Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Knotting on the Shape of Polymers

Momentary configurations of long polymers at thermal equilibrium usually deviate from spherical symmetry and can be better described, on average, by a prolate ellipsoid. The asphericity and nature of asphericity (or prolateness) that describe these momentary ellipsoidal shapes of a polymer are determined by specific expressions involving the three principal moments of inertia calculated for configurations of the polymer. Earlier theoretical studies and numerical simulations have established that as the length of the polymer increases, the average shape for the statistical ensemble of random configurations asymptotically approaches a characteristic universal shape that depends on the solvent quality. It has been established, however, that these universal shapes differ for linear, circular, and branched chains. We investigate here the effect of knotting on the shape of cyclic polymers modeled as random isosegmental polygons. We observe that random polygons forming different knot types reach asymptotic shapes that are distinct from the ensemble average shape. For the same chain length, more complex knots are, on average, more spherical than less complex knots.
Integrating assessment matrices in feedback loops to promote research skill development in postgraduate research projects

Assessment tasks can focus student efforts in what they choose to study. This paper describes the development and initial application of an assessment matrix to support student learning in postgraduate research studies at the University of Adelaide. Students and supervisors in the multi-disciplinary Master programmes also benefit from the clear descriptors to clarify expectations and standardise grading. This reflective paper explores the capacity of a matrix to improve constructive alignment between research course objectives and learning outcomes when it is an integral part of feedback loops.
Learning about Interface Design through Peer Assessment

Peer assessment is recognised as a useful learning activity, not merely as a means by which assignments can be marked. In a design subject such as Human-computer Interaction, peer-assessment offers a unique opportunity for students to be exposed to a wide range of different designs in an environment that ensures that they reflect on these designs. However, it is important that the marking criteria are well specified and unambiguous. This paper reports on the use of peer-assessment as an effective learning activity for revealing the wide range of design issues and dimensions in interface design, where formal marking is based on clear, functional criteria. Subjective consideration of the interfaces is encouraged through a ranking system and the subsequent elicitation of interface design principles. The successful implementation of this scheme demonstrates its benefits both as a learning activity and as an opportunity for student reflection.
Jurors’ perceptions of scientific testimony: The role of gender and testimony complexity in trials involving DNA evidence

Abstract With continuous advancements in forensic science, expert testimony has become more common in criminal proceedings. This study (N = 170) sought to examine the combined influence of mock juror gender, expert gender, and testimony complexity in a case involving DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) evidence. Findings revealed that testimony complexity interacted with expert gender to influence verdict judgments. Participants were unaffected by testimony complexity when the expert was a man, but were more likely to convict when complex testimony was presented by a woman. In support of the heuristic-systematic model, expert gender elicited an effect only in high-complexity conditions—interestingly, this was exclusively the case for male mock jurors. Understanding how jurors cognitively process legal and extra-legal information may help legal actors (e.g., evidence experts, lawyers) communicate evidence and its legal relevance more effectively.
Psychology of Color: Similarities Between Abstract and Clothing Color Preferences

Two studies, one of university students and one of non-students, of the similarities between color preferences as an abstract concept and color preferences for clothing are reported. Using Munsell color standards in a controlled viewing setting, subjects ranked preferences for 10 hues, the color of a favorite garment, and dominant colors in their wardrobe. Chi Square, Kendall Coefficient of Concordance and Friedman Two-way Analysis of Variance by Ranks were used in data analysis. Blue and purple-blue were most preferred hues for any use. Colors of favorite garments and dominant colors in the wardrobe were similar to stated color preferences. Findings support the importance of both biological and social factors influence on color preferences. Knowledge of color preferences is useful for planning colors of consumer products, but color preferences may be product specific. The 15 to 25% of subjects who selected different colors as most preferred for abstract color and clothing color present an obstacle to using clothing colors as indicators of personality traits.
An eye-tracking methodology for characterizing program comprehension processes

Program comprehension processes have previously been studied using methodologies such as think-aloud or comprehension summary analysis. Eye-tracking, however, has not been previously widely applied to studies of behavioral aspects of programming. We present a study in which program comprehension was investigated with a help of a remote eye-tracker. Novice and intermediate programmers used a program visualization tool to aid their comprehension while the location of fixations, fixation durations and attention switching between the areas of interest were recorded.In this paper 1) we propose an approach how to investigate trends in repeated-measures sparse-data of few cases captured by an eye-tracker and 2) using this technique, we characterize the development of program comprehension strategies during dynamic program visualization with help of eye-movement data.
Judging and coding facial expression of emotions in congenitally blind children

We investigate the facial expression of emotions in very young congenitally blind children to ” nd out whether these are objectively and subjectively recognisable. We also try to see whether the adequacy of the facial expression of emotions changes as the children get older. We video recorded the facial expressions of 10 congenitally blind children and 10 sighted children (as a control group) in seven everyday situations considered as emotion elicitors. The recorded sequences were analysed according to the Maximally Discriminative Facial Movement Coding System (Max; Izard, 1979) and then judged by 280 decoders who used four scales (two dimensional and two categorical) for their answers. The results showed that all the subjects (both the blind and the sighted) were able to express their emotions facially, though not always according to the theoretically expected pattern. Recognition of the various expressions was fairly accurate, but some emotions were systematically confused with others. The decoders’ answers to the dimensional and categorical scales were similar for both blind and sighted subjects. Our ” ndings on objective and subjective judgements show that there was no decrease in the facial expressiveness of the blind children in the period of development considered.
Linking Governance Reform to Schooling Opportunities for the Disadvantaged

Public school systems are increasingly experimenting with decentralized governance. This article examines the extent to which decentralized governance at the school site has an impact on instructional and curricular organization for disadvantaged pupils at the classroom level Using descriptive information gathered from four inner-city elementary schools in Chicago and Albuquerque, this study finds that strong professional control over program decisions remains intact regardless of the extent of parental empowerment.
Aggressive Attitudes Predict Aggressive Behavior in Middle School Students

This prospective study found that self-reported attitudes toward peer aggression among 403 middle school students were both internally consistent (Cronbach's alphas = .81 and .82) and stable over time (7-month test—retest r = .66). Most notably, aggressive attitudes were correlated with 4 outcome criteria for aggressive behavior: student self-report of peer aggression, peer and teacher nominations of bullying, and school discipline referrals. Significant correlations ranged from . 09 to . 37. Receiver operating characteristic analyses resulted in effect sizes ranging from . 59 to . 75. Overall, this study demonstrates that assessment of student attitudes toward aggression yields concurrent and predictive information related to a range of aggressive and disruptive behaviors in middle school.
Multiple voices: improving participation of Muslim girls in physical education and school sport

This study reports on data from a larger-scale research project in one city in the West Midlands, England. The study was commissioned by the local education authority because of the rising incidence of parental withdrawal of Muslim girls from physical education. The aim was to provide evidence-based guidance to schools on improving the inclusion of Muslim girls in physical education and school sport. In-depth interviews in eight case study schools provided a thick description of the lived realities for 19 head teachers and teachers, 109 young people and 32 of their parents. Four additional focus group interviews were held with 36 Muslim young people in community/supplementary schools. Questionnaires were sent to 402 city schools and 12 supplementary schools (50 of which were returned). Methods focused on capturing views on experiences and concerns regarding the inclusion of Muslim girls in physical education. Content analysis and inductive and deductive analyses of data procedures were used. Responses indicated a diversity of positive and negative experiences across the community, with the majority of young people enjoying their school-based physical education lessons. Parental influences were strong across the age phases. Body and religious consciousness increased during adolescence. Common concerns centred on the need to improve recognition of religious requirements in schooling processes, policies and practices to provide inclusive learning environments for some Muslim young people. Problems such as poor communication, inflexible dress codes—particularly concerning wearing of the hijab (headscarf)—gender organisation and use of public swimming pools were identified. Patterns of good practice also emerged from across schools. Flexibility of approach, shared decision-making and situation-specific policies were most successful for supporting the inclusion of Muslim girls in physical education and school sport. Findings informed policy-orientated guidance for city schools.
Participatory Design of Therapeutic Video Games for Young People with Neurological Vision Impairment

Neurological Vision Impairment (NVI) detrimentally impacts upon quality of life, as daily activities such as reading and crossing the road often become significantly impaired. Therapy strategies for NVI based on visual scanning of on-screen stimuli have recently been demonstrated as effective at improving functional vision. However, these strategies are repetitive, monotonous and unsuitable for use with children and young adults. This project explores the design of a game-based therapy programme that aims to support participant engagement and adherence. We first outline requirements for this software, before reporting on the iterative design process undertaken in collaboration with young people, therapists and teachers at a centre for vision impairment. Our work provides insights into the participatory design of games in collaboration with young people with special needs, and reflects upon the tension of balancing game challenge, therapy goals, and accessibility. Furthermore, it highlights the potential of games to empower special populations by providing a medium through which to communicate the subjective experience of specific impairments.
Automated processing and identification of benthic invertebrate samples

Abstract We present a visually based method for the taxonomic identification of benthic invertebrates that automates image capture, image processing, and specimen classification. The BugID system automatically positions and images specimens with minimal user input. Images are then processed with interest operators (machine-learning algorithms for locating informative visual regions) to identify informative pattern features, and this information is used to train a classifier algorithm. Naïve Bayes modeling of stacked decision trees is used to determine whether a specimen is an unknown distractor (taxon not in the training data set) or one of the species in the training set. When tested on images from 9 larval stonefly taxa, BugID correctly identified 94.5% of images, even though small or damaged specimens were included in testing. When distractor taxa (10 common invertebrates not present in the training set) were included to make classification more challenging, overall accuracy decreased but generally was close to 90%. At the equal error rate (EER), 89.5% of stonefly images were correctly classified and the accuracy of nonrejected stoneflies increased to 96.4%, a result suggesting that many difficult-to-identify or poorly imaged stonefly specimens had been rejected prior to classification. BugID is the first system of its kind that allows users to select thresholds for rejection depending on the required use. Rejected images of distractor taxa or difficult specimens can be identified later by a taxonomic expert, and new taxa ultimately can be incorporated into the training set of known taxa. BugID has several advantages over other automated insect classification systems, including automated handling of specimens, the ability to isolate nontarget and novel species, and the ability to identify specimens across different stages of larval development.
A snapshot of autobiographical memory retrieval characteristics

This study attempts to replicate and extend the results of Burt (1992a), using more ecologically valid memory cues. Twenty-seven undergraduate students used 138 rolls of film over the 1992-3 summer vacation. The film produced approximately 4900 autobiographical photographs, which were categorized as to the nature of the cues (event information) they contained (e. g. activity, location, participant). A sample of the subject's autobiographical photographs, and a set of other individuals autobiographical photographs (autobiographical foils), were presented to each subject via a tachistoscope. The subjects were asked to indicate when they had retrieved the 'circumstances and associated context' surrounding the scene depicted in each photograph or had decided the latter was not possible. Differences in memory retrieval times were found between the foils and autobiographical photographs and across the cue categories. The results suggest that autobiographical event memory structures are formed around the most unique event attribute. Rehearsal of an event and occurrence of an experience within an extended event (e. g. a holiday) were also found to predict memory retrieval time.
Different digestion enzymes used for human pancreatic islet isolation: A mixed treatment comparison (MTC) meta-analysis

Collagenases are critical reagents determining yield and quality of isolated human pancreatic islets and may affect islet transplantation outcome. Some islet transplantation centers have compared 2 or more collagenase blends; however, the results regarding differences in quantity and quality of islets are conflicting. Thus, for the first time, a mixed treatment comparison (MTC) meta-analysis was carried out to compile data about the effect of different collagenases used for human pancreas digestion on islet yield, purity, viability and stimulation index (SI). Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane libraries were searched. Of 755 articles retrieved, a total of 15 articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the MTC meta-analysis. Our results revealed that Vitacyte and Liberase MTF were associated with a small increase in islet yield (islet equivalent number/g pancreas) when compared with Sevac enzyme [standardized mean difference (95% credible interval – CrI) = −2.19 (−4.25 to −0.21) and −2.28 (−4.49 to −0.23), respectively]. However, all other enzyme comparisons did not show any significant difference regarding islet yield. Purity and viability percentages were not significantly different among any of the analyzed digestion enzymes. Interestingly, Vitacyte and Serva NB1 were associated with increased SI when compared with Liberase MTF enzyme [unstandardized weighted mean difference (95% CrI) = −1.69 (−2.87 to −0.51) and −1.07 (−1.79 to −0.39), respectively]. In conclusion, our MTC meta-analysis suggests that the digestion enzymes currently being used for islet isolation works with similar efficiency regarding islet yield, purity and viability; however, Vitacyte and Serva NB1 enzymes seem to be associated with an improved SI as compared with Liberase MTF.
Illness as moral occasion: restoring agency to ill people

While both medical sociology and clinical ethics have tended to ignore the moral dimensions of illness, some ethicists have called attention to how serious illness creates a moral imperative for the ill person to ‘rise to the occasion’. First-person narratives of illness experience delimit the ‘potential consciousness’ of illness as a moral occasion. Narratives by Tim Brookes, Anatole Broyard, Kat Duff and Terry Tempest Williams present different dimensions of the attempt to be what Brookes calls ‘successfully ill’. The conclusion considers the difficulty that biomedicine has recognizing the moral life of ill persons.
Women’s perceptions of how their dyslexia impacts on their mothering

Women with children have been depicted as struggling to justify themselves in the shadow of intensive mothering ideology. However, little is said about women who have a disability such as dyslexia, and how disability may intersect with intensive mothering ideology to present additional challenges. In this paper, life-story interviews are drawn upon to start to unpack the ways in which mothering and dyslexia may intersect. The themes discussed include: fear and perceived challenges of having a child with dyslexia; how mothers perceived their impairments manifest in their mothering, including poor organisational skills, short-term memory, reading and spelling; and how mothers may attempt to reframe the apparent contradiction between a ‘good’ mother and a mother with dyslexia by, for example, portraying themselves as a positive role-model for their child and better able to identify and cater for their child’s needs.
Secondary school physical education teacher motivation: an application of personal investment theory.

The purpose of this study was to examine physical educator work motivation using personal investment theory as a theoretical framework. Public secondary school teachers (n = 73) voluntarily completed SPECTRUM, a 200-item Likert scale inventory that measures 20 self and work perception categories. One-way ANOVA results revealed few within-group perception differences based on gender, age, years of teaching experience, or job capacity. Then z tests were used to determine perception differences between physical educators and a preexisting normative sample. Comparison between groups revealed that the physical educators reported significantly lower (p < .05) incentives for accomplishment and recognition, and significantly higher (p < .05) affiliation incentives. Physical educators also reported significantly fewer (p < .05) perceived opportunities for recognition and power and significantly lower (p < .05) levels of organizational commitment. These findings provided preliminary insight into how teachers’ perce.
An Approximate Dynamic Programming Algorithm for Large-Scale Fleet Management: A Case Application

We addressed the problem of developing a model to simulate at a high level of detail the movements of over 6,000 drivers for Schneider National, the largest truckload motor carrier in the United States. The goal of the model was not to obtain a better solution but rather to closely match a number of operational statistics. In addition to the need to capture a wide range of operational issues, the model had to match the performance of a highly skilled group of dispatchers while also returning the marginal value of drivers domiciled at different locations. These requirements dictated that it was not enough to optimize at each point in time (something that could be easily handled by a simulation model) but also over time. The project required bringing together years of research in approximate dynamic programming, merging math programming with machine learning, to solve dynamic programs with extremely high-dimensional state variables. The result was a model that closely calibrated against real-world operations and produced accurate estimates of the marginal value of 300 different types of drivers.
Values in the bank: Value preferences of bank frontline workers and branch managers

The present study investigated the value preferences of frontline workers and branch managers working in a large bank in Israel. Value preferences of bank workers (n = 98) were compared with those of a matching sample drawn from the Israeli general population (n = 152). In addition, value preferences of bank frontline workers were compared with those of bank branch managers and deputy managers. Finally, the relationships between personal value preferences and the workers’ career motivation were examined. The results indicate that compared to the general population, bank workers have a higher preference for conformity, hedonism, and power values and a lower preference for benevolence, universalism, and self-direction values. Compared to the frontline workers, the bank branch managers and deputy managers reported a higher preference for achievement values and a lower preference for tradition values. Higher career motivation was associated with a higher preference for achievement and power values and a lower preference for benevolence values.
Interactive service work and performative metaphors

This article analyses the use of performative metaphors in studies that examine interactive service work in the tourism industry. That these metaphors provide a valuable means to conceptualize this type of work is not disputed. Performative metaphors aptly capture the nature of service work, with its unpredictability and audience scrutiny. However, performative metaphors can be extended so that they address not only the embodied actions of service employees but also the social relations that shape ‘theatrical’ production. Tourism researchers could deploy these metaphors in ways that exhibit the broader power structures that affect the enactment of interactive service work. In this article, it is demonstrated that performative metaphors can be used to articulate the often difficult conditions and circumstances under which cruise-ship service employees work.
Psychometric Properties of Teacher-Judgment Measures of Pupil Aptitudes, Classroom Behaviors, and Achievement Levels

The paper addresses teacher-judgment measures of pupil behaviors, aptitudes, and achievement levels, beginning with a discussion of the applied and research contexts in which these measures are relevant. Analyses relating to the reliability and validity of the measures are reviewed, with the analyses drawn from a variety of literatures. The paper sets forth conclusions regarding the psychometric properties of these judgment measures, suggestions regarding future research on the measures, and statements about the place of these measures within the larger teacher-judgment literature.