Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Agent-Based Approach to Chinese Word Segmentation

This paper presents the results of our system that has participated in the word segmentation task in the Fourth SIGHAN Bakeoff. Our system consists of several basic components which include the preprocessing, token identification and the post-processing. An agent-based approach is introduced to identify the weak segmentation points. Our system has participated in two open and five closed tracks in five major corpora. Our results have attained top five in most of the tracks in the bakeoff. In particular, it is ranked first in the open track of the corpus from Academia Sinica, second in the closed track of the corpus from City University of Hong Kong, third in two closed tracks of the corpora from State Language Commission of P.R. C. and Academia Sinica.
Dynamic selection of magnitude and phase based acoustic feature streams for speaker verification

The use of joint acoustic features at the feature level leads to vectors of large dimensions and computational complexity. In this paper we propose a method for dynamic acoustic feature stream selection based on mutual information criterion for speaker verification. The method is based on the intuition that different acoustic features are better suited for recognising different speakers. An optimal selection of a particular feature stream for a particular speaker is necessary, assuming that the feature streams have complementary information. We use acoustic features derived from the magnitude and the phase spectrum for this method as they have empirically demonstrated diversity in previous work. An information theoretic measure based on mutual information is proposed to hypothesise the appropriate feature stream for the appropriate speaker. Separability analysis based on the Bhattacharya distance is also presented to verify this hypothesis. The proposed technique requires a claimed identity for dynamic feature selection during the test phase. We therefore apply it to the task of speaker verification. Reasonable improvements in verification performance are noted from the DET curves. The proposed method also significantly reduces the computational complexity compared to the use of joint feature streams.
Customer Readiness, Market Orientation and Transaction frequency in Mobile Banking Service Recovery

This study investigates the effect of internet banking service recovery satisfaction on future intention toward using mobile banking, and examines transaction frequency as a moderator of this relationship. Moreover, this study applies customer participation in service recovery and service recovery experience as the influential factors of service recovery satisfaction. Questionnaires were obtained 419 respondents with internet banking and service recovery experience. The results of SEM analysis illustrate that both role clarity and ability of service recovery can affect the level of service recovery participation. Additionally, the internet banking service provider’s responsive and proactive customer orientation can influence customer service recovery experience, which further increases service recovery satisfaction. Recovery satisfaction can thus affect future intention toward using mobile banking. The moderating effect of transaction frequency was also confirmed. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Legal Education for Blacks

The need for additional black lawyers should be obvious to all. No attempt will be made here to rehearse the arguments that were made in the early sixties regarding the desirability of minority recruitment programs. Rather, this article attempts to depict the past and present experiences of black law students. Their story in legal education is viewed in the natural history of matriculation in a law school. Thus, admissions, financial aid, attrition, bar examinations, and placement are among the topics discussed. Additional data are included on the organizations extant which have made and are continuing to make it possible for enough blacks to participate in legal education to make this article possible.
Right Heart Structural Changes Are Independently Associated with Exercise Capacity in Non-Severe COPD

Background Pulmonary hypertension (PH) occurs frequently and results in functional limitation in advanced COPD. Data regarding the functional consequence of PH in less severe COPD are limited. Whether echocardiographic evidence of right sided heart pathology is associated with functional outcomes in patients with non-severe COPD is unknown. Methods We evaluated pulmonary function, six minute walk distance, and echocardiography in 74 consecutive patients with non-severe COPD. We performed multivariable linear regression to evaluate the association between right heart echocardiographic parameters and six minute walk distance adjusting for lung function, age, sex, race, and BMI. Main Results The mean six minute walk distance was 324±106 meters. All subjects had preserved left ventricular (LV) systolic function (LV ejection fraction 62.3%±6.1%). 54.1% had evidence of some degree of diastolic dysfunction. 17.6% of subjects had evidence of right ventricular enlargement and 36.5% had right atrial enlargement. In univariate analysis RV wall thickness (β = −68.6; p = 0.002), log right atrial area (β = −297.9; p = 0.004), LV mass index (β = −1.3; p = 0.03), E/E' ratio (β = −5.5; p = 0.02), and degree of diastolic dysfunction (β = −42.8; p = 0.006) were associated with six minute walk distance. After adjustment for co-variables, the associations between right atrial area (log right atrial area β = −349.8; p = 0.003) and right ventricular wall thickness (β = −43.8; p = 0.04) with lower six minute walk distance remained significant independent of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). LV mass index, E/E' ratio, and degree of diastolic dysfunction were not independent predictors of six minute walk distance. Conclusion In patients with non-severe COPD right sided cardiac structural changes are associated with lower six minute walk distance independent of lung function. These findings may indicate that echocardiographic evidence of pulmonary hypertension is present in patients with non-severe COPD and has important functional consequences.
VPS9a, the Common Activator for Two Distinct Types of Rab5 GTPases, Is Essential for the Development of Arabidopsis thaliana[W]

Rab5, a subfamily of Rab GTPases, regulates a variety of endosomal functions as a molecular switch. Arabidopsis thaliana has two different types of Rab5-member GTPases: conventional type, ARA7 and RHA1, and a plant-specific type, ARA6. We found that only one guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), named VPS9a, can activate all Rab5 members to GTP-bound forms in vitro in spite of their diverged structures. In the vps9a-1 mutant, whose GEF activity is completely lost, embryogenesis was arrested at the torpedo stage. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)–ARA7 and ARA6-GFP were diffused in cytosol like GDP-fixed mutants of Rab5 in vps9a-1, indicating that both types of GTPase are regulated by VPS9a. In the leaky vps9a-2 mutant, elongation of the primary root was severely affected. Overexpression of the GTP-fixed form of ARA7 suppressed the vps9a-2 mutation, but overexpression of ARA6 had no apparent effects. These results indicate that the two types of plant Rab5 members are functionally differentiated, even though they are regulated by the same activator, VPS9a.
Consumer Behavior In The Digital Age: An Empirical Study Of Online Shopping Habits And Price Elasticity

This research study delved into an empirical investigation of consumer behavior within the context of online shopping, with a specific focus on analyzing price elasticity and the factors influencing purchasing decisions. Through a comprehensive survey conducted in both urban and rural areas, various demographic variables, including gender, age, education, income, occupation, and location, were analyzed to understand their influence on online shopping behavior. The findings revealed significant associations between education, income, occupation, and location with online shopping behavior, highlighting the importance of these factors in shaping consumers' engagement with online retail platforms. Furthermore, the study indicated no significant associations between age and gender with online shopping behavior, suggesting the need for a more nuanced understanding of these demographic variables in the context of e-commerce. The results provide valuable insights for e-commerce businesses to tailor their marketing strategies and product offerings to maximize revenue and profit in the dynamic digital marketplace.
In and Out of the Ethnic Economy: A Longitudinal Analysis of Ethnic Networks and Pathways to Economic Success across Immigrant Categories 1

The economic benefits to immigrants of taking jobs in ethnic workplaces, relative to the open economy, are heavily debated. We examine longitudinally differences across immigrant categories in how the choice of ethnic or non-ethnic workplace influences the ethnic composition of social networks and how these factors impact immigrants’ economic success. Using the Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada, with data 6 months, 2 years, and 4 years after arrival, we find support for both sides of the ethnic economy debate when it is qualified by immigrant category. While economic immigrants benefit from non-ethnic workplaces, family immigrants face economic penalties in the open economy and do better in ethnic workplaces. We argue that policies sorting immigrants into visa categories do much of the work of leading them into segmented paths of incorporation.
Two uses of third-person references in family gatherings displaying family ties: teasing and clarifications

This article examines two uses of third-person references — pronouns such as `he/she/they' or category terms such as `mother, father', etc. — as produced during first-visit encounters between formerly unacquainted guests and a family group. Members of the family use this practice to refer to another family member in a locally subsequent position, adjacent to a self-oriented turn by that same referrent. Two main functions are investigated: teasing and clarifications. It is pointed out that, besides employing the same practice and being deployed in a locally subsequent position, both activities have a number of other features in common, whereby teasing gets constructed as if doing clarification. In this way, family members provide alternative versions of the same description of events as the prior adjacent turn, designing the teasing activity as an information-giving activity to the guests' benefit. Thus, family members display a privileged access to the events that have been described and propose themselves as knowledgeable about the group and its life; a type of knowledge grounded in their having family ties.
Drosophila COP9 signalosome subunit 7 interacts with multiple genomic loci to regulate development

The COP9 signalosome protein complex has a central role in the regulation of development of multicellular organisms. While the function of this complex in ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation is well established, results over the past few years have hinted that the COP9 signalosome may function more broadly in the regulation of gene expression. Here, using DamID technology, we show that COP9 signalosome subunit 7 functionally associates with a large number of genomic loci in the Drosophila genome, and show that the expression of many genes within these loci is COP9 signalosome-dependent. This association is likely direct as we show CSN7 binds DNA in vitro. The genes targeted by CSN7 are preferentially enriched for transcriptionally active regions of the genome, and are involved in the regulation of distinct gene ontology groupings including imaginal disc development and cell-cycle control. In accord, loss of CSN7 function leads to cell-cycle delay and altered wing development. These results indicate that CSN7, and by extension the entire COP9 signalosome, functions directly in transcriptional control. While the COP9 signalosome protein complex has long been known to regulate protein degradation, here we expand the role of this complex by showing that subunit 7 binds DNA in vitro and functions directly in vivo in transcriptional control of developmentally important pathways that are relevant for human health.
Variable Angle Locking Intercarpal Fusion System for Four-Corner Arthrodesis: Indications and Surgical Technique

Abstract Four-corner fusion (4CF) is an accepted and regularly performed procedure when managing posttraumatic degenerative disorders in the wrist. This procedure consists of excision of the entire scaphoid in association with midcarpal fusion of the remaining four ulnar carpal bones (hamate, capitate, lunate, and triquetrum). In the majority of cases, the long-term outcome is a functional painless wrist. However, the exact procedure to best achieve a rapid solid bone union of the fusion mass without hardware complications remains controversial. The authors have developed a precise system to ensure precise positioning, firm fixation, and fusion at the midcarpal joint together with an early postoperative recovery, avoiding some of the issues reported with other implants used for 4CF. The described implant is a circular plate accommodating variable angle locking screws as well as compression screws that can firmly fix the plate to the carpal bones. The locking technology produces a very solid construct. A special reaming-distraction-compression guide has also been developed to both countersink the plate on the underlying carpal bone mass and allow distraction of the midcarpal joint for debridement and cancellous bone graft interposition. The features of the implant, its surgical technique, and a relevant case are described.
Using outcomes-based methodology for the education, training and assessment of competence of healthcare professionals

This paper outlines the job competence/functional analysis methodology that is used widely within the UK workforce and throughout the world. This outcomes-based approach to competence focuses on the description of the outcomes of work performance and is not concerned with job or professional titles. The four stages of functional analysis are outlined and illustrated with a functional map developed for the ophthalmic sector. The nature, purpose and format of occupational standards are described and illustrated, along with common errors in developing occupational standards. The knowledge and understanding of requirements that are described with the occupational standards can be used for curriculum development, but the de-linking of standards, learning and assessment means that qualifications can be awarded that are independent of any one learning process, and formal learning programmes are no longer the only access route to the qualification. This approach to competence can support meaningful discussions about how work may be shared between healthcare professions without compromising standards.
Backbone building from quadrilaterals: A fast and accurate algorithm for protein backbone reconstruction from alpha carbon coordinates

In this contribution, we present an algorithm for protein backbone reconstruction that comprises very high computational efficiency with high accuracy. Reconstruction of the main chain atomic coordinates from the α carbon trace is a common task in protein modeling, including de novo structure prediction, comparative modeling, and processing experimental data. The method employed in this work follows the main idea of some earlier approaches to the problem. The details and careful design of the present approach are new and lead to the algorithm that outperforms all commonly used earlier applications. BBQ (Backbone Building from Quadrilaterals) program has been extensively tested both on native structures as well as on near‐native decoy models and compared with the different available existing methods. Obtained results provide a comprehensive benchmark of existing tools and evaluate their applicability to a large scale modeling using a reduced representation of protein conformational space. The BBQ package is available for downloading from our website at http://biocomp.chem.uw.edu. pl/services/BBQ/. This webpage also provides a user manual that describes BBQ functions in detail. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2007
Alterations in Stress Reactivity After Long‐Term Treatment with Paroxetine in Women with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is typically accompanied by both acute and chronic alterations in the stress response. These alterations have mostly been described in individuals under baseline conditions, but studies have also used a challenge model to assess the role of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis in the stress response. The purpose of this article was to assess the effect of long‐term treatment with the selective reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), paroxetine, on stress reactivity in patients with PTSD. We assessed diurnal salivary cortisol and urinary cortisol as well as cortisol, heart rate, and behavioral responses to a standardized cognitive stress challenge, in 13 female patients with chronic PTSD before and after 12 months of paroxetine treatment. Treatment resulted in a significant decrease in PTSD symptoms. Twenty‐four‐hour urinary cortisol was lower compared to base line after successful treatment. Treatment resulted in a decrease of salivary cortisol levels on all time points on a diurnal curve. Despite similar stress perception, cortisol response to the cognitive stress challenge resulted in a 26.5% relative decrease in stress‐induced salivary cortisol with treatment. These results suggest that successful treatment with SSRI in chronic PTSD is associated with a trend for a decrease in baseline diurnal cortisol and with reduced cortisol reactivity to stress.
The role of automatic obesity stereotypes in real hiring discrimination

This study examined whether automatic stereotypes captured by the implicit association test (IAT) can predict real hiring discrimination against the obese. In an unobtrusive field experiment, job applications were sent to a large number of real job vacancies. The applications were matched on credentials but differed with respect to the applicant’s weight. Discriminatory behavior was quantified by the extent to which the hiring managers invited normal-weight versus obese applicants to a job interview. Several months after the behavioral data were obtained, the hiring managers completed an obesity IAT and explicit hiring preference measures. Only the IAT scores reliably predicted interview decisions. More specifically, hiring managers holding more negative automatic stereotypes about the obese were less likely to invite an obese applicant for an interview. The present research is the first to show that automatic bias predicts labor market discrimination against obese individuals. Practical implications are discussed.
Effective intercultural communication: Research contributions from Thailand

This paper summarizes several studies conducted over the past fifteen years investigating Thai communication behavior. Thai cultural values emphasize social harmony, a trait strongly influencing intercultural communication effectiveness (ICE). Various studies are reported identifying those communication behaviors associated with ICE. The paper presents critical commentary about the methods and means of the research program and suggests ways in which Thai communication behavior contribute to ICE. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research.
Linguistic and prosodic aspects of child-directed speech: The role of maternal child-rearing experiences

Abstract This study explored if the quality of mothers’ reported child-rearing experiences influences the prosodic and linguistic features of maternal child-directed speech. Lexical, syntactic, functional and prosodic aspects of maternal speech directed towards their 24-month-old children were examined. Results showed that mothers with different child-rearing histories differed in the ways they talked to their children. Mothers who recalled the caregiving they received during childhood as characterized by high levels of care and low levels of control, used a lexically and syntactically more complex speech and expressed more positive emotions. This kind of input seems to be more attuned with the typical growing skills of two-year-old children. Implications for the study of mother–infant relationship as well as for the study of child language development are addressed.
Performance degradation of LC-tank VCOs by impact of digital switching noise in lightly doped substrates

In mixed analog-digital designs, digital switching noise is an important limitation for the performance of analog and RF circuits. This paper reports a physical model describing the impact of digital switching noise on LC-tank voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) in lightly doped substrates. The model takes into account the propagation from the source of substrate noise to the different components in the VCO and the resulting modulation of the oscillator frequency. The model is validated with measurements on a 3.5-GHz LC-tank VCO designed in 0.18-/spl mu/m CMOS. It reveals that for this VCO, impact occurs mainly via the nonideal metal ground lines for lower frequencies and low tuning voltage and via the integrated inductors for higher frequencies and high tuning voltage. To make the design immune to substrate noise, the parasitic resistance of the on-chip ground interconnect has to be kept as low as possible and inductors have to be shielded. Hence, the developed model allows investigating the dominant mechanisms behind the impact of substrate noise on a VCO, which is crucial information for achieving a substrate noise immune design.
Precomputation-based Sequential Logic Optimization For Low Power

We address the problem of optimizing logic-level sequential circuits for low power. We present a powerful sequential logic optimization method that is based on selectively precomputing the output logic values of the circuit one clock cycle before they are required, and using the precomputed values to reduce internal switching activity in the succeeding clock cycle. We present two different precomputation architectures which exploit this observation. We present an automatic method of synthesizing precomputational logic so as to achieve maximal reductions in power dissipation. We present experimental results on various sequential circuits. Up to 75% reductions in average switching activity and power dissipation are possible with marginal increases in circuit area and delay.
The Evolutionary Significance of Depressive Symptoms : Different Adverse Situations Lead to Different Depressive Symptom Patterns

Although much depression may be dysfunctional, the capacity to experience normal depressive symptoms in response to certain adverse situations appears to have been shaped by natural selection. If this is true, then different kinds of situations may evoke different patterns of depressive symptoms that are well suited to solving the adaptive challenges specific to each situation. The authors called this the situation–symptom congruence hypothesis. They tested this hypothesis by asking 445 participants to identify depressive symptoms that followed a recent adverse situation. Guilt, rumination, fatigue, and pessimism were prominent following failed efforts; crying, sadness, and desire for social support were prominent following social losses. These significant differences were replicated in an experiment in which 113 students were randomly assigned to visualize a major failure or the death of a loved one.