Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of politeness: The case of attentiveness

Abstract This paper attempts to fill a gap in politeness research by introducing the concept of behavioural politeness and including the hearer as a significant component in the proposed analytical framework, which is set in the context of a cross-cultural study. Research into politeness has predominantly focused on linguistic features and on the speaker. Little attention has been paid to politeness as a whole unit of behaviour, and to the perspective of the hearer/receiver, i. e. how the hearer/receiver would judge politeness. It is proposed that politeness manifested through behaviour, i. e. behavioural politeness, and evaluation of politeness by the hearer/receiver are also important, and this paper takes the evaluation of attentiveness as an example of behavioural politeness using subjects from three cultural backgrounds. An attempt is also made to characterise the cultures (British, Japanese and Swiss) involved in this study in order to clarify this significant variable.
Preparation, Characterization and Stability Study of Dutasteride Loaded Nanoemulsion for Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)is the most common condition in aging men, associated with lower urinary tract symptoms. It is caused due to the augmented levels of the androgen dihydrotestosterone. Dutasteride, a 5α-Reductase inhibitor has been recommended for the treatment of BPH upon oral administration. However, long term oral administration of dutasteride may cause sexual problem in man. Therefore the main objective of this study was to develop transdermal patch having nanoemulsion gel of dutasteride in order to enhance physical and chemical stability and eliminate adverse effect of dutasteride. Optimized nanoemulsion was prepared by aqueous phase-titration method and characterized by droplet size, viscosity and refractive index. In-vitro skin permeation of dutasteride through rat abdominal skin was determined by the Franz diffusion cell.Significant increase in the steady state flux (Jss), permeability coefficient (Kp) and enhancement ratio (Er) was observed in optimized nanoemulsion formulation A1 (p < 0.05). The Er of optimized nanoemulsion A1 was found to be 1.52 times with respect to control which indicates transdermal delivery may be better approach for BPH. Stability studies were performed for the period of 3 months. It was found that droplet size, viscosity and refractive index were slightly increased at refrigerator and room temperature in 3 months period. However, the changes in these parameters were not statistically significant (p ≥ 0.05). The shelf-life of optimized nanoemulsion A1 was found to be 2.18 years at room temperature. These results indicated that both physical as well as chemical stability of dutasteride in nanoemulsion formulation.
Urban Infrastructure and Economic Development: Experimental Evidence from Street Pavement

We design an infrastructure experiment in Mexico to evaluate the impact of street pavement on housing values and household outcomes. We find that the provision of street pavement raises housing values by 16% and land values by 54%, according to professional appraisals. Using homeowner valuations, we estimate the impact of pavement on housing values to be 25%. At the household level, street paving increased the use of collateral-based credit and average loan size. Additionally, among households on paved streets vehicle ownership went up by 40%, while the number of durable goods augmented by 12% as a result of pavement. We provide compelling evidence that the mechanism explaining the durable goods increase is the credit channel: the raise in durable goods as well as in credit use was only present among households with access to financial services at baseline. This suggests that increments in the value of collateral are not sufficient to expand credit use in this context. Access to the financial sector is necessary for street pavement to be reflected in higher consumption of durable goods. Finally, we estimate the private gains to land plots on paved streets to be 109% of construction costs, which can have important implications for urban infrastructure financing.
AIDS and Stigma

This article briefly reviews current knowledge about AIDS-related stigma, defined as prejudice, discounting, discrediting, and discrimination directed at people perceived to have AIDS or HIV, and the individuals, groups, and communities with which they are associated. AIDS stigma has been manifested in discrimination, violence, and personal rejection of people with AIDS (PWAs). Whereas the characteristics of AIDS as an illness probably make some degree of stigma inevitable, AIDS has also been used as a symbol for expressing negative attitudes toward groups disproportionately affected by the epidemic, especially gay men and injecting drug users (IDUs). AIDS stigma affects the well-being of PWAs and influences their personal choices about disclosing their serostatus to others. It also affects PWAs' loved ones and their caregivers, both volunteers and professionals. Stigma has hindered society's response to the epidemic, and may continue to have an impact as policies providing special protection to people with HIV face renewed scrutiny.
Computer-assisted transcription of speech based on confusion network reordering

Large vocabulary automatic speech recognition (ASR) technologies perform well in known and controlled contexts. In less controlled conditions, however, human review is often necessary to check and correct the results of such systems in order to ensure that the output of ASR will be understandable. We propose a method for computer-assisted transcription of speech, based on automatic reordering confusion networks. Our method will be evaluated in terms of KSR (Keystroke Saving Rate) and WSR (Word Stroke Ratio). It allows to significantly reduce the number of actions needed to correct ASR outputs. WSR computed before and after every network reordering shows a gain of about 17.7% (3.4 points).
Markov-modeled Downlink Environment: Opportunistic Multiuser Scheduling and the Stability Region

In this paper, we focus on the downlink of a cellular system, which corresponds to the bulk of the data transfer in such communication systems. We address the problem of multiuser scheduling with partial channel information. In our setting, the channel of each user is modeled by a two-state Markov chain. The scheduler indirectly estimates the channel via accumulated Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ) feedback from the scheduled users and uses this information in future scheduling decisions. This problem falls under the restless multi-armed bandit processes that have been shown to be PSPACE-hard to solve in general. Using a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP), we formulate a throughput maximization problem and show that, despite the visible complexity of this problem, a simple round-robin fashioned scheduling policy optimizes the system for the special case of three or less users in the system. We study the structure of this policy for an arbitrary number of users and establish a sufficient condition for the optimality of this policy. Drawing equivalence with a genie-aided system and assuming random arrivals of packets at the scheduler, we study the stability region of the downlink system and derive explicit expressions for the sum capacity of the downlink. Index Terms – Markov channel, downlink, multiuser scheduling, greedy policy, stability region.
The effect of the National Essential Medicines Policy on health expenditures and service delivery in Chinese township health centres: evidence from a longitudinal study

Objectives The government of China has introduced a National Essential Medicines Policy (NEMP) in the new round of health system reform. The objective of this paper is to analyse whether the NEMP can play a role in curbing the rise of medical expenditures without disrupting the availability of healthcare services at township hospitals in China. Design This study adopted a pre–post treatment-control study design. A difference-in-differences method and fixed-effects model for panel data were employed to estimate the effect of the NEMP. Setting Chongqing, Jiangsu and Henan Province, in China, in 2009 and 2010. Participants 296 township health centres. Outcome measures Outcomes for health expenditures were average outpatient drug expenses per visit, average inpatient drug expenses per discharged patient, average outpatient expenses per visit and average inpatient expenses per discharged patient. Outcomes for care delivery were the numbers of visits per certified doctor per day and the numbers of hospitalised patients per certified doctor per day. Results The township health centres that were enrolled in the NEMP reported 26% (p<0.01) lower drug expenditures for inpatient care. An 11% (p<0.05) decrease in average inpatient expenditures per discharged patient was found following the implementation of the NEMP. The impacts of the NEMP on average outpatient expenditures and outpatient drug expenditures were not statistically significant at the 5% level. No statistically significant associations were found between the NEMP and reduction in quantity of health service delivery. Conclusions The NEMP was significant in its effect in reducing inpatient medication and health service expenditures. This study shows no evidence that the quantity of healthcare service declined significantly after introduction of the NEMP over the study period, which suggests that if appropriate matching policies are introduced, the side effects of the NEMP can be counteracted to some degree. Further research including a long-term follow-up study is needed.
Mitochondrial DNA variability in Russians and Ukrainians: Implication to the origin of the Eastern Slavs

In order to investigate the origin of the Eastern Slavs, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence variation was examined in Russians and Ukrainians by hypervariable segment I (HVS I) sequencing and restriction analysis of the haplogroup‐specific sites. No significant differences were found for Russians and Ukrainians when compared to other Europeans – in fact, they fall within the range of gene diversity seen throughout Europe and exhibit the unimodal pattern of pairwise sequence differences. Moreover, HVS I sequences in the Russians and Ukrainians are similar or identical to those found in eastern and western European populations. Despite the small genetic distances between Europeans, phylogenetic analysis reveals a considerable heterogeneity of Eastern Slavonic populations – they do not cluster together onto a phylogenetic tree. Analysis of distribution of rare HVS I types shared between populations of Eastern Slavs and other West Eurasians has shown that Russians share rare haplotypes mainly with Germans and Finno–Ugric populations. Of these, subhaplogroup H1 sequence types, which are defined by different combinations of nucleotides 16192T, 16294T, 16304C, 16311C and 16320T, are found predominantly in common between Russians and German‐speaking populations. The data obtained allow us to conclude that the Slavonic migrations in early Middle Ages from their putative homeland in central Europe to the east of Europe were accompanied mostly by the same mtDNA types characteristic for the pre‐Slavonic populations of eastern Europe.
Students' Lived Experiences as Text in Teaching the Sociological Imagination

Although we may claim our students are developing a sociological imagination, it is quite another to realize this in our teaching and our students' performances. Through a professional move from teaching in Chicago to Maine, I was led to rethink how I teach the sociological imagination. I argue that if we are to teach the sociological imagination, we must consider our students' contextual backgrounds more carefully and use student's lived experiences as “text” from which they exercise and develop their sociological imaginations. I illustrate this approach with an assignment designed to use students' experiences from rural and small towns in Maine. The assignment challenges them to use their sociological perspective to look at the relationship between “private troubles” and “public issues,” and to demonstrate using a sociological imagination to reflect on their biographies.
Copper and Zinc Homeostasis: Lessons from Drosophila melanogaster

Maintenance of metal homeostasis is crucial for many different enzymatic activities and in turn for cell function and survival. In addition, cells display detoxification and protective mechanisms against toxic accumulation of metals. Perturbation of any of these processes normally leads to cellular dysfunction and finally to cell death. In the last years, loss of metal regulation has been described as a common pathological feature in many human neurodegenerative diseases. However, in most cases, it is still a matter of debate whether such dyshomeostasis is a primary or a secondary downstream defect. In this review, we will summarize and critically evaluate the contribution of Drosophila to model human diseases that involve altered metabolism of metals or in which metal dyshomeostasis influence their pathobiology. As a prerequisite to use Drosophila as a model, we will recapitulate and describe the main features of core genes involved in copper and zinc metabolism that are conserved between mammals and flies. Drosophila presents some unique strengths to be at the forefront of neurobiological studies. The number of genetic tools, the possibility to easily test genetic interactions in vivo and the feasibility to perform unbiased genetic and pharmacological screens are some of the most prominent advantages of the fruitfly. In this work, we will pay special attention to the most important results reported in fly models to unveil the role of copper and zinc in cellular degeneration and their influence in the development and progression of human neurodegenerative pathologies such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, Friedreich's Ataxia or Menkes, and Wilson's diseases. Finally, we show how these studies performed in the fly have allowed to give further insight into the influence of copper and zinc in the molecular and cellular causes and consequences underlying these diseases as well as the discovery of new therapeutic strategies, which had not yet been described in other model systems.
Views of Intimate Partner Violence in Same‐ and Opposite‐Sex Relationships

Attitudes toward same-sex intimate relationships and intimate partner violence (IPV) are changing. Little research, however, has examined norms about IPV in same-sex relationships. Using a fractional factorial (experimental vignette) design, we conducted random-digit-dialed interviews in four languages with 3,679 community-residing adults. Multivariate analyses of responses to 14,734 vignettes suggest that IPV against gay male, lesbian, and heterosexual women is more likely than that against heterosexual men to be considered illegal and that it should be illegal, police called, and a stay-away order issued. Regardless of gender and sexual orientation, the type of abuse and whether a weapon was displayed are the strongest predictors of respondents’ judgments about whether a behavior is illegal and merits a range of societal interventions.
The Under- and Over-Identification of Autism: Factors Associated With Diagnostic Referral

As reported prevalence and public awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have grown in recent years, clinicians will likely see increased referrals for suspected ASD. The current study sought to elucidate factors associated with referral for possible ASD, as well as diagnostic outcome among youth referred for suspected ASD. Youth referred for psychological evaluations at an outpatient clinic (N = 69, 6–18 years, 48 male) were categorized into four groups: referred for suspected ASD and diagnosed as such, referred for ASD and not diagnosed as such, not referred for ASD but diagnosed as such, and neither referred for nor diagnosed with ASD. Approximately half of cases referred for suspected ASD did not meet diagnostic criteria. A significant effect of group was found for cognitive ability and anxiety. Youth receiving ASD diagnoses, regardless of whether they were referred for suspected ASD, demonstrated lower cognitive ability than children not receiving ASD diagnoses. Youth neither referred for nor diagnosed with ASD demonstrated lower anxiety than those who were referred and diagnosed. Maternal education significantly differed among the four groups. Although group differences are seen for youth cognitive ability, anxiety, and maternal education, we found no clear indicators differentiating referrals that were “accurate” (i.e., those diagnosed with ASD) and those that were not (i.e., those who did not receive ASD diagnosis). Comorbidity was high in all groups, including those referred primarily for ASD assessment, underscoring the importance of comprehensive assessment regardless of specificity of the referral.
Risperidone in the Treatment of Disruptive Behavioral Symptoms in Children With Autistic and Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders

Objective. To investigate the efficacy and safety of risperidone for the treatment of disruptive behavioral symptoms in children with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). Methods. In this 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, risperidone/placebo solution (0.01–0.06 mg/kg/day) was administered to 79 children who were aged 5 to 12 years and had PDD. Behavioral symptoms were assessed using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form, and Clinical Global Impression-Change. Safety assessments included vital signs, electrocardiogram, extrapyramidal symptoms, adverse events, and laboratory tests. Results. Subjects who were taking risperidone (mean dosage: 0.04 mg/kg/day; 1.17 mg/day) experienced a significantly greater mean decrease on the irritability subscale of the ABC (primary endpoint) compared with those who were taking placebo. By study endpoint, risperidone-treated subjects exhibited a 64% improvement over baseline in the irritability score almost double that of placebo-treated subjects (31%). Risperidone-treated subjects also exhibited significantly greater decreases on the other 4 subscales of the ABC; on the conduct problem, insecure/anxious, hyperactive, and overly sensitive subscales of the Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form (parent version); and on the Visual Analog Scale of the most troublesome symptom. More risperidone-treated subjects (87%) showed global improvement in their condition compared with the placebo group (40%). Somnolence, the most frequently reported adverse event, was noted in 72.5% versus 7.7% of subjects (risperidone vs placebo) and seemed manageable with dose/dose-schedule modification. Risperidone-treated subjects experienced statistically significantly greater increases in weight (2.7 vs 1.0 kg), pulse rate, and systolic blood pressure. Extrapyramidal symptoms scores were comparable between groups. Conclusions. Risperidone was well tolerated and efficacious in treating behavioral symptoms associated with PDD in children.
Do online reviews affect product sales? The role of reviewer characteristics and temporal effects

Online product reviews provided by consumers who previously purchased products have become a major information source for consumers and marketers regarding product quality. This study extends previous research by conducting a more compelling test of the effect of online reviews on sales. In particular, we consider both quantitative and qualitative aspects of online reviews, such as reviewer quality, reviewer exposure, product coverage, and temporal effects. Using transaction cost economics and uncertainty reduction theories, this study adopts a portfolio approach to assess the effectiveness of the online review market. We show that consumers understand the value difference between favorable news and unfavorable news and respond accordingly. Furthermore, when consumers read online reviews, they pay attention not only to review scores but to other contextual information such as a reviewer’s reputation and reviewer exposure. The market responds more favorably to reviews written by reviewers with better reputation and higher exposure. Finally, we demonstrate that the impact of online reviews on sales diminishes over time. This suggests that firms need not provide incentives for customers to write reviews beyond a certain time period after products have been released.
Biomechanical and Macroscopic Evaluations of the Effects of 5-Fluorouracil on Partially Divided Flexor Tendon Injuries in Rabbits

Background:The main goals of flexor tendon surgery are to restore digital motion by providing tendon healing and to preserve tendon gliding. Our purpose was to investigate the effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on tendon adhesions in partially divided profundus flexor tendons (flexor digitorum profundus [FDPs]) following surgical repair and in partially divided FDPs without surgical repair, and to compare the results of the repair versus the nonrepair of zone two injuries via macroscopic and biomechanical evaluations of tendon adhesions. Methods:We used 32 adult male European rabbits (Oryctolagus cunniculus) weighing from 2.5 to 3.5 kg. The study was performed on the deep flexor tendons of the second and third digits of the right hind paws of the rabbits; thus, a total of 64 tendons were examined in this study. Results:Based on the results achieved in our experimental study, the load (N) significantly increased in subgroup 1a in which the tendons were surgically repaired and were not treated with 5-FU compared with subgroup 2a in which tendons were surgically repaired and treated with 5-FU. Conclusions:The load (N) significantly increased in subgroup 1a in which the tendons were surgically repaired and were not treated with 5-FU compared to subgroup 2a in which the tendons were surgically repaired and treated with 5-FU. Therefore, these results revealed a decrease in adhesion formation in the subgroup that was treated with 5-FU due to increased resistance to tendon adhesions during their excursion through the tendon sheath, which in this case required greater traction force.
Childhood morbidity and air pollution in the Teplice program.

BACKGROUND A study of morbidity of children aged 0 to 3 years was conducted in two districts in the Czech Republic. Comparisons were made between children living in Teplice district, known for its high air pollution, and children living in Practice, a district with consistently lower particulate and SO2 exposures. METHODS AND RESULTS The children were selected for the follow up based on deliveries from May 1994 to December 1966. Childhood morbidity during the first three years of life of 452 children was extracted from their pediatric records. Diagnoses were coded using the International Classification of Diseases--10th edition, and categorized into broad groupings. Children born in Teplice experienced a significantly higher rate of otitis media and otalgia, gastrointestinal infections, upper respiratory infections, and pneumonia, but did not differ in their risk for bronchitis or for viral infections such as varicella. These findings remained after multiple linear regression models adjusted for education, maternal age, maternal smoking, and other smokers in the household, breastfeeding, and attendance at day care. CONCLUSIONS Air pollution may alter early childhood susceptibility to infection, but other differences between the districts must be considered: systematic diagnostic differences for several health outcomes comparing pediatricians in Teplice vs. Practice, differences in health-care seeking behavior by the parents, and inadequate control for confounding.