Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Workplace Accommodations for Employees With Disabilities: A Multilevel Model of Employer Decision-Making

Purpose: Existing research suggests that the decision to grant or deny workplace accommodations for people with disabilities is influenced by a range of legal and nonlegal factors. However, less is known about how these factors operate at the within-person level. Thus, we proposed and tested a multilevel model of the accommodation decision-making process, which we applied to better understand why people with psychological disabilities often experience greater challenges in obtaining accommodations. Method: A sample of 159 Australian adults, composed mostly of managers and HR professionals, read 12 vignettes involving requests for accommodations from existing employees. The requests differed in whether they were for psychological or physical disabilities. For each vignette, participants rated their empathy with the employee, the legitimacy of the employee’s disability, the necessity for productivity, the perceived cost, and the reasonableness, and indicated whether they would grant the accommodation. Results: Multilevel modeling indicated that greater empathy, legitimacy, and necessity, and lower perceived cost predicted perceptions of greater reasonableness and greater granting. Accommodation requests from employees with psychological disabilities were seen as less reasonable and were less likely to be granted; much of this effect seemed to be driven by perceptions that such accommodations were less necessary for productivity. Ratings on accommodations were influenced both by general between-person tendencies and within-person appraisals of particular scenarios. Conclusions: The study points to a need for organizations to more clearly establish guidelines for how decision-makers should fairly evaluate accommodation requests for employees with psychological disabilities and disability more broadly.
Semantic services for Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB) composition

This paper describes an intelligence Rapid Product Generator (iRPG) knowledge management framework. The iRPG is designed for use by the ISR-C2 community to support the warfighter in the creation, analysis, and distribution of tactical intelligence data. The ultimate aim is to support generation and use of Generic Intelligence Requirements Handbook (GIRH) and Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB) data. The resulting capability for rapid generation of intelligence products will enable warfighter-evolved systems; that is, users will be able to compose solutions to intelligence needs in real time using pre-existing data sources and services. The iRPG will be a standards-based framework, making use of the service-oriented architecture (SOA), and supporting distributed data models and ontologies. iRPG will include the following features: a knowledge-products ontology derived from GIRH or IPB requirements; a set of design integration guidelines for application services; implementations of workflow and discovery services; and a method for annotating non-semantic web services for integration into the ISR-C2 framework.
Passengers queue length measurement

The European CROMATICA (CROwd MAnagement with Telematic Imaging and Communication Assistance) project investigated methods to improve public transport quality of service. Among the developed systems, automatic measurement of passenger queue length was required. This article presents an automatic measurement of passenger queue length based on image analysis. The algorithm developed is robust to contrast changes and is able to work even under low contrast. It is based on a level lines image representation, and on a study of the effects of contrast changes on them. This algorithm has been tested on real airport situations.
A Proposal for Brand Analysis with Opinion Mining

The popularity of e‐commerce sites has increased the availability of product reviews, most of which are overlooked by customers because of their large number. Opinion min‐ ing, a discipline that aims to extract people's opinions regarding some topic from reviews, was developed to address this situation. However, the individual interpretation of the reviews is not enough to take advantage of the massive datasets available on the web; a meaningful summary of the set of opinions is necessary to give users an overall insight into the opinions. We propose a system to extract information from Amazon product reviews, which focuses on a time‐varying comparison among different brands in a given Amazon product department. In this system, the results are summarized so that users can get a representative and detailed overview of the opinions of (possibly) hundreds of other users regarding the strong and weak points of several brands. This information can be used by customers who want to find high‐quality products, or by the enterprises themselves, which could find the aspects with a higher impact in the public perception.
Visual relationship detection with object spatial distribution

Recently, object recognition techniques have been rapidly developed. Most of existing object recognition focused on recognizing several independent concepts. The relationship of objects is also an important problem, which shows in-depth semantic information of images. In this work, toward general visual relationship detection, we propose a method to integrate spatial distribution of object to facilitate visual relation detection. Spatial distribution can not only reflect positional relation of object but also describe structural information between objects. Spatial distributions are described with different features such as positional relation, size relation, shape relation, and so on. By combing spatial distribution features with visual and concept features, we establish a modeling method to make these three aspects working together to facilitate visual relationship detection. To evaluate the proposed method, we conduct experiments on two datasets, which are the Stanford VRD dataset, and a newly proposed larger new dataset which contains 15k images. Experimental results demonstrate that our approach is effective.
Composition and predictive functional analysis of bacterial communities in the surface seawater of the Changjiang Estuary

The objective of this study was to characterize the structure and function of microbial communities in surface seawater from the Changjiang Estuary and adjacent areas, China. Sample water was collected at 12 sites and environmental parameters were measured. Community structure was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing of 16S rDNA genes. Predictive metagenomic approach was used to predict the function of bacterial communities. Result showed that sample site A0102 had the highest bacterial abundance and diversity. The heatmap indicated that different samples could be clustered into six groups. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Proteobacteria was the predominant phylum in all samples, followed by Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria were the dominant classes. The analysis of predictive metagenomic showed carbon fixation pathways in prokaryotes, nitrogen metabolism, carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms, photosynthesis and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degradation were enriched in all samples. Redundancy analysis (RDA) identified that dissolved oxygen (DO) and PO4 3– concentration had positive correlations with the bacterial communities while chemical oxygen demand (COD), dissolved oxygen (DO) and PO4 3–
A secure communication framework based on chaotic system array and its application in Internet of Energy

Information communication technology(ICT) is the key issue of internet of energy(IoE). It's important and necessary to improve the information security statue. As chaotic signal is noise-like, unpredictable and sensitive to the variation of initial conditions and structure parameters, using chaotic system to build secure communication system is feasible and reliable. In this paper, a framework of secure communication system that is constructed with chaotic system array is proposed and analyzed. Different types of chaotic systems with unique structure parameters were used to form an array which generating chaotic signals for secure communicating. Chaotic signals in the array are partial or complete used to modulate/mask the message needed transmission. The encryption algorithm may be jointed while processing the message before emitting it, which can promote the secure communication system secure statue comparing to the conventional cryptosystems. The simulation verification of the secure communication system with plain-image show it works on a high performance. Moreover, this cryptosystem can be achieved with chips, DSP, FPGA, micro-computers and programming language. The application of secure communication system within chaotic system array in IoE is worth a further research.
Higher smectic-layer order parameters in liquid crystals determined by x-ray diffraction and the effect of antiferroelectricity.

By observing the higher-order Bragg peaks corresponding to the layer spacing, the smectic-layer order parameters up to the third order were obtained and the center-of-mass distribution function along the layer normal was calculated. The results clearly indicate that the smectic layer distribution is different from a sinusoidal density wave in antiferroelectric liquid crystals and that the smectic- (Sm) layer order is relatively higher in antiferroelectric Sm-[ital C][sub [ital A]][sup (*)] than in ferroelectric Sm-[ital C][sup (*)]. There exists a correlation between the stable antiferroelectricity and the higher smectic-layer order.
Almost tight upper bounds for lower envelopes in higher dimensions

We consider the problem of bounding the combinatorial complexity of the lower envelope ofn surfaces or surface patches ind-space (d≥3), all algebraic of constant degree, and bounded by algebraic surfaces of constant degree. We show that the complexity of the lower envelope ofn such surface patches isO(nd−1+∈), for any ∈>0; the constant of proportionality depends on ∈, ond, ons, the maximum number of intersections among anyd-tuple of the given surfaces, and on the shape and degree of the surface patches and of their boundaries. This is the first nontrivial general upper bound for this problem, and it almost establishes a long-standing conjecture that the complexity of the envelope isO(nd-2λq(n)) for some constantq depending on the shape and degree of the surfaces (where λq(n) is the maximum length of (n, q) Davenport-Schinzel sequences). We also present a randomized algorithm for computing the envelope in three dimensions, with expected running timeO(n2+∈), and give several applications of the new bounds.
Resource Dependence Dynamics: Partner Reactions to Mergers

Research on resource dependence typically takes a static view in which actions and outcomes are determined structurally, but not as responses to the actions of the counterparty in an exchange relation. By contrast, this study addresses a question of power dynamics by examining whether mergers of organizations trigger responses from their common exchange partners. We predict that common exchange partners respond by withdrawing from the relationship and that their responses vary with the availability of alternatives, the value of the relationship, and the relationship history. Using data on advertising agencies, we show that mergers of agencies do trigger reactions from their common clients, and the reactions differ with agency and client characteristics. Extending existing theory and evidence, our results suggest that firms respond to the dynamics of exchange relationships and not only to their structure.
Dentin Regeneration Using Deciduous Pulp Stem/Progenitor Cells

Reparative dentin formation is essential for maintaining the integrity of dentin structure during disease or trauma. In this study, we investigated stem/progenitor cell-based tissue engineering for dentin regeneration in a large animal model. Porcine deciduous pulp stem/progenitor cells (PDPSCs) were mixed with a beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffold for dentin regeneration. Different concentrations of PDPSCs were tested to determine the optimal density for dentin regeneration. Aliquots of 5×105 PDPSCs in 1 mL resulted in the highest number of cells attached to the scaffold and the greatest alkaline phosphatase activity. We labeled PDPSCs with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and used the optimal cell numbers mixed with β-TCP to repair pulp chamber roof defects in the premolars of swine. Four weeks after transplantation, GFP-positive PDPSCs were observed in PDPSC-embedded scaffold constructs. At 16 weeks after transplantation, the PDPSCs mixed with β-TCP significantly regenerated the dentin-like structures and nearly completely restored the pulp chamber roof defects. This study demonstrated that the PDPSC/scaffold construct was useful in direct pulp-capping and provides pre-clinical evidence for stem/progenitor cell-based dentin regeneration.
Job Security and Earnings Management

The incremental increase of the managerial dismissal hazard may have discipline and opportunism effects on earnings management. The disciplinary effect incentivizes the CEOs to undertake actions to improve the real performance, which reduces the need of earnings management, especially the need of overstating the performance; while the CEOs with the opportunistic motive choose to decorate the earnings information. With a large sample, we show that on average the disciplinary effect dominates, that is, higher dismissal hazard is associated with less earning-inflating accruals and real earnings management; the opportunistic effect is still likely but exists only when the dismissal risk is relatively high; and moreover, the discipline function of job security is important when the other monitoring mechanisms (e.g., board of directors, the financial analysts, and the institutional investors, etc.) are weak.
Detecting clinical activity in systemic lupus erythematosus with an archaeal poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-like thermozyme: a pivotal study

The clinical usefulness of an immunotest was evaluated by using purified poly(adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribose) polymerase from Sulfolobus solfataricus (PARPSso) as an antigen to detect the presence of abnormal anti-PARP antibodies in the sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at different clinical stages. Sera from 44 patients with SLE, subgrouped on the basis of disease activity (16 with inactive disease, 28 with active disease) were analysed with a new immunotest to detect anti-PARP antibodies, and with an immunofluorescent (IIF) assay for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) detection. ANA detection by IIF revealed that sera of healthy subjects were negative, whereas sera from patients with SLE were positive in all cases (13 positive at 1:80, 15 at 1:160, 15 at 1:320, 1 at 1:640, v/v). Anti-PARP activity was higher in ANA-positive patients than in controls (p = 0.005). Within the group of SLE sera, disease and anti-PARP activity was increased more significantly in patients with active than in those with inactive disease (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Correlation between anti-PARP and disease activity in SLE patients was statistically significant (p < 0.001). PARPSso seems to be suitable for detecting anti-PARP antibodies and could play a role as a serological marker of disease activity in patients with SLE.
Multi-integral methods for nonlinear boundary-value problems

In this paper the multi-integral methods has been applied to the singular two-point boundary- value problem , with the boundary conditions and u(0) = B. The bounds which provide the rate of convergence of the iterative sequence of approximate solutions by Picard method, to the exact solution and stop criteria are discussed and obtained. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the performance of the method
In vitro selection of resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae at in vivo fluoroquinolone concentrations.

OBJECTIVES To compare the ability to select for resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae of levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin and prulifloxacin. METHODS Twenty strains of S. pneumoniae susceptible to fluoroquinolones were used. The frequencies of spontaneous single-step mutations at plasma and epithelial lining fluid (ELF) peak and trough antibiotic concentrations were calculated. Multi-step selection of resistance was evaluated by performing 10 serial subcultures on agar plates containing a linear gradient from peak to trough antimicrobial concentrations, followed by 10 subcultures on antibiotic-free agar. Resistant strains selected after multi-step selection were characterized for DNA mutations by sequencing gyrA, gyrB, parC and parE genes. RESULTS Levofloxacin and moxifloxacin showed the lowest frequencies of mutations (median <10(-11)) at plasma peak and at ELF concentrations, while medians ranging from 10(-8) to 10(-6) were observed for ciprofloxacin and prulifloxacin. In a multi-step selection assay, ciprofloxacin and prulifloxacin selected for the highest number of resistant strains (19 and 31, respectively). No selection of resistance was observed for levofloxacin at ELF concentrations and for moxifloxacin at plasma and ELF concentrations. Mutations in parC, parE and gyrA genes were found in ciprofloxacin- and prulifloxacin-resistant strains, while only parC mutations were found for levofloxacin. CONCLUSIONS Levofloxacin and moxifloxacin are characterized by a lower propensity to select in vitro for resistance in S. pneumoniae than ciprofloxacin and prulifloxacin, when tested at plasma and lung concentrations.
Sexual con ict and cooperation in butter y reproduction : a comparative study of polyandry and female tness

Most butter£y species can be characterized as capital breeders, meaning that reproductive output is strongly coupled to the amount of resources they have procured during the larval stage. Accordingly, female fecundity is generally correlated with female mass, both within and across species. However, the females of some species can be partly characterized as income breeders, in the sense that their reproductive output is dependent not only on larval-derived capital but also on resources acquired during the adult stage. These adult resources can be derived from female feeding or from male-transferred nuptial gifts. Recent studies on the within-species e¡ects of multiple matings on female ¢tness show that females generally gain directly from multiple matings in terms of increased lifetime o¡spring production. Here, we test whether the positive e¡ects of multiple mating on female ¢tness also hold at a comparative level, by conducting a laboratory study of female reproductive output in eight pierid species that di¡er in lifetime female mating frequency. Female reproductive output, measured as cumulative egg mass divided by female mass, increased signi¢cantly with polyandry (r ˆ 0.942, p 5 0.001), demonstrating that the positive e¡ect of mating rate on female reproductive ¢tness also holds between species. The positive e¡ect of male nutrient contribution is substantial, and the per capita reproductive output is more than twice as high in the most polyandrous species as in the most monandrous ones. Hence, the positive net e¡ect of the ejaculates is highly substantial, although males and females can have sexual interests that run counter to each other, setting the stage for sexually antagonistic coevolution, so that the various component parts of the male ejaculateösperm, nutrients, anti-aphrodisiacs, and gonadotrophic hormonesömay each correspond to a separate con£ict^cooperation balance between the sexes. Two scenarios for the evolution of nuptial gifts in butter£ies are discussed, one arguing that variation in larval food is the underlying factor and the other arguing that sexually antagonistic coevolution is the driving force. The two views are complementary rather than mutually exclusive, although the former hypothesis predicts that variation in female mating rate depends on variation in larval food availability, whereas the latter suggests that variation in female mating rate between species results from species-speci¢c idiosyncrasies.
Maternal zinc and selenium status in pregnancies with a neural tube defect or elevated plasma alpha‐fetoprotein

Summary. Zinc and selenium status was assessed in 30 non‐pregnant women, 69 women during normal pregnancy, six with a fetus with a neural tube defect (NTD) and 16 who had a raised plasma alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) but no detectable fetal abnormality. Plasma zinc and selenium concentrations were significantly reduced in the second trimester of normal pregnancy compared with non‐pregnant levels. A significant decrease in concentrations of zinc in plasma and selenium in plasma and leucocytes was observed in women in the third trimester compared with women in the second trimester. Women with a fetal NTD and women with an unexplained elevation of plasma AFP had significantly lower leucocyte concentrations of zinc and of selenium. Mean values for plasma zinc, plasma and erythrocyte selenium, and for the activity of glutathione peroxidase in whole blood did not differ from those for normal pregnancy.
The Quest for Competence in Systemic Research and Practice

How can we develop competence in research and professional practice? This essay tries to answer the question from the perspective of critical systems thinking, that is, through an approach that aims to promote reflective research and practice. The paper originated in discussions on the nature of research, with research students and professionals from different fields – among these the domains of business and public management, operational research and management science, social planning and evaluation research, public healt h, poverty research, social work and social policy, environmental research, city and regional planning, adult education and civic studies. With its publication the author hopes to encourage a wide readership of research students, researchers, and professio nals in these and other fields of practice who wish to clarify their personal notion of competence. The essay addresses them in a direct and personal way.
Inter-cell interference alignment in multi cell multiuser channels

We propose an interference alignment scheme for the multi cell multiuser interference channel, where M antennas are used at the base stations and N antennas are used at user terminals. The large number of interference vectors from other cells are aligned into interference alignment planes at the other cell base stations. After the alignment, L cells support up to L(⌊N/(L-1)⌋-1) user streams when 1≤⌊N/(L-1)⌋≤M.
Consuming and producing linked open data: the case of OpenCourseWare

– The aim of this paper is to present an initiative to apply the principles of Linked Data to enhance the search and discovery of OpenCourseWare (OCW) contents created and shared by the universities. , – This paper is a case study of how linked data technologies can be applied for the enhancement of open learning contents. , – Results presented under the umbrella of OCW-Universia consortium, as the integration and access to content from different repositories OCW and the development of a query method to access these data, reveal that linked data would offer a solution to filter and select semantically those open educational contents, and automatically are linked to the linked open data cloud. , – The new OCW-Universia integration with linked data adds new features to the initial framework including improved query mechanisms and interoperability.
A MULTISCALE DAMAGE MODEL FOR THE ANALYSIS OF LAMINATED COMPOSITE STRUCTURES ON THE MICROSCALE

Today, laminated composites are increasingly involved in high-performance applications, particularly in vital parts for the aeronautical industry. This popularity has led to many research works on different scales, resulting in a better understanding and modeling of the damage mechanisms. Still, predicting the evolution of damage (microcracks and delamination) up to final fracture remains a crucial research topic in the mechanics of composite materials and structures.