Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
I Feel what You Feel if You Are Similar to Me

Social interactions are influenced by the perception of others as similar or dissimilar to the self. Such judgements could depend on physical and semantic characteristics, such as membership in an ethnic or political group. In the present study we tested whether social representations of the self and of others could affect the perception of touch. To this aim, we assessed tactile perception on the face when subjects observed a face being touched by fingers. In different conditions we manipulated the identity of the shown face. In a first experiment, Caucasian and Maghrebian participants viewed a face belonging either to their own or to a different ethnic group; in a second experiment, Liberal and Conservative politically active participants viewed faces of politicians belonging to their own or to the opposite political party. The results showed that viewing a touched face most strongly enhanced the perception of touch on the observer's face when the observed face belonged to his/her own ethnic or political group.
Who will live and who will die ? The determinants of common stock attrition a

The delisting of a company’s shares from a stock exchange is a major event affecting a variety of stakeholders. Such events are also of importance to anyone relying on historical share price data for investment insights, as standard statistical approaches often call for exclusion of delisted shares, thus leading to a survivorship bias. This paper studies the determinants of delisting of ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange. To do so, we employ hazard regression, and disaggregate delistings into those due to acquisition or merger on one hand, and those explicitly linked with poor operating performance (bankruptcy, liquidation, or failing listing requirements) on the other. The key findings concern the very different behavior of the two delisting categories, and the complex dependence of the delisting likelihood on prior returns. Our characterization of the attrition process for stocks indicates how delisting propensities of individual stocks and portfolios can be evaluated by relying on market data only. Traditional insights about the effects of disregarding “dead” observations (e.g. in the literature on mutual funds performance) are unlikely to be relevant when dealing with data on common stocks.
If You Didn ' t like Overfishing , You Sure Won ' t Like Global Warming

This contribution briefly recalls the declining status of global fisheries and marine ecosystems, with emphasis on the Central West Atlantic and the Caribbean. It then present a methodology for studying the potential effect of global warming on marine biodiversity and fisheries, whose results lead to the conclusion that fisheries catch potentials will shift toward higher latitudes, and lead to severe impacts in tropical waters, including the wider Caribbean. These finding highlight the need to rebuild fish population, particularly through marine protected areas, as high biomasses are needed both as basis for sustainable fisheries and to mitigate the effect of climate change.
Elixir: A new bandwidth-constrained mapping for Networks-on-chip

Nowadays, with technology shrinking and the huge demand for supporting multiple applications has led designers to use multiple IP cores within a single chip. Therefore, the designers have proposed Networks-on-chip to overcome the problems of future complex systems. Mapping IPs directly affects NoC design parameters such as latency and power consumption. In this paper we present a power and performance aware mapping technique based on the combination of both the bandwidth-constrained and branch and bound concepts. Results have shown improvements of the latency and power consumption of our technique when compared to other popular NoC mappings.
Multichannel blind iterative image restoration

Blind image deconvolution is required in many applications of microscopy imaging, remote sensing, and astronomical imaging. Unfortunately in a single-channel framework, serious conceptual and numerical problems are often encountered. Very recently, an eigenvector-based method (EVAM) was proposed for a multichannel framework which determines perfectly convolution masks in a noise-free environment if channel disparity, called co-primeness, is satisfied. We propose a novel iterative algorithm based on recent anisotropic denoising techniques of total variation and a Mumford-Shah functional with the EVAM restoration condition included. A linearization scheme of half-quadratic regularization together with a cell-centered finite difference discretization scheme is used in the algorithm and provides a unified approach to the solution of total variation or Mumford-Shah. The algorithm performs well even on very noisy images and does not require an exact estimation of mask orders. We demonstrate capabilities of the algorithm on synthetic data. Finally, the algorithm is applied to defocused images taken with a digital camera and to data from astronomical ground-based observations of the Sun.
ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK APPLICATIONS IN GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

Over the last few years or so, the use of artificial neural networks ( ANNs) has increased in many areas of engineering. In particular, ANNs have been applied to many geotechnical engineering problems and have demonstrated some degree of success. A review of the literature reveals that ANNs have been used successfully in pile capacity prediction, modelling soil behaviour, site characterisation, earth retaining structures, settlement of structures, slope stability, design of tunnels and underground openings, liquefaction, soil permeability and hydraulic conductivity, soil compaction, soil swelling and classification of soils. The objective of this paper is to provide a general view of some ANN applications for solving some types of geotechnical engineering problems. It is not intended to describe the ANNs modelling issues in geotechnical engineering. The paper also does not intend to cover every single application or scientific paper that found in the literature. For brevity, some works are selected to be described in some detail, while others are acknowledged for reference purposes. The paper then discusses the strengths and limitations of ANNs compared with the other modelling approaches. The engineering properties of soil and rock exhibit varied and uncertain behaviour due to the complex and imprecise physical processes associated with the formation of these materials (Jaksa 1995). This is in contrast to most other civil engineering materials, such as steel, concrete and timber, which exhibit far greater homogeneity and isotropy. In order to cope with the complexity of geotechnical behaviour, and the spatial variability of these materials, traditional forms of engineering design models are justifiably simplified. An alternative approach, which has been shown to have some degree of success, is based on the data alone to determine the structure and parameters of the model . The technique is known as artificial neural networks ( ANNs) and is well suited to model complex problems where the relationship between the model variables is unknown (Hubick 1992). This paper is intended to be for readers in the field of geotechnical engineering who are not familiar with artificial neural networks. The paper aims to detail some features associated with ANNs through a review for some of their applications to-date in geotechnical engineering. It is hoped that this review may attract more geotechnical engineers to pay better attention to this promising tool. The paper starts with a brief overview of the structure and operation of the ANNs and gives a general overview of most ANN applications that have appeared in the geotechncial engineering literature. Finally, the paper discusses the relative success of ANNs in predicting various geotechnical engineering properties and behaviour.
Descriptive analysis of task congruence in Korean middle school physical education classes

Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, charts) are re­ produced by sectioning the original, beginning a t the upper left-hand comer and continuing from left to right in equal sections with small overlaps. Each original is also photographed in one exposure and is included in reduced form at the back of the book. These are also available as one exposure on a standard 35mm slide or as a 17" x 23" black and w hite photographic p rin t for an additional charge.
Spontaneous Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Resistance to HER-2-Targeted Therapies in HER-2-Positive Luminal Breast Cancer

Resistance to trastuzumab, a rationally designed HER-2-targeting antibody, remains a major hurdle in the management of HER-2-positive breast cancer. Preclinical studies suggest the mechanisms of trastuzumab resistance are numerous. Unfortunately, the majority of these studies are based around HER-2-positive (HER-2+) luminal cell lines. The role of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), a genetic program that confers a basal phenotype, may represent a novel mechanism of escape for HER-2+ luminal cells from trastuzumab treatment. Here we investigated this possibility using a model of clonal selection in HER-2+ luminal breast cancer cells. Following a random isolation and expansion of “colony clusters” from SKBR-3 cell lines, several colony clusters underwent a spontaneous EMT in-vitro. In addition to expression of conventional EMT markers, all mesenchymal colony clusters displayed a predominant CD44+/CD24- phenotype with decreased HER-2 expression and elevated levels of a β1-integrin isoform with a high degree of N-glycosylation. Treatment with a β1-integrin function-blocking antibody, AIIB2, preferentially decreased the N-glycosylated form of β1-integrin, impaired mammosphere formation and restored epithelial phenotype in mesenchymal colony clusters. Using this model we provide the first clear evidence that resistance to trastuzumab (and lapatinib) can occur spontaneously as HER-2+ cells shift from a luminal to a basal/mesenchymal phenotype following EMT. While the major determinant of trastuzumab resistance in mesenchymal colony clusters is likely the down regulation of the HER-2 protein, our evidence suggests that multiple factors may contribute, including expression of N-glycosylated β1-integrin.
Comparison of the Spasmolytic Effects of Jakyak-Gamcho Decoctions Derived via Different Extractants

Aim. To investigate whether differences in the amounts of effective index components in Jakyak-Gamcho decoctions derived via extraction with either water or ethanol were associated with differential spasmolytic effectiveness. Methods. The amounts of effective index components (paeoniflorin, benzoic acid, glycyrrhizin, and isoliquiritin) contained in water-extracted Jakyak-Gamcho decoction and 70% ethanol-extracted Jakyak-Gamcho decoction were compared by high-performance liquid chromatography. Muscle cramp reduction rates were compared between the two decoctions by comparing the degrees of muscle contraction, measured as the tension developed during electrical stimulation, before and 1 and 2 h after injection in rats. Results. The relative amounts of effective index components were, on average, about 43% higher in the 70% ethanol-extracted decoction than in the water-extracted decoction. Two hours after injection, 0.25 g/kg of 70% ethanol-extracted decoction produced a significantly greater spasmolytic effect than 0.25 g/kg of water-extracted Jakyak-Gamcho decoction or distilled water (both p < 0.05). Conclusion. Differences in the amounts of effective index components resulting from the use of different extractants were associated with differences in spasmolytic effectiveness. Hence, it may be worthwhile to investigate alternative extraction methods in terms of extraction efficiency and in vivo effectiveness for various herbal medicines in the future.
Feature tracking algorithm for circumferential strain using high frame rate echocardiography

This study aims to describe a feature tracking algorithm tailored to estimate circumferential strain on high frame rate ultrasound (HFR-US) images. The algorithm used the Hungarian assignment algorithm for tracking a basic feature descriptor. A second order Kalman model was used to recursively describe regional myocardial displacement along the myocardial contour, and the strain was calculated using these displacements. HFR-US images at 360 fps were acquired from a patient with left bundle branch block (LBBB) in the parasternal short axis view with a biventricular (BiV) pacer turned off and on. There was a large variation in the onset and end of mechanical contraction for each individual myocardial region when the BiV pacer was turned off. The variation reduced immediately when the BiV pacer was turned on. The presented algorithm can estimate circumferential strain using high frame rate ultrasound images. The circumferential strain does suffer from high intra- and inter-operator variance due to the lack of landmarks making it difficult to reproduce results. However, as circumferential and longitudinal strain offer two different, but somehow interrelated, descriptors of complex mechanical movement of the heart. The observed variance reduction may be indicative for a positive BiV response in LBBB patients.
MODEL BASED FACE RECONSTRUCTION FOR ANIMATION

In this paper, we present a new semiautomatic method to reconstruct 3D facial model for animation from two orthogonal pictures taken from front and side views. The method is based on extracting the hair and face outlines and detecting interior features in the region of mouth, eyes, etc. We show how to use structured snakes for extracting the profile boundaries and facial features. Then DFFD, a deformation process, is used for modifying a predefined or generic 3D head model to produce the individualized head. Texture mapping based on cylindrical projection is employed using a composed image from the two images. The reconstructed 3D face can be animated in our facial animation system.
Towards a Graph Grammar Based Verification Approach for Runtime Constrained Evolution of Service-Oriented Architectures

Service Oriented Architecture(SOA) is a new form of distributed software architecture. It promotes loose coupling, services distribution, dynamicity and agility. Runtime architecture of new generation service based system should be evolutional for flexible application requirement, instability of composing service nodes and Internet environment. Modeling of runtime SOA and verifying consistency of evolution could improve system dependability and adaptability. The main contribution of this paper is a graph grammar based modeling and verification approach for constrained evolution of SOA at runtime. System specification described by SOA style and structural constraints and their satisfaction checking algorithms are proposed. We have implemented an initial constrained evolution verification tool that allow us to model runtime SOA, SOA style and constraints and verify consistency.
A Novel Two-Step Approach for Retrieval of an Impacted Biliary Extraction Basket

Biliary extraction baskets are a commonly used instrument for the removal of choledocholithiasis in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Impaction of the extraction basket is a recognized complication of ERCP, and is usually the result of discrepancy between the size of bile duct stone and the diameter of the distal bile duct. Whilst mechanical lithotriptors can be used to crush the stone or break the wires of the basket to allow its release, failure of the lithotriptor device can occur. We describe the case of a 59-year-old gentleman who had an ERCP performed for choledocholithiasis. Basket impaction was encountered, and the mechanical lithotriptor failed to dislodge the stone/basket complex. A two-step technique involving balloon dilatation and forceps manipulation of the basket was applied to successfully dislodge the impacted basket. We believe this simple and safe technique should be adopted to rescue impacted biliary extraction baskets to avoid the need for potential surgical removal.
Splitting of Attractors in 1-modulus Quantum Corrected Special Geometry

We study the attractor equations for a quantum corrected prepotential F = t3 + iλ, with λ ∈ R,which is the only correction which preserves the axion shift symmetry and modifies the geometry. By performing computations in the “magnetic” charge configuration, we find evidence for interesting phenomena (absent in the classical limit of vanishing λ). For a certain range of the quantum parameter λ we find a “splitting” of attractors, i.e. the existence of multiple solutions to the Attractor Equations for fixed supporting charge configuration. Furthermore, we find that, away from the classical limit, a “transmutation” of the supersymmetry-preserving features of the attractors takes place when λ reaches a particular critical value.
Problems of Direct Composite Posterior Restorations: A Clinical Study

The aim of this clinical study was to describe the quality of posterior composite restorations (n = 329) performed on a group of patients (n=219) during an observation period of three years at various intervals (6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months) after application.
Assessment of Web-based information needs for medical device design

Medical device development involves interdisciplinary knowledge of engineering and the life sciences. In order to maintain a competitive advantage in the medical device industry, design engineers require extensive and detailed knowledge of engineering and biomedical technology. This underscores the need for continual self-education with the most current technical information. Inadequate access to biomedical information during the design process may have detrimental effects to the designer, leading to critical design delays and even failure to execute design projects. The authors describe the Stanford Health Information Network for Education (SHINE), an integrated Web-based medical information resource that provides instant access to a variety of online biomedical information resources. Users have the means to engage in self-initiated research via an interface enabling simultaneous searches across multiple heterogeneous distributed information databases. Medical device engineers may benefit from accessing such a system that promotes both self-learning and ready access to biomedical information.
Motivic measures

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Multimorbidity and unmet citizens’ needs and expectations urge for reforms in the health system of Cyprus: a questionnaire survey

Objective This study aims to investigate the prevalence of multimorbidity in Cyprus and the extent to which citizens are satisfied with the currently provided healthcare and to provide recommendations on the basis of findings. Design A nationally based survey conducted through personal interviews, using a structured questionnaire designed for this survey. Setting Cyprus rural and urban areas (excluding Turkish occupied areas). Participants Four hundred and sixty-five Cypriot adults, average age 53 years. Main outcome measures Lifetime prevalence of self-reported non-communicable diseases. Results This study demonstrated initial evidence for a high prevalence of non-age specific multimorbidity among Cypriots and dissatisfaction with their doctors, especially for the time allocated to discuss their general state of health. Recommendations focus on a new cost-effective, person-centred model of healthcare. The model prioritizes prevention rather than treatment, targeting the determinants of complexity before their influences create conditions that demand high-cost interventions, and it is based on three fundamental principles: (1) tackling health as a political issue, (2) empowering the patient and (3) introducing Applied Nutrition in the system. Conclusions This study threw light into the issue of patient complexity and revealed unmet people’s needs and expectations for a more person-centred care, providing a first challenge to the single disease-based system of healthcare in Cyprus. The findings of the study may have important implications for government policies and highlight the need for more research in this area to inform policy makers, particularly in view of the fact that a new Health System is currently being designed.
Meta-Cognitive Therapy for Depression with Anxiety Features: A Case Study

Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) for depression and anxiety Wells [1] is based on the idea that persistent emotional distress is a consequence of a particular way of responding to negative thoughts and emotions. MCT for depression and anxiety aims at targeting attentional control, rumination, worry, and metacognitive beliefs of individuals. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of meta-cognitive therapy (MCT) in the treatment of a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder with anxiety features using an AB-design with repeated assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. Following 10 sessions of MCT, it was observed that there were clinically significant improvements on outcome measures. A significant decrease in anxiety and depression symptoms and loss of diagnostic status was observed. It was concluded that MCT seems to be promising approach in managing the highly comorbid depression and anxiety symptoms. Further testing using more powered methodologies are needed. The present study aimed to examine the effect of metacognitive therapy (MCT) in the treatment of an individual diagnosed with major depressive disorder with anxiety features. It was hypothesized that metacognitive therapy will help in reducing rumination & worry leading to an overall reduction in symptoms of depression & anxiety in the present case.
The Flux Ratio Method for Determining the Dust Attenuation of Starburst Galaxies

The presence of dust in starburst galaxies complicates the study of their stellar populations as the dust's effects are similar to those associated with changes in the galaxies' stellar ages and metallicities. This degeneracy can be overcome for starburst galaxies if UV/optical/near-infrared observations are combined with far-infrared observations. We present the calibration of the flux ratio method for calculating the dust attenuation at a particular wavelength, Att(λ), based on the measurement of the F(IR)/F(λ) flux ratio. Our calibration is based on spectral energy distributions from the PEGASE stellar evolutionary synthesis model and the effects of dust (absorption and scattering) as calculated from our Monte Carlo radiative transfer model. We tested the attenuations predicted from this method for the Balmer emission lines of a sample of starburst galaxies against those calculated using radio observations and found good agreement. The UV attenuation curves for a handful of starburst galaxies were calculated using the flux ratio method, and they compare favorably with past work. The relationship between Att(λ) and F(IR)/F(λ) is almost completely independent of the assumed dust properties (grain type, distribution, and clumpiness). For the UV, the relationship is also independent of the assumed stellar properties (age, metallicity, etc.) except for the case of very old burst populations. However, at longer wavelengths the relationship is dependent on the assumed stellar properties.