways. Moreover, EP reduced the recruitment of neutrophils into the bronchoalveolar space after either LPS or LTA administration. These data suggest that intrapulmonary delivery of EP diminishes lung inflammation induced by LPS or LTA, at least in part by targeting alveolar macrophages and respiratory epithelial cells.
Alternative Splicing of ED-A and ED-B Sequences of Fibronectin Pre-mRNA Differs in Chondrocytes from Different Cartilaginous Tissues and Can Be Modulated by Biological Factors (*)

The alternative splicing of the ED-A and ED-B segments of fibronectin pre-mRNA was examined in epiphyseal, costal, and meniscal cartilage from 3-week-old beagles and in nasal, tracheal, articular, and meniscal cartilage from 1- and 2-year-old Labrador retrievers. In contrast to the 100% expression of ED-B(+) mRNA that has been reported for embryonic chick cartilage (Bennett, V. D., Pallante, K. M., and Adams, S. K.(1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 5918-5924), all cartilages studied expressed both the ED-B(+) and ED-B(-) forms of fibronectin mRNA with the exception of the trachea, in which expression was 100% ED-B(-). Of all cartilages studied, only the meniscus had detectable levels of ED-A(+) mRNA. Placing articular cartilage chondrocytes in primary monolayer culture dramatically up-regulated the expression of ED-A(+) mRNA to 25% of the total, and this expression was further increased by the addition of transforming growth factor β1 or fucoidan to the culture medium. The expression of ED-B(+) mRNA remained at about 18% in the cultured chondrocytes and was not further affected by either transforming growth factor β1 or fucoidan. In contrast, dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate decreased the relative expression of both the ED-A(+) and ED-B(+) forms of fibronectin pre-mRNA. We concluded that the expression of ED-B(+) fibronectin remains relatively high in chondrocytes from cartilaginous canine tissues (15-35%) with the exception of the trachea, in contrast to the less than 10% expression of ED-B(+) fibronectin reported for other non-fetal tissues.
Japanese college students' typing speed on mobile devices

In previous work on mobile learning, students used cellphones and pocket computers (PDAs) primarily to view study materials and answer quizzes. But anecdotes imply that Japanese students type faster on cellphones than on desktop PCs, suggesting that students could use mobile devices to take notes and write reports. This paper is a first quantitative investigation into the ability of Japanese students to enter text on mobile devices. In 2-minute transcription tasks, 24 Japanese university students typed Japanese: English at 8:7 wpm on miniature QWERTY thumb keyboards, 10:9 on onscreen QWERTY keyboards, 17:5 on cellphones, 23:14 on desktop PCs, and 31:30 with pencil and paper. 5-minute composition speeds were slightly less in the student's native Japanese, and about half in English. Transcription errors were rare in Japanese, but more frequent in English, especially on mobile devices. Students preferred typing on desktops and cellphones. This data suggests that Japanese students could take notes and write reports on their mobile phones, but would require training before using PDAs and writing in English. Future work includes longitudinal studies learning various input methods, including handwriting recognition.