Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interpretation of Discourse Connectives Is Probabilistic: Evidence From the Study of But and Although

ABSTRACT Connectives can facilitate the processing of discourse relations by helping comprehenders to infer the intended coherence relation holding between two text spans. Previous experimental studies have focused on pairs of connectives that are very different from one another to be able to compare and formalize the distinguishing effects of these particles in discourse comprehension. In this article, we compare two connectives, but and although, which overlap in terms of the relations they can signal. We demonstrate in a set of carefully controlled studies that while a connective can be a marker of several discourse relations, it can have a specific fine-grained biasing effect on linguistic inferences and that this bias can be derived (or predicted) from the connectives’ distribution of relations found in production data. The effects that we find speak to the ambiguity of discourse connectives, in general, and the different functions of but and although, in particular. These effects cannot be explained within the earlier accounts of discourse connectives, which propose that each connective has a core meaning or processing instruction. Instead, we here lay out a probabilistic account of connective meaning and interpretation, which is based on the distribution of connectives in production and is supported by our experimental findings.
Privacy-aware Decentralized and Scalable Access Control Management for IoT
Environment

In recent years, the Internet of Things (IoT) plays a vital role in our daily activities . Owing to the increased number of vulnerabilities on the IoT devices, security becomes critical in the untrustworthy IoT environment. Access control is one of the top security concerns, however, implementing the traditional access control mechanisms in the resource-constrained nature of the IoT devices is a challenging task. With the emergence of blockchain technology, several recent research works have focused on the adoption of blockchain in IoT to resolve the security concerns. Despite, integrating the blockchain in the resource-constrained IoT context is difficult. To overcome these obstacles, the proposed work presents a privacy-aware IoT security architecture to ensure the access control based on Smart contract for resource-constrained and distributed IoT devices. The design of the proposed architecture incorporates three main components such as the contextual blockchain gateway, decentralized revocation manager, and non-interactive zero-knowledge proof based validation. By modeling the contextual blockchain gateway, the proposed architecture ensures the dynamic authentication and authorization based on the contextual information and access policies. Instead of integrating the blockchain technology into resource-constrained IoT devices, the smart contract-based distributed access control system with the contextual blockchain gateway provides the scalable solution. With the association of decentralized revocation manager in the smart contract, it prevents the resource access from the unauthorized users by dynamically generating and updating the revoked user list of all the nodes in the smart contract. Moreover, the proposed architecture employs the non-interactive zeroknowledge proof cryptographic protocol to ensure the transaction privacy within the smart contract. Consequently, it maintains the trade-off between the transparency and privacy while ensuring the security for the distributed IoT environment.
A qualitative examination of urban vs rural sustainable consumption behaviours of energy and water consumers in the emerging Egyptian market

The study aims to investigate the differences among urban and rural consumers in terms of their energy and water sustainable consumption behaviour levels and drivers and also empirically blueprint conceptual frameworks highlighting urban and rural consumer drivers to consume sustainably. ,This research follows an exploratory design using a qualitative approach; 14 in-depth interviews followed by one focus group were conducted with urban consumers; on the other hand, 18 in-depth interviews followed by one focus group were conducted with rural consumers. ,The findings show that no differences exist among urban and rural consumers in terms of both their sustainable consumption levels and their drivers to consume sustainably; such findings were encapsulated in the form of one conceptual framework pertinent to both urban and rural consumers; it has the following relevant factors: consumers’ attitudes toward conservation, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, self-preference, public media influence, perceived economic value and perceived moral obligation to be relevant antecedents of conservation behaviour, which – in turn – drives sustainable purchase behaviours with the moderating effect of socio-demographic variables. ,This paper contributes to extant literature as it provides evidence for the drivers of sustainable consumption behaviours of urban versus rural consumers in emerging countries; it also tentatively answers the question of whether the socio-demographic variables infer a difference in consumers’ sustainable consumption; finally, it studies sustainable consumption from a novel perspective with a focus on the relationship between its two pillars.
What influences treatment response in animal models of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease? A meta-analysis with meta-regression

The classical drug development pipeline necessitates studies using animal models of human disease to gauge future efficacy in humans, however, there is a comparatively low conversion rate from success in animals to in humans. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complex chronic disease without any licensed therapies and hence a major field of animal research. We performed a meta-analysis of 414 interventional rodent studies (6,575 animals) in NAFLD to assess the mean difference in hepatic triglyceride content. 20 of 21 studied drug classes had similar efficacy with a mean difference of −30% hepatic triglyceride. However, when publication bias was accounted for, this reduced to −16% difference. Study characteristics were only able to account for a minority of variability on meta-regression, and we replicated previous findings of high risk of bias across 82% of cohorts. These findings build on previous work in preclinical neuroscience and help to explain the challenge of reproducibility and translation within the field of metabolism.
Geometric Robot Dynamic Identification: A Convex Programming Approach

Recent work has shed light on the often unreliable performance of constrained least-squares estimation methods for robot mass-inertial parameter identification, particularly for high degree-of-freedom systems subject to noisy and incomplete measurements. Instead, differential geometric identification methods have proven to be significantly more accurate and robust. These methods account for the fact that the mass-inertial parameters reside in a curved Riemannian space, and allow perturbations in the mass-inertial properties to be measured in a coordinate-invariant manner. Yet, a continued drawback of existing geometric methods is that the corresponding optimization problems are inherently nonconvex, have numerous local minima, and are computationally highly intensive to solve. In this paper, we propose a convex formulation under the same coordinate-invariant Riemannian geometric framework that directly addresses these and other deficiencies of the geometric approach. Our convex formulation leads to a globally optimal solution, reduced computations, faster and more reliable convergence, and easy inclusion of additional convex constraints. The main idea behind our approach is an entropic divergence measure that allows for the convex regularization of the inertial parameter identification problem. Extensive experiments with the 3-DoF MIT Cheetah leg, the 7-DoF AMBIDEX tendon-driven arm, and a 16-link articulated human model show markedly improved robustness and generalizability vis-à-vis existing vector space methods while ensuring fast, guaranteed convergence to the global solution.
Study of vitamin D levels in exclusively breastfed term infants in a tertiary care centre

There are global efforts to promote breast feeding as optimal nutrition up to 6 months of age because of its beneficial effects on child survival. WHO analysis of childhood deaths has listed suboptimal breast feeding as one of the most powerful shared risk factors and estimated that 1.3million deaths can be prevented in 42high mortality countries by increasing the level of breastfeeding amongst infants. This has led to resurgence of exclusive breastfeeding. The increase in the practice of breast feeding associated with the belief that “Breast is Best” and breast milk does not require supplementation because it is a baby’s perfect food, may lead to decreased vitamin D (25-OHD) intake from other sources and thereby causing rickets.
Primary Alcohol‐Activated Human and Mouse Hepatic Stellate Cells Share Similarities in Gene‐Expression Profiles

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a leading cause of cirrhosis in the United States, which is characterized by extensive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins and formation of a fibrous scar. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major source of collagen type 1 producing myofibroblasts in ALD fibrosis. However, the mechanism of alcohol‐induced activation of human and mouse HSCs is not fully understood. We compared the gene‐expression profiles of primary cultured human HSCs (hHSCs) isolated from patients with ALD (n = 3) or without underlying liver disease (n = 4) using RNA‐sequencing analysis. Furthermore, the gene‐expression profile of ALD hHSCs was compared with that of alcohol‐activated mHSCs (isolated from intragastric alcohol‐fed mice) or CCl4‐activated mouse HSCs (mHSCs). Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that ALD hHSCs, in addition to alcohol‐activated and CCl4‐activated mHSCs, share the expression of common HSC activation (Col1a1 [collagen type I alpha 1 chain], Acta1 [actin alpha 1, skeletal muscle], PAI1 [plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1], TIMP1 [tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1], and LOXL2 [lysyl oxidase homolog 2]), indicating that a common mechanism underlies the activation of human and mouse HSCs. Furthermore, alcohol‐activated mHSCs most closely recapitulate the gene‐expression profile of ALD hHSCs. We identified the genes that are similarly and uniquely up‐regulated in primary cultured alcohol‐activated hHSCs and freshly isolated mHSCs, which include CSF1R (macrophage colony‐stimulating factor 1 receptor), PLEK (pleckstrin), LAPTM5 (lysosmal‐associated transmembrane protein 5), CD74 (class I transactivator, the invariant chain), CD53, MMP9 (matrix metallopeptidase 9), CD14, CTSS (cathepsin S), TYROBP (TYRO protein tyrosine kinase‐binding protein), and ITGB2 (integrin beta‐2), and other genes (compared with CCl4‐activated mHSCs). Conclusion: We identified genes in alcohol‐activated mHSCs from intragastric alcohol‐fed mice that are largely consistent with the gene‐expression profile of primary cultured hHSCs from patients with ALD. These genes are unique to alcohol‐induced HSC activation in two species, and therefore may become targets or readout for antifibrotic therapy in experimental models of ALD.
Effects of Resistance Exercises on Body Composition and Some Biochemical Parameters

Exercise has many positive effects on the human organism. In this study, the effects of resistance exercise program, which is applied regularly for eight weeks, were investigated on body composition and some biochemical values. Twenty-four male volunteers participated in the study group. The participants were randomly divided into two equal groups: control and resistance exercise groups. While the participants in the control group attended only practice lessons in the faculty, the exercise group participated in the resistance exercise program 2 days a week for eight weeks in addition to the practice lessons. Body compositions of the participants were measured before and after the program and blood samples were taken. Thus, body weight, body fat percentage, mass body fat, Body mass index (BMI), AST, ALT, GGT, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, LDL and VLDL cholesterol levels of the participants were determined. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS software. As a result of statistical analysis; there was difference only GGT value of the control group (p<0.05). In the exercise group, body weight, body fat percentage, mass body fat, BMI, AST, ALT, GGT values ​​were found to be significant differences (p<0.05). In conclusion, it was determined that resistance exercise program applied for eight weeks had significant effects on body composition and liver enzymes. However, although there are some minor changes in blood lipids, these changes are not statistically significant. It can be said that resistance exercises can be beneficial on liver enzymes and body composition but eight weeks resistance training may not be enough to change the blood lipid profile.
Measuring and Linking the Missing Part of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function: The Diversity of Biotic Interactions

Biotic interactions are part of all ecosystem attributes and play an important role in the structure and stability of biological communities. In this study, we give a brief account of how the threads of biotic interactions are linked and how we can measure such complexity by focusing on mutualistic interactions. We start by explaining that although biotic interactions are fundamental ecological processes, they are also a component of biodiversity with a clear α, β and γ diversity structure which can be measured and used to explain how biotic interactions vary over time and space. Specifically, we explain how to estimate the α-diversity by measuring the properties of species interaction networks. We also untangle the components of the β-diversity and how it can be used to make pairwise comparisons between networks. Moreover, we move forward to explain how local ecological networks are a subset of a regional pool of species and potential interactions, γ-diversity, and how this approach allows assessing the spatial and temporal dynamics of ecological networks. Finally, we propose a new framework for studying interactions and the biodiversity–ecosystem function relationship by identifying the unique and common interactions of local networks over space, time or both together.
Factors that influenced the adoption of IFRS by Islamic banks in the UAE

This paper aims to investigate the factors that influenced the current adoption of the international financial reporting standards (IFRS) by Islamic banks in the UAE. This paper examined the relationship between the theoretical aspects and practical components of the research investigation regarding the factors that influence the adoption of IFRS. This paper will contribute to the existing knowledge and practices in not only Islamic countries but also Western countries in terms of a deeper understanding of the adoption of IFRS by the Islamic banks and how the factors could influence the Islamic banking adoption, process, activities and financial reporting. ,Several theories of regulation were considered in this paper to explain the existence of Islamic accounting regulations and understand why some of the Islamic accounting prescriptions became formal regulations, while others did not. Data was collected for this purpose by conducting a survey with professionals and managers of four Islamic banks in the UAE. ,This paper revealed that factors, such as religion, culture and local investors, may have limited influence on the current adoption of accounting standards in the Islamic banks. Furthermore, this paper uncovered a concern among respondents of issues that developed when Islamic banks commenced the adoption of IFRS. This paper also indicated that respondents’ opinion does not reflect a perception that all IFRS are suitable for the application of Shariah transactions. ,This study is unique as no study has yet explored the factors that influenced the adoption of the IFRS by Islamic banks in the UAE.
Entrepreneurship Development and the Socio – economic Implications of Herdsmen Attacks in Benue State, Nigeria

Herdsmen attacks in Benue State where the people are predominantly farmers/artisans have serious social and economic implications for entrepreneurship development of the state. Between 2013 and 2018, the state recorded 53 violent herdsmen attacks. Fifteen of the 23 local government areas in the state were affected: 2,438 people were killed, 750 were seriously injured, with 200 people still missing, 99,427 households were displaced in the attacks. Property worth 400 billion Naira and crops worth 25billion Naira were destroyed. This study critically examined these implications using Google chrome and Google scholar to access internet data on herdsmen attacks in Benue State. In – depth interviews were also carried out with victims of the attacks, as well as government officials, and some security officials. The technique of data analysis was content analysis. The study found out that (1) the reasons for the herdsmen attacks includes: disagreement over the use of land and water, terrorist activities of Boko Haram in Northern Nigeria, harsh climatic conditions among others. (2) The magnitude of herdsmen attacks in Benue State is very high: (3) The consequences of the herdsmen attacks include: food insecurity, impending civil war, and imminent disintegration of Nigeria; (4) The socio – economic challenges of entrepreneurship development in Benue State include: shortage of raw materials, loss of long term savings for start – ups and expansion of business ventures, and others. The study concludes that restructuring of Nigeria’s federation in line with the citizens’ the political, social and economic interests is a must.
Transmedial Worlds with Social Impact: Exploring Intergenerational Learning in Collaborative Video Game Design

Juan C. Mansilla holds a PhD in information and communication sciences from the Sorbonne Paris Cité University. He is a member of the research laboratory Cultural Industries and Artistic Creation–LabEx ICCA (France) and, since 2017, has been a research associate at House of Social Sciences–Paris Nord. He has been a visiting scholar in São Paulo, Berkeley, Vancouver, Toronto, and Seoul. His research interests include media ecologies, urban sociology, and intergenerational programming. He is cofounder of Human Mount Institute an international network of social sciences researchers. Email: juan.mansilla@humanmount.com
Hagen Bræ: A Surging Glacier in North Greenland—35 Years of Observations

We use remotely sensed ice velocities in combination with observations of surface elevation and glacier area change to investigate the dynamics of Hagen Bræ, North Greenland in high detail over the last 35 years. From our data, we can establish for the first time that Hagen Bræ is a surge‐type glacier with characteristics of both Alaskan‐ and Svalbard‐type surging glaciers. We argue that the observed surge was preconditioned by the glacier geometry and triggered by englacially stored meltwater. At present, the glacier is in a transitional state between active and quiescence phases and is not building up to its pre‐surge geometry. We suggest that the glacier is adjusting to the loss of its floating section, general thinning, and changes in fjord conditions that occurred over the study period which are unrelated to the surge behavior. The high temporal resolution of the ice velocity data gives insight to the sub‐annual glacier flow.
Postbloom Thinning of ‘Bartlett’ Pear with Metamitron

Metamitron is a relatively new postbloom thinning compound for pome fruits that inhibits the photosystem II (PS II) pathway of photosynthesis. Reduced assimilation of carbohydrate by metamitron action may lead to a carbohydrate deficit that promotes fruit abscission. We have evaluated the thinning efficacy of metamitron rate and, to a limited extent, application timing for ‘Bartlett’ pear in five separate trials over 3 years (2015–17) in northern Oregon. Comparisons were made to a nontreated control and, depending on the trial, a commercial standard thinning compound [benzyladenine (6-BA) or abscisic acid (ABA)]. Application timings ranged between 7- and 16-mm fruit diameter depending on the trial. Metamitron markedly inhibited photosynthesis (PN), typically for a duration of 2 to 3 weeks, although longer persistence was observed in two trials. Generally, PN was reduced linearly with increasing metamitron rate, but the effect varied by rate and year and may have been enhanced by high temperatures. Metamitron effectively thinned in four of five trials whereby pear fruit set was negatively and linearly related to rate. Rates of 200 to 300 ppm were efficacious and produced target crop loads. In only one trial, increasing concentrations (600 ppm) led to greater thinning. Metamitron significantly thinned ‘Bartlett’ pears when applied between 10 and 13 mm. In contrast, early application timing (≈7 mm) had little effect on fruit abscission. Fruit size increased with decreasing crop load and thus was significantly improved by metamitron. Interaction between biological and environmental factors likely contributed to year-to-year variability in efficacy.
Japanese Foreign Exchange Interventions, 1971-2018: Estimating a Reaction Function Using the Best Proxy

We analyze the history of Japanese foreign exchange interventions from 1971 to 2018. First, we provide the best proxy for monthly interventions for the period from 1971 to 1990, when the intervention timings and amounts were not officially disclosed. The accuracy of the proxy is tested for the period when the statistics were disclosed after 1991. The proxy explains 99.8% of actual settlement-based interventions. Second, we examine conditions under which the Japanese monetary authorities are likely to intervene by estimating a policy reaction function, using the long-term data, spanning the period when intervention data have been officially disclosed and the period where our proxy is available. Third, we analyze intervention timings and amounts for Japan, the US, and Germany. Fourth, we present the episode of international coordination represented by the Plaza and Louvre agreements as a case study of notable interventions during the period.
Does Micro-Blogging Lead to a More Positive Attitude Toward a Brand?—A Perspective of Cultivation Theory

Abstract Drawing on Cultivation Theory, this research investigates how Twitter users perceive tweets about particular brands and how message types affect brand attitudes. We conducted a qualitative study of ten participants each following a different brand’s Twitter account, tracking tweets and participants’ perceptions for 12 weeks followed by a survey four years later in a mixed methods format. Findings suggest that branding messages and images can substantially cultivate consumer attitudes toward the brands. We identified five types of tweets followers like most and five activities followers find most interesting. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed along with areas for future research.