Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Competing for Recognition through Public Good Provision

We consider a setting in which several groups of individuals with common interests (``clubs") compete with each other for recognition by other individuals. Depending on the context, recognition may be expressed by these other individuals joining a club, or choosing one club to admire. Clubs compete by providing a public good. Competition between clubs increases the public good provision level, and a sufficiently strong competition effect may even lead to overprovision. The model thus limits the argument for subsidies to the private providers of public goods. We discuss implications of the model for open-source software projects, university fundraising and infrastructure competition between cities.
Global attitude/position regulation for underwater vehicles

A nonlinear controller is designed for a 6 DOF model of an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) which includes both the kinematics and the dynamics. It is shown how the use of a Lyapunov function consisting of a quadratic term in the velocity (both linear and angular), a quadratic term in the position and a logarithmic term in the attitude leads to a design of a control law that achieves global asymptotic stabilization to an arbitrary set point in position/attitude. The control law is made linearly bounded by avoiding cancellation of some of the quadratic nonlinearities in the model. No information about the inertia matrix, the damping, and the Coriolis/centripetal parameters is used in the controller, endowing it with a certain amount of parametric robustness. The control law is given in terms of the modified Rodrigues parameters. An extensive simulation study shows that the proposed control law achieves excellent tracking for slowly changing trajectories, even though it is designed only for set point regulation. The nonlinear controller dramatically outperforms a linear controller.
Automating Biomedical Evidence Synthesis: RobotReviewer

We present RobotReviewer, an open-source web-based system that uses machine learning and NLP to semi-automate biomedical evidence synthesis, to aid the practice of Evidence-Based Medicine. RobotReviewer processes full-text journal articles (PDFs) describing randomized controlled trials (RCTs). It appraises the reliability of RCTs and extracts text describing key trial characteristics (e.g., descriptions of the population) using novel NLP methods. RobotReviewer then automatically generates a report synthesising this information. Our goal is for RobotReviewer to automatically extract and synthesise the full-range of structured data needed to inform evidence-based practice.
Use of Biotin Derivatives to Probe Conformational Changes in Proteins*

Sulfosuccinimidyl-6-(biotinamido) hexanoate and derivatives thereof covalently bind to the ϵ-amino group of lysine residues. Our observation that access of the biotin derivative to specific lysine residues depends on conformational properties of the entire polypeptide chain prompted us to investigate whether differential biotinylation patterns of a protein can be used as indicators for conformational changes. Bovine serum albumin is a soluble protein with characteristic unfolding kinetics upon exposure to high temperature. First, we show that biotinylation patterns of proteins are highly reproducible. Second, we demonstrate by mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry that unfolding of the protein correlates with the accessibility of the biotin derivative to specific lysine residues. We have applied this experimental strategy to the analysis of a cell-surface protein, viz. the human band 3 anion exchanger of erythrocytes infected with the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. We found that Lys826 in a highly flexible loop can be biotinylated in non-infected (but not infected) erythrocytes, confirming earlier observations (Winograd, E., and Sherman, I. W. (2004) Mol. Biochem. Parasitol. 138, 83–87) based on epitope-specific monoclonal antibodies suggesting that this region undergoes a conformational change upon infection.
Inovações tecnológicas de embalagens nas indústrias de alimentos: estudo de caso da adoção de embalagem ativa em empresas de torrefação de café

Most of technological innovations in agro-food systems are created by “supporting industries”, the group where packaging industries are inserted. This article presents the packaging innovations used in food industries, particularly, the active packaging. This paper deals with an adoption case of a degassing one-way valve, describing this innovation and its impacts in two coffee companies. This study can be classified as a documental, qualitative-descriptive and empirical research, using indirect documentation technique and case study analysis. According to this case, the valve made possible the diversification of the company product line and product quality improvement. There were no complications involving an additional cost to the customers. However, it has been observed that this additional cost from technology adoption makes difficult the diffusion of this valve in other similar products.
Association of the dystrobrevin binding protein 1 gene (DTNBP1) in a bipolar case–control study (BACCS)

Recent studies suggest a degree of overlap in genetic susceptibility across the traditional categories of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. There is some evidence for an association of the dystrobrevin binding protein 1 gene (DTNBP1) with schizophrenia, and, thus, this gene has also become a focus of further investigation in bipolar disorder (BD). The aim of our study is to explore the association of DTNBP1 with BD and with a sub phenotype, presence/absence of psychotic symptoms, in a sample of 515 patients with BD (ICD10/DSMIV) and 1,316 ethnically matched control subjects recruited from the UK. Seven DTNBP1 SNPs: rs2743852 (SNP C), rs760761 (P1320), rs1011313 (P1325), rs3213207 (P1635), rs2619539 (P1655), rs16876571 and rs17470454 were investigated using the SNPlex genotyping system and 1 SNP (rs2619522) genotypes were imputed. Association analyses were conducted in a sample of 452 cases and 956 controls. We found significant differences in genotypic and allelic frequencies of rs3213207 and rs760761 of DTNBP1 between bipolar patients and controls. We also showed a global haplotypic association and an association of a particular haplotype with BD. Our results are consistent with previous studies in term of a general association between DTNBP1 and bipolar disorder and provide additional evidence that a portion of the genotypic overlap between schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder is attributable to this gene. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Managerial processes: business process that sustain performance

Purpose – It is argued that whilst operational and support processes deliver performance presently, it is the managerial processes that sustain performance over time. The purpose of this research paper is to better understand what these managerial processes are and how they influence organisational performance.Design/methodology/approach – The theoretical background is reviewed covering literature on the subject of business process management, resourced‐based view (RBV), dynamic capabilities and managerial processes. A research framework leads to qualitative case study‐based research design. Data are collected from 37 organisations across Europe, classified according to their performance.Findings – Findings suggest that the five managerial processes and their constituent managerial activities, identified through the empirical research, influence performance of organisations as an interconnected managerial system rather than as individual processes and activities. Also, the execution and maturity of this m.
Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis in Children and Adolescents With Autoimmune Hepatitis and Overlap Syndrome

Objectives: This is a cohort study of 134 children and adolescents with a known diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). During follow-up, some of them developed autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC). This study describes the characteristics of the patients upon diagnosis, and their response to treatment and any complications, and compares the patients who developed ASC during follow-up (ASC group) with those who did not (AIH group). Methods: A total of 73.1% of the patients were girls with a median age upon diagnosis of 10.41 (7.41–12.53) years. Results: Of 134 patients, 28 (20.9%) developed cholestatic manifestations, with features of ASC. A few differences were observed between the AIH and ASC groups when they were analyzed by &khgr;2 test, such as the smaller predominance of girls in ASC group (P = 0.04), and more common asymptomatic presentation in the ASC group (P = 0.01). Cirrhosis was observed in 68% of biopsies, with no significant difference between groups (P = 0.43). Of 16 deaths, 15 were in the AIH group and 1 in the ASC group (P = 0.22). Of 11 transplants, 10 were in the AIH group and one in the ASC group (P = 0.53). The presence of cirrhosis at baseline was associated with a smaller survival probability (P = 0.015). The survival rate by Kaplan-Meier method was 94% at 5 years and 80% at 10 years, and was similar in both the groups (P = 0.08). Conclusions: No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in relation to prognosis and response to treatment.
The Classification of Extranet Attributes in Terms of Their Asymmetric Influences on Overall User Satisfaction

Information systems (IS), such as Internet applications, are widely used by the tourism and travel industry. Extranets, in particular, allow controlled access of outside organizations into a company’s internal systems. In the travel industry, these technological applications are generated and supplied by tour operators and used by travel agents to conduct their business. Use of an extranet is of benefit to a travel operator who gains more revenue if travel agents select or recommend its particular products. This article classifies the attributes of a tour operator’s extranet system in terms of its asymmetric influence on its user (travel agency sales representatives) satisfaction. In addition, a revised version of impact-asymmetry analysis is presented, called asymmetric impact-performance analysis, which is a simple and visual technique that assesses the key attributes for increasing overall user satisfaction.
Contextualizing the survivorship experiences of Haitian immigrant women with breast cancer: opportunities for health promotion.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To examine challenges faced by Haitian immigrant women managing a breast cancer diagnosis. RESEARCH APPROACH Trained community health workers conducted focus groups with Haitian women who were breast cancer survivors. A grounded theory approach guided analysis of transcripts. SETTING A large community-based organization in Miami, FL. PARTICIPANTS 18 women took part in three focus groups. Participants were 40 years or older, were ethnically Haitian, and had been diagnosed with breast cancer 6-12 months prior to the study. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH Data were collected as part of an ongoing community-based participatory research initiative in Little Haiti, the largest enclave of Haitian settlement in Miami, FL. Community health workers, integral to the initiative, recruited participants through their extensive social networks and community contacts. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Screening knowledge, illness beliefs, social and economic consequences of a breast cancer diagnosis, and advice for breast health education. FINDINGS Emergent themes suggest that Haitian breast cancer survivors face multiple challenges, including misperceptions about screening guidelines, disease etiology, and risk; a reduced capacity to earn a living because of physical debility; and diminished social support. CONCLUSIONS Future research must continue to examine the impact of breast cancer on Haitian immigrant women and identify key strategies, such as community outreach and support programs, to improve their quality of life. INTERPRETATION Nurses can play an essential role in such strategies by providing culturally relevant clinical care and partnering with community stakeholders to define the scope and focus of public health intervention.
Financial optimization: Mortgages and Markov chains: a simplified evaluation model

This paper has two purposes. The first is purely expository: to introduce stochastic interest-rate models and security-evaluation methods in a simple mathematical setting. Specifically, we assume the uncertainties in the model are represented by a discrete-time, finite-state Markov chain. Second, using this framework, we present a relatively simple model for the evaluation of mortgage-backed securities.
The rational expectations hypothesis and the cross-section of bond yields

In the context of the bond market, empirical tests of the rational expectations hypothesis (REH) have without exception been tests of the time-series properties of interest rates. However, the REH also imposes restrictions on the cross-section of bond yields at each point in time. This study tests these restrictions using the Fama and MacBeth repeated cross-section regression procedure. Specifically, a long series of monthly cross-section regressions is estimated using zero coupon bond yield data for maturities from two months to thirty-five years. The REH is tested using the time-series average of the estimated slope parameter in the cross-section regressions. The maturity-specific risk premium is proxied by the time-series volatility of excess returns for each bond maturity. Time-variation in the risk premium is allowed for through time-variation in the volatility of excess returns, and in the market price of risk. While the risk premium proxy is significant in explaining the cross-section of excess returns, the REH is very strongly rejected.
College faculty and the scholarship of teaching: Gender differences across four key activities

Prior work has spent much effort on what is the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) and little effort on who actually practices the SoTL. I begin to fill the research gap by examining two of the most salient characteristics that structure faculty dynamics and everyday lives—gender and years of experience— and four activities generally agreed to be indicators of the SoTL. Guided by identity theory in tandem with recent data on the characteristics and trends of higher education faculty in the U.S., I find that female faculty are more likely than their male counterparts to engage in the SoTL and that this gender gap increases with teaching experience. The data come from 2001-2002 survey data on 85 faculty at a large public research-intensive university in the Northwest.
Improved detection of acute HIV-1 infection in sub-Saharan Africa: development of a risk score algorithm

Objective:Individuals with acute (preseroconversion) HIV infection (AHI) are important in the spread of HIV. The identification of AHI requires the detection of viral proteins or nucleic acids with techniques that are often unaffordable for routine use. To facilitate the efficient use of these tests, we sought to develop a risk score algorithm for identifying likely AHI cases and targeting the tests towards those individuals. Design:A cross-sectional study of 1448 adults attending a sexually transmitted infections (STI) clinic in Malawi. Methods:Using logistic regression, we identified risk behaviors, symptoms, HIV rapid test results, and STI syndromes that were predictive of AHI. We assigned a model-based score to each predictor and calculated a risk score for each participant. Results:Twenty-one participants (1.45%) had AHI, 588 had established HIV infection, and 839 were HIV-negative. AHI was strongly associated with discordant rapid HIV tests and genital ulcer disease (GUD). The algorithm also included diarrhea, more than one sexual partner in 2 months, body ache, and fever. Corresponding predictor scores were 1 for fever, body ache, and more than one partner; 2 for diarrhea and GUD; and 4 for discordant rapid tests. A risk score of 2 or greater was 95.2% sensitive and 60.5% specific in detecting AHI. Conclusion:Using this algorithm, we could identify 95% of AHI cases by performing nucleic acid or protein tests in only 40% of patients. Risk score algorithms could enable rapid, reliable AHI detection in resource-limited settings.
Networking Beyond Organizational Boundaries: The Case of Project Organizations

Project organizations operate in environments where innovation depends significantly on the ability to integrate different but interrelated knowledge bases. These knowledge bases include individuals who are located outside organizational boundaries and have no formal relationship with the organization, but are connected socially to project workers. Organizational researchers have generally recognized the importance of external social relations for knowledge search. However, there is some debate on the question of whether social networks are more useful for innovation if they provide social cohesion through close interaction or access to diverse and novel sources of knowledge through more distant relationships. This study explores the configuration of project workers' external social networks and their effects on innovative behaviour, using data on the network ties of workers in 17 project organizations in the new-media industry. The findings are more consistent with the social embeddedness view of close social relations providing an important source of continuity in markets where intermittent projects are common. Project workers embedded in cohesive work-related social structures outside the organization tend to be more innovative in their project work than workers lacking such networks.
Women, Sports, and Journalism

While the involvement of women in journalism and athletics has grown significantly in recent decades, comparatively few women are involved in professional sports reporting. Yet, less is known regarding whether this trend is unique among professional journalists, or whether it begins earlier while journalists are still learning their profession and writing for their university student newspapers. To investigate this topic, this study involved a survey of university student newspaper staff members (n = 267) and a content analysis of six top student newspapers across the United States. Results of this study suggest that female sports reporters are uncommon in campus newsrooms and that women participate in sports reporting much less frequently than they participate in other related activities including journalism in general, playing sports, or watching sports. Further, results show that university student journalists are unaware of the inequality of coverage of men’s and women’s sports that exists in campus media.
A renewed approach to services marketing effectiveness

Purpose – Marketing as a function is under increasing pressure to develop and implement business‐oriented methods and measures to improve its effectiveness. This paper approaches the subject of marketing audits and aims to examine its impact and perceived benefits in service organizations. Based on the Index of Services Marketing Excellence framework, it seeks to develop an updated instrument and to test the hypothesized relationships – connections between input and output marketing measures.Design/methodology/approach – Data were taken from DunsPep Financial Sector Database. First, to validate the measurement instrument content, five individual interviews with marketing managers were carried out. Then, the same type of professionals were surveyed. Regarding structural equations modelling, a PLS‐GRAPH was utilized.Findings – This work tries to demonstrate the connection between marketing activities and company performance, sustaining the importance of a framework designed to evaluate the former. Findings .
Helminth parasites of finfish commercial aquaculture in Latin America

Abstract Latin America has tripled production by aquaculture up to 78 million tonnes in the past 20 years. However, one of the problems that aquaculture is facing is the presence of helminth parasites and the diseases caused by them in the region. In this review we have collected all the available information on helminths affecting commercial aquaculture in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), emphasizing those causing serious economic losses. Monogeneans are by far the most common and aggressive parasites affecting farmed fish in LAC. They have been recognized as serious pathogens in intensive fish culture because they reach high levels of infection rapidly, and can infect other phylogenetically related fish species. The next most important group comprises the larval stages of digeneans (metacercariae) such as Diplostomum sp. and Centrocestus formosanus, which cause serious damage to farmed fish. Since LAC aquaculture has been based mainly on exotic species (tilapia, salmon, trout and carp), most of their parasites have been brought into the region together with the fish for aquaculture. Recently, one of us (A.I.P.-T.) has suggested that monogeneans, which have generally been considered to be harmless, can produce serious effects on the growth of cultured Nile tilapia. Therefore, the introduction of fish together with their ‘harmless’ parasites into new sites, regions or countries in LAC should be considered a breakdown of biosecurity in those countries involved. Therefore, the application of quarantine procedures and preventive therapeutic treatments should be considered before allowing these introductions into a country.
Evaluation of Two Anti-Islanding Schemes for a Radial Distribution System Equipped With Self-Excited Induction Generator Wind Turbines

Local distribution companies (LDCs) require disconnection of distributed generation (DG) as soon as disturbance events occur to prevent sustainable islanding and damaging DGs and other equipments. In this paper, real-time laboratory testings were carried out to evaluate existing anti-islanding detection schemes. A comprehensive analysis and a testing process are proposed to assess the selection of a fast and reliable scheme for a practical radial distribution system equipped with a group of self-excited induction generator wind turbines (SEIG). Two anti-islanding schemes (passive local detection and communication based) were examined on various commercial relays to disconnect SEIG-DG in case of a main breaker opening due to a fault. The impact of existing recloser timer characteristics on the selection of the proper scheme is illustrated. The selected scheme was verified to disconnect SEIG-DGs in case of a manual main breaker opening in a proper time to protect public safety. A dedicated fiber optic connection and radio frequency communication-based schemes were evaluated and compared with passive local detection scheme performance. Various scenarios of SEIG-DG penetration levels were simulated, and different available commercial relay functions were tested. The obtained results, recommendations, and economic evaluations for choosing a proper scheme are reported and discussed.