Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Banking failure prediction: a boosting classification tree approach

ABSTRACT The recent financial crisis shows that failure of some financial institutions can cause other banks to fail and ultimately cause damage to the financial system worldwide. Eurozone banks that experienced either liquidity or solvency problems during the financial markets turmoil were bailed out by their national governments with the financial support and supervision of the European Union. This paper applies the boosted classification tree methodology to predict failure in the banking sector and identifies four key scorecard variables that are worth tracking closely in order to anticipate and prevent bank financial distress. The data used in this study comprises 2006–2012 annual series of 25 financial ratios of 155 banks in the Eurozone. The findings indicate that the greater the size and the higher the income from non-operating items and net loans to deposits, the more likely is bank failure; conversely, the higher the Interbank ratio the lower the chances of bank financial distress. For the sake of their own financial soundness, banks should fund lending activities through clients’ deposits and should avoid relying excessively on non-recurring sources of income.
Effects of Culverts on Stream Fish Assemblages in the Alberta Foothills

Abstract Watercourse-crossing structures are ubiquitous anthropogenic features in the Rocky Mountain foothills of Alberta. We performed physical and habitat assessments at 295 watercourse-crossing sites in 15 subbasins of the Athabasca River during the summer and early fall of 2007, 2008, and 2009, sampling for fish at 110 sites (32 bridges and 78 culverts). We used bootstrapping analysis to examine how several culvert parameters (hang height, outlet plunge pool depth, water velocity, length, and slope) altered the upstream abundances of eight fish species relative to those at reference bridge sites. Physical drops at the outlet (hang heights), slope, and outlet water velocities were the most important culvert parameters shaping non-sport-fish distributions. Some culvert types (e.g., hanging culverts) acted as complete barriers to burbot Lota lota and partially impeded the movements of spoonhead sculpin Cottus ricei, suckers Catostomus spp. , and minnows (family Cyprinidae). For example, at culverts with h.
Comparison of Panitumumab-IRDye800CW and 5-Aminolevulinic Acid to Provide Optical Contrast in a Model of Glioblastoma Multiforme

Maximal safe resection of malignant tissue is associated with improved progression-free survival and better response to radiation and chemotherapy for patients with glioblastoma (GBM). 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is the current FDA-approved standard for intraoperative brain tumor visualization. Unfortunately, autofluorescence in diffuse areas and high fluorescence in dense tissues significantly limit discrimination at tumor margins. This study is the first to compare 5-ALA to an investigational new drug, panitumumab-IRDye800CW, in the same animal model. A patient-derived GBM xenograft model was established in 16 nude mice, which later received injections of 5-ALA, panitumumab-IRDye800CW, IRDye800CW, 5-ALA and IRDye800CW, or 5-ALA and panitumumab-IRDye800CW. Brains were prepared for multi-instrument fluorescence imaging, IHC, and quantitative analysis of tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) and tumor margin accuracy. Statistical analysis was compared with Wilcoxon rank-sum or paired t test. Panitumumab-IRDye800CW had a 30% higher comprehensive TBR compared with 5-ALA (P = 0.0079). SDs for core and margin regions of interest in 5-ALA–treated tissues were significantly higher than those found in panitumumab-IRDye800CW–treated tissues (P = 0.0240 and P = 0.0284, respectively). Panitumumab-IRDye800CW specificities for tumor core and margin were more than 10% higher than those of 5-ALA. Higher AUC for panitumumab-IRDye800CW indicated strong capability to discriminate between normal and malignant brain tissue when compared with 5-ALA. This work demonstrates that panitumumab-IRDye800CW shows potential as a targeting agent for fluorescence intraoperative detection of GBM. Improved margin definition and surgical resection using panitumumab-IRDye800 has the potential to improve surgical outcomes and survival in patients with GBM compared with 5-ALA.
Molecular epidemiology of the human group A rotavirus in the Paraná State, Brazil

From January/2000 to December/2003, 550 diarrheic fecal samples from the children and adults were collected in several geographical regions of Parana State, Brazil. The enzyme immunoassay showed 120 (21.8%) samples positive for the group A rotaviruses. One hundred and fourteen samples were genotyped by multiplex-nested-PCR assay. The highest frequency (77.5%) of the positive samples (n=93) was observed in the children under 5 years old. Rotavirus diarrhea was more frequent in the cold and dry seasons of the four evaluated years. The most frequent genotypes were: G1 (50.9%), G4 (9.6%), G9 (7.0%), G2 (1.7%), G3 (0.9%), P[ 8] (71.9%), and P[ 4] (3.5%). The P[ 8] G1 (46.5%) and P[ 8] G4 (9.6%) were the main combinations found to P and G genotypes. The mixed infections, characterized by the rotaviruses with more than one genotype G or P, and nontypeable rotavirus were observed in 8.8, 3.5, and 16.7% of the samples, respectively. The identification of the G9 genotype in the rotavirus strains tested along the four years of studies ratifies the emergency of this genotype also in Parana State, South region of Brazil, as the worldwide.
Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNP) Confined to Mesostructured, Silica-Based Calcium Phosphate against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Staphylococcus aureus, which is commonly found in hospitals, has become a major problem in infection control. In this study, Ag/80S bioactive ceramics used for enhanced antibacterial applications have been developed. An in vitro bioactivity test of the Ag/80S bioactive ceramic powders was performed in a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). To explore the antibacterial activity of the Ag/80S bioactive ceramic powders, the Kirby-Bauer susceptibility test, the kinetics of microbial growth analysis and the colony-forming capacity assay were used to determine their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The results confirmed that the Ag/80S bioactive ceramic powders have antibacterial activity against MRSA (ATCC 33592) and MRSA (ATCC 49476).
First Larval Descriptions for Cafius Curtis (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae) in Korea

Abstract Late instar larvae of Cafius histrio (Sharp), C. mimulus (Sharp) and C. rufescens Sharp are described for the first time in Korea. Partial cytochrome oxidase II gene sequences (396 bp) of adults and larvae for each species were compared to confirm the conspecificity of the larvae and adults of each individual species. Diagnostic characters are provided for separation of the known species of Cafius Curtis in Korea and illustrations of diagnostic features are presented.
Evaluation of rate trend patterns via segmented regression: Case study of crime rates of Pakistan

In many practical regression-type problems, one uniform regression function to the data was found inappropriate, since the functional relationship between the response and the regressor(s) changes at certain points of regressors. These points are usually called break points or change points. In such situations, regression models are applied that are obtained by a piecewise definition of the regression function. Simply, by parts regression is used to detect an abrupt change of the response function at an increase or decrease of an influential factor, and named as segmented regression. Theoretical efforts have been made in the subject when parameters of a linear regression system obeying separate regimes. A case study concerning the crime rates in Pakistan is carried out by segmented regression approach as a comparative overview of linear regression approach and the segmented regression approach. Segmented regression approach was found to be more opposite than that of linear regression analysis on the basis of Bayesian information criteria and permutation test criteria. Key words: Change point, permutation test, rate trends, segmented regression.
Statistically Induced Chunking Recall: A Memory-Based Approach to Statistical Learning

The computations involved in statistical learning have long been debated. Here, we build on work suggesting that a basic memory process, chunking, may account for the processing of statistical regularities into larger units. Drawing on methods from the memory literature, we developed a novel paradigm to test statistical learning by leveraging a robust phenomenon observed in serial recall tasks: that short-term memory is fundamentally shaped by long-term distributional learning. In the statistically induced chunking recall (SICR) task, participants are exposed to an artificial language, using a standard statistical learning exposure phase. Afterward, they recall strings of syllables that either follow the statistics of the artificial language or comprise the same syllables presented in a random order. We hypothesized that if individuals had chunked the artificial language into word-like units, then the statistically structured items would be more accurately recalled relative to the random controls. Our results demonstrate that SICR effectively captures learning in both the auditory and visual modalities, with participants displaying significantly improved recall of the statistically structured items, and even recall specific trigram chunks from the input. SICR also exhibits greater test-retest reliability in the auditory modality and sensitivity to individual differences in both modalities than the standard two-alternative forced-choice task. These results thereby provide key empirical support to the chunking account of statistical learning and contribute a valuable new tool to the literature.
Disentangling the Relationship between Physician and Organizational Performance: A Signal Detection Approach

Background. In previous research, we employed a signal detection approach to measure the performance of general practitioners (GPs) when deciding about urgent referral for suspected lung cancer. We also explored associations between provider and organizational performance. We found that GPs from practices with higher referral positive predictive value (PPV; chance of referrals identifying cancer) were more reluctant to refer than those from practices with lower PPV. Here, we test the generalizability of our findings to a different cancer. Methods. A total of 252 GPs responded to 48 vignettes describing patients with possible colorectal cancer. For each vignette, respondents decided whether urgent referral to a specialist was needed. They then completed the 8-item Stress from Uncertainty scale. We measured GPs’ discrimination (d′) and response bias (criterion; c) and their associations with organizational performance and GP demographics. We also measured correlations of d′ and c between the 2 studies for the 165 GPs who participated in both. Results. As in the lung study, organizational PPV was associated with response bias: in practices with higher PPV, GPs had higher criterion (b = 0.05 [0.03 to 0.07]; P < 0.001), that is, they were less inclined to refer. As in the lung study, female GPs were more inclined to refer than males (b = −0.17 [−0.30 to −0.105]; P = 0.005). In a mediation model, stress from uncertainty did not explain the gender difference. Only response bias correlated between the 2 studies (r = 0.39, P < 0.001). Conclusions. This study confirms our previous findings regarding the relationship between provider and organizational performance and strengthens the finding of gender differences in referral decision making. It also provides evidence that response bias is a relatively stable feature of GP referral decision making.
Whole-genome sequencing uncovers cryptic and hybrid species among Atlantic and Pacific cod-fish

Speciation often involves the splitting of a lineage and the adaptation of daughter lineages to different environments. It may also involve the merging of divergent lineages, thus creating a stable homoploid hybrid species1 that constructs a new ecological niche by transgressing2 the ecology of the parental types. Hybrid speciation may also contribute to enigmatic and cryptic biodiversity in the sea.3,4 The enigmatic walleye pollock, which is not a pollock at all but an Atlantic cod that invaded the Pacific 3.8 Mya,5 differs considerably from its presumed closest relatives, the Pacific and Atlantic cod. Among the Atlantic cod, shallow-water coastal and deep-water migratory frontal ecotypes are associated with highly divergent genomic islands;6,7 however, intermediates remain an enigma.8 Here, we performed whole-genome sequencing of over 200 individuals using up to 33 million SNPs based on genotype likelihoods9 and showed that the evolutionary status of walleye pollock is a hybrid species: it is a hybrid between Arctic cod and Atlantic cod that transgresses the ecology of its parents. For the first time, we provide decisive evidence that the Atlantic cod coastal and frontal ecotypes are separate species that hybridized, leading to a true-breeding hybrid species that differs ecologically from its parents. We refute monophyly and dichotomous branching of these taxa, and stress the importance of looking beyond branching trees at admixture and hybridity. Our study demonstrates the power of whole-genome sequencing and population genomics in providing deep insights into fundamental processes of speciation. Our study was a starting point for further work aimed at examining the criteria of hybrid speciation,10 selection, sterility and structural chromosomal variation11 among cod-fish, which are among the most important fish stocks in the world. The hybrid nature of both the walleye pollock and Atlantic cod raises the question concerning the extent to which very profitable fisheries12,13 depend on hybrid vigour. Our results have implications for management of marine resources in times of rapid climate change.14,15
Effect of Organically Complexed Copper, Iron, Manganese, and Zinc on Broiler Performance, Mineral Excretion, and Accumulation in Tissues

Abstract Supplementation of trace minerals with a large safety margin in broiler chickens has resulted in a high level of mineral excretion that ends up in the environment. Organically complexed trace minerals (organic minerals) may be able to replace the inorganic trace minerals, because the former appear to have a greater bioavailability. Therefore, a 29-d cage study that included diets with supplemental trace minerals from organic and inorganic sources based on a trace mineral deficient control diet was conducted to examine the possible response of broiler chickens to organic mineral supplements. The results showed that supplementation with 4 mg of Cu and 40 mg each of Fe, Mn, and Zn from organic sources may be sufficient for normal broiler growth to 29 d of age. It is possible to use these lower levels of organic trace minerals in broiler diets to avoid high levels of trace mineral excretion.
The role of high-sensitive troponin measurement as a biomarker during the postoperative period for the detection of myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery

Myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery is common and defined as myocardial ischaemia within 30 days after non-cardiac surgery. Diagnosis of myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery is challenging as this could be clinically asymptomatic during the postoperative period due to many other factors. Role of high-sensitive cardiac troponin in diagnosing myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery had been evaluated in several studies. Due to the fact that high-sensitive cardiac troponin remains positive for about two weeks in the body and is highly specific in diagnosing clinically silent myocardial injuries, it is recognised as the most useful biomarker in detecting myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery. However, high-sensitive cardiac troponin is not well incorporated as a biomarker in current major perioperative guidelines or in clinical practice. The aim of this review is to discuss evidence and guidelines in this area in view of the use of high-sensitive cardiac troponin in early identification of myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery.
The genus Fluviopupa pilsbry, 1911 from Fiji (Caenogastropoda, Rissooidea)

In the absence of a proper definition based on comprehensive anatomical investigations, the genus Fluviopupa Pilsbry, 1911 has been used for hydrobioid gastropods from several continental regions and oceanic islands in the southwest and south Pacific. The type species F. pupoidea Pilsbry, 1911 was the only hydrobioid gastropod known from Fiji to date. In this paper we provide descriptions of shell, operculum, radula and anatomy of 10 species of Fluviopupa from Fiji including the type species. This and seven other species occur on Viti Levu. The remaining two species were found on Vanua Levu. The high diversity is not surprising considering similar distribution and diversity patterns of spring and stream-dwelling hydrobioid gastropods in other parts of the world. Based on geology, geography and comparative anatomy, we hypothesize that the ancestor of the Fijian taxa was likely a freshwater species sharing a common ancestor with extant taxa in either New Caledonia or New Zealand. The islands of Vanuatu may have served as stepping stones.
Improving rice (Oryza sativa L.) drought tolerance by suppressing a NF-YA transcription factor

The response to drought stress is a complicated process involving stress sensing, intracellular signal transduction, and the execution of a cellular response. Transcription factors play important roles in the signaling pathways including abiotic stress. In the present study a rice NF-YA transcription factor gene was partially characterized following dehydration. Disrupting the gene via a T-DNA insertion resulted in drought tolerant plants and a high rate of recovery after water resupply. It was demonstrated that the improved drought tolerance of the mutant is primarily due to non-stomatal mechanisms such as free radical scavenging, which might be related to changes in metabolism of carbohydrates.
Full Issue in PDF / Numéro complet enform PDF

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) processors are typically designed to image static scenes. Images of moving targets can therefore be seriously degraded with smearing and apparent shifts in the azimuth position. These effects are illustrated and evaluated using airborne SAR images of land targets. This study examines the potential of detecting motion and estimating velocity from polarimetric SAR (PolSAR) images. PolSAR systems transmit alternating vertically and horizontally polarized pulses. This, together with a reciprocity assumption, suggests the application of clutter cancellation methods. The feasibility of several methods of motion detection and velocity estimation from PolSAR images is evaluated. Résumé. Les processeurs RSO (radar à synthèse d’ouverture) sont généralement conçus pour imager des scènes statiques. Les images de cibles mouvantes peuvent ainsi être dégradées considérablement par des estompages et des décalages apparents dans la position en azimut. Ces effets sont illustrés et évalués à l’aide d’images RSO aéroporté de cibles terrestres. Cette étude examine le potentiel de détection du mouvement et d’estimation de la vitesse des images polarimétriques RSO (PolSAR). Les systèmes PolSAR transmettent des impulsions polarisées alternativement verticales et horizontales. Ceci, en supposant également le principe de la réciprocité, suggère l’application de méthodes d’annulation du fouillis d’échos. La faisabilité de plusieurs méthodes de détection du mouvement et d’évaluation de la vitesse à partir d’images PolSAR sont évaluées. [Traduit par la Rédaction]
Plant developmental consequences of lighting from above or below in the production of Poinsettia

Summary Artificial light is used for many horticultural crops produced in greenhouses, not least ornamental pot plants. New technologies such as LEDs will possibly replace high intensity discharge lamps as the main technology for lighting in horticulture. However, LEDs are quite different from discharge lamps as regards the handling of waste heat. They have low output of radiant heat, but the waste heat is produced in the fixture and must be cooled away using fans or heat sinks. The low radiant heat will result in lower leaf temperature in the crop, possibly prolonging production time. LED fixtures are often voluminous due to the need for cooling systems, creating large shade effects when installed at the top of the greenhouse. To overcome these issues, this greenhouse study tested placing the light source, in the form of LED bars, under the crop, thus illuminating the abaxial side of the leaves. The results showed that the growth and elongation of the Euphorbia plants was similar irrespective of whether the light was supplied at the abaxial or adaxial side of the leaves. The air temperature within the canopy increased when the light source was placed within the canopy and fresh weight, dry weight and bract length of the bract also increased compared with when the same light was supplied from above, probably due to the higher temperature. Placing LED light sources below the canopy of potted ornamentals was found to be a feasible solution for supplying supplementary light.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student's education records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies. Parents or eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information. Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student's education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):
FLOW VISUALIZATION AND UNSTEADY AERODYNAMICS IN THE FLIGHT OF THE HAWKMOTH, MANDUCA SEXTA

The aerodynamic mechanisms employed durng the flight of the hawkmoth, Manduca sexta , have been investigated through smoke visualization studies with tethered moths. Details of the flow around the wings and of the overall wake structure were recorded as stereophotographs and high–speed video sequences. The changes in flow which accompanied increases in flight speed from 0.4 to 5.7 m s−1 were analysed. The wake consists of an alternating series of horizontal and vertical vortex rings which are generated by successive down– and upstrokes, respectively. The downstroke produces significantly more lift than the upstroke due to a leading–edge vortex which is stabilized by a radia flow moving out towards the wingtip. The leading–edge vortex grew in size with increasing forward flight velocity. Such a phenomenon is proposed as a likely mechanism for lift enhancement in many insect groups. During supination, vorticity is shed from the leading edge as postulated in the ‘flex’ mechanism. This vorticity would enhance upstroke lift if it was recaptured diring subsequent translation, but it is not. Instead, the vorticity is left behind and the upstroke circulation builds up slowly. A small jet provides additional thrust as the trailing edges approach at the end of the upstroke. The stereophotographs also suggest that the bound circulation may not be reversed between half strokes at the fastest flight speeds.