Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deformation capture and modeling of soft objects

We present a data-driven method for deformation capture and modeling of general soft objects. We adopt an iterative framework that consists of one component for physics-based deformation tracking and another for spacetime optimization of deformation parameters. Low cost depth sensors are used for the deformation capture, and we do not require any force-displacement measurements, thus making the data capture a cheap and convenient process. We augment a state-of-the-art probabilistic tracking method to robustly handle noise, occlusions, fast movements and large deformations. The spacetime optimization aims to match the simulated trajectories with the tracked ones. The optimized deformation model is then used to boost the accuracy of the tracking results, which can in turn improve the deformation parameter estimation itself in later iterations. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the tracking and parameter optimization components complement each other nicely. Our spacetime optimization of the deformation model includes not only the material elasticity parameters and dynamic damping coefficients, but also the reference shape which can differ significantly from the static shape for soft objects. The resulting optimization problem is highly nonlinear in high dimensions, and challenging to solve with previous methods. We propose a novel splitting algorithm that alternates between reference shape optimization and deformation parameter estimation, and thus enables tailoring the optimization of each subproblem more efficiently and robustly. Our system enables realistic motion reconstruction as well as synthesis of virtual soft objects in response to user stimulation. Validation experiments show that our method not only is accurate, but also compares favorably to existing techniques. We also showcase the ability of our system with high quality animations generated from optimized deformation parameters for a variety of soft objects, such as live plants and fabricated models.
Learning from Success: High Achieving Deaf Students

Abstract This article reports the main findings of a study of twenty-seven high achieving deaf students in England which sought the views of the deaf students, their parents, teachers, and other school professionals on reasons for success. It is a replication of a previous American study but in a UK context. The main findings match those of the American study in identifying the two key factors in explaining success being deaf children's personal attributes and character and the influence of parents. The author argues that this provides further support to the notion that parents are the key to deaf children's success and that work with parents is one of the most crucial aspects of the work of teachers.
Effects of a training program to enhance autonomy supportive behaviors among youth soccer coaches

Langdon, J., Schlote, R. , Harris, B. , Burdette, G. , & Rothberger, S. (2015). Effects of a training program to enhance autonomy supportive behaviors among youth soccer coaches. J. Hum. Sport Exerc. , 10(1), pp.114. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and implementation of a training emphasizing the use of autonomy supportive coaching behaviors among youth soccer coaches in game-play situations as well as evaluating its effects on motivational processes among athletes. Participants included youth sport soccer coaches and their intact teams. Coaches received a series of autonomy-supportive coaching training interventions based on successful programs in general and physical education (Reeve, Jang, Carrell, Jeon & Barch, 2004; Cheon, Reeve & Moon, 2012). Athletes completed questionnaires to assess perceived autonomy support, basic need satisfaction, and motivation (Harris & Watson, 2011). Observations indicated coaches were not able to significantly modify their behaviors, yet reflectively reported modest implementation of autonomy supportive behaviors. Coaches believed the training influenced their coaching style/philosophy in regards to the coach-athlete relationship and communication styles, emphasizing choice and rationales. Continued research is needed to enhance use of autonomy supportive behaviors with volunteer coaches in a youth sport environment. Key words: AUTONOMY SUPPORTIVE COACHING, SELF-DETERMINATION THEORY, YOUTH SPORT.
Bilgisayar Öğretmen Adaylarinin, Bilgisayar Kullanma Öz yeterlik İnanci ile Bilgisayar Öğretmenliği Öz Yeterlik İnanci Üzerine Bir Çalişma A study on the Relationship Between Initial Teacher Training Students' Perceived Computer Self-efficacy and Their Teacher Self efficacy as a Candidate Computer T

This study was carried out to determine the relationship between initial teacher training students' perceived computer self-efficacy and their teacher self efficacy as a candidate computer teachers. The study was carried out on 296 students from 8 different universities. The results showed that, there is a pozitif and high relationship between initial teacher training students' perceived computer self-efficacy and their teacher self efficacy. The students are asked if they are planning to work as a teacher or not after graduation. The ones who determined "yes" and "unknown" had the highest avarege for both computer and teacher self efficacy. Key
Risk factors for Escherichia coli O157 shedding and super-shedding by dairy heifers at pasture

SUMMARY We undertook a longitudinal study within a cohort of 52 dairy heifers maintained under constant management systems and sampled weekly to investigate a comprehensive range of risk factors which may influence shedding or super-shedding of E. coli O157 (detected by direct faecal culture and immunomagnetic separation). E. coli O157 was detected from 416/933 (44·6%) samples (faeces and recto-anal mucosal swabs) and 32 (3·4%) samples enumerated at >10000 c.f. u. /g. Weekly point prevalence ranged from 9·4% to 94·3%. Higher temperature (P < 0·001), rainfall (P = 0·02), relative humidity (P < 0·001), pasture growth (P = 0·013) and body score (P = 0·029) were positively associated with increased shedding. Higher rainfall (P < 0·001), hide contamination (P = 0·002) and increased faecal consistency (P = 0·023) were positively associated with super-shedding. Increased solar exposure had a negative effect on both shedding and super-shedding within bivariate analyses but in the final multivariate model for shedding demonstrated a positive effect (P = 0·017). Results suggest that environmental factors are important in E. coli O157 shedding in cattle.
Experimental Models of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and the Role of the Enteric Neurotransmission

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases in humans. It is characterized by visceral pain and/or discomfort, hypersensitivity and abnormal motor responses along with change in gut habits. Although the etio-pathogenesis of IBS is only partially understood, a main role has been attributed to psychosocial stress of different origin. Animal models such as neonatal maternal separation, water avoidance stress and wrap restraint stress have been developed as psychosocial stressors in the attempt to reproduce the IBS symptomatology and identify the cellular mechanisms responsible for the disease. The study of these models has led to the production of drugs potentially useful for IBS treatment. This review intends to give an overview on the results obtained with the animal models; to emphasize the role of the enteric nervous system in IBS appearance and evolution and as a possible target of drug therapies.
Reference data for commonly used sensory and motor nerve conduction studies

Introduction: The goal of this study was to generate reference data for a wide range of sensory and motor nerve conduction studies (NCSs) that are commonly used in routine electrodiagnostic practice. Methods: NCS data were collected from control subjects with a normal neurological examination and no known risk factors for or symptoms to suggest disease of the peripheral nervous system. Thirteen sensory and motor nerves were studied in the upper and lower limbs using standard recording techniques. Quantile regression was used to obtain estimates of the lower (e.g., 5th) percentiles for sensory and motor amplitudes and conduction velocities, as well as estimates of the upper (e.g., 95th) percentiles for distal motor latency and F‐wave latencies. Results: Reference data for sensory and motor amplitudes required adjustment for age; F‐wave latencies required adjustment for gender. Covariate adjustments were not required for other reference data. Data from N = 100 and N = 190 subjects permitted estimation of as low as the 4th and 2nd percentile, respectively, but further increases to N = 296 did not permit estimation of a more extreme percentile. Discussion: Efforts to develop reference data require careful selection of study subjects; sufficient sample size; adjustment for relevant covariates; and appropriate statistical methods for analysis. Reference data that cannot be estimated reliably due to absent potentials or data variability must be interpreted with caution. We present data for a range of clinically applicable reference percentiles, but judgment regarding which is most appropriate for diagnostic purpose awaits empiric evaluation in a disease population. Muscle Nerve 40: 772–794, 2009
Using the Evidence-Based MSA Approach to Enhance Teacher Knowledge in Student Mathematics Learning and Assessment

The purpose of this research was to contribute to a better understanding of how to enhance teachers’ knowledge in student mathematics learning and assessment through implementing the Model, Strategy, and Application approach (MSA) in a teacher education program. Participants were 23 classroom teachers in a graduate program in mathematics education at a university in Southern California. The MSA approach was used weekly to support the participants’ learning and understanding of the three components of the MSA approach in each course of two advanced mathematics methods courses. The participants learned to develop the MSA assessment items at their grade levels and provided the assessment to evaluate their students’ mathematics proficiency course 2. They were also trained in coding and analyzing their students’ mathematics learning using the MSA rubrics. The results show that both groups of elementary and secondary teachers improved their knowledge of assessment, knowledge of student thinking, and knowledge of student strengths and weaknesses, and there was no significant difference in their knowledge between two groups at the end of the program.
Phases, Roles, and Myths in Self-Analytic Groups

This paper describes a comparative study of the development of two self-analytic groups meeting over a period of nine months. Methodologically, the study employs a computer system of content analysis which reads verbal text and categorizes words and phrases into a set of psycho-sociological variables specified by the investigator. This method is applied to brief reports written weekly by group members. Analysis of variance and factor analytic methods are applied to the output of the computer system to develop a model of change in the social structure and culture of the groups. This model demonstrates that the groups passed through similar phases which were strongly influenced by the emergence of nonrational role specialists and given an underlying common meaning by an integrating group mythology.
Decreased Neural Stem/Progenitor Cell Proliferation in Mice with Chronic/Nonremitting Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

It has been reported that autoimmune inflammatory processes in human multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), may induce an alteration in neurogenesis. Studies with transgenic EAE mice have demonstrated an enhancement of neurogenesis in the subventricular zone (SVZ). In contrast, a reduction of stem cell proliferation in the same region has been observed by Pluchino et al. [Brain 2008;131:2564–2578] in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-induced EAE mice. We immunized female C57BL/6 mice with MOG 35–55 peptide and successfully developed chronic/nonremitting EAE, which is believed to be analogous to the progressive form of MS. On day 21 postimmunization, coronal brain sections were collected and stained with anti-5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) antibody. By counting the number of BrdU-labeled cells, we demonstrated that the neural stem/progenitor cell (NSC/NPC) proliferation decreased in the SVZ, which basically confirms the study of Pluchino et al. on the changes in the SVZ. A reduction of NSC/NPC proliferation also occurred in the hippocampal subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus. The hippocampus is well known to be an important region involved in learning and memory; thus, our finding may offer a possible explanation for the cognitive impairment in human chronic MS.
Regulation of moods and emotions: an investigation of affect regulation and its contribution to affective outcomes

i Declaration . iii Acknowledgements . iv Table of contents . v List of Tables . x List of Figures . xi PART ONE: RESEARCH INTRODUCTION CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW . 1 1.1 General overview . 1 1.2 Introducing affect regulation . 2 1.2.1 A working definition of affect regulation . 2 1.2.2 The function of affect regulation . 3 1.3 There are problems and gaps in this literature . 4 1.3.1 Definitions, models/conceptualisations and measurement . 4 1.3.2 Navigating theoretical boundaries with closely related constructs . 5 1.4 Research in this area is needed . 6 1.5 The present project . 9 1.6 Summary of Chapter One . 10 PART TWO: REVIEW OF THEORETICAL AND EMPIRICAL LITERATURE CHAPTER TWO: CLARIFYING THE FUNDAMENTALS . 12 2.1 Affect regulation – current definitions . 12 2.2 Affect regulation – closely related constructs . 15 2.2.1 Affect, mood and emotion . 15 2.2.2 Affect regulation, mood regulation and emotion regulation . 16 2.2.3 Coping . 17 2.2.4 Emotional intelligence . 18 2.2.5 Experiential avoidance . 20 2.2. 6 Meta-mood . 21 2.2. 7 Summary of thesis position . 24 2.3 Affect regulation – existing models and conceptualisations . 24 2.4 Affect regulation – implications of choice of measurement tool and some assessment options . 28 2.5 Summary of Chapter Two . 33 CHAPTER THREE: CORRELATES OF AFFECT REGULATION . 34 3.1 Affect regulation and outcomes . 34 3.2 Affect regulation and individual differences . 37 3.2.1 Gender . 37
Employee Stock Ownership and Participation in South Korea: Incidence, Productivity Effects, and Prospects

The paper examines employee stock ownership plans in South Korea. The incidence and characteristics of ESOPs in publicly traded manufacturing firms is reported. Korean employees do not participate in ESOPs either financially or in decision-making to the extent they could under the law. Evidence that tax incentives have very large effects on ESOP purchases is presented. Econometric estimates suggest that an increase in an average ESOP from 2% to 3% of total shares would lead to an increase in output of 2.6%. These results are broadly consistent with OECD countries, despite the smaller ownership shared and weaker employee decision-making participation in Korea. The policy analysis concludes that ESOPs in Korea are not suitable for pensions; that it is not in employee interests to purchase all shares through initial public offerings (IPOs) and seasoned equity offerings (SEOs); that incentives for longer stock-holding periods may be appropriate; that improvement in decision-making participation is desirable; and that changes in repayment methods could make it more attractive for employees to purchase shares.
When Profit Equals Price: Consumer Confusion about Donation Amounts in Cause-Related Marketing

A series of five studies examine potential consumer confusion associated with the “percentage of profit” wording often used to describe cause-related marketing in which money is donated to a charity each time a consumer makes a purchase. The initial four studies demonstrate that (1) expressing the donation amount as a percentage of profit leads to widespread confusion and near universal overestimation of the amount being donated, (2) even consumers who have had formal accounting training are susceptible to this bias, (3) participant motivation in an experimental setting cannot account for these results, and (4) people report higher attitudes toward a company and express stronger purchase intentions as a function of the percentage value of the donation but not as a function of whether it is a percentage of profit or price. The authors conclude with a study that explores several potential affirmative disclosures for the percentage-of-profit problem.
Studi Deskriptif Mengenai Psychological Well-Being pada Narapidana Wanita di Lapas Sukamiskin Kelas IIA Kota Bandung

Pada masa sekarang ini, dari jenis kelamin dan lapisan mana saja berpotensi melakukan kejahatan, tidak terkecuali wanita. Di daerah bandung, terdapat satu lapas khusus untuk menampung para narapidana wanita, yaitu lapas sukamiskin kelas IIA Bandung. Menjalani status sebagai narapidana tentulah tidak mudah bagi wanita di lapas tersebut. Banyak tekanan mental dan perubahan dalm hidup yang dirasakan oleh wanita tersebut dan hal itu dapat mempengaruhi Psychological well being (PWB) nya. Berdasarkan teori dari Ryff, dilakukanlah penelitian untuk mengetahui Psychological well being pada narapidana wanita di Lapas sukamiskin kelas IIA Bandung. Alat ukur yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah alat ukur asli yaitu The Ryff Scales of Psychological Well – Being (SPWB,1989) yang terdiri dari 84 item yang diterjemahkan dan dimodifikasi oleh peneliti. Alat ukur yang awalnya berjumlah 84 item, namun setelah dilakukan validitas dan reliabilitas, kemudian menjadi 47 item, yang diberikan kepada 35 narapidana wanita yang telah menjalani masa tahanan minimal 1 tahun sebagai respondennya. Hasil Validitas 47 item berkisar antara 0,053-0,768 dan hasil reliabilitasnya 0,912. Teknik sampling yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah purposive sampling. Dari hasil pengolahan data yang telah dilakukan, hampir seluruh narapidana wanita yang menjadi responden memiliki derajat PWB yang tinggi, yaitu (94,3%). Selain itu, hasil pengolahan data dari keenam dimensi PWB, menunjukkan bahwa hampir seluruh narapidana wanita memiliki derajat yang juga cukup tinggi di enam dimensi tersebut. Namun di antara keenam dimensi, dimensi Autonomy lah yang menunjukkan derajat paling rendah dari dimensi lainnya. Hasil penelitian juga menunjukkan, PWB yang dimiliki narapidana wanita di Lapas sukamiskin kelas IIA Bandung dipengaruhi juga oleh berbagai faktor seperti faktor demografis, faktor dukungan sosial dan faktor religiusitas.
Xenotransplantation Policies: Italy and The Holy See

Citizens, policy makers and social scientists often call for citizen participation for reasons of democratic legitimacy and effectiveness. An important field in which this has been claimed vigorously is science and technology policy. Thus, many countries witnessed the introduction of Participatory Technology Assessment (PTA). The "litmus test" of PTA, and of citizen participation, is their impact on policy-making.  But can PTA keep its promises and increase the influence of citizens' voices on decision-making?  What in actual fact is the impact of PTA on decision-making?  What factors facilitate and restrict its impact and how can we increase it? This paper is part of the CIT-PART project which studied comparatively the impact of expert Technology Assessment (TA) and PTA on xenotransplantation policy-making in Austria, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Latvia, The Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, the European Commission, the OECD and the Holy See. It provides the case studies of Italy and the Holy See, two countries which decided for a pronouncedly expert based approach of TA. Zusammenfassung BurgerInnen, PolitikerInnen, BeamtInnen und SozialwissenschaftlerInnen erheben oftmals aus Grunden der Erhohung von Legitimitat und Effektivitat von Politik Forderungen nach vermehrter Beteiligung. Ein wichtiges Feld, in dem dies in der Vergangenheit immer wieder heftig gefordert wurde, ist die Forschungsund Technologiepolitik. Viele Lander haben daher in den letzten Jahren die Einfuhrung von Partizipativer Technikfolgenabschatzung (PTA) erlebt. Der Lackmustest von PTA und von Bevolkerungsbeteiligungsverfahren im Allgemeinen ist ihr tatsachlicher Einfluss auf politische Entscheidungen.  Aber kann PTA seine Versprechen einlosen und den Einfluss von BurgerInnen auf Entscheidungen erhohen?  Was ist ihr tatsachlicher Einfluss auf Entscheidungsprozesse?  Welche Faktoren fordern und behindern den Einfluss und wie kann er erhoht werden? Dieser Bericht ist Teil des Projektes CIT-PART, das den Einfluss von ExpertInnenTechnikfolgenabschatzung (TA) und PTA auf Politik anhand des Beispiels der Xenotransplantation vergleichend in Osterreich, Kanada, Danemark, Italien, Lettland, den Niederlanden, Schweden, der Schweiz, Grosbritannien, der Europaischen Kommission, der OECD und am Heiligen Stuhl (Vatikan) untersuchte. Der Bericht befasst sich mit den Fallstudien Italien und Heiliger Stuhl, zwei Staaten, die sich fur prononciert expertInnenbasiertes TA entschieden haben.
Initial Pattern of Optic Nerve Enhancement in Korean Patients with Unilateral Optic Neuritis

Purpose The purpose of this study was to demonstrate whether the pattern of optic nerve enhancement in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help to differentiate between idiopathic optic neuritis (ON), neuromyelitis optica (NMO), and multiple sclerosis (MS) in unilateral ON. Methods An MRI of the brain and orbits was obtained in patients with acute unilateral ON. Patients with ON were divided into three groups: NMO, MS, and idiopathic ON. The length and location of the abnormal optic nerve enhancement were compared for ON eyes with and without NMO or MS. The correlation between the pattern of optic nerve enhancement and the outcome of visual function was analyzed. Results Of the 36 patients with ON who underwent an MRI within 2 weeks of the onset, 19 were diagnosed with idiopathic ON, 9 with NMO, and 8 with MS. Enhancement of the optic nerve occurred in 21 patients (58.3%) and was limited to the orbital segment in 12 patients. Neither the length nor the location of the optic nerve enhancement was significantly correlated with visual functions other than contrast sensitivity or the diagnosis of idiopathic ON, MS, or NMO. Patients with greater extent of optic nerve sheath enhancement and more posterior segment involvement showed higher contrast sensitivity. Conclusions Our data revealed that the pattern of optic nerve enhancement was not associated with diagnosis of idiopathic ON, NMO, or MS in Korean patients with unilateral ON. We believe further studies that include different ethnic groups will lead to a more definitive answer on this subject.