Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Implementation of Human Cognitive Bias on Neural Network and Its Application to Breast Cancer Diagnosis

: The neural network is one of the most successful machine learning models. However, the neural network often requires large amounts of well-balanced training data to ensure prediction accuracy. Meanwhile, human learners can generalize a new concept from even a small quantity of biased examples, simultaneously enlarging knowledge with an increase in experience. As a possible key factor in the ability to generalize, human beings have cognitive biases that e ﬀ ectively support concept acquisition. In this study, to narrow the gap between human and machine learning, we have implemented human cognitive biases into a neural network in an attempt to imitate human learning to enhance performance. Our model, named loosely symmetric neural network, has shown superior performance in a breast cancer classiﬁcation task in comparison with other representative machine learning methods.
Childhood obesity and academic performance among elementary public school children

ABSTRACT Background: In addition to health problems or increasing the significant risk of health problems, obesity is also negatively associated with several socioeconomic outcomes. Obesity could negatively influence academic outcomes. The relationship between obesity rates and academic performance deserves attention because obesity rates have been steadily increasing over the last few decades. Purpose: Most of the existing studies assess the effect of student obesity on the student’s own educational outcomes. In this study, we examine the relationship in the context of obesity at the student grade level, which allows us to partially examine the influence of stigmatisation. Design & methods: The main variables of interest are obesity rates and academic proficiency rates. We study public school students, grades kindergarten (K) through to 12, in Arkansas. Multilevel methods are employed to account for similar factors at various levels in the school hierarchy, i.e., at the grade-, school- and school district-level. Results: Obesity prevalence is positively associated with the percentage of students performing below proficiency levels in both literacy and maths. Our findings also suggest that stigmatisation experienced by obese children may be one mechanism behind this association. Conclusions: The findings favour the hypothesis that obese students could face greater psychological consequences in school settings with a smaller percentage of obese students and vice versa.
‘Overpaid’ and ‘inefficient’: print media framings of the public sector in The Irish Times and The Irish Independent during the financial crisis

ABSTRACT Using a frame analysis approach this paper examines how The Irish Times and the Irish Independent portrayed public sector workers during Ireland's economic crisis. Using a sample of coverage from 2009 and 2010 it discusses the five media frames identified in this analysis, three of which were hegemonic and two of which were counter hegemonic. In this paper, I argue that coverage of the public sector by each newspaper was imbalanced and inaccurate. This paper also finds that both newspapers were strong advocates of austerity cutbacks in the public service as a solution to Ireland's financial crisis, frequently representing this idea as ‘fact’ while simultaneously delegitimising those opposing this viewpoint.
Efficient Aerial–Aquatic Locomotion With a Single Propulsion System

Aerial–aquatic locomotion would allow a broad array of tasks in robot-enabled environmental monitoring or disaster management. One of the most significant challenges of aerial–aquatic locomotion in mobile robots is finding a propulsion system that is capable of working effectively in both fluids and transitioning between them. The large differences in the density and viscosity of air compared to water means that a single direct propulsion system without adaptability will be inefficient in at least one medium. This paper examines multimodal propeller propulsion using computational tools validated against experimental data. Based on this analysis, we present a novel gearbox enabling an aerial propulsion system to operate efficiently underwater. This is achieved with minimal complexity using a single fixed pitch propeller system, which can change gear underwater by reversing the drive motor, but with the gearing arranged to leave the propeller direction unchanged. This system is then integrated into a small robot, and flights in air and locomotion underwater are demonstrated.
Exploring coping and optimism as predictors of academic burnout and performance among university students

Abstract This study examined the relationship between coping strategies, dispositional optimism, academic burnout and academic performance using structural equation modelling. Data were collected from a sample of 532 Spanish undergraduate students. Participants completed a battery of questionnaires including the LOT-R to assess optimism, CSI for the measurement of coping (adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies), and MBI-SS to evaluate academic burnout (exhaustion, cynicism, and efficacy). Academic performance was evaluated by the grade point average (GPA). The results showed that academic burnout was directly and positively associated with maladaptive coping but directly and negatively explained by adaptive coping. In addition, emotional exhaustion was significantly and negatively predicted by optimism. Finally, academic performance was significantly predicted by academic burnout. In conclusion, the findings suggest that both adaptive coping and optimism help to prevent academic burnout and, therefore, positively affect academic performance. Implications for intervention and future research are discussed.
Cosmic Microwave Background-normalized Predictions for Sunyaev-Zeldovich Effect Fluctuations

We predict the level of small-scale anisotropy in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) due to the Sunyaev-Zeldovich (SZ) effect for the ensemble of cosmological models that are consistent with current measurements of large-scale CMB anisotropy. We argue that the recently reported detections of the small-scale (arcminutes) CMB anisotropy are only marginally consistent with being due to the SZ effect when cosmological models are calibrated to the existing primary CMB data on large scales. The discrepancy is at more than 2-2.5 σ and is mainly due to a lower σ8 ≲ 0.8 favored by the primary CMB and a higher σ8 ≳ 1 favored by the SZ effect. A degeneracy between the optical depth to Thomson scattering and the CMB-derived value of σ8 suggests that the discrepancy would be reduced if the universe was reionized very early, at a redshift of ~25.
Spatial, Temporal, and Spatiotemporal Autoregressive Probit Models of Binary Outcomes: Estimation, Interpretation, and Presentation

Spatial/Spatiotemporal interdependence - i.e., that the outcomes, actions, or choices of some unit-times depend on those of others - is substantively and theoretically ubiquitous and central in binary outcomes of interest across the social sciences. However, most empirical applications omit spatial interdependence and, at best, treat temporal dependence as nuisance to be “kludged”; indeed, even theoretical and substantive discussion usually ignores (inter)dependence. Moreover, in the few contexts where spatial interdependence has been acknowledged or emphasized, such as in the social-network and policy-diffusion literatures, empirical models either do not fully reflect the simultaneity of the outcomes across units, or they do not recognize the endogeneity of the spatial lags which are used (appropriately) to model the interdependence. This paper notes and explains some of the severe challenges posed by spatiotemporal interdependence in binary-outcome models and then follows recent spatial-econometric advances to suggest two simulation-based approaches for surmounting the computational intensiveness of these models: classical recursive-importance-sampling (RIS) or Bayesian Markov-chain Monte-Carlo (MCMC). Serial autocorrelation in binary outcomes raises essentially the same challenges, so these strategies offer effective approach to temporal dependence as well. We provide Monte-Carlo comparisons of the performance of these alternative estimators for spatial probit, including comparisons to estimation-strategies blind to or naive about (inter)dependence - i.e., omitting spatial lags or including them but treating them as exogenous regressors in standard probit estimation - and then we show how to apply related simulation methods to calculate estimated spatial effects of hypothetical shocks in terms of outcomes or probabilities of outcomes (with associated confidence/credibility regions) rather than only in parameter-estimate or latent-variable terms as in all prior spatial-probit applications. We illustrate with applications to U.S. states’ adoptions of legislative term-limits and to great-power decisions to enter World War I.
Interpersonal Violence between College Students: Proximal Influences.

AUTHOR Marcus, Robert; Reio, Thomas; Kessler, Lauren; Cutler, Kelley; Fleury, John TITLE Interpersonal Violence between College Students: Proximal Influences. PUB DATE 2000-08-06 NOTE 28p. ; Paper presented at the Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association (108th, Washington, DC, August 4-8, 2001). PUB TYPE Reports Research (143) Speeches/Meeting Papers (150) EDRS PRICE MF01/PCO2 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS *College Students; *Drinking; Higher Education; Institutional Evaluation; On Campus Students; *Sex Differences; Student Behavior; *Violence IDENTIFIERS Fighting; University of Maryland College Park
The Political Processes and Role Of Gatekeepers in Setting Accounting Standards for Agriculture

Many accounting regulations are introduced in response to crises of some kind, arising from a corporate collapse or claims that published financial reports have been misleading. In contrast, the IASC’s IAS 41 Agriculture standard was developed from the mid-1990s and issued in 2000, two years after the Australian AASB 1037 Self-Generating and Regenerating Assets (SGARA) standard, followed in 2004 by New Zealand’s NZ IAS 41 Agriculture. There had been no prior crisis or public expression of concern about shortcomings in existing practice. This study considers the background to the emergence of accounting for agriculture onto the agenda of standard-setting bodies, and the role played by different insiders. Here, they are collectively termed ‘gatekeepers’, the key staff, expert technical advisers and decision-makers who were members of standard-setting boards. Examination of the development of these new standards extends beyond consideration of technical accounting issues. Several case studies identify the regulatory and political processes each standard-setting agency adopted to consider and then progress the topic through all rule-making stages and resulting lobbying activities by significant users. These political processes are examined using the Cobb and Elder (1972, 1983) agenda-building framework and the Cobb, Ross and Ross (1976) analysis of institutional dynamics. The history of accounting for agriculture, in Australia and New Zealand, is traversed to explain the historical background to the new omnibus agricultural standards promulgated in Australasia. Significant events described include the AASB staff recommendation to the IASB in 2003 to split IAS 41 in two before its designated 2005 commencement date – a recommendation which, so far, has been ignored. New research material includes unpublished documents relating to the initial AASB Project Brief and IASC Point Outline background proposals for each standard, the IASC’s Field Test Report prior to adopting its IAS 41 standard and the AASB 1037 standard post implementation review – possibly the first ever to be undertaken. The study found that the activities of key insiders were consistent with what Cobb et al. (1976) described as the inside access model, both in placement of the topic on the agenda
Subtypes of Developmental Coordination Disorder: Research on Their Nature and Etiology

Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) are a group embracing clumsiness and developmental dyspraxia. Our study provides a better understanding of the nature of DCD and its etiology, and identifies subtypes of dyspraxia. Forty-three children with DCD (5–15 years) were enrolled on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed. [DSM-IV-TR]; American Psychiatric Association, 2000) criteria. Extensive standardized evaluations were conducted. We distinguished from two patterns of “pure” developmental dyspraxia: ideomotor and visual-spatial/visual-constructional, and mix dyspraxia with more co-morbidities. Our study provides a better understanding of the nature of DCD, and sheds light on its etiology and brain dysfunction, so as to identify subtypes of developmental DCD/dyspraxia with specific clinical criteria.
Organizational support sources and job performance relations: what about occupational commitment?

ABSTRACT The present study investigates the relationship between organizational social support sources and perceived job performance, as well as the potential mediating role of employees’ occupational commitment. Using self-reported data from 300 hospitality industry employees, proposed research questions were investigated using structural equation modeling. The findings indicate that supervisor and co-worker support have a significant effect on job performance. However, there was no significant relationship between perceived organizational support and job performance. The current study also showed that occupational commitment partially mediated the relationship between perceived co-worker support and extra-role job performance.
Small molecule-mediated refolding and activation of myosin motor function

The small molecule EMD 57033 has been shown to stimulate the actomyosin ATPase activity and contractility of myofilaments. Here, we show that EMD 57033 binds to an allosteric pocket in the myosin motor domain. EMD 57033-binding protects myosin against heat stress and thermal denaturation. In the presence of EMD 57033, ATP hydrolysis, coupling between actin and nucleotide binding sites, and actin affinity in the presence of ATP are increased more than 10-fold. Addition of EMD 57033 to heat-inactivated β-cardiac myosin is followed by refolding and reactivation of ATPase and motile activities. In heat-stressed cardiomyocytes expression of the stress-marker atrial natriuretic peptide is suppressed by EMD 57033. Thus, EMD 57033 displays a much wider spectrum of activities than those previously associated with small, drug-like compounds. Allosteric effectors that mediate refolding and enhance enzymatic function have the potential to improve the treatment of heart failure, myopathies, and protein misfolding diseases. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.01603. 001
TWO ACCURATE TIME-DELAY DISTANCES FROM STRONG LENSING: IMPLICATIONS FOR COSMOLOGY

Strong gravitational lenses with measured time delays between the multiple images and models of the lens mass distribution allow a one-step determination of the time-delay distance, and thus a measure of cosmological parameters. We present a blind analysis of the gravitational lens RXJ1131−1231 incorporating (1) the newly measured time delays from COSMOGRAIL, the COSmological MOnitoring of GRAvItational Lenses, (2) archival Hubble Space Telescope imaging of the lens system, (3) a new velocity-dispersion measurement of the lens galaxy of 323 ± 20 km s−1 based on Keck spectroscopy, and (4) a characterization of the line-of-sight structures via observations of the lens' environment and ray tracing through the Millennium Simulation. Our blind analysis is designed to prevent experimenter bias. The joint analysis of the data sets allows a time-delay distance measurement to 6% precision that takes into account all known systematic uncertainties. In combination with the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe seven-year (WMAP7) data set in flat wCDM cosmology, our unblinded cosmological constraints for RXJ1131−1231 are , Ωde = 0.79 ± 0.03, and . We find the results to be statistically consistent with those from the analysis of the gravitational lens B1608+656, permitting us to combine the inferences from these two lenses. The joint constraints from the two lenses and WMAP7 are , , and in flat wCDM, and , , and in open ΛCDM. Time-delay lenses constrain especially tightly the Hubble constant H0 (5.7% and 4.0% respectively in wCDM and open ΛCDM) and curvature of the universe. The overall information content is similar to that of Baryon Acoustic Oscillation experiments. Thus, they complement well other cosmological probes, and provide an independent check of unknown systematics. Our measurement of the Hubble constant is completely independent of those based on the local distance ladder method, providing an important consistency check of the standard cosmological model and of general relativity.
Effects of the Oxygen-Carrying Solution OxyVita C on the Cerebral Microcirculation and Systemic Blood Pressures in Healthy Rats

The use of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOC) as oxygen delivering therapies during hypoxic states has been hindered by vasoconstrictive side effects caused by depletion of nitric oxide (NO). OxyVita C is a promising oxygen-carrying solution that consists of a zero-linked hemoglobin polymer with a high molecular weight (~17 MDa). The large molecular weight is believed to prevent extravasation and limit NO scavenging and vasoconstriction. The aim of this study was to assess vasoactive effects of OxyVita C on systemic blood pressures and cerebral pial arteriole diameters. Anesthetized healthy rats received four intravenous (IV) infusions of an increasing dose of OxyVita C (2, 25, 50, 100 mg/kg) and hemodynamic parameters and pial arteriolar diameters were measured pre- and post-infusion. Normal saline was used as a volume-matched control. Systemic blood pressures increased (P ≤ 0.05) with increasing doses of OxyVita C, but not with saline. There was no vasoconstriction in small (<50 µm) and medium-sized (50–100 µm) pial arterioles in the OxyVita C group. In contrast, small and medium-sized pial arterioles vasoconstricted in the control group. Compared to saline, OxyVita C showed no cerebral vasoconstriction after any of the four doses evaluated in this rat model despite increases in blood pressure.
The Role of Leadership Competencies in Supporting the Al Nahda University for Becoming a Learning Organization: A New Qualitative Framework of the DLOQ

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to contribute to research on learning organizations in higher education institutions (HEIs), by researching the role of individual, group, and organization competencies and skills that support the (NUB) Al Nahda University in Egypt toward becoming a learning organization.Design/methodology/approach: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight executive academics and researchers in (NUB) Al Nahda University in Egypt. Questions emphasised leadership competencies, including those at individual, group, and organizational level, for utilising their skills in creating, sharing and transferring knowledge for modifying and changing their behaviour to achieve a learning organization.Findings: Leadership competencies emerged as a complementary component to the DLOQ framework and it was found that the Seven Characteristics (7Cs) proposed by Watkins and Marsick (2003) did not lead to being a learning organization, nor did being a learning organization lead to knowledge performance and financial performance by itself unless fully supported by leadership competencies, as was confirmed in the case of the Al-Nahda University operating in Egypt.Originality/value: There is still a lack of investigation and global response to the question of how leadership competencies can support learning inside higher education institutions. The outcomes of this research allow a better understanding of how leadership competencies can support the process of becoming a learning organization in HEIs, via a qualitative investigation of the DLOQ framework.
Balancing autonomy and responsibility: the ethics of generating and disclosing genetic information

Using data obtained during a retrospective interview study of 30 women who had undergone genetic testing—BRCA1/2 mutation searching—this paper describes how women, previously diagnosed with breast/ovarian cancer, perceive their role in generating genetic information about themselves and their families. It observes that when describing their motivations for undergoing DNA testing and their experiences of disclosing genetic information within the family these women provide care based ethical justifications for their actions. Finally, it argues that generating genetic information and disclosing this information to kin raise different types of ethical issues. The implications of these findings for ethical debates about informed choice in the context of genetic testing are discussed.
Functional Connectivity in Multiple Cortical Networks Is Associated with Performance Across Cognitive Domains in Older Adults

Abstract Intrinsic functional connectivity MRI has become a widely used tool for measuring integrity in large-scale cortical networks. This study examined multiple cortical networks using Template-Based Rotation (TBR), a method that applies a priori network and nuisance component templates defined from an independent dataset to test datasets of interest. A priori templates were applied to a test dataset of 276 older adults (ages 65–90) from the Harvard Aging Brain Study to examine the relationship between multiple large-scale cortical networks and cognition. Factor scores derived from neuropsychological tests represented processing speed, executive function, and episodic memory. Resting-state BOLD data were acquired in two 6-min acquisitions on a 3-Tesla scanner and processed with TBR to extract individual-level metrics of network connectivity in multiple cortical networks. All results controlled for data quality metrics, including motion. Connectivity in multiple large-scale cortical networks was positively related to all cognitive domains, with a composite measure of general connectivity positively associated with general cognitive performance. Controlling for the correlations between networks, the frontoparietal control network (FPCN) and executive function demonstrated the only significant association, suggesting specificity in this relationship. Further analyses found that the FPCN mediated the relationships of the other networks with cognition, suggesting that this network may play a central role in understanding individual variation in cognition during aging.
Quantitative Analysis of Automatic Image Cropping Algorithms: A Dataset and Comparative Study

Automatic photo cropping is an important tool for improving visual quality of digital photos without resorting to tedious manual selection. Traditionally, photo cropping is accomplished by determining the best proposal window through visual quality assessment or saliency detection. In essence, the performance of an image cropper highly depends on the ability to correctly rank a number of visually similar proposal windows. Despite the ranking nature of automatic photo cropping, little attention has been paid to learning-to-rank algorithms in tackling such a problem. In this work, we conduct an extensive study on traditional approaches as well as ranking-based croppers trained on various image features. In addition, a new dataset consisting of high quality cropping and pairwise ranking annotations is presented to evaluate the performance of various baselines. The experimental results on the new dataset provide useful insights into the design of better photo cropping algorithms.