Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Auditory hallucination coping techniques and their relationship to psychotic symptomatology

Abstract Use of coping techniques is of importance in the treatment for patients experiencing auditory hallucinations. Phenomenological features of auditory hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms are assumed to be factors influencing the coping activities. The aim of the present study was to determine psychotic symptoms including auditory hallucination phenomenological features that have effects on coping activities. The authors investigated 17 generally used coping techniques of 144 chronically psychotic patients who were currently experiencing auditory hallucination in DSM‐IV schizophrenia or schizoaffective psychosis. Using factor analysis, scales characterizing the styles of coping application and efficacy were constructed. To assess the phenomenological features, the authors used the Matsuzawa Assessment Schedule for Auditory Hallucination (MASAH), which had been devised to assess four basic phenomenological features: intractability, delusion, influence, and externality. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was also applied for the assessment of psychotic symptoms. Regression analyses were conducted to determine the features and symptoms that could have effects on coping activities. Constructed scales were those of distraction and counteraction styles for each of coping application and efficacy. It was found that MASAH influence and externality features had an activating effect on both distraction and counteraction coping application, and counteraction coping application, respectively, and that PANSS negative symptom clusters and MASAH delusion feature had an inhibiting effect on distraction and counteraction coping application, respectively. No salient factor for coping efficacy was recognized. The current study presents information on the relationship between coping activities and the psychotic experience features and symptoms, which can be of help for planning coping training programs.
Plant biology and pathology / Biologie et pathologie végétales An approach to identify cold-induced low-abundant proteins in rice leaf

Abstract A proteomic approach has been adopted to investigate the low-abundant proteins in rice leaf in response to cold stress. Riceseedlings were exposed to different temperatures, such as 5 or 10 ◦ C, and samples were collected after different time course. Toeliminate the high-abundant proteins in leaf tissues such as ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), proteinswere fractionated by polyethylene glycol (PEG). The elimination of Rubisco from the protein samples was conﬁrmed by Westernblot analysis. The PEG fractionated protein samples were separated by 2-DE and visualized by silver or CBB staining. A total12 up-regulated protein spots were identiﬁed using the analysis of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry or ESI MS/MS. We identiﬁedsome novel proteins such as cysteine proteinase, thioredoxin peroxidase, a RING zinc ﬁnger protein-like, drought-inducible lateembryogenesis abundant, and a ﬁbrillin-like protein that had not yet been reported in the earlier reports on cold proteomic analysis.The identiﬁcation of some novel low-abundant proteins in response to cold stress may provide a new homeostasis to developenhanced cold tolerance transgenic plants. Thus, we propose that a PEG fractionation system can be used as an inﬂuential proteinextraction method from the leaf samples, which can lead to knowledge of the expression pattern of low-abundant proteins inresponse to various biotic or abiotic stresses.
Testing the Empirical Validity of the Adaptive Markets Hypothesis

The issue of market e¢ ciency attracted the attention of academicians since the existence of financial markets. Over time, two schools of thoughts were established: the efficient markets school and the behavioral finance school. Proponents of the former believed in the Efficient Markets Hypothesis whereas the latter brought evidence from behavioral finance and psychology to demonstrate that financial markets are inefficient and this inefficiency is attributed to the irrational behavior of investors in making financial choices regarding asset allocation and portfolio construction. Recently, an adaptive reconciliation was suggested, which posits that investors'adaptability is what brings back inefficient markets to efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to test empirically the validity of the Adaptive Markets Hypothesis via a smooth transition regression model with exogenous threshold variable. The results support the reconciliation and show that markets are indeed efficient sometimes and inefficient most of the time.
Remoteness and maize price volatility in Burkina Faso

Stylized facts set agendas and shape debates. In rapidly changing and data scarce environments, they also risk being ill-informed, outdated and misleading. So, following higher food prices since the 2008 world food crisis, robust economic growth and rapid urbanization, and climatic change, is conventional wisdom about African agriculture and rural livelihoods still accurate? Or is it more akin to myth than fact? The essays in “Agriculture in Africa” Telling Myths from Facts aim to set the record straight. They exploit newly gathered, nationally representative, geo-referenced information at the household and plot level, from six African countries. In these new Living Standard Measurement Study-Integrated Surveys on Agriculture, every aspect of farming and non-farming life is queried—from the plots farmers cultivate, the crops they grow, the harvest that is achieved, and the inputs they use, to all the other sources of income they rely on and the risks they face. Together the surveys cover more than 40 percent of the Sub-Saharan African population. In all, sixteen conventional wisdoms are examined, relating to four themes: the extent of farmer's engagement in input, factor and product markets; the role of off-farm activities; the technology and farming systems used; and the risk environment farmers face. Some striking surprises, in true myth-busting fashion, emerge. And a number of new issues are also thrown up. The studies bring a more refined, empirically grounded understanding of the complex reality of African agriculture. They also confirm that investing in regular, nationally representative data collection yields high social returns.
Separating neural correlates of allocentric and egocentric neglect: Distinct cortical sites and common white matter disconnections

Insights into the functional nature and neuroanatomy of spatial attention have come from research in neglect patients but to date many conflicting results have been reported. The novelty of the current study is that we used voxel-wise analyses based on information from segmented grey and white matter tissue combined with diffusion tensor imaging to decompose neural substrates of different neglect symptoms. Allocentric neglect was associated with damage to posterior cortical regions (posterior superior temporal sulcus, angular, middle temporal and middle occipital gyri). In contrast, egocentric neglect was associated with more anterior cortical damage (middle frontal, postcentral, supramarginal, and superior temporal gyri) and damage within subcortical structures. Damage to intraparietal sulcus (IPS) and the temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) was associated with both forms of neglect. Importantly, we showed that both disorders were associated with white matter lesions suggesting damage within long association and projection pathways such as the superior longitudinal, superior fronto-occipital, inferior longitudinal, and inferior fronto-occipital fascicule, thalamic radiation, and corona radiata. We conclude that distinct cortical regions control attention (a) across space (using an egocentric frame of reference) and (b) within objects (using an allocentric frame of reference), while common cortical regions (TPJ, IPS) and common white matter pathways support interactions across the different cortical regions.
Analysis of off-farm work decisions among smallholder farm households in Burkina Faso

ABSTRACT This article investigates off-farm work decisions by smallholder farm households. Using data on 1,101 households from Burkina Faso, it demonstrates that in addition to the usual household socio-demographic characteristics, remittances, access to information and beneficiary of specific training affect off-farm work decisions, as well as rainfall factors and idiosyncratic health shocks. Community characteristics such as accessibility and number of inhabitants are also key factors. While suggesting that off-farm work is less likely to be undertaken for accumulation purposes, these results have important policy implications. In particular, policy measures should consider each segment as a separate entity.
Using genetically modified tomato crop plants with purple leaves for absolute weed/crop classification.

BACKGROUND Weed/crop classification is considered the main problem in developing precise weed-management methodologies, because both crops and weeds share similar hues. Great effort has been invested in the development of classification models, most based on expensive sensors and complicated algorithms. However, satisfactory results are not consistently obtained due to imaging conditions in the field. RESULTS We report on an innovative approach that combines advances in genetic engineering and robust image-processing methods to detect weeds and distinguish them from crop plants by manipulating the crop's leaf color. We demonstrate this on genetically modified tomato (germplasm AN-113) which expresses a purple leaf color. An autonomous weed/crop classification is performed using an invariant-hue transformation that is applied to images acquired by a standard consumer camera (visible wavelength) and handles variations in illumination intensities. CONCLUSION The integration of these methodologies is simple and effective, and classification results were accurate and stable under a wide range of imaging conditions. Using this approach, we simplify the most complicated stage in image-based weed/crop classification models.
A Multilink Protocol with the Per Flow Resequencing and Its Performance Evaluation

Procedures that provide a virtual link service aggregating bandwidths of multiple physical links are called a multilink protocol. The multilink protocol enables to utilize bandwidths of multiple links flexibly and to improve reliability of communications. This paper focuses on the resequencing function needed to preserve packet sequence integrity. The resequencing is generally performed by both each link layer protocol as well as the multilink protocol. This paper shows that a problem of the head of line (HOL) blocking occurs due to the resequencing if packets of multiple IP flows are transferred over the multilink connection. To solve this problem, this paper proposes the Per- Flow ReSequencing (PFRS) scheme for the multilink protocol and evaluates its effectiveness through analysis and simulations.
Decondensation of the mouse sperm nucleus within the interphase nucleus

Summary Sperm nuclei incorporated into the cytoplasm (ooplasm) of fertilised mouse eggs at the pronuclear stage remain condensed, whereas those injected into male or female pronuclei decondense. Similarly, sperm nuclei injected into germinal vesicles of immature oocytes or the nuclei of 2-cell embryos decondense, while those entering the cytoplasm of these oocytes / embryos do not. These facts seem to suggest that factors necessary for the decondensation of sperm nucleus are present in interphase nuclei and are released into the ooplasm during nuclear envelope breakdown. Nucleoplasmin, which is synthesised in the cytoplasm and accumulated within the nucleus, is likely a major candidate for these factors.
Effect of a Calcium-silicate-based Restorative Cement on Pulp Repair

In cases of pulp injury, capping materials are used to enhance tertiary dentin formation; Ca(OH)2 and MTA are the current gold standards. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of a new calcium-silicate-based restorative cement to induce pulp healing in a rat pulp injury model. For that purpose, cavities with mechanical pulp exposure were prepared on maxillary first molars of 27 six-week-old male rats, and damaged pulps were capped with either the new calcium-silicate-based restorative cement (Biodentine), MTA, or Ca(OH)2. Cavities were sealed with glass-ionomer cement, and the repair process was assessed at several time-points. At day 7, our results showed that both the evaluated cement and MTA induced cell proliferation and formation of mineralization foci, which were strongly positive for osteopontin. At longer time-points, we observed the formation of a homogeneous dentin bridge at the injury site, secreted by cells displaying an odontoblastic phenotype. In contrast, the reparative tissue induced by Ca(OH)2 showed porous organization, suggesting a reparative process different from those induced by calcium silicate cements. Analysis of these data suggests that the evaluated cement can be used for direct pulp-capping.
Changing patterns of Asian currencies’ co-movement with the US dollar and the Chinese renminbi: Evidence from a wavelet multiresolution analysis

ABSTRACT We extend the Frankel–Wei approach by using wavelet analysis to evaluate the relative importance of the dollar and the renminbi as anchor currencies at different time scales. We find that Asian currencies’ co-movement with the dollar weakened after the global financial crisis, while that with the renminbi strengthened particularly after China introduced a new exchange rate management system in 2015. The evidence suggests that emerging Asian economies have recently attached more importance to the renminbi as an anchor in exchange rate management.
What information, advice, and support do women want with breastfeeding?

BACKGROUND Breastfeeding conveys many benefits, but women often encounter difficulties in the first few weeks. The objective of this study was to examine women's perspectives on the information, advice, and support they receive with breastfeeding. METHODS A qualitative analysis was conducted of women's responses to open questions about their experiences of breastfeeding support. Participants were recruited as part of a randomized controlled trial of additional support from volunteer breastfeeding counselors, and they completed questionnaires when their babies were 6 weeks old. RESULTS Of the 720 women recruited to the trial, 654 began breastfeeding and completed postnatal questionnaires; 492 (75%) participants were first-time mothers and 200 (31%) were of minority ethnic origin. At 6 weeks, 249 (38%) women were exclusively breastfeeding, 183 (28%) were both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, whereas 222 (34%) were exclusively bottle-feeding. Although many women commented positively on their experiences, others thought they did not receive the information and support they needed. Thematic analysis of women's responses to open questions identified five components of the support that women wanted: information about breastfeeding and what to expect, practical help with positioning the baby to breastfeed, effective advice and suggestions, acknowledgment of mothers' experiences and feelings, and reassurance and encouragement. CONCLUSIONS Maternity services should address the components identified by the study findings as constituting good breastfeeding support. Guidance and information for family members and training for those involved in peer or professional initiatives should take into account women's views on what support they want, together with when and how they want it provided.
[Hepatitis A outbreak in a day care center and household transmission].

BACKGROUND An outbreak of hepatitis A occurred in a day care center in Madrid between October 2002 and February 2003 and spread to the children's families. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a descriptive study of this outbreak and of the control measures adopted. RESULTS The outbreak affected 23 people: eight children aged 1-3 years (attack rate= 8.7 %), two staff members (attack rate=10.5 %), and 13 household contacts. Of the 23 cases, 17 were confirmed by serology and eight patients were hospitalized. The control measures were: (i) increasing general hygiene measures in the home and school and, in particular, those concerning diaper changing by staff, and (ii) vaccination of all pupils aged more than one year (92 children), staff members (16 adults) and family contacts of affected individuals. After vaccination, the epidemic curve showed intrafamilial transmission exclusively. Cases among familial contacts affected adults in contact with asymptomatic children. CONCLUSIONS Vaccination was effective in controlling the epidemic outbreak within the day care center. However, when outbreaks occur, vaccination should be prescribed to close contacts of all the children, whether symptomatic or not, especially parents and siblings. The recommendation that day care center workers undergo vaccination on taking up their posts should be put into practice, since vaccination is not systematically performed. General vaccination would be the most effective measure for preventing outbreaks in educational centers.
Interactions between Viruses and Bacteria in Patients with Chronic Bronchitis

Abstract The possibility that viral infections of the respiratory tract might predispose to bacterial colonization or infection was studied in 120 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 30 control subjects; these individuals were observed for seven years. The ratio of the number of observed to the number of expected associations between viruses and bacteria was 2.43 (P = 0.037) for the pair influenza virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae and was 2.06 (P = 0.056) for influenza virus and Haemophilus influenzae. Consistently positive, but not significant, associations were detected between rhinovirus and herpes simplex virus infections and isolations of S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae. In contrast, isolations of the nonpathogenic Haemophilus parainfluenzae could not be related to prior viral infections. Significant rises in titer of antibody to H. iniluenzae were detected on 76 occasions, and 20 (26%) of these antibody rises were associated with viral or mycoplasmal infections during the preceding 120 days. The expected number of such associations was 8.34 (ratio of number observed to number expected, 2.40; P = 0.08). These results suggest that viral infections of the respiratory tract in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are associated with increased colonization by potentially pathogenic bacteria and may also predispose to infection with H. injluenxae.
BGA Interconnection Reliability in Mirrored Module Configurations

Interconnection dimensions are becoming more important due to electrical signal timing requirements and stray effects, such as unwanted inductance, leading to increasingly denser packaging. One way to shorten the signal path is to use mirrored structures, where the components are placed on opposite sides of the printed circuit board (PCB). This paper presents thermal cycling test (TCT) results in a temperature interval from −40 °C to +125 °C and simulation results of plastic ball grid array components mounted on one side [single side (SS) configuration] and in different mirrored configurations on a PCB. Anand’s constitutive model is used in the finite-element analysis software to calculate dissipated creep energy densities in the interconnections. Field lifetimes of the presented cases were also calculated on the basis of the dissipated creep energy densities and TCT data. In addition, supporting microscopic studies were done. The single-sided configuration had a longer lifetime than the mirrored configurations with components on opposite sides. The mirrored configurations had adverse simulated creep energies and TCT lifetimes, compared with the single-sided configuration. The simulations proved that the flexibility of the mirrored structures was hindered, thus increasing stress levels in critical interconnections.
EU referendums in context: What can we learn from the Swiss case?

The rising number of referendums on EU matters, such as the Brexit and the Catalonian independence votes, highlight the increasing importance of referendums as a problem‐solving mechanism in the EU. We argue that the Swiss case provides essential insights into understanding the dynamics behind referendums, which are often lacking when referendums are called for in the EU. Referendums in EU member states on EU matters differ substantially from the in Swiss context. Nevertheless, proponents of more direct democratic decision‐making regularly cite the Swiss example. Our systematic analysis of why referendums are called, how they unfold and their resulting effects in the EU and Switzerland reveals that the EU polity lacks the crucial conditions that embed direct democracy within the wider political and institutional system. The comparative perspective offers fundamental insights into the pre‐conditions required for direct democracy to function and its limitations in the EU.
Productivity Gap: A Chance or an Obstacle in Absorbing Benefits from FDI in a Host Country

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between labour productivity in Poland, the presence of foreign direct investment and productivity gap between Poland and the EU-15. Research Design & Methods: Panel data techniques including pooled, fixed and random effects models, as well as diagnostic tests were used in this study. The idea was to find the relation between labour productivity measured by gross value added per employee (or hours worked) and the degree of the penetration of foreign capital. Findings: While investment decisions regarding the choice of a country are determined by the size of the target market, the distance is still a negative factor in the creation of FDI volume. Additionally, the backwardness of business or its relative proximity in terms of labour productivity in relation to the EU-15 is an unfavourable factor when it comes to the improvement of productivity. Implications & Recommendations: The results that we have obtained confirm the hypothesis that there exists an optimal level of productivity gap implying high absorption benefits of FDI presence. Moreover, an increasing involvement of foreign investors in different sectors implies both higher productivity of these sectors and the gap reduction. This may prove that too small or too huge productivity gap is an obstacle to the absorption of benefits from the presence of foreign capital to boost productivity by local firms. Contribution & Value Added: The study contributes to the observation in the existing literature that an increasing accumulation of FDI is accompanied by the progressive convergence of productivity between the UE-15 and Poland almost across all sectors. The heterogeneity of the phenomenon is noticeable on the sectoral level, which seems to be unsaid in the majority of empirical studies basing on national-aggregated data.