Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multi-layer partition for query location anonymization

Due to the proliferation of Global Position System (GPS) and smart phone technology, Location-Based Service (LBS) has attained tremendous growth in recent years. Spatial queries retrieving nearest Point-Of-Interests (POI) require actual user locations for services. However, sharing such sensitive personal location information with potentially malicious servers may cause concerns about user privacy. The current obfuscation-based approach addressing this problem cannot provide binding privacy guarantees as a trusted third-party anonymizer is required. On the other hand, the data-encryption-based and cPIR-based approaches incur costly computation overheads. Recently, the secure hardware-aided PIR-based technique has been shown to be superior to formers, but it did not consider the characteristics of data distribution of searching domain. In this work, we propose two schemes: MSQL, NSQL, based on flexible multi-layer grids and non-empty lookup table for efficient storage and retrieval on non-uniform distribution of POI data, so that improved performance of PIR-based techniques could be achieved. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the proposed techniques indeed deliver better efficiency under various criteria.
Towards a behavioral ecology of consumption: delay‐reduction effects on foraging in a simulated Internet mall

Young adults shopped for music compact disks in a five store simulated Internet mall. In stock probability in all stores was constant at 0.80, but each store was associated with either a 0.5, 2, 4, 8, or 16 second to a feedback message indicating whether a particular disk was in stock or out of stock at that time. Working under a successive choice schedule, in Phase I subjects' behavior was in quantitative concordance with the Delay-Reduction Hypothesis (DRH), and in Phase II, when a changeover delay was added, subjects' behavior conformed more closely to the predictions of the DRH. Hyperbolic discount functions provided the best fit to the data. This study extends the synthesis of foraging theory and operant psychology, known as behavioral ecology, to human consumption in an affluent post-industrial culture, and provides the basis for an experimental analysis of human consumption. Extensions to research in consumer behavior, marketing strategy, and behavior on Internet services are proposed. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A longitudinal functional magnetic resonance imaging study of language development in children 5 to 11 years old

Language skills continue to develop rapidly in children during the school‐age years, and the “snapshot” view of the neural substrates of language provided by current neuroimaging studies cannot capture the dynamic changes associated with brain development. The aim of this study was to conduct a 5‐year longitudinal investigation of language development using functional magnetic resonance imaging in healthy children.
INSOLVENCY AND RISK-TAKING IN THE THRIFT INDUSTRY: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

This paper puts the current problems facing the thrift industry, Federal Home Loan Bank Board, and Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation into historical perspective. It discusses the development of federal deposit insurance and regulation of depository institutions. The paper discusses causes of the recent financial difficulties faced by thrift institutions and the policy responses to those problems. It then examines the effect of the recent 511 thrift failures on the risk-taking behavior of institutions and the Bank Board's policy responses to risk-taking. Finally, the paper suggests possible responses to the large and growing number of insolvent institutions that have an economic incentive to pursue extremely risky portfolio opportunities. Copyright 1985 Western Economic Association International.
Differential impact of social influence in the hospitality encounter

Purpose – This study investigates how social influence variables will affect repurchase intentions differently depending on the number of prior visits made to the service. Specifically, the social influence variables of social regard and social comfort are compared with perceived core service quality to determine the greatest influence on repurchase intentions at four stages of customer experience with the service.Design/methodology/approach – A single, cross‐sectional survey was conducted to gather data for this study. Customer data were drawn from nine small hospitality businesses operating in Queensland, Australia.Findings – A cross‐sectional survey of 146 cafe respondents revealed that social regard is the greatest influence on repurchase intentions for the initial visits to the cafe, but after 11 visits only perceived core service quality is a significant predictor.Research limitations/implications – The cross‐sectional design used in this study may not yield accurate associations between predictors .
In vitro activity of CI-934, a new quinolone, compared with that of other quinolones and other antimicrobial agents

The in vitro activity of CI-934, a new 4-quinolone, was determined against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The MICs for 90% of the isolates tested were 0.25 microgram/ml for Streptococcus pneumoniae, 0.5 microgram/ml for Streptococcus faecalis, 0.25 microgram/ml for staphylococci, including methicillin-resistant strains, and less than or equal to 1.0 microgram/ml for Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Shigella spp. , Klebsiella spp. , Proteus spp. , and Citrobacter spp. CI-934 had activity superior to that of other quinolones against streptococci by four- to eightfold. Against members of the family Enterobacteriaceae, ciprofloxacin was 2- to 18-fold more active; ofloxacin and norfloxacin were twofold more active or similar to CI-934. CI-934 inhibited ampicillin-cephalothin-resistant urinary isolates of E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis and cefoxatime-resistant Acinetobacter spp. , Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter cloacae, Proteus vulgaris, and Morganella morganii. The medium, inoculum size, and oxygen concentration, as well as the addition of serum, had not major effect on the activity of CI-934. Magnesium at a concentration of 9 mM increased MICs and MBCs four- to eightfold, and testing at pH 6 increased MICs as much as 32- to 64-fold for some organisms in comparison with MICs at pH 7. The frequency of spontaneous mutation to resistance was comparable to that for other new quinolones, but resistant isolates could be selected by repeated subculture.
Unequal chances: ethnic minorities in Western labour markets

The Comparative Study of Ethnic Minority Disadvantage Diversity and Mobility in Australia Continuing Ethnic Segmentation in Austria Down and Out: The Children of Migrant Workers in the Belgian Labour Market Inclusion for all but Aboriginals in Canada Is French Society Truly Assimilative? Immigrant parents and offspring on the French Labour Market Educational Hurdles on the way to Structural Assimilation in Germany Instant Absorption of Immigrants and Persistent Exclusion of Arab Citizens in Israel Equal Opportunities or Social Closure in the Netherlands? The Legacy of Apartheid: Racial Inequalities in the New South Africa The Farther they Come, the Harder they Fall? First and Second Generation Immigrants in the Swedish Labour Market Nice Work if You can Get it: Ethnic Penalties in Great Britain Progress in Reducing Catholic Disadvantage in Northern Ireland The New Second Generation at the Turn of the New Century: Europeans and non-Europeans in the US labour market Crossnational Patterns and Processes of Ethnic Disadvantage
Corporate storytelling as an effective internal public relations strategy

Corporate storytelling can be an engaging and effective means of internal public relations. The characteristics of internal storytelling make it an excellent medium for an organisation to engage with staff on a more personal level and strengthen employee loyalty. This integrated literature review explores the use of storytelling as an effective tool for internal communication and employee engagement, a key internal public relations responsibilities, which can build internal loyalty and strengthen the organisation’s brand and reputation. Literature reviewed in this paper demonstrates employees who are more engaged with, and have a deep trust for, their employer are more likely to feel buoyant about their work and conduct themselves in a constructive manner, which may translate into stronger internal and external reputation. The use of corporate stories as an internal PR communication strategy can strengthen the likelihood of employees becoming reputation champions for their organisation. Key words: Corporate storytelling; Employer engagement; Employer-emeployee relationships; Internal communication
Inhibitory kappa B kinases as targets for pharmacological regulation

The inhibitory kappa B kinases (IKKs) are well recognized as key regulators of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) cascade and as such represent a point of convergence for many extracellular agents that activate this pathway. The IKKs generally serve to transduce pro‐inflammatory and growth stimulating signals that contribute to major cellular processes but also play a key role in the pathogenesis of a number of human diseases. Therefore, the catalytic IKKs represent attractive targets for intervention with small molecule kinase inhibitors. IKK isoforms are assembled as variable multi‐subunit IKK complexes that regulate not only NF‐κB dimers, but also protein substrates out‐with this cascade. Consequently, close consideration of how these individual complexes transduce extracellular signals and more importantly what impact small molecule inhibitors of the IKKs have on functional outcomes are demanded. A number of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐competitive IKKβ‐selective inhibitors have been developed but have demonstrated a lack of activity against IKKα. A number of these chemicals have also exhibited detrimental outcomes such as cellular toxicity and immuno‐suppression. The impact of small molecule inhibitors of IKK catalytic activity will therefore be reappraised, examining the advantages and potential disadvantages to this type of intervention strategy in the treatment of diseases such as arthritis, intestinal inflammation and cancer. Furthermore, we will outline some emerging strategies, particularly the disruption of protein–protein interactions within the IKK complex, as an alternative route towards the development of novel pharmacological agents. Whether these alternatives may negate the limitations of ATP‐competitive molecules and potentially avoid the issues of toxicity will be discussed.
Measuring the Agency Cost of Debt

The authors adapt a contingent claims model of the firm to reflect the incentive effects of the capital structure and, thereby, to measure the agency costs of debt. An underlying model of the firm and the stochastic features of its product market are analyzed and an optimal operating policy is chosen. The authors identify the change in operating policy created by leverage and value this change. The model determines the value of the firm and its associated liabilities incorporating the agency consequences of debt. Copyright 1992 by American Finance Association.
A survey and taxonomy of 3D menu techniques

A huge variety of interaction techniques was developed in the field of virtual and augmented reality. Whereas techniques for object selection, manipulation, travel, and wayfinding were covered in existing taxonomies quite in detail, application control techniques were not sufficiently deliberated yet. However, they are needed by almost every mixed reality application, e.g. for choosing from alternative objects or options. For this purpose a great variety of distinct three-dimensional menu selection techniques is available. This paper surveys existing 3D menus from the corpus of literature and classifies them according to various criteria. The taxonomy introduced here assists developers of interactive 3D applications to better evaluate their options when choosing and implementing a 3D menu technique. Since the taxonomy spans the design space for 3D menu solutions, it also aids researchers in identifying opportunities to improve or create novel virtual menu techniques.
DIE ONTWIKKELING VAN 'N DIAGNOSTIESE INSTRUMENT VIR DIE METING VAN PERSONEELBESTUUR IN BOERDERYONDERNEMINGS IN ONTWIKKELENDE LANDE

ABSTRACT The present situation in respect of Management Science was used as norm to systematise the most important staff management approaches, theories and instruments in agriculture. The most important implication is that within the multicultural context of staff management on farms in the R.S. A. the auditing technique of Armstrong and Lloyd should be used in conjunction with a comprehensive management model. The Likert type staff management auditing technique of Armstrong and Lloyd was described and evaluated. The conclusion was reached that the Likert type staff management audit can be used in the agricultural situations of developed as well as developing countries. Finally, the structure and procedure of the audit, as well as the framework for the analysis of the staff audit data, were adapted for testing on unschooled and semi-literate workers in farming situations in the R.S. A.
Team performance based compensation plans: implications for human resources and quality improvement from agency theory perspective

Today, the global economy is undergoing some dramatic changes in the organisation of the workplace and the manner in which employees are paid. The growing use of teams in the workplace has led to an increasing number of incentive systems designed to motivate and increase team performance. As a field aiming to develop and unleash human expertise for the purposes of improving performance, Human Resources heavily utilises the workteam method as one of its practice tools. Agency theory further provides a dimension in understanding the dynamics of team-based compensation.
Schemes to Regulate Non-Point Water Pollution: Making Sense of Experimental Results

Three theoretical non-point water pollution (NPS) control schemes were tested repeatedly in experimental studies tax-subsidy scheme (K. Segerson, 1988), collective fining (Xepapadeas, 1991) and random fining (Xepapadeas, 1991). Camacho and Requate (2004) summarized results reported by Spraggon (2002), Vossler et al (2002), Cochard et al (2002), and Alpizar et al (2004) and replicated their experiments. This paper discusses similarity and differences among all the reported results and in particular the following two. First, both collective fining and random fining induce abatement under the target, their performance deteriorates over time and is relatively consistent over the replications. Second, tax-subsidy scheme induced abatement over the target, its performance is consistent over periods, but not over the replications.
Neural Code—Neural Self-information Theory on How Cell-Assembly Code Rises from Spike Time and Neuronal Variability

A major stumbling block to cracking the real-time neural code is neuronal variability - neurons discharge spikes with enormous variability not only across trials within the same experiments but also in resting states. Such variability is widely regarded as a noise which is often deliberately averaged out during data analyses. In contrast to such a dogma, we put forth the Neural Self-Information Theory that neural coding is operated based on the self-information principle under which variability in the time durations of inter-spike-intervals (ISI), or neuronal silence durations, is self-tagged with discrete information. As the self-information processor, each ISI carries a certain amount of information based on its variability-probability distribution; higher-probability ISIs which reflect the balanced excitation-inhibition ground state convey minimal information, whereas lower-probability ISIs which signify rare-occurrence surprisals in the form of extremely transient or prolonged silence carry most information. These variable silence durations are naturally coupled with intracellular biochemical cascades, energy equilibrium and dynamic regulation of protein and gene expression levels. As such, this silence variability-based self-information code is completely intrinsic to the neurons themselves, with no need for outside observers to set any reference point as typically used in the rate code, population code and temporal code models. Moreover, temporally coordinated ISI surprisals across cell population can inherently give rise to robust real-time cell-assembly codes which can be readily sensed by the downstream neural clique assemblies. One immediate utility of this self-information code is a general decoding strategy to uncover a variety of cell-assembly patterns underlying external and internal categorical or continuous variables in an unbiased manner.
2015 update on the diagnosis and management of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

Purpose of review This review will discuss the recent advances in the diagnosis and management of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). Recent findings Since the first detailed clinical description of the disease in 1982, we have learned much about the genetics, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of ARVC. We now appreciate that pathogenic mutations in desmosomal genes are the most common genetic finding. Although the right ventricle is mostly affected, left ventricular involvement is being increasingly recognized. Electrical instability precipitating sudden cardiac death often presents before structural abnormalities, and therefore early accurate diagnosis is of utmost importance. The broad spectrum of phenotypic variation, age-related penetrance, and lack of a definitive diagnostic test make the clinical diagnosis challenging. The diagnosis is made by fulfilling the 2010 Task Force criteria. Today, genetic testing and cardiac MRI play an important role in the diagnosis. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation is the only lifesaving therapy available today for a subset of patients. In patients with recurrent ventricular arrhythmias, epicardial catheter ablation has demonstrated improved outcomes compared with endocardial ablation. Exercise restriction may delay the progression of disease. Summary ARVC is predominantly associated with mutations in desmosomal genes with incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity. Ventricular electrical instability is the hallmark of ARVC, often occurring before structural abnormalities. Goals in the evaluation and management of ARVC are early diagnosis, risk stratification for sudden cardiac death, minimizing ventricular arrhythmias, and delaying the progression of disease.
Cardiac Morphogenesis—Recent Research Advances

ABSTRACT: It has been demonstrated recently that a specific region of neural crest contributes cells to the septa of the outflow tract of the heart. Removal of this region of cardiac neural crest prior to migration from the neural fold results in persistent truncus arteriosus in chick embryos. Removal of other regions of cranial neural crest results in double outlet right ventricle. Since double outlet right ventricle is produced by manipulation of noncardiac neural crest, this malformation is thought to be an indirect rather than direct effect of neural crest ablation. The cranial neural crest forms the walls of all of the aortic arch arteries and it is proposed herein that flow abnormalities are produced in the pharyngeal region by injury to the neural crest. These abnormal hemodynamic characteristics influence heart development. Cardiac neural crest seeds the heart with parasympathetic postganglionic neurons as well as ectomesenchyme. Removal of the cardiac neural crest results in cardiac malformations because of the decreased ectomesenchymal cells. However, the neural population undergoes regeneration and so the innervation of malformed hearts is morphologically normal. The mechanism for this regeneration is not understood.
Chronic maxillary sinusitis caused by root canal overfilling of Calcipex II

This is a case report of chronic maxillary sinusitis caused by root canal overfilling of Calcipex II (Techno-Dent). A 60 year-old male complained of dull pain in the right maxillary molar area after complicated endodontic treatment using Calcipex II paste and was finally diagnosed with a chronic maxillary sinusitis through a clinical and radiological observation. In the biopsy examination, the periapical granuloma contained a lot of dark and translucent Calcipex II granules which were not stained with hematoxylin and eosin. They were usually engulfed by macrophages but rarely resorbed, resulting in scattering and migrating into antral mucosa. Most of the Calcipex II granules were also accumulated in the cytoplasms of secretory columnar epithelial cells, and small amount of Calcipex II granules were gradually secreted into sinus lumen by exocytosis. However, chronic granulomatous inflammation occurred without the additional recruitment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and lymphocytes, and many macrophages which engulfed the Calcipex II granules were finally destroyed in the processes of cellular apoptosis. It is presumed that Calcipex II granules are likely to have a causative role to induce the granulomatous foreign body inflammation in the periapical region, and subsequently to exacerbate the chronic maxillary sinusitis in this study.
Why is U.S. Direct Investment in China so Small?

While the United States is the largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the world, and China is the largest FDI recipient among developing countries, U.S. direct investment (USDI) in China has been surprisingly small. This article investigates the determinants of USDI through a relative‐demand model with time‐series data. Evidence presented in this article indicates that the small USDI cannot be fully appreciated without understanding differences between USDI and Hong Kong direct investment (HKDI), the latter being the dominant source of FDI in China. Empirical results suggest that the USDI in China was primarily motivated by market access and that the HKDI was export oriented. The small USDI thus is a result of U.S. investors' preference for market access and China's export‐promotion FDI regime, along with the troubled Sino‐U.S. relations and political instabilities in China.
Sequential combined spinal‐epidural anesthesia for cesarean section in a woman with a double‐outlet right ventricle

The number of women with complex cyanotic heart disease reaching childbearing age is continuously increasing. For anesthesiologists, management of this ‘new’ obstetric population is particularly challenging. We report the case of a parturient with a palliated double‐outlet right ventricle, who underwent a cesarean section at 34 weeks with low‐dose sequential combined spinal‐epidural anesthesia with patient‐controlled epidural postoperative analgesia. Anesthetic considerations and specific limitations of invasive monitoring are discussed, along with a review of recent literature on maternal and neonatal complications associated with pregnancies in women with cyanotic congenital heart disease.