Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of smoking and nicotine dependence with pre-diabetes in young and healthy adults.

INTRODUCTION Several studies have shown an increased risk of type 2 diabetes among smokers. Therefore, the aim of this analysis was to assess the relationship between smoking, cumulative smoking exposure and nicotine dependence with pre-diabetes. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional analysis of healthy adults aged 25-41 in the Principality of Liechtenstein. Individuals with known diabetes, Body Mass Index (BMI) >35 kg/m² and prevalent cardiovascular disease were excluded. Smoking behaviour was assessed by self-report. Pre-diabetes was defined as glycosylated haemoglobin between 5.7% and 6.4%. Multivariable logistic regression models were done. RESULTS Of the 2142 participants (median age 37 years), 499 (23.3%) had pre-diabetes. There were 1,168 (55%) never smokers, 503 (23%) past smokers and 471 (22%) current smokers, with a prevalence of pre-diabetes of 21.2%, 20.9% and 31.2%, respectively (p <0.0001). In multivariable regression models, current smokers had an odds ratio (OR) of pre-diabetes of 1.82 (95% confidential interval (CI) 1.39; 2.38, p <0.0001). Individuals with a smoking exposure of <5, 5-10 and >10 pack-years had an OR (95% CI) for pre-diabetes of 1.34 (0.90; 2.00), 1.80 (1.07; 3.01) and 2.51 (1.80; 3.59) (p linear trend <0.0001) compared with never smokers. A Fagerström score of 2, 3-5 and >5 among current smokers was associated with an OR (95% CI) for pre-diabetes of 1.27 (0.89; 1.82), 2.15 (1.48; 3.13) and 3.35 (1.73; 6.48) (p linear trend <0.0001). DISCUSSION Smoking is strongly associated with pre-diabetes in young adults with a low burden of smoking exposure. Nicotine dependence could be a potential mechanism of this relationship.
Interference in Immediate Spatial Memory: Shifts of Spatial Attention or Central executive Involvement?

Interference in serial spatial memory was investigated in six experiments. Experiment 1 replicated Experiment 2 by Smyth and Scholey (1994) in showing that listening to tones that originated from different directions interfered with spatial memory. Experiment 2 showed, however, that the effect of mere listening was not observed when this was the only interference condition experienced by the subject. In Experiment 3, a binary pitch discrimination task performed on spatially separated tones impaired recall performance to the same extent as did left-right decisions. The same disrupting effect was also observed when the tones were presented from the same direction in the pitch discrimination task (Experiment 4) as well as in a binary loudness discrimination task (Experiment 5). Finally, repeating heard words did not interfere, whereas a pitch discrimination performed on these same words disrupted recall (Experiment 6). It is argued that the disrupting effects reflect not a specifically spatial interference, but a central executive involvement in the rehearsal process in serial spatial memory.
Wearable Emotion Recognition System based on GSR and PPG Signals

In recent years, many methods and systems for automated recognition of human emotional states were proposed. Most of them are trying to recognize emotions based on physiological signals such as galvanic skin response (GSR), electrocardiogram (ECG), electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyogram (EMG), photoplethysmogram (PPG), respiration, skin temperature etc. Measuring all these signals is quite impractical for real-life use and in this research, we decided to acquire and analyse only GSR and PPG signals because of its suitability for implementation on a simple wearable device that can collect signals from a person without compromising comfort and privacy. For this purpose, we used the lightweight, small and compact Shimmer3 sensor. We developed complete application with database storage to elicit participant»s emotions using pictures from the Geneva affective picture database (GAPED) database. In the post-processing process, we used typical statistical parameters and power spectral density (PSD) as features and support vector machine (SVM) and k-nearest neighbours (KNN) as classifiers. We built single-user and multi-user emotion classification models to compare the results. As expected, we got better average accuracies on a single-user model than on the multi-user model. Our results also show that a single-user based emotion detection model could potentially be used in real-life scenario considering environments conditions.
The Effect of Incentive Policies on the Practice Location of Doctors: A Multinomial Probit Analysis

In this article we estimate a spatial autoregressive multinomial probit model of the choice of location by general practitioners for establishing their initial practice. This model allows us to account for potential interdependencies among location choices. The model is used to assess the effect of various incentive measures introduced in Québec (Canada) to influence the geographical distribution of physicians across 18 regions. Our data set covers subperiods before and after the introduction of these measures. Incentive policies are captured through price and income effects. Our results provide evidence that these measures had a significant effect on location choices.
Sound classification based on spectrogram for surveillance applications

This paper presents an audio event classification algorithm which automatically classifies an audio event as footstep, glass breaking, gunshot or scream mainly for surveillance applications. First, the Gabor feature of the audio spectrogram is extracted, there are two kinds of Gabor features, namely global Gabor feature and local Gabor feature. Then we use Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) to compress the feature dimension, finally the K nearest neighbor classifier (KNN) is used to recognize audio events. We carried out extensive experiments on the clean and noisy audio sets. Our results demonstrate that the algorithm is able to guarantee a recall of 96.1% on clean sets and is proved to be more effective than traditional methods.
Weld Pool Shaping and Microstructural Control Using Novel Computer Generated Holographic Optic Laser Welding of Steel and Stainless Steel

This work considers the use of Holographic Optical Elements (HOEs) to shape the weld beam and control the microstructure of the weld bead. The beam profiles investigated are a standard Gaussian and an Offset Rugby Post produced by a HOE. Autogenous welds have been produced on plain carbon steel with the introduction of a nickel alloy filler powder, using different energy densities. Cross sections of the welds have been analysed in terms of the weld profile, weld pool shape, HAZ and the extent of the deposit/substrate mixing. Electron BackScatter Diffraction (EBSD) coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) has been used to study the microstructures developed. The results have shown that by utilising HOE’s the weld pool shape can be modified so that a squarer profile can be obtained. The grain structure within the weld pool can be controlled such that a finer more equiaxed grain structure can be developed when compared with the coarse columnar grains seen with a Gaussian beam with a marked difference in the microstructures in the HAZ.
Autonomous stair-climbing with miniature jumping robots

The problem of vision-guided control of miniature mobile robots is investigated. Untethered mobile robots with small physical dimensions of around 10 cm or less do not permit powerful onboard computers because of size and power constraints. These challenges have, in the past, reduced the functionality of such devices to that of a complex remote control vehicle with fancy sensors. With the help of a computationally more powerful entity such as a larger companion robot, the control loop can be closed. Using the miniature robot's video transmission or that of an observer to localize it in the world, control commands can be computed and relayed to the inept robot. The result is a system that exhibits autonomous capabilities. The framework presented here solves the problem of climbing stairs with the miniature Scout robot. The robot's unique locomotion mode, the jump, is employed to hop one step at a time. Methods for externally tracking the Scout are developed. A large number of real-world experiments are conducted and the results discussed.
INTER- AND WITHIN-TROOP COMPETITION OF FEMALE RING-TAILED LEMURS: A PRELIMINARY REPORT

In a female-bonded/matrilineal group of primates, females may suffer from competition in both within- and inter-troop contexts. The balance between these two forms of competition was analyzed from the behavioral and demographic data recorded for a wild population of ring-tailed lemurs at Berenty Reserve, Madagascar. Within a troop, harsh and persistent aggressive behavior (targeting behavior) among female members ultimately evicted some victims. Troop size may infl uence the correlations between female rank and their repro- ductive parameters. In large troops, lower ranked females tended to show lower reproductive success than other females, but the differences were not significant. Birth rate and repro- ductive success (number of surviving infants) exhibited a humped curve against troop size, corresponding to Wrangham's IGFC (inter-group feeding competition) hypothesis. A troop may show the following cycle: First, a troop gains advantages via inter-troop competition, and increases in size. When optimal troop size is exceeded, the reproductive success of each female may decrease due to serious within-troop competition. Then, dominant females may evict subordinate females from the troop. The evicted females may form a new troop (troop fi ssion), and transfer into other troops (i.e., female transfer/fusion), or die (group extinction).
Work disincentives of workers' compensation permanent partial disability benefits: evidence for Canada

This paper examines the impact of workers' compensation benefits and expected labor market earnings on the postinjury employment status of permanently injured workers. Permanent partial disability benefits in Ontario at the time the data were collected were not related to postinjury labor market earnings and can, therefore, be characterized as having a pure income effect on postinjury employment behavior. The estimation results indicate an elasticity of postinjury employment to workers' compensation permanent disability benefits of -0.15, evaluated for the mean worker. The elasticity of postinjury employment to expected postinjury labor market earnings is about 0.94 percent.
Impact of Instructional Supervision on Student Achievement: Can We Make the Connection?.

This paper reports on the final phase of a three-part study on the status of instructional supervision within several New York City public schools. In the first parts of the study the researchers found, through extensive use of surveys (questionnaires and interviews), that centralized educational reform had serious consequences for instructional supervision. Results indicated that in many instances principals, given many noninstructional duties, did not have the time to undertake continuous and meaningful supervision. Often, such supervision was relegated to coaches, neither trained in supervision nor given organizational authority to effectuate needed reforms to ensure quality teaching. Teachers in many cases indicated that supervision was perfunctory and evaluative. The researchers concluded that the highly centralized system of schooling that mandated prescribed curricula, added responsibilities for supervisors, and instituted narrow definitions of accountability aimed to, above all else, hold principals (and thus teachers) accountable for increases in student achievement transformed instructional supervision into a monitoring function, at its best. Several instances of effective models of supervision and professional development were discovered, however, despite bureaucratic and other non-school related constraints. These schools have had significant increases in student achievement levels as reported by State standardized tests. This last paper in the series summarizes some findings from one such successful school utilizing in depth methodologies aimed to uncover the relationship between supervisory practice and student achievement. The questions the study addressed were: What does supervision look like in an effective school and how do supervisors effectively work to influence teacher behavior that best promotes student learning? What impact does successful supervision have on student achievement? What can we learn from this case study that might inform the practice of supervision in other schools? Based on this tentative case study involving one school, findings indicate that supervision is purposeful, targeted, and central to promoting a school wide instructional program wherein student achievement is always at the forefront. Principal leadership is essential as is the establishment of a culture of teacher empowerment and collaboration. The paper concludes with some questions for continued study into the connection between supervision and student achievement.
Tests of the Pecking Order Theory and the Firm Life Cycle

We examine the central prediction of the pecking order theory of financing among firms in two distinct life cycle stages, namely growth and maturity. In general, we find that firms in both stages follow the pecking order. More specifically, we find that within a life cycle stage and after sufficiently controlling for debt capacity constraints across several dimensions, firms with high adverse selection costs follow the pecking order more closely, as the theory predicts. We further show that certain determinants of debt capacity are specific to each life cycle stage, and cannot simply be generalized across a broad sample of firms. Our results highlight how intertwined firm financing decisions are with its life cycle and that one size does not fit all with regards to firm financial policy.
Working Across the Divide

Job involvement is a principal factor in the lives of most people; employees in the workplace are mentally and emotionally influenced by their degree of involvement in work. Using the data from the National Administrative Studies Project III, this study empirically compares the level of job involvement between managers in the public and nonprofit sectors and explores different aspects including demographic, managerial, and institutional factors that contribute to the apparent differences. The results of the study indicate that the mean level of nonprofit managers' job involvement is significantly greater than for public managers. Each sector had specific variables that significantly and uniquely contributed to job involvement. Overall, the results suggest a need to more fully investigate the various mechanisms and functions of situational and organizational contexts, organizational norms, and culture that were associated with job involvement regardless of sector. Implications and limitations of this research are also discussed.
Entry, exit, and firm dynamics in long run equilibrium

A dynamic stochastic model for a competitive industry is developed in which entry, exit, and the growth of firms' output and employment is determined. The paper extends long-run industry equilibrium theory to account for entry, exit, and heterogeneity in the size and growth rate of firms. Conditions under which there is entry and exit in the long run are developed. Cross sectional implications and distributions of profits and value of firms are derived. Comparative statics on the equilibrium size distribution and turnover rates are analyzed. Copyright 1992 by The Econometric Society.
PATJ connects and stabilizes apical and lateral components of tight junctions in human intestinal cells

The Crumbs complex that also contains the cortical proteins Stardust and DPATJ (a homologue of PATJ), is crucial for the building of epithelial monolayers in Drosophila. Although loss of function of the Crumbs or Stardust genes prevents the stabilization of a belt of adherens junctions at the apico-lateral border of the cells, no phenotype has been described for the Dpatj gene and its role in epithelial morphogenesis and polarity remains unknown. We have produced downregulated PATJ stable lines of Caco2 to clarify its role in epithelial morphogenesis. In PATJ knockdown cells, Pals1 (a Stardust homologue) is no longer associated with tight junctions whereas Crumbs3 (Crb3) is accumulated into a compartment spatially close to the apical membrane and related to early endosomes. Furthermore, occludin and ZO-3, two proteins of tight junctions are mislocalized on the lateral membrane indicating that PATJ plays a novel role in the building of tight junctions by providing a link between their lateral and apical components. Thus, PATJ stabilizes the Crb3 complex and regulates the spatial concentration of several components at the border between the apical and lateral domains.
Trade Finance and Trade Flows: Panel Data Evidence from 10 Crises

This paper assesses the effect of constrained trade finance on trade flows in countries undergoing financial and balance of payments crises. Most of the countries that had a major crisis had a significant trade contraction, while trade-related finance declined sharply. However, trade may also be affected by other variables such as world demand, domestic demand, banking crises, changes in export and import prices, and real exchange rate depreciation. To estimate the effect of constrained trade finance on trade flows, we estimate import and export volume equations including explicitly trade financing as an explanatory variable in addition to the usual variables such as relative prices and income. We conclude that constrained trade finance is a factor in explaining both export and import volumes in the short-run. A fall in external trade finance explains a relatively small part of the trade loss during crises, while a fall in trade financing in connection with domestic banking crisis can lead to a substantial loss of trade.
Entrepreneurial Leadership and Performance in Chinese New Ventures: A Moderated Mediation Model of Exploratory Innovation, Exploitative Innovation and Environmental Dynamism

This study advances prior theoretical research by examining the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and new venture performance with the introduction of exploratory and exploitative innovations as mediating variables. To fully understand the influence process of entrepreneurial leadership, we argue that environmental dynamism should be considered. Data on 168 new ventures in China indicate that entrepreneurial leadership is positively related to both exploratory and exploitative innovations, which in turn are both positively related to new venture performance. Our results also confirm that environmental dynamism moderates the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and both types of innovation (i.e., exploratory and exploitative). Thus, we contribute to the debate on the influence of entrepreneurial leadership on the pursuit of excellent new venture performance, not only by examining how entrepreneurial leadership affects new venture performance by pursuing two types of innovative activities (i.e., exploratory and exploitative innovations), but also by revealing how these relationships are contingent upon environmental dynamism.
Measles Viruses on Throat Swabs from Measles Patients Use Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule (CDw150) but Not CD46 as a Cellular Receptor

ABSTRACT Both CD46 and signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) have been shown to act as cellular receptors for measles virus (MV). The viruses on throat swabs from nine patients with measles in Japan were titrated on Vero cells stably expressing human SLAM. Samples from all but two patients produced numerous plaques on SLAM-expressing Vero cells, whereas none produced any plaques on Vero cells endogenously expressing CD46. The Edmonston strain of MV, which can use either CD46 or SLAM as a receptor, produced comparable titers on these two types of cells. The results strongly suggest that the viruses in the bodies of measles patients use SLAM but probably not CD46 as a cellular receptor.
Analytic hierarchy process versus the choice experiments: a stated preference analysis

Our paper tries to compare individuals’ preferences for attributes and levels of an agro-food product using two different methodologies. A key question is to know if asking consumer what they “prefer” or what they “buy” would lead to different results. In this context we realized an empirical comparison using two different methodologies; the Choice Experiments (CE) and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The use of both methods is justified by their capacity to simulate the “purchasing” and “theoretical” stated preferences respectively. Restaurateur’s preference to include rabbit meat in their menus in Catalonia (Spain) has been taken to realize an exploratory study. At the aggregated results, attributes and levels preferences are found to be similar with a 55.6% of a correct rank score from both methods.
Affine Invariant Description and Large-Margin Dimensionality Reduction for Target Detection in Optical Remote Sensing Images

A novel target detection method based on affine invariant interest point detection, feature encoding, and large-margin dimensionality reduction (LDR) is proposed for optical remote sensing images. First, four types of interest point detectors are introduced, and their performance in extracting low-level affine invariant descriptors using affine shape estimation is compared. Such a description can deal with significant affine transformations, including viewpoints. Second, feature encoding, which extends bag-of-words (BOW) by encoding high-order statistics, is selected to generate mid-level representation. Finally, LDR based on the large-margin constraint and stochastic subgradient is introduced to make the high-dimensional mid-level representation applicable for target detection. The experiments on aircraft and vehicle detections illustrate the effectiveness of the affine invariant description and LDR (compared with principal component analysis) in improving the detection performance. The experiments also demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method compared with popular approaches including Gabor, HOG, LBP, BOW, and R-CNN.
Exploring the organisation of complex systems through the dynamical interactions among their relevant subsets

Complex systems often show forms of organisation where a clear-cut hierarchy of levels with a well-defined direction of information flow cannot be found. In this paper we propose an information-theoretic method aimed at identifying the dynamically relevant parts of a system along with their relationships, interpreting in such a way the system’s dynamical organisation. The analysis is quite general and can be applied to many dynamical systems. We show here its application to two relevant biological examples, the case of mammalian cell cycle network and of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) cascade. The result of our analysis shows that the elements of the mammalian cell cycle network act as a single compact group, whereas the MAPK system can be decomposed into two dynamically distinct parts, with asymmetric information flows.