Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Indirect Effects of Partisanship and Partisan Media on Knowledge About Same-Sex Marriage Policy: Exploring the Knowledge and Belief Gap Hypotheses

This study applies the knowledge gap and the belief gap hypotheses to explore knowledge about same-sex marriage rights in the United States. Whereas the knowledge gap predicts that individuals of higher socioeconomic status will be better informed on political issues, the belief gap suggests that that political ideology is a stronger predictor of knowledge and beliefs than education or income levels. Results from this study indicated that higher income levels were a significant predictor of more knowledge about same-sex marriage policy but education was not related to knowledge. As for the belief gap, political party affiliation was not a stronger predictor of knowledge than education level. However, political party affiliation and partisan media (both conservative and liberal) indirectly impacted knowledge through attitudes toward homosexuality, such that Democratic partisanship and liberal media use indirectly led to more knowledge about same-sex marriage rights and conservative media indirectly led to less knowledge about same-sex marriage rights.
A vector-based cellular automata model to allow changes of polygon shape

In the last few years, cellular automata (CA) have been increasingly used to simulate geographic phenomena due to their computational simplicity and their explicit representation of space. However, recent researches have demonstrated that the classical raster-based CA models are sensitive to spatial scale. In attempts to overcome this problem, this paper presents a novel vector-based CA model, called VecGCA that defines space as a collection of geographic entities of different shapes and sizes that correspond to real-word entities. The model was tested with real data to simulate land-use changes in an agroforested area in southern Quebec, Canada. Its performance was assessed through visual and quantitative analyses of the shape and distribution of the spatial patterns that were generated when compared to the patterns produced by a conventional raster-based CA. The results obtained show that both models generate a similar trend in land-use change, but the landscape is considerably less fragmented with the VecGCA model compared to the raster-based CA model.
Factorization for Advanced Physical Layer Techniques in Network-Coded Wireless Communication Networks

We consider the utility maximization problem in wireless multi-hop networks with unicast and multicast communication and jointly optimize routing or network coding together with the physical layer. Since for any communication demands the performance is predominately determined by the region of achievable rates on edges between nodes, we provide a framework for including advanced physical layer methods in wireless networks by means of factorizing the achievable rate region into a set of advanced elementary rate regions. Various advanced physical layer operations such as broadcast and multiple access channels are included. Additionally, the wireless multicast advantage is efficiently modeled for degraded channels, namely broadcast and multicast, to improve performance of multicast sessions. Numerical examples show the impact of the physical layer onto the optimal routing or network coding solution and the benefits of advanced physical layer operations.
The resistance-compliance product of the pulmonary circulation varies in health and pulmonary vascular disease

Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) is traditionally used to describe pulmonary hemodynamic characteristics. However, it does not take into account pulmonary artery compliance (Ca) or pulsatile flow. The product of PVR and Ca is known as RC time. Previous studies assert that the PVR‐Ca relationship is fixed and RC time is constant between health and disease states. We hypothesized that RC time was not constant in health and pulmonary vascular disease. Right heart catheterizations performed in Papworth Hospital over a 6 year period were analyzed. Subjects were divided into those with normal pulmonary hemodynamics (NPH group; n = 156) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH group; n = 717). RC time and the right ventricle (RV) oscillatory power fraction were calculated. RC time for the NPH group (0.47 ± 0.13 sec) is significantly lower than the PAH group (0.56 ± 0.16 sec; P < 0.0001). The RV oscillatory power fraction is lower in the NPH group (P < 0.0001). RC time correlates inversely with the RV oscillatory power fraction in each group. We conclude, there is an inverse relationship between PVR and Ca, however, this relationship is not always fixed. Consequently, RC time is significantly lower in health compared to disease with elevated pulmonary artery pressures. PAH leads to a decrease in cardiac efficiency.
Revealing Topic-based Relationship Among Documents using Association Rule Mining

With a large volume of electronic documents, finding documents the contents of which are same or similar in their topics has recently become a crucial aspect in textual data mining. Towards revealing so-called topicbased relationship among the documents, this paper proposes a method to exploit co-occurring unigrams and bigrams among documents to extract a set of topically similar documents with association rule mining techniques. To evaluate effectiveness of the method, a collection of wellorganized scientific research publications is employed. The experimental result indicates that any two documents with referential links can be found with the accuracy of 60-80% in the case of unigrams, and 80-90% in the case of bigrams. An analysis of discovered association rules is also given.
The Role of Narcissism and Competitive Worldview in Predicting Environmental Apathy

In this study, hypothetical model included personality variables and social psychological variables by employing narcissism and competitive worldview as predictors towards apathy about environmental issues. The study was conducted on 225 college students (138 males, 87 females; M age = 18.25 years, SD age = 2.13 years) taken through convenience accidental sampling technique from several majors of a private university in Jakarta, Indonesia. The results of path analysis showed that narcissism was able to predict apathy towards the environment indirectly through a competitive view of the world (χ 2 = 0.11, p = 0.736, RMSEA = 0.000). 2398-4295 © 2016. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. Keywords: Environmental apathy; competitive worldview; narcissism; psychology
Data fusion for heart diseases classification using multi-layer feed forward neural network

In this paper, classification of the heart diseases using the heart rate variability signals was performed in order to discriminate between normal subjects and patients with low heart rate variability such as patients suffering from congestive heart failure (CHF) and myocardial infarction diseases. A multi-layer feed forward neural network was utilized. For each of the three groups under investigation, three different techniques were used to select the inputs to the proposed classifier. These techniques are time-domain methods, frequency-domain methods, and non-linear methods. Results have shown that using non-linear methods give high rates for classifying heart diseases. Classification rate reaches to 96.36%. In an attempt to improve the classification rate, data fusion at feature extraction level was adopted. A new feed forward neural network was designed. It gives an average classification rate of 98.18%.
Using a generalized instance set for automatic text categorization

We investigate several recent approaches for text categorization under the framework of similaritybased learning. They include two families of text categorization techniques, namely the k-nearest neighbor (kNN) algorithm and linear classifiers. After identifying the weakness and strength of each technique, we propose a new technique known as the generalized instance set (GIS) algorithm by unifying the strengths of k-NN and linear classifiers and adapting to characteristics of text categorization problems. We also explore some variants of our GIS approach. We have implemented our GIS algorithm, the ExpNet algorithm, and some linear classifiers. Extensive experiments have been conducted on two common document corpora, namely the OHSUMED collection and the Reuters-21578 collection. The results show that our new approach outperforms the latest k-NN approach and linear classifiers in all experiments.
Untethered interaction for immersive virtual environment through handheld devices

Process for the preparation of flameproof synthetic resin foams which comprises admixing (a) a furan resin and/or (b) a co-condensate of a furan resin with phenol and/or melamine and/or urea and/or cresol, and/or (c) a polyester, epoxy, polyurethane, acrylic, alkyd, phenoplast or aminoplast resin or a mixture thereof, with a carrier foam of an aqueous and/or aqueous alcoholic synthetic resin prepared with the aid of a foaming agent and compressed gas.
Distribution of the Exchange Rate Implicit in Option Prices 1 : Application to TASE

This study presents a method of estimating the implied distribution of the future NIS/$ exchange rate implicit in the NIS/$ options traded on the TASE (Tel Aviv Stock Exchange), using options with the same maturity but different strike prices. The distribution of the exchange rate as perceived by the markets is reflected by the option prices with different strike prices, because of the high sensitivity of the prices to expected developments in the financial markets. The distribution estimated here is a double-log-normal distribution of the exchange rate that combines two separate log-normal distributions of the exchange rate. The estimation used here has an advantage over the usual log-normal distribution in that it identifies market expectations regarding the future course of the exchange rate that incorporate the possibility that this will not be continuous, thus enabling more extensive information to be derived from the markets. In addition to expected changes in the exchange rate and the risk level, the model also enables us calculate the possibility of a jump in the exchange rate, and of leptokurtosis and skewness in the distribution.
Cycled merging registration of point clouds for 3D human body modeling

In this paper, we present a cycled merging registration method based on Iterative Closest Point (ICP). We capture the point clouds by a static Kinect with the object rotating on a turntable. Different views of scan are combined by ICP and then a globally consistent human model is obtained. Our method simplifies the process of successively registration, which is usually used to solve multi-views registration from a single cycle. The main contribution of this paper is to propose a pairwise-to-global registration method, which aligns several sub-integrate views in a merging order. Our method is consistent with some cycled registration constraints which are suitable for non-rigid registration. After all point clouds are merged, the surface of the model can be estimated by Moving Least Square (MLS). A model of a part of non-rigid human body is constructed in our experiments.
Mapping structural brain alterations in obsessive-compulsive disorder.

BACKGROUND Recent technical developments have made it feasible to comprehensively assess brain anatomy in psychiatric populations. OBJECTIVE To describe the structural brain alterations detected in the magnetic resonance images of a large series of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using imaging procedures that allow the evaluation of volume changes throughout the brain. DESIGN Case-control study. SETTING Referral OCD unit in a tertiary hospital. PARTICIPANTS A consecutive sample of 72 outpatients with OCD and 72 age- and sex-matched control subjects. INTERVENTIONS Three-dimensional sequences were obtained in all participants. A statistical parametric mapping approach was used to delineate possible anatomical alterations in the entire brain. To preserve volumetric information, voxel values were modulated by the Jacobian determinants (volume change measurement) derived from spatial normalization. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Voxelwise brain volumes. RESULTS The brains of patients with OCD showed reduced gray matter volume in the medial frontal gyrus, the medial orbitofrontal cortex, and the left insulo-opercular region. A relative increase in gray matter volume was observed bilaterally in the ventral part of the putamen and in the anterior cerebellum. All these brain alterations were abnormally correlated in patients with OCD, and age statistically significantly contributed to the relative enlargement observed in the striatal areas. Disease severity, the nature of symptoms, and comorbidities were not related to the changes described. Nevertheless, patients with prominent aggressive obsessions and checking compulsions showed reduced amygdala volume in the right hemisphere. CONCLUSIONS The pattern of anatomical features depicted by this voxelwise approach is consistent with data from functional studies. The reported anatomical maps identified the specific parts of the frontostriatal system that were altered in patients with OCD and detected changes in anatomically connected distant regions. These data further define the structural brain alterations in OCD and may contribute to constraining the prevailing biological models of this psychiatric process.
Constraint Based Design of Two-Channel Paraunitary Filter Banks of a Given Length Over ${\rm GF}(2^{r})$

Over the real field all degree-J paraunitary (PU) multirate systems can be described by the multiplication of J degree-1 lattice blocks and a unitary matrix. Over the finite field GF(2r) this degree-1 factorization is not complete, i.e., it only describes a subset of all possible PU systems. In the two-channel case degree-2tau blocks are also required to completely describe all PU systems over GF(2 r). Therefore, different factorizations can be considered. Each factorization generates a subset of PU systems. It is interesting to consider if these different factorizations have distinct properties. In this correspondence, we specifically consider constraining the length of the filter bank to be equal to N+1. This is required in certain error control coding applications. We contrast this factorization based method with an existing trial and error approach employing the Berlekamp factoring algorithm. A key advantage of the proposed method is the elimination of redundant polyphase factorizations. Further simplifications over GF(2) identified by this method are also discussed
Ligand-based virtual screening using binary kernel discrimination

This paper discusses the use of a machine-learning technique called binary kernel discrimination (BKD) for virtual screening in drug- and pesticide-discovery programmes. BKD is compared with several other ligand-based tools for virtual screening in databases of 2D structures represented by fragment bit-strings, and is shown to provide an effective, and reasonably efficient, way of prioritising compounds for biological screening.
Discrete L-/ M-Convex Function Minimization Based on Continuous Relaxation

We consider the problem of minimizing a nonlinear discrete function with L-/M-convexity proposed in the theory of discrete convex analysis. For this problem, steepest descent algorithms and steepest descent scaling algorithms are known. In this paper, we use continuous relaxation approach which minimizes the continuous variable version first in order to find a good initial solution of a steepest descent algorithm. For discrete L-/M-convex functions, we give proximity theorems showing that a discrete global minimizer exists in the neighborhood of a continuous global minimizer. These proximity theorems afford theoretical guarantees for the efficiency of the proposed algorithms.
Anxiety in reading and listening English as a foreign language in Chinese undergraduate students

This study tested relationships between foreign language (FL) reading and listening anxiety and learner variables in English as a foreign language (EFL). It tested links between foreign language anxiety (FLA) and its cognitive, affective and behavioral correlates in English (i.e. language learning strategies, learning motivation, and performance). Three-hundred-and-six Chinese undergraduates learning EFL were administered the measures via a questionnaire. Regression analyses indicated that EFL performance and EFL motivation were key factors that uniquely predicted EFL reading and listening anxiety. However, the role of EFL learning strategies was not significant after the effects of EFL performance and EFL motivation were controlled for. Despite this, mediation analyses revealed that EFL learning strategies had a significant indirect effect on EFL reading performance and listening anxiety levels with EFL learning motivation as a mediator. This suggests its secondary role in affecting FL anxieties. These findings provide important implications regarding assessment of students’ FL anxiety level as well as identification of and intervention for those with FL difficulties. These findings have extended past studies by highlighting the relative importance of these cognitive, affective and behavioral correlates on Chinese undergraduates’ EFL anxiety in specific domains.
Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Isoforms in the Effect of Estradiol on Endothelial Cell Migration and Proliferation

Both 17β-estradiol (E2) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) stimulate angiogenesis and endothelial cell migration and proliferation. The first goal of this study was to explore the potential link between this hormone and this growth factor. E2-stimulated angiogenesis in SC Matrigel plugs in Fgf2+/+ mice, but not in Fgf2−/− mice. Cell cultures from subcutaneous Matrigel plugs demonstrated that E2 increased both migration and proliferation in endothelial cells from Fgf2+/+ mice, but not from in Fgf2−/− mice. Several isoforms of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) are expressed: the low molecular weight 18-kDa protein (FGF2lmw) is secreted and activates tyrosine kinase receptors (FGFRs), whereas the high molecular weight (21 and 22 kDa) isoforms (FGF2hmw) remains intranuclear, but their role is mainly unknown. The second goal of this study was to explore the respective roles of FGF2 isoforms in the effects of E2. We thus generated mice deficient only in the FGF2lmw (Fgf2lmw−/−). E2 stimulated in vivo angiogenesis and in vitro migration in endothelial cells from Fgf2lmw−/− as it did in Fgf2+/+ mice. E2 increased FGF2hmw protein abundance in endothelial cell cultures from Fgf2+/+ and Fgf2lmw−/− mice. As shown using siRNA transfection, these effects were FGFR independent but involved FGF2-Interacting Factor, an intracellular FGF2hmw partner. This is the first report for a physiological role for the intracellular FGF2hmw found to mediate the effect of E2 on endothelial cell migration via an intracrine action.
Location estimation system using wireless ad-hoc network

Location aware computing is popular and location information has become more important before. Ubiquitous computing also needs location information. We propose a location estimation system using a multi-hop wireless ad-hoc network. The proposed system estimates the locations of mobile hosts, using distance between hosts and the locations of some special hosts which know each location by GPS or other devices. This system is designed as a client-server model. The server is called an accumulator host and calculates the locations of all hosts. We also describe an estimation algorithm running in the accumulator host.
A randomized prospective comparative study of weight gain between asenapine and iloperidone in patients with psychosis

Background: Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are better for psychotic disorders, and they can induce weight gain and other serious metabolic adverse effects which can lead to non-adherence and medical comorbidities. Iloperidone and asenapine, the newer SGAs with favorable short-term side effect profile. Aims and Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the weight gain propensity associated with new SGAs drugs-asenapine and iloperidone. Materials and Methods: Randomized prospective study was conducted from December 2014 to August 2015 in the Department of Psychiatry, Tertiary Care Hospital, Mysore. 60 patients who met the criteria for acute psychosis and schizophrenia according to ICD 10 were recruited. Atypical antipsychotics, asenapine (5-20 mg), and iloperidone (8-24 mg) were administered, and their weight was measured using the digital weighing scale on day 0 (baseline), week 1, week 3, and week 6. Results: Out of 60 recruited subjects, 51 (85%) completed all four visits of the study, 41.67% with asenapine, 43.3% with iloperidone. Mean weight gain was 2.18 ± 1.84 kg with iloperidone and 1.63 ± 1.28 kg with asenapine, but it was not statistically significant between the groups. Weight gain was dose dependent; 3.56 kg mean weight gain with 15-20 mg of asenapine and 3.36 kg with 18-24 mg iloperidone-treated patients which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Mild to moderate weight gain was seen in both asenapine and iloperidone and it was dose dependent. Iloperidone showed more weight gain than asenapine.
Association Between Mindful Eating and Weight Cycling in Middle Age Women

Introduction: Weight cycling is defined as happening when an individual intentionally loses weight and then subsequently regaining the weight over time. Weight cycling has been associated with a number of adverse health consequences and is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The large majority of behaviorally based weight loss interventions typically result in full weight regain often with additional weight gained over time with each repeated bout of weight cycling. Mindful eating, which is defined as a non-judgmental awareness of meal related factors, has been found to influence negative behaviors related to weight cycling. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between mindful eating and weight cycling in middle aged women. Methods: This study used an observational design to explore the relationships and characterize responses to the Mindfulness Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) in 75 overweight women (BMI > 25) who self-reported a history of weight cycling using a weight cycling index (WCI). The participants were divided into three groups: non-cyclers (NC) less than three cycles of 10 lbs; moderate cyclers (MC) at least three weight cycles of 10lbs; and severe cyclers (SC) at least three weight cycles of at least 20lbs. Results: NC were significantly (p < 0.05) younger and had lower BMI than the MC and SC groups. There were no significant differences in any of the MEQ subscores based on WCI groups. There were no significant relationships between WCI and any of the MEQ subscores. Conclusion: The Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ), was an insufficient