Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
USING SEMANTIC SIMILARITY TO ENHANCE ITEM-BASED COLLABORATIVE FILTERING

Collaborative Filtering (CF) systems address the problem of making personalized recommendation using knowledge discovery techniques. By predicting user ratings on new items based on historical ratings of other users, CF systems can give reasonable recommendations to new users. Traditionally, user-based CF algorithm can give predictions and recommendations by finding similar users. However these algorithms often suffer from scalability, sparsity and first-rater problems. Recently, some researchers have proposed the item-based CF algorithms, which give predictions based on similar items’ ratings. These can alleviate the scalability problems, but these algorithms suffer from the sparsity and first-rater problems. In this paper, we present two algorithms which use semantic similarity to enhance itembased Collaborative Filtering. In both algorithms, we will extract semantic information about items and compute semantic similarity between them. In the first algorithm, we combine the semantic and rating similarities to find most similar items to a target item. In the second algorithm, we use the combined similarity to fill in the original ratings matrix, and then we run the first algorithm on this less sparse ratings matrix. Our experiments show that both algorithms can achieve better prediction accuracy than traditional item-based CF algorithms. Furthermore, the second algorithm can alleviate the sparsity problem.
A C-band high efficiency second harmonic tuned hybrid power amplifier in GaN technology

In this contribution, a C-band 2nd harmonic tuned hybrid power amplifier utilizing a PHEMT GaN device is presented, together with technological aspects, nonlinear device model and adopted design criteria. The amplifier has been realised in hybrid form, exhibiting a bandwidth larger than 20% around 5.5GHz, with a minimum output power of 33 dBm, and a drain efficiency of 60% at the centre frequency.
Erratum to “Investigation of Sesamol on Myeloperoxidase and Colon Morphology in Acetic Acid-Induced Inflammatory Bowel Disorder in Albino Rats”

Background. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of gastrointestinal tract of immune, genetic, and environmental origin. In the present study, we examined the effects of sesamol (SES), which is the active constituent of sesame oil in the acetic acid (AA) induced model for IBD in rats.Methods. The groups were divided into normal control, AA control, SES, and sulfasalazine (SS). On day 7, the rats were killed, colon was removed, and the macroscopic, biochemical, and histopathological evaluations were performed. Results. The levels of MPO, TBARS, and tissue nitrite increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the AA group whereas they reduced significantly in the SES and SS treated groups. Serum nitrite levels were found to be insignificant between the different groups. Conclusions. The mucosal protective effects of sesamol in IBD are due to its potential to reduce the myeloperoxidase and nitrite content.
A stable isotopic investigation into the causes of decline in a sub‐Antarctic predator, the rockhopper penguin Eudyptes chrysocome

The rockhopper penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome) is a conspicuous apex marine predator that has experienced marked population declines throughout most of its circumpolar breeding distribution. The cause(s) for the declines remain elusive, but the relatively large spatio‐temporal scale over which population decreases have occurred implies that ecosystem‐scale, at‐sea factors are likely to be involved. We employ stable isotope analyses of carbon (13C/12C, expressed as δ13C) and nitrogen (15N/14N, δ15N) in time‐series of rockhopper penguin feather samples, dating back to 1861, in order to reconstruct the species' ecological history. Specifically, we examine whether rockhopper penguin population decline has been associated with a shift towards lower primary productivity in the ecosystem in which they feed, or with a shift to a diet of lower trophic status and lower quality, and we use long‐term temperature records to evaluate whether shifts in isotope ratios are associated with annual variations in sea surface temperature. Having controlled temporally for the Suess Effect and for increases in CO2 concentrations in seawater, we found that overall, δ13C signatures decreased significantly over time in rockhopper penguins from seven breeding sites, supporting the hypothesis that decreases in primary productivity, and hence, carrying capacity, for which δ13C signature is a proxy, have been associated with the decline of penguin populations. There was some evidence of a long‐term decline in δ15N at some sites, and strong evidence that δ15N signatures were negatively related to sea surface temperatures across sites, indicative of a shift in diet to prey of lower trophic status over time and in warm years. However, a site‐by‐site analysis revealed divergent isotopic trends among sites: five of seven sites exhibited significant temporal or temperature‐related trends in isotope signatures. This study highlights the utility of stable isotope analyses when applied over relatively long timescales to apex predators.
Atmospheric Forcing on the Barents Sea Winter Ice Extent

Abstract The atmospheric forcing on the Barents Sea ice extent during winter [December–February (DJF)] has been investigated for the period 1967–2002. The time series for the sea ice extent is updated and includes the winter of 2005, which marks a new record low in the wintertime Barents Sea ice extent, and a linear trend of −3.5% decade−1 in the ice extent was found. Covariability between the Barents Sea ice extent and the atmospheric mean seasonal flow and the synoptic cyclones has been discussed separately. For the mean flow, linear correlations and regression analysis reveal that anomalous northerly (southerly) winds prevail in the Nordic Seas during winters with extensive (sparse) Barents Sea ice extent. Some of the variability in the mean flow is captured by the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO); however, the wintertime link between the Barents Sea ice extent and the NAO is moderate. By studying the cyclone activity in the high-latitude Northern Hemisphere using a dataset of individual cyclones, two .
Period analysis of stellar brightness variations using multichannel photometric observations

This dissertation presents time series analysis (TSA) on the simultaneous multichannel photometric observations to study stellar differential rotation with a novel three stage, multichannel period analysis (MPA). The traditional TSA methods are typically applied only to one channel photometric observations. This PhD work devises a new MPA method, based on the traditional TSA technique, to analyze simultaneously all channel data together. The applications of MPA focus on analyzing the photometric observations of brightness variations of stars, studying stellar surface spottedness and differential rotation. Similarly to the solar differential rotation, which can be studied using sunspots, stellar differential rotation can be investigated from photometric variations caused by surface spots, which can be observed instrumentally and analyzed by different TSA techniques. The PhD work shows that the MPA method has advantages both in recovering physical periodicities and in achieving higher accuracies of the final results over the traditional TSA applied to the single channel data. It also displays that the MPA method is able to detect the stellar differential rotation from the photometric variability and its applications can help understanding the stellar differential rotation, the magnetic field evolution and the physics of dynamos.
2017 2017-07 Social Interactions , Mechanisms , and Equilibrium : Evidence from a Model of Study Time and Academic Achievement

We develop and estimate a model of student study time on a social network. The model is designed to exploit unique data collected in the Berea Panel Study. Study time data allow us to quantify an intuitive mechanism for academic social interactions: own study time may depend on friend study time in a heterogeneous manner. Social network data allow us to embed study time and resulting academic achievement in an estimable equilibrium framework. We develop a specification test that exploits the equilibrium nature of social interactions and use it to show that novel study propensity measures mitigate econometric endogeneity concerns.
Comparison between X-ray morphology and optical characteristics of clusters of galaxies

Aims. We quantitatively studied the X-ray cluster morphology, and then investigated the relationships between the cluster X-ray morphology and various cluster characteristics determined from the optical data. Methods. Using a sample of 101 clusters at redshift z ∼ 0.05-1 taken from the Chandra archive, the X-ray morphology is characterized by a series of objectively-measured simple statistics of X-ray surface brightness, which are designed to be robust against variations of image quality caused by various exposure times and various cluster redshifts. Results. The main conclusions from this work are: (1) X-ray morphologies of clusters show no significant correlation with optical richness, or related quantities. (2) X-ray morphologies of clusters are significantly correlated with the degree to which the brightest cluster member stands out against the cluster background. (3) X-ray morphologies of clusters are also correlated with optical concentration defined by galaxy distribution including fainter populations. (4) The ratio of the strong-lensing to X-ray mass measurements is correlated with the X-ray concentration, in that highly X-ray concentrated clusters show compatible strong-lensing and X-ray mass measurements, while those with low X-ray concentration show discrepancy between the two mass measurements.
Photospheric activity, rotation, and magnetic interaction in LHS 6343 A

Context. The Kepler mission has recently discovered a brown dwarf companion transiting one member of the M4V+M5V visual binary system LHS 6343 AB with an orbital period of 12.71 days. Aims. The particular interest of this transiting system lies in the synchronicity between the transits of the brown dwarf C component and the main modulation observed in the light curve, which is assumed to be caused by rotating starspots on the A component. We model the activity of this star by deriving maps of the active regions that allow us to study stellar rotation and the possible interaction with the brown dwarf companion. Methods. An average transit profile was derived, and the photometric perturbations due to spots occulted during transits are removed to derive more precise transit parameters. We applied a maximum entropy spot model to fit the out-of-transit optical modulation as observed by Kepler during an uninterrupted interval of ∼500 days. It assumes that stellar active regions consist of cool spots and bright faculae whose visibility is modulated by stellar rotation. Results. Thanks to the extended photometric time series, we refine the determination of the transit parameters and find evidence of spots that are occulted by the brown dwarf during its transits. The modelling of the out-of-transit light curve of LHS 6343 A reveals several starspots rotating with a slightly longer period than the orbital period of the brown dwarf, i.e., 13.13± 0.02 days. No signature attributable to differential rotation is observed. We find evidence of a persistent active longitude on the M dwarf preceding the subcompanion point by ∼100◦ and lasting for at least ∼500 days. This can be relevant for understanding how magnetic interaction works in low-mass binary and star-planet systems.
Comparison of the Effect of Noise Levels on Stress Response in Two Different Operation Groups in an Orthopedic Surgery Room

1 H. Gül Baytan Yıldız1, Enver Özgencil2, Sanem Çakar2, Feyhan Ökten2, Filiz Tüzüner3 1Department of Anaesthesia, TOBB ETU Faculty of Medicine, 2Department of Anaesthesia, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, 3Department of Anaesthesia, Ufuk University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey Noise in the Operating Room Comparison of the Effect of Noise Levels on Stress Response in Two Different Operation Groups in an Orthopedic Surgery Room Ortopedi Ameliyathanesinde Farklı iki Ameliyat Grubundaki Gürültü Düzeylerinin Stres Yanıt Üzerine Etkisinin Karşılaştırılması
Possible Accretion Disk Origin of the Emission Variability of a Blazar Jet

We analyze X-ray light curves of the blazar Mrk 421 obtained from the Soft X-ray Imaging Telescope (SXT) and the Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC) instrument on board the Indian space telescope AstroSat and archival observations from Swift. We show that the X-ray power spectral density (PSD) is a piece-wise power-law with a break; i.e., the index becomes more negative below a characteristic “break timescale. ” Galactic black hole (BH) X-ray binaries and Seyfert galaxies exhibit a similar characteristic timescale in their X-ray variability that is proportional to their respective BH mass. X-rays in these objects are produced in the accretion disk or corona. Hence, such a timescale is believed to be linked to the properties of the accretion flow. Any relation observed between events in the accretion disk and those in the jet can be used to characterize the disk–jet connection. However, evidence of such a link has been scarce and indirect. Mrk 421 is a BL Lac object that has a prominent jet pointed toward us and a weak disk emission, and it is assumed that most of its X-rays are generated in the jet. Hence, the existence of the break in its X-ray PSD may indicate that changes in the accretion disk, which may be the source of the break timescale, are translating into the jet where the X-rays are produced.
MODERATING EFFECTS OF BOARD EQUITY OWNERSHIP ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT, REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AND FIRM PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM NIGERIA

Risk management has become central to the financial sector development of any economy. The collapse of world leading financial institutions in 2008/2009 have raised questions about the role of risk management and compliance with regulatory provisions in shielding firms against failure. Also, the post adverse effects of the global economic meltdown have continued undermined the performance of financial institutions, Nigeria inclusive. The aim of this study is to examine the moderating effect of Board Equity Ownership on the relationship between ERM framework implementation, regulatory compliance and the non-financial performance of financial intuitions in Nigeria. The sample of the study consists of 163 financial institutions in Nigeria. We collected data from the chief risk officers and other top level managers of the organizations. The study utilized PLS-SEM path modelling with the help of SmartPLS 2.0 software to test the research framework. The findings revealed that ERM framework implementation and regulatory compliance have significant positive effects on the non-financial performance. Also, the study supported the third hypothesis that BEO strengthens the positive relationship between ERM framework adoption and the firm non-financial performance. In the case of compliance, the interaction effect (BEO*COP) did not influence the firm non-financial performance. The study recommended the need for regulatory agencies to encourage board equity ownership but with a caveat to prevent interest entrenchment that may lead to abuse.
Ethnic Identification as Contributor to the Development of Moral Identity in Child-Headed Households

This study explored whether ethnic membership was a core construct in the moral identity development of adolescents in Zulu child-headed households. A convenience sample of 60 participants (31 male and 29 female) were recruited for the study from a mixed urban and rural neighbourhood of a South African municipality. Data on the lived experience of the participants in relation to their ethnic identity were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, face to face interviews and field notes. The qualitative data were thematically analyzed and incorporated with quantitative data. In the analysis of the quantitative data, the participants' responses were analyzed in relation to traditional and modern Zulu norms using frequency tables. Results suggest that participants carried a blended identity combining traditional and modern self-images and that neither presented as a core construct for moral identity development, but that spirituality and a attitude of giving are identified aspects to be utilized in moral identity development.
Characterization of reward functions in networks with costs

In this paper we study network structures in which the possibilities for cooperation are restricted and can not be described by a cooperative game. The benefits of a group of players depend on how these players are internally connected . One way to represent this type of situations is the so-called reward function, which represents the profits obtainable by the total coalition if links can be used to coordinate agents’ actions. The starting point of this paper is the work of Vilaseca et al. [10] where they characterized the reward function. We concentrate on those situations where there exist costs for establishing communication links. Given a reward function and a costs function, our aim is to analyze under what conditions it is possible to associate a cooperative game to it. We characterize the reward function in networks structures with costs for establishing links by means of two conditions, component permanence and component additivity. Finally, an economic application is developed to illustrate the main theoretical result.
Application of theory of planned behaviour in purchasing intention and consumption of Halal food

Purpose Food businesses provide Halal food to cater to the dietary requirements of Muslims, especially in communities with a growing number of the ethnic minority and at public institutions such as higher education establishments. A large and growing body of literature has investigated the purchasing and consumption behaviour of Halal food, and there are also studies that revealed consumers who do not support Halal food products on the grounds of animal welfare where animals were slaughtered without stunning. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to examine the predictors of purchasing intention of Halal food products and perceptions of animal welfare among Muslims and non-Muslim consumers of a public higher education institution. Design/methodology/approach An online questionnaire collected information on sociodemographic profiles and importance of Halal food. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the frequency of distribution of all sociodemographic characteristics. Multiple regression analyses were used to describe the theory of planned behaviour relationship and purchasing intention. Findings The regression model for all the respondents explained about 73 per cent of the variance of the intent to purchase Halal foods where R2 = 0.724 (adjusted R2 = 0.72). This was significantly different from zero F(3, 185) = 162.130, p < 0.001. Both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers’ attitudes were significant predictors of their purchasing intention of Halal foods (β = 0.87, p < 0.001). The implications of subjective norms and perceived behavioural control and the lack of influence from these predictors are discussed. Originality/value This study revealed that both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers agreed on the importance of animal welfare, but there exist differences in perceptions of animal welfare in Halal meat production. This research is of value to those working in regulatory and food service settings in understanding the differences and needs of consumers, and it contributes to a better understanding of the customers within a university setting.
Sliding mode control for electrohydrostatic actuator

Electrohydrostatic actuator (EHA) is a new actuator for next generation aircraft actuation system. This actuator is essentially a nonlinear system; response speed and accuracy are the main consideration. We use sliding mode control for this nonlinear system in this paper. The variable structure filter (VSF) is introduced to obtain the unmeasured states. Derivation of the VSF gain based on the reaching law is presented in this paper. To improve the response speed and accuracy, a nonlinear function is introduced to construct the nonlinear sliding surface using the estimated states generated by VSF. Simulation results show that low settling time and quick response are obtained by using the nonlinear sliding surface.
EXPLORATION OF SOIL MICROBIAL DIVERSITY IN RHIZOSPHERE OF SOME TRITICEAE SPECIES IN SHANXI, CHINA

Microbial diversity in rhizospheric soil plays a vital role for sustainable crop production and maintenance of soil quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate microbial diversity in rhizosphere of Triticeae species by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and DNA sequencing technique and to select suitable varieties being introduced to Shanxi province to improve soil quality and crop production. In the experiment, there were nine introduced varieties of Triticeae crops and one local breeding winter wheat variety (S1, Shannong 129, white grain, middle-gluten). The nine Triticeae varieties included six common wheat varieties, one durum wheat variety (S8, Yavaros F9), one rye variety (S9, rye 4R) and one triticale variety (S10, taisi 1). The six common wheat varieties were: Yannong 19 (S2, white grain, middle-gluten, winter), Huaimai 18 (S3, white, middle-gluten, half-winter), Yumai 34 (S4, white, high-gluten, spring), Shannong zixiaomai (S5, purple, middle-gluten, winter), Heixiaomai 031244 (S6, black, high-gluten, winter), Wumai 202W22 (S7, black, high-gluten, spring). Results showed that the rhizospheric bacterial and fungal community varied with Triticeae genera and wheat varieties. Huaimai 18 stimulated the increase of uncultured bacterium and Nabis ferus, while Shannong 129 stimulated the increase of uncultured Chloroflexi bacterium. Bacterial diversity was higher in rhizosphere of Heixiaomai 031244, whereas, fungal diversity was relatively higher in Huaimai 18. Hence, our study implies that, Huaimai 18, Yannong 19, and Heixiaomai 031244 could be planted in Shanxi province to develop high quality wheat variety resources and rye 4R as a feed crop for planting structure adjustment.
1 L p Samplers and Their Applications : A Survey GRAHAM CORMODE

The notion of Lp sampling, and corresponding algorithms known as Lp samplers, have found a wide range of applications in the design of data stream algorithms and beyond. In this survey we present some of the core algorithms to achieve this sampling distribution based on ideas from hashing, sampling and sketching. We give results for the special cases of insertion-only inputs, lower bounds for the sampling problems, and ways to efficiently sample multiple elements. We describe a range of applications of Lp drawing on problems across the domain of computer science, from matrix and graph computations, as well as to geometric and vector streaming problems.
Hepatitis B virus X protein activates the ATM – Chk 2 pathway and delays cell cycle progression

Correspondence Youngbae Kim ybkim@ajou.ac. kr Hyeseong Cho hscho@ajou.ac. kr Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea Department of Biomedical Sciences, The Graduate School of Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea Genomic Instability Research Center, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea Department of Life Sciences, Sogang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea