Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Re ﬂ ecting on the journey: Mechanisms in narrative persuasion

Recent work demonstrates that narratives persuade via mechanisms distinct from other persuasive message formats. The present work draws from the discourse processing and communication literature to introduce a construct of retrospective re ﬂ ection as an additional mediator in narrative persuasion. Retrospective re ﬂ ection represents self or other-relevant memories evoked by transportation into a story, which corroborates and extends story-implied beliefs into the reader's world. The reported studies indicate that retrospective re ﬂ ection is distinct from transportation, mediates the relationship between transportation and various persuasion-related outcomes, and predicts these outcomes beyond transportation. The current work also examines the in ﬂ uence of personal relevance (Study 2) and cognitive load (Study 3) to better understand the role of retrospective re ﬂ ection in narrative persuasion.
Antimycotic activity of plant extracts on the spore germination of some pathogenic fungi.

In an approach towards development of eco-friendly antifungal control strategy, plant extracts of three plants, onion (Allium cepa L.), garlic (Allium sativum L.) and mint (Mentha arvensis L.) were tested for their antifungal activity on some pathogenic fungi. Different concentrations of extracts obtained from leaves of mint, and bulbs of onion and garlic were evaluated for their efficacy on the spore germination of Alternaria alternata and Rhizopus stolonifer. Results revealed that all the concentrations of plant extracts brought about significant inhibition in the spore germination of A. alternata and R. stolonifer. However, the highest concentrations caused maximum inhibition in the spore germination followed by lower concentrations of plant extracts of onion, garlic and mint respectively. The extract of A. sativum at highest concentration proved highly effective in reducing the spore germination of A. alternata followed by extract of A. cepa and M. arvensis respectively. Other concentrations of leaf and bulb extracts of tested plants also caused inhibition in spore germination but to a lesser extent than highest concentrations. Similar results were also observed on the spore germination of Rhizopus stolonifer. The highest inhibition in spore germination was observed at highest concentration of leaf and bulb extract of mint onion and garlic. It was followed by lower concentration concentrations of plant extract respectively.
Rotavirus and norovirus in children with severe diarrhea in Burkina Faso before rotavirus vaccine introduction

Burkina Faso introduced rotavirus vaccine (RotaTeq) to the national immunization program in November 2013. This study describes the detection rates, clinical profiles, and molecular epidemiology of rotavirus and norovirus (NoV) infections among children <5 years hospitalized (n = 154) because of acute diarrhea in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, from December 2012 to November 2013, just before the start of vaccination. Overall, 44% and 23% of fecal samples were positive for rotavirus and NoV, respectively, most of them detected during the cold dry season (December‐March). The predominant G/P combinations were G12P[8] (47%) and G6P[6] (30%). G2P[4] (n = 3), G12P[6] (n = 3), and G6P[8] (n = 1) were also detected. Nearly all (94%) successfully genotyped NoV strains belonged to genotype GII.4. The predominance of rotavirus and NoV was noteworthy in the age group ≤6 months, with 67% rotavirus and 22% NoV, respectively. Vomiting was significantly more common among rotavirus‐infected children. To conclude, this study shows high detection rates of both rotavirus and NoV in children with severe diarrhea in Burkina Faso just before the introduction of rotavirus group A vaccination. The results can be used for estimating the impact of rotavirus group A vaccination, which started in the end of 2013. Furthermore, this study shows that the G6P[6] rotavirus strains emerging in Burkina Faso in 2010 is now established as a regionally important genotype.
Novel Biomarkers for Coronary Restenosis Occurrence After Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation in Patients With Diabetes Having Stable Coronary Artery Disease

The purpose of the study was to assess whether the occurrence of restenosis is associated with CD45+ platelet count and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation for stable coronary artery disease (CAD). The study comprised 126 patients, including 55 patients with type 2 DM and stable CAD who underwent elective coronary artery stenting with DES and follow-up angiography within 6 to 12 months. Blood samples were collected from each patient on the morning of the coronary angiography procedure. The variables related to in-stent restenosis were selected by logistic regression analysis. The logistic regression analysis showed that 2 inflammatory factors, CD45+ platelet count (odds ratio [OR] = 4.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.50-13.50, P = .007) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (OR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.05-9.10, P = .04), were significantly associated with the risk of in-stent restenosis after stenting with DES in patients with stable CAD and type 2 DM. A receiver operator characteristic curve analysis indicated that the area under the curve was 0.83% (0.05%; P < .001), which showed that the logistic model had good predictive accuracy (based on CD45+ platelet count and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio) for the risk of in-stent restenosis development in DES in patients with CAD and type 2 DM. Two novel biomarkers of restenosis, CD45+ platelet count and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, may be effectively used to predict in-stent restenosis after DES implantation in patients with CAD and type 2 DM.
All-optical machine learning using diffractive deep neural networks

All-optical deep learning Deep learning uses multilayered artificial neural networks to learn digitally from large datasets. It then performs advanced identification and classification tasks. To date, these multilayered neural networks have been implemented on a computer. Lin et al. demonstrate all-optical machine learning that uses passive optical components that can be patterned and fabricated with 3D-printing. Their hardware approach comprises stacked layers of diffractive optical elements analogous to an artificial neural network that can be trained to execute complex functions at the speed of light. Science, this issue p. 1004 All-optical deep learning can be implemented with 3D-printed passive optical components. Deep learning has been transforming our ability to execute advanced inference tasks using computers. Here we introduce a physical mechanism to perform machine learning by demonstrating an all-optical diffractive deep neural network (D2NN) architecture that can implement various functions following the deep learning–based design of passive diffractive layers that work collectively. We created 3D-printed D2NNs that implement classification of images of handwritten digits and fashion products, as well as the function of an imaging lens at a terahertz spectrum. Our all-optical deep learning framework can perform, at the speed of light, various complex functions that computer-based neural networks can execute; will find applications in all-optical image analysis, feature detection, and object classification; and will also enable new camera designs and optical components that perform distinctive tasks using D2NNs.
Multiconnectivity for Mobility Robustness in Standalone 5G Ultra Dense Networks with Intrafrequency Cloud Radio Access

Capacity and ultra-reliable communication are some of the requirements for 5th generation (5G) networks. One of the candidate technologies to satisfy capacity requirement is standalone Ultra Dense Network (UDN). However, UDNs are characterized by fast change of received signal strength that creates mobility challenges in terms of increased handovers and connection failures. In this paper, a low layer multiconnectivity scheme is presented for standalone UDN aiming at ultra-reliable communication that is free of interruptions from handover procedures and connection failures. Furthermore, the problem in managing of the set of serving cells, that are involved in multiconnectivity for each user, is formulated. By using numerical method, feasible scheme for management of the set of serving cells is derived. Performance of the proposed multiconnectivity scheme is evaluated and compared against single connectivity. It is shown that the proposed multiconnectivity scheme outperforms single connectivity considerably in terms of connection failures and cell-edge throughput.
A CMOS Buried Quad p-n Junction Photodetector Model

A buried quad junction (BQJ) photodetector has been designed and fabricated with a high-voltage CMOS process. It implements four vertically stacked p-n junctions with four different spectral responses. This feature allows high spectral discriminating ability, greater than both conventional buried double junction and buried triple junction detectors. In this paper, we propose a SPICE-like model, based on the physical properties of the device structure. The proposed model has been integrated in EDA software. It could be used for rapid and reliable design of system on chip, integrating the BQJ sensor, and its signal processing. The analytical expressions of the four BQJ photocurrents, as well as dark currents, have been developed. The spectral characteristics of the photodetector, computed with the proposed model, have been compared with those from TCAD simulations and experimental measurements. The analytical is close to the measurement with an average error on spectral responses in the range of 3%-17%, depending on the considered junction.
The Design and Evolution of Fiducials for the reacTIVision System

The reacTIVision system is software for tracking specially designed fiducials (markers) in a real-time video stream. ReacTIVision was designed to enable expressive gestural control of musical sound, and can track many markers at a high frame rate. The development of reacTIVision involved not only computer vision algorithms, but also the design of a new marker system. We co-designed the computer vision system and markers, applying evolutionary computation to minimise marker size while meeting geometric constraints required to efficiently compute the location and 2D orientation of the markers. The computer vision techniques adopted would not have been practical had the genetic algorithms not been able to solve these constraints. This paper focuses on the design and evolution of the markers, the computer vision aspects of reacTIVision are documented elsewhere.
Better Cognitive Performance Is Associated With the Combination of High Trait Mindfulness and Low Trait Anxiety

There are several ways in which cognitive and neurophysiological parameters have been consistently used to explain the variability in cognitive ability between people. However, little has been done to explore how such cognitive abilities are influenced by differences in personality traits. Dispositional mindfulness and anxiety are two inversely linked traits that have been independently attributed to a range of cognitive functions. The current study investigated these two traits in combination along with measures of the attentional network, cognitive inhibition, and visual working memory (VWM) capacity. A total of 392 prospective participants were screened to select two experimental groups each of 30 healthy young adults, with one having high mindfulness and low anxiety (HMLA) and the second having low mindfulness and high anxiety (LMHA). The groups performed an attentional network task, a color Stroop task, and a change detection test of VWM capacity. Results showed that the HMLA group was more accurate than the LMHA group on the Stroop and change detection tasks. Additionally, the HMLA group was more sensitive in detecting changes and had a higher WMC than the LMHA group. This research adds to the literature that has investigated mindfulness and anxiety independently with a comprehensive investigation of the effects of these two traits in conjunction on executive function.
Negotiated versus adversarial patterns of social democracy: a comparison between the Netherlands and France

On the basis of Lijphart’s (1999) two forms of democracy, majoritarian and consensus, this article explores the relevance of a similar two-sided typology of negotiated versus adversarial patterns of social democracy (démocratie sociale) for characterizing industrial relations in European Union countries and understanding the link between these patterns and a country’s social and economic performance. Social democracy (démocratie sociale) is considered as a form of collective action in the field of industrial relations resulting from social and economic citizenship. Seven dimensions are chosen to bring out the overall patterns: welfare state regime, collective actors, collective bargaining, industrial disputes, social and economic arenas and institutions, employee representation, and decision-making processes. With France and the Netherlands being two good examples of the majoritarian and the consensus types of democracy, these countries are chosen to test the relevance of the two patterns of social democracy (démocratie sociale). The two countries clearly illustrate the two patterns.
Experiences of incarcerated veterans: A qualitative study

A qualitative study designed to explore the experiences of incarcerated military veterans was conducted. Eleven inmates who identified as military veterans were interviewed about their premilitary, during military, and postmilitary experiences. These interviews were coded and analyzed according to grounded theory methodology. Out of these data a model for understanding the relationship between military involvement and later criminal behavior was developed. The resulting model described a series of life experiences that flowed from a perception of fairly well-adjusted childhoods in early life to an ultimate disconnection from society as adults. Specifically, interviewees talked about two premilitary factors: Belief in a Normal Childhood and growing up in a Military Environment. Upon entering the military, participants described Initial Positive Adjustment, followed by Military Disillusionment. As a result of their military involvement, nearly all participants came to experience a sense of disconnection from society that involved experiences of Reintegration Difficulties, Lack of Support/Sense of Injustice, and Continued Military Identity, that occurred after active duty. Degree Type Dissertation Rights Terms of use for work posted in CommonKnowledge. Comments Library Use: LIH This dissertation is available at CommonKnowledge: http://commons.pacificu.edu/spp/1127 Copyright and terms of use If you have downloaded this document directly from the web or from CommonKnowledge, see the “Rights” section on the previous page for the terms of use. If you have received this document through an interlibrary loan/document delivery service, the following terms of use apply: Copyright in this work is held by the author(s). You may download or print any portion of this document for personal use only, or for any use that is allowed by fair use (Title 17, §107 U.S.C.). Except for personal or fair use, you or your borrowing library may not reproduce, remix, republish, post, transmit, or distribute this document, or any portion thereof, without the permission of the copyright owner. [Note: If this document is licensed under a Creative Commons license (see “Rights” on the previous page) which allows broader usage rights, your use is governed by the terms of that license. ] Inquiries regarding further use of these materials should be addressed to: CommonKnowledge Rights, Pacific University Library, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116, (503) 352-7209. Email inquiries may be directed to:. copyright@pacificu.edu This dissertation is available at CommonKnowledge: http://commons.pacificu.edu/spp/1127 EXPERIENCES OF INCARCERATED VETERANS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY PACIFIC UNIVERSITY HILLSBORO, OREGON BY UMA SANKARAM IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY JULY 25, 2014 APPROVED: Genevieve Arnaut, Psy.D. , Ph.D. Michelle Guyton, Ph.D., ABPP
COMPARISON OF BIPOLAR AND TETRAPOLAR TECHNIQUES IN BIOIMPEDANCE MEASUREMENT

Currently, the majority of studies about bioimpedance measurement uses the tetrapolar electrode configuration. However, in a multilayered tissue volume the measuring current spreads from the current carrying electrodes resulting in unexpected problems treated as a negative sensitivity problem. This work investigated this problem on the bioimpedance measures of upper and lower limbs comparing the results achieved by a bipolar and a tetrapolar bioimpedance devices. The results showed that for the tetrapolar electrode configuration the bioimpedance magnitude decreases significantly (up to 95% for lower limbs and 87% for upper limbs) as current injection electrodes move away from the signal pickup electrodes. There is no statically significant difference (p = 0.87) between the bioimpedance magnitude achieved by the intrinsically bipolar device and the one obtained by the tetrapolar device when was used in the bipolar electrode configuration. It is concluded that the biompedance measurement made by the bipolar device can be more reliable than those performed by a tetrapolar technique, in the sense the results supplied by the former will never present a decrease in the measured impedance associated to an increase of the biological medium impedivity. Such type of error can lead to serious misdiagnosis in health applications of the bioimpedance technique.
Soziologische Wertforschung / Sociological Research on Values

Zusammenfassung Die soziologische Werteforschung hat - unter dem Postulat des Wertewandels - in den letzten dreißig Jahren eine Fülle von (Umfrage-)Daten gesammelt, aber kaum Fortschritte bei der theoretischen Klärung des Wertkonzepts erzielt. Im vorliegenden Artikel wird versucht, Möglichkeiten einer engeren Verbindung von theoretischer Reflexion und empirischer Forschung aufzuzeigen. Ausgangspunkt sind Luhmanns Überlegungen zur Funktion von Werten, aus denen sich verschiedene Vorschläge für die empirische Forschungspraxis ableiten lassen, insbesondere die Forderung, Daten zu erheben, die es ermöglichen, die sachliche, zeitliche und soziale Dimension der Generalisierung von Werten simultan zu betrachten. Außerdem sollten wahrgenommene Erfüllungsniveaus und antizipierte Reaktionen auf denkbare Gefährdungen der Werte erhoben werden. Gestützt auf Ergebnisse eines Lehrprojekts werden entsprechende Operationalisierungsvorschläge diskutiert. Summary More than thirty years sociological research on value change has produced an impressive amount of (survey-)data. However, little has been done to advance our theoretical understanding of the concept of values. Based on Luhmann’s theory of the function of social values the present article proposes ways and means to narrow the gap between empirical research and theory construction in this field. Specifically, it is considered necessary to obtain data not just on “what” is being valued and “how much”, but also on the degree of temporal and social “generalization” of values, i. e. their normative substance and the factual or perceived level of consensus about them. Information is also needed on the perceived level of actual value realization and on reactions that might occur in cases of threat. Based on data collected for teaching purposes several strategies for constructing questionnaires and analyzing data to this effect are discussed.
Government research evaluations and academic freedom: a UK and Australian comparison

ABSTRACT Performance management systems have been an inevitable consequence of the development of government research evaluations (GREs) of university research, and have also inevitably affected the working life of academics. The aim of this paper is to track the development of GREs over the past 25 years, by critically evaluating their adoption in the UK and Australian higher education sector and their contribution to the commodification of academic labour, and to highlight the resultant tensions between GREs and academic freedom. The paper employs a literature-based analysis, relying on publicly available policy documents and academic studies over the period 1985–2010. GREs are a global phenomenon emanating from new public management reforms and while assessments of university research have been welcomed, they have attracted critique based on their design, the manner in which they have been applied, and the unintended consequences of their implementation on academic freedom in particular. Consistent with international research on the impact of GREs, Australian research assessments appear to be undoing the academic freedom that is central to successful research. Further empirical research on the impact of GREs on academics is urgently needed.
Macroeconomic Dynamics Near the ZLB: A Tale of Two Countries

We propose and solve a small-scale New-Keynesian model with Markov sunspot shocks that move the economy between a targeted-inflation regime and a deflation regime and fit it to data from the U.S. and Japan. For the U.S. we find that adverse demand shocks have moved the economy to the zero lower bound (ZLB) in 2009 and an expansive monetary policy has kept it there subsequently. In contrast, Japan has experienced a switch to the deflation regime in 1999 and remained there since then, except for a short period. The two scenarios have drastically different implications for macroeconomic policies. Fiscal multipliers are about 20% smaller in the deflationary regime, despite the economy remaining at the ZLB. While a commitment by the central bank to keep rates near the ZLB doubles the fiscal multipliers in the targeted-inflation regime (U.S.), it has no effect in the deflation regime (Japan).
Exploring the No-Show Paradox for Condorcet Extensions Using Ehrhart Theory and Computer Simulations

Results from voting theory are increasingly used when dealing with collective decision making in computational multiagent systems. An important and surprising phenomenon in voting theory is the No-Show Paradox (NSP), which occurs if a voter is better off by abstaining from an election. While it is known that certain voting rules suffer from this paradox in principle, the extent to which it is of practical concern is not well understood. We aim at filling this gap by analyzing the likelihood of the NSP for six Condorcet extensions (Black's rule, Baldwin's rule, Nanson's rule, MaxiMin, Tideman's rule, and Copeland's rule) under various preference models using Ehrhart theory as well as extensive computer simulations. We find that, for few alternatives, the probability of the NSP is rather small (less than 4% for four alternatives and all considered preference models, except for Copeland's rule). As the number of alternatives increases, the NSP becomes much more likely and which rule is most susceptible to abstention strongly depends on the underlying distribution of preferences.