Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychometric Properties of the Swedish Version of the Reasons for Gambling Questionnaire (RGQ)

The Reasons for Gambling Questionnaire (RGQ) is a self-report instrument containing 15 items to assess individual motives or reasons to gamble. This study presents psychometric data on the Swedish version of the instrument with a focus on factor structure. A Swedish sample ( N = 19,530) was screened for risk gambling with the Lie/Bet questionnaire, the effective study sample ( n = 237) consisting of respondents with a positive answer on this questionnaire who agreed to participate in an additional postal questionnaire and had no missing items on the RGQ. The originally proposed subscales of the instrument fit the data poorly and a slightly different five-factor solution was suggested. We conclude that the RGQ needs further revision and that the dimensionality of gambling motives is a question that deserves further attention. Resume Le questionnaire sur les raisons du jeu (RGQ) est un instrument d’auto-evaluation proposant quinze points d’evaluation des motivations ou raisons de jouer. Cette etude presente quelques donnees psychometriques sur la version suedoise du questionnaire en mettant l’accent sur la structure factorielle. Un echantillon suedois ( n = 19 530) a ete soumis a l’examen pour determiner le jeu a risque a l’aide du questionnaire Lie-Bet, et l’echantillon efficace ( N = 237) etait forme de repondants ayant obtenu un resultat positif au questionnaire Lie-Bet, ayant accepte de participer a un questionnaire supplementaire par la poste et n’ayant omis aucun element dans le RGQ. La sous-echelle du questionnaire proposee a l’origine a mal adapte les donnees, et on a propose une solution a cinq facteurs legerement differente. En conclusion, le RGQ doit etre revise, et la dimensionnalite des raisons du jeu est une question qui merite une attention accrue.
Business Coordination and Tax Politics

Business interest groups are crucial actors for tax policy-making, but it is still unclear under which conditions they are more successful than politicians in shaping taxation. This article argues that centralised coordination and high levels of policy integration make business interest groups more influential in the tax policy-making process. If there is no ideological convergence between agenda setters and business, highly centralised and well-integrated business interest groups are more successful in blocking or softening revenue-raising tax reforms or simply transferring tax burdens to consumers or non-organised citizens. To evaluate this theoretical framework, I have compiled an original dataset on business groups and associations for 18 countries in Latin America between 1990 and 2010. This theory uncovers a strong link between the patterns of business coordination and the feasibility of implementing distributive tax policies. This article also contributes to the study of business politics beyond the limited sample of developed countries.
Shot-Gun Proteomic Analysis on Roots of Arabidopsis pldα1 Mutants Suggesting New Roles of PLDα1 in Mitochondrial Protein Import, Vesicular Trafficking and Glucosinolate Biosynthesis

Phospholipase Dα1 (PLDα1) belongs to phospholipases, a large phospholipid hydrolyzing protein family. PLDα1 has a substrate preference for phosphatidylcholine leading to enzymatic production of phosphatidic acid, a lipid second messenger with multiple cellular functions. PLDα1 itself is implicated in biotic and abiotic stress responses. We present here a shot-gun differential proteomic analysis on roots of two pldα1 mutants compared to the Col-0 wild type. Our data suggest new roles of PLDα1 in endomembrane transport, mitochondrial protein import and protein quality control and glucosinolate biosynthesis. Thus, we identified proteins involved in endocytosis, endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi transport and attachment sites of endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane (V-type proton ATPases, protein transport protein SEC13 homolog A, vesicle-associated protein 1-2, vacuolar protein sorting-associated protein 29, syntaxin-32, all upregulated in the mutants), mitochondrial import and electron transport chain (mitochondrial import inner membrane translocase subunits TIM23-2 and TIM13, mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenases, ATP synthases, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 6b-1, ADP,ATP carrier protein 2, downregulated in the mutants) and glucosinolate biosynthesis (3-isopropylmalate dehydrogenases 1, 2 and 3, methylthioalkylmalate synthase 1, cytochrome P450 83B1, Glutathione S-transferase F9, indole glucosinolate O-methyltransferase 1, adenylyl-sulfate kinase 1, all upregulated in mutants). Our results suggest broader biological roles of PLDα1 as anticipated so far.
A Sociocybernetic Model of Sustainable Social Systems

The ongoing economic crisis world around has asked for a theoretical understanding and deep analysis of what have been wrong in our economic system in specific and social system as whole. Discussions in many forums and mass media have mostly focused on a level of first order casual-effects such as bank and credit system in relation to house loans and car industries, and where and how much the stimulating packages should be distributed, etc. This is what I called a liveability level problem. A second order understanding of fundamental systems structure and social subsystems relationships however, have not been much addressed properly. This is what I called the sustainability problem. This paper will propose an epistemological model based on cybernetic feedback principle and the Activity Theory to interpret the second order problems that deeply embed in our social-economic system structure. So the liveability and sustainability are coherently discussed within a socio-cybernetic system. The first part of the paper introduces shortly principles of feedbacks from cybernetics, especially understanding the behaviours of positive and negative feedbacks. Then, the Activity Theory and related concepts from social autopoietic theory are introduced. The aim of introducing those concepts is to provide the basic elements/components to the construction of a double-loops feedback model in the second part. In the last, the current economic crisis is interpreted based on the constructed model, to verify the usability of the proposed model.
AGE, ATTENTION, AND OTS IN A CONSTRAINED VS UNCONSTRAINED TASK

OF THESIS AGE, ATTENTION, AND OTS IN A CONSTRAINED VS UNCONSTRAINED TASK The discourse of older healthy adults is commonly described as lengthy and offtopic and thought to be associated with a general cognitive decline that occurs in healthy aging. This study investigated the overall decline in attention associated with healthy aging and its relationship to instances of off-topic speech (OTS) in a constrained and unconstrained language production task. Ninety cognitively healthy adults participated and comprised three age cohorts (40 – 75+). Participants completed cognitive measures of attention and two discourse tasks that included recounting personal events and describing a procedure. Older adults exhibited poorer scores on measures of selective and shifting attention, and elderly adults produced more OTS as compared to middle-aged (40s) and older (60s) adults in the unconstrained task only. Poorer scores of shifting attention were significantly correlated with more OTS in the older adults (60s) only. Overall, a marked increase in variability of language production was observed with advancing age. Results indicated the need for further research on the relationships between age, attention, OTS, and task type in healthy aging to determine an underlying cause for increasing variability of language production with age.
Accounting for Mismatch Unemployment

We investigate unemployment due to mismatch in the United States over the past three and a half decades. We propose an accounting framework that allows us to estimate the contribution of each of the frictions that generated labor market mismatch. Barriers to job mobility account for the largest part of mismatch unemployment, with a smaller role for barriers to worker mobility. We find little contribution of wage-setting frictions to mismatch.
A Cross-cultural Contrastive Analysis of Views on Friendship in Chinese and English Proverbs

By applying a contrastive analysis, this paper aims at presenting the differences of the views on friendship between China and Americans reflected in proverbs about friendship and friends under the guidance of Cultural Dimensions Theory. Differences are found in the acceptance of the hierarchy in human relations, expectations of loyalty and long-term commitments from friends, and inclination of independence. Power distance dimension, individualism versus collectivism dimension and long-term versus short-term orientation dimension are exploited to account for the differences.
External Resources and Economic Growth: An Empirical Analysis of South Asian Countries

Abstract This study aims to investigate the role of three important external resources on the economic growth of leading South Asian countries. A sample of four countries is studied from 1983 to 2014. Empirical analyses are carried out in two phases. First, we have checked the combined effect using CD test, CIPS, Pedroni, and Westerlund panel cointegration, pooled mean group (PMG) framework and Heterogeneous non-causality test. In the second phase, we compared the regional and country-wise estimations using ARDL bound testing, stability test, and Granger causality. Results suggest that remittances play a vital role in the economic growth of selected South Asian countries, whereas, imports and foreign direct investment found to be insignificant. Also, while evaluating the same model for the individual countries using the ARDL estimations also reveal that remittances significantly contribute to the economies of Pakistan and Sri Lanka and imports found to be negatively related with economic growth in the same economies. However, imports showed a strong relationship with the economic growth of Bangladesh. Thus, this paper has drawn some insights for the policymakers.
Association between microsatellite regions and reproduction related traits in indigenous chicken ecotypes

The present study was carried out in six indigenous ecotypes of two divisions of Karnataka to assess association of twenty microsatellite regions of thirteen chicken autosomes with age, body weight and egg weight at sexual maturity and Forty week egg production. The general molecular technique protocols were adopted wherever required in PCR, electrophoresis, gel staining and reading. The analysis revealed significant difference (p<0.05) among genotypes combined across ecotypes for nineteen microsatellite loci for body weight at sexual maturity. The analysis revealed significant difference (P<0.05) among genotypes combined across ecotypes for eighteen microsatellite loci for EWSM. The posthoc dunnet’s test conducted in one of the microsatellite region ADL0020 genotypes after excluding genotypes with only one bird at 0.05 level of significance revealed that a particular genotype A was significantly different from two of the genotypes C and D, indicating the important role of the corresponding alleles of these genotypes in influencing the Body weight at sexual maturity. The validity of using thus identified markers or alleles need further authentication by research in other populations and further proof by expression studies.
The North Anatolian Fault ( NAF ) is a right ‐ lateral plate boundary fault that arcs across northern Turkey for ∼

[1] The North Anatolian Fault (NAF) is a right‐lateral plate boundary fault that arcs across northern Turkey for ∼1500 km. Almost the entire fault progressively ruptured in the 20th century, its cascading style indicating that stress from one fault rupture triggers fault rupture of adjacent segments. Using published paleoseismic investigations, this study integrates all of the existing information about the timing of paleoearthquakes on the NAF. Paleoseismic investigation data are compiled into a database, and for each site a Bayesian, ordering‐constrained age model is constructed in a consistent framework. Spatial variability of recurrence intervals suggests a spatial pattern in the behavior of earthquakes on the NAF that may correspond to the tectonic provinces within the Anatolian plate. In the west, the shear stress associated with the escaping Anatolian plate interplays with the tensile stress associated with the Aegean extensional province. Along this western transtensional section we recognize short recurrence intervals and switching between the furcated fault strands. The central section of the NAF is translational with little influence of fault‐normal stresses from other tectonic sources. This section tends to rupture in unison or close succession. The eastern section of the NAF is transpressional due to the compressional fault‐normal stress associated with the indenting Arabian plate. Along this section the recurrence intervals are bimodal, which we attribute to variable normal stress, although there are other possible causes.
Determinants of Long Acting Reversible Contraception Method use among mothers in Extended Postpartum Period, Durame Town, Southern Ethiopia: a cross sectional community based survey.

Background: After a live birth, there is much unsatisfied interest in, and unmet family planning need for contraception. Waiting at least for 24 months before attempting the next pregnancy was recommended to reduce the risk of adverse maternal, perinatal and infant outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess the determinants of long acting reversible contraception method use among mothers in extended postpartum period in Durame Town, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in Durame Town, Southern Ethiopia in December, 2014. Systematic random sampling technique was employed to recruit a total 460 study participants. Structured and pretested questioner was used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics was employed to characterize the study population using frequencies and proportions. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify all possible factors affecting utilization of LARC method. Multivariable logistic regression model was developed to control the confounding variables. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was computed in identifying the real factors associated with use of LARC methods. Results: In this study we found that the prevalence of LARC method use among mothers during their extended postpartum period was 36.7% (95%CI: 32.2, 41.0). The unmet family planning need of mothers in the extended postpartum period was 123 (27.9%). The odds of using LARC by literate mother were four fold higher than their counterpart illiterate mothers (AOR 4.09 95%CI: 1.68, 9.58, P value < 0.001). The odds of mother who had pervious experiences of using LARC were up to eight folds higher than mother never used LARC methods (AOR 7.84 95% CI: 3.78, 16.23, P value< 0.001). Mother who received counseling service on LARC methods during delivery was up to three times more likely to utilize the services than not counseled (AOR 3.29 95% CI: 1.53, 7.03, P value < 0.001). And odds of mothers who received counseling service on LARC during immediate postpartum period were up to five fold more likely to opt method than never got the counseling service (AOR 4.55 95 % CI: 1.94, 10.66, P value < 0.001). Conclusions: In the study area, about one third of mothers utilized LARC methods during their extended postpartum period. Another one third of mother had unmet need for family planning. Participant’s education, previous history of using LARC methods, receiving counseling services on LARC during delivery and immediate postpartum periods were found major determinant for LARC use. Educating women, providing counseling service on LARC methods during antenatal, delivery and postnatal were recommended.
Modification of host social networks by manipulative parasites

Social network models provide a powerful tool to estimate infection risk for individual hosts and track parasite transmission through host populations. Here, bringing together concepts from social network theory, animal personality, and parasite manipulation of host behaviour, I argue that not only are social networks shaping parasite transmission, but parasites in turn shape social networks through their effects on the behaviour of infected individuals. Firstly, I review five general categories of behaviour (mating behaviour, aggressiveness, activity levels, spatial distribution, and group formation) that are closely tied to social networks, and provide evidence that parasites can affect all of them. Secondly, I describe scenarios in which behaviour-altering parasites can modify either the role or position of individual hosts within their social network, or various structural properties (e.g., connectance, modularity) of the entire network. Experimental approaches allowing comparisons of social networks pre- versus post-infection are a promising avenue to explore the feedback loop between social networks and parasite infections.
Single-shot learning algorithm for quantum weightless neural networks

In this paper we present a new quantum learning algorithm for quantum weightless neural networks that is based on quantum superposition principle. The main characteristic of this quantum learning algorithm is its capacity to train a neural network with only one execution of the neural network model. The proposed algorithm is denoted Single Shot quantum Learning Algorithm (SSLA). SSLA is based in the GSN learning algorithm that also requires a single presentation of the train data to the network and in a superposition quantum based learning algorithm.
Enzyme-Catalyzed Ring-Opening Polymerization of ε-Caprolactone in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

We report the ring-opening polymerization reaction of e-caprolactone in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) using an enzyme catalyst, Lipase B from Candida antarctica supported on macroporous beads (Novozym-435). Ring-opening polymerization of lactones is more commonly performed in organic solvents or in bulk using a Lewis acid catalyst. Recently there has been much interest in the replacement of such catalysts by enzymes. We demonstrate that the enzymatic route is viable in scCO2, yielding poly(e-caprolactone) (Mn = 12 000−37 000 g mol-1) with molecular weights very similar to those obtained from the same enzyme catalysts in organic solvents, but with lower polydispersities (typical PDI = 1.4−1.6) and higher yields of polymer product (typically 95−98%). In the same process the unique “gaslike” mass transfer properties of scCO2 can also be exploited to remove quantitatively any unconverted monomer and low molecular weight oligomers by scCO2 extraction. It is also shown that the enzyme catalyst can be cle.
Interdecadal climate variability and regime‐scale shifts in Pacific North America

A transect of climate sensitive tree ring‐width chronologies from coastal western North America provides a useful proxy index of North Pacific ocean‐atmosphere variability since 1600 AD. Here we use this high‐resolution record to identify intervals of an enhanced interdecadal climate signal in the North Pacific, and to assess the timing and magnitude of abrupt shifts in this system. In the context of this record, the step‐like climate shift that occurred in 1976–1977 is not a unique event, with similar events having occurred frequently during the past 400 years. Furthermore, most of the pre‐instrumental portion of this record is characterized by pronounced interdecadal variability, while the secular portion is more strongly interannual in nature. If the 1976–1977 event marks a return to this mode of variability there may be significant consequences for natural resources management in the North Pacific Sector.
Inflammatory markers C-reactive protein and PLR in relation to HCC characteristics

Introduction Several markers of systemic inflammation, including blood C-reactive protein, platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have been identified as independent prognosticators for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods To attempt to understand the significance of these markers, they were examined in relation to 4 tumour parameters, namely maximum tumour diameter (MTD), tumour multifocality, portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and blood alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. Results Using linear and logistic regression models, we found that C-reactive protein and PLR on single variables, were statistically significantly related to the tumour parameters. In a logistic regression final model, CRP was significantly related to MTD, AFP and PVT, and the Glasgow Index significantly related to MTD and AFP. Results of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC), showed that the areas for PLR and CRP were statistically significant for high versus low MTD and for presence versus absence of PVT. CRP alone was significant for high versus low AFP. Conclusions These analyses suggest that the prognostic usefulness of the inflammatory markers PLR and CRP (but not NLR) may be due to their reflection of parameter values for tumour growth and invasiveness.
Precursory seismicity pattern before strong earthquakes in Greece

The temporal variation of seismicity, based on the retrospective analyses of three seismic parameters i.e. , number of earthquakes, bvalue and energy released, have shown significant changes. Their remarkable relation with strong earthquakes occurrence was formulated as a qualitative character precursory seismicity pattern, which were interpreted in terms of a strong earthquakes occurrence preparation phases. The main characteristic of this pattern is that permits the identification of two period of low and high probability for an earthquake occurrence, suggesting its utility in the current seismic hazard assessment, by the continuous monitoring of the temporal variation of the seismic parameters in a given area. This paper investigates the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the proposed precursory seismicity pattern, before al strong earthquakes occurrence in Greece the time period 2000-2008.
Formal Verification of an Electronic Voting System

Electronic voting (e-voting) systems that are used in public elections need to fulfil a broad range of strong requirements concerning both safety and security. Among these requirements are reliability, robustness, privacy of votes, coercion resistance and universal verifiability. Bugs in or manipulations of an e-voting system may have considerable influence on the life of the humans living in a country where such a system is used. Hence, e-voting systems are an obvious target for software verification. In this paper, we report on an implementation of such a system in Java and the formal verification of functional properties thereof in the KeY verification system. Even though the actual components are clearly modularized, the challenge lies in the fact that we need to prove a highly nonlocal property: After all voters have cast their votes, the server calculates the correct votes for each candidate w.r. t. the original ballots. This kind of trace property is dificult to prove with static techniques like verification and typically yields a large specification overhead.
Distributed Hybrid Book Recommendation System

: Many e-commerce Websites are using recommendation systems to provide relevant suggestions to their customers. Every situation can’t be solved by same solution. Therefore , in this paper we are providing distributed hybrid recommendation framework . User is divided into different types and according to user’s type different algorithms are applied. In this paper solution for cold start problem is also provided. Aim of the paper is to improve efficiency of the recommendation system using dynamic task assignment and spark.