Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTANCE AND PRO-ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR: AN APPLICATION OF BEHAVIOR MODEL TO

Shyang-Chyuan Fang, Tai-kuei Yu, Tai-Yi Yu, I-Cheng Chang Abstract. To help mitigate and educate the negative impacts of emerging contaminants (ECs), this research tried to realize the environmental attitude and environmental behavioral intention of students in the field of environmental education at higher education level. However, little is known about integration of psychological distance, environmental attitude, behavioral intention and effective teaching strategies on emerging contaminants for undergraduate students within a behavior model. This research proposed a pro-environmental behavior model, integrated with Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) model and psychological distance to realize causal relationships among latent variables that instructors concerned. In a cross-sectional survey, this research effectively surveyed 851 respondents of five universities in Taiwan through self-report questionnaires. This research utilized bootstrapping manner and Smart-PLS software to identify the crucial relationships between two formative factors (environmental attachment and psychological distance), value and beliefs and behavior intention on ECs. The level of ECs knowledge was treated as a moderator, and results indicated significant moderator effects on environmental attachment toward environmental attitude, and environmental attitude toward behavioral intention. The results provide empirical support for some previous identified barriers to pro-environmental behavioral intention and suggest guidelines for effective pro-environmental behavior on ECs issues. key words: partial least squares, behavioral intention, emerging contaminants, theory of planned behavior, value–belief–norm theory. Introduction
The influence of operating parameters on the drug release and antibacterial performances of alginate fibrous dressings prepared by wet spinning

Wet spinning was used to manufacture fibrous alginate hydrogel wound dressings. Samples manufactured using varied operating parameters (decreased air pressure and calcium concentration or increased nozzle diameter and alginate concentration) were compared with the control samples. The changes in the fiber size, Young’s modulus, swelling ratio, fetal bovine serum (BSA) release efficacy, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and bacterial inhibition potential due to alterations of the operating parameters were measured. The samples manufactured using altered operating parameters had larger fiber sizes (p < 0.05) and lower Young’s moduli (p < 0.05). The changes in swelling ratios, BSA release efficacies, WVTR and bacterial inhibition potential showed a significant dependence on the degree of calcium crosslinking of the hydrogel and on how tightly the fibers were bound with one another. By manipulating the operating parameters in the wet-spinning system, wound dressings with different properties were successfully made.
In Utero and Lactational Exposures to Low Doses of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether-47 Alter the Reproductive System and Thyroid Gland of Female Rat Offspring

Background Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are capable of disrupting thyroid hormone homeostasis. PBDE-47 (2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether) is one of the most abundant congeners found in human breast adipose tissue and maternal milk samples. Objectives We evaluated the effects of developmental exposure to low doses of PBDE-47 on the female reproductive system. Methods Pregnant Wistar rats were administered vehicle (peanut oil) or PBDE-47 [140 or 700 μg/kg body weight (bw)] on gestation day (GD) 6, or 5 mg 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU)/L in the drinking water from GD7 through postnatal day (PND) 21. Results In female offspring sacrificed on PND38, there was a significant decrease in ovarian weight after exposure to PTU or 140 μg/kg PBDE-47. Alterations in folliculogenesis were apparent: we observed a decrease in tertiary follicles and serum estradiol concentrations in the offspring exposed to either PTU or 700 μg/kg PBDE-47. PTU exposure also resulted in a decrease in primordial follicles. On PND100, persistent effects on the thyroid glands included histologic and morphometric changes after exposure to either PTU or PBDE-47. No relevant changes in reproductive indices were observed after mating the exposed F1 females with nontreated males. Conclusions Administration of PBDE-47 at doses relevant to human exposure led to changes in the rat female reproductive system and thyroid gland.
DC Link Current Control for High-Performance CSIM Drives

A novel scheme is formulated to control the dc link current of a current source inverter induction motor (CSIM) drive which greatly enhances the current response with substantial benefits on the overall dynamic performance of the drive. In addition to conventional closed-loop control with a PI regulator, the novel scheme incorporates a function generator to compensate for the motor back-EMF seen by the dc link. Application of this scheme to an indirect field-oriented CSIM drive is presented, and improvement in the drive performance is documented.
VINet: Visual-Inertial Odometry as a Sequence-to-Sequence Learning Problem

In this paper we present an on-manifold sequence-to-sequence learning approach to motion estimation using visual and inertial sensors. It is to the best of our knowledge the first end-to-end trainable method for visual-inertial odometry which performs fusion of the data at an intermediate feature-representation level. Our method has numerous advantages over traditional approaches. Specifically, it eliminates the need for tedious manual synchronization of the camera and IMU as well as eliminating the need for manual calibration between the IMU and camera. A further advantage is that our model naturally and elegantly incorporates domain specific information which significantly mitigates drift. We show that our approach is competitive with state-of-the-art traditional methods when accurate calibration data is available and can be trained to outperform them in the presence of calibration and synchronization errors.
“It's just heart breaking”: Doing inclusive political solidarity or ambivalent paternalism through sympathetic discourse within the “refugee crisis” debate

This article explores how people do sympathetic talk in relation to the European “refugee crisis. ” The analysis was grounded in critical discursive psychology and also drew on the concept of affective–discursive practice. Data was retrieved from a phone-in program on Irish national radio over a 6-month period when the refugee crisis debate was at its height. It is shown that speakers deployed elaborate sympathetic repertoires with ease that described their normative emotional response to the plight of the asylum seekers. But these same speakers found it problematic to present explicit, unambiguous, and unconditional calls of inclusive political solidarity with the asylum seekers, advocating increased asylum provision in Ireland. These findings are discussed in light of the hostile affective–discursive environment towards asylum and the common sense understanding that nation-states have the moral right to exclude, which appears to constrain the talk to a position of ambivalent paternalism.
Insilco analysis of functionally important residues in folate receptors

Lack of crystal structure data of folate binding proteins has left so many questions unanswered (for example, important residues in active site, binding domain, important amino acid residues involved in interactions between ligand and receptor). With sequence alignment and PROSITE motif identification, we attempted to answer evolutionarily significant residues that are of functional importance for ligand binding and that form catalytic sites. We have analyzed 46 different FRs and FBP sequences of various organisms obtained from Genbank. Multiple sequence alignment identified 44 highly conserved identical amino acid residues with 10 cysteine residues and 12 motifs including ECSPNLGPW (which might help in the structural stability of FR).
Student objectivity in peer assessment in an EFL speaking class

This research was aimed to investigate to what extent students doing peer assessment can be objective when they assess their friends in speaking and to find out their perceptions toward peer assessment. Peer assessment is an interesting teaching and learning technique. Teachers rarely use it as a final assessment because of doubts about the objectivity of peer assessment itself. Thus, the writer was interested to find out the objectivity of peer assessment. The subjects were students in a Public Speaking Class at UIN Ar-Raniry in Banda Aceh. The results from document analysis showed that peer assessment was objective as proven by the SPSS analysis. There was no significant difference between the results from peer assessment and the value assessed by the teacher which proved that the peer assessment done by the students was objective. In addition, the interview results showed that the students supported doing peer assessment in the classroom. As a result of this research teachers are recommended to implement peer assessment in their classrooms as a teaching technique as well as doing it for final assessments.
Estimation of near‐surface shear‐wave velocity by inversion of Rayleigh waves

The shear‐wave (S-wave) velocity of near‐surface materials (soil, rocks, pavement) and its effect on seismic‐wave propagation are of fundamental interest in many groundwater, engineering, and environmental studies. Rayleigh‐wave phase velocity of a layered‐earth model is a function of frequency and four groups of earth properties: P-wave velocity, S-wave velocity, density, and thickness of layers. Analysis of the Jacobian matrix provides a measure of dispersion‐curve sensitivity to earth properties. S-wave velocities are the dominant influence on a dispersion curve in a high‐frequency range (>5 Hz) followed by layer thickness. An iterative solution technique to the weighted equation proved very effective in the high‐frequency range when using the Levenberg‐Marquardt and singular‐value decomposition techniques. Convergence of the weighted solution is guaranteed through selection of the damping factor using the Levenberg‐Marquardt method. Synthetic examples demonstrated calculation efficiency and stability .
Convolutional Recurrent Neural Networks for Small-Footprint Keyword Spotting

Described herein are systems and methods for creating and using Convolutional Recurrent Neural Networks (CRNNs) for small-footprint keyword spotting (KWS) systems. Inspired by the large-scale state-of-the-art speech recognition systems, in embodiments, the strengths of convolutional layers to utilize the structure in the data in time and frequency domains are combined with recurrent layers to utilize context for the entire processed frame. The effect of architecture parameters were examined to determine preferred model embodiments given the performance versus model size tradeoff. Various training strategies are provided to improve performance. In embodiments, using only ˜230 k parameters and yielding acceptably low latency, a CRNN model embodiment demonstrated high accuracy and robust performance in a wide range of environments.
Lower Extremity Arterial Calcification as a Predictor of Coronary Atherosclerosis in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease

Background Until now, there has been no study on the relationship between the calcification of the lower extremity arteries and significant coronary arterial disease (CAD). Objectives To evaluate whether lower extremity calcium scores (LECS) are associated with CAD and whether this can predict multivessel-CAD in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Patients and Methods We retrospectively enrolled 103 PAD patients without cardiac symptoms or known CAD. All patients underwent cardiac computed tomography (CT) and lower extremity CT within 1 month and were categorized as nonsignificant CAD, single-CAD, or multivessel-CAD. The coronary calcium scores (CCS) were quantitatively measured according to the Agatston method and LECS were semi-quantitatively measured according to the presence of lower extremity calcification in the segment. The extent of CAD was evaluated according to the presence of ≥ 50% luminal diameter stenosis in the segment of CAD. Results LECS in multivessel-CAD were significantly higher than those in nonsignificant CAD (10.0 ± 5.8 versus 4.0 ± 3.1, P < 0.001). LECS significantly correlated with CCS (r = 0.831, P < 0.001) and the extent of CAD (r = 0.631, P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated LECS and log-transformed CCS were independent predictors for multivessel-CAD. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the diagnostic performance of LECS was 0.807 (95% confidence interval = 0.724-0.891, P < 0.001) for predicting multivessel-CAD. Conclusion Peripheral arterial calcification is significantly correlated with CAD extent in patients with PAD. Peripheral arterial calcification can be a useful marker for predicting multivessel-CAD.
Caring Dads Safer Children: Families’ Perspectives on an Intervention for Maltreating Fathers

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate whether Caring Dads Safer Children (CDSC), a program for domestically abusive fathers based on the Canadian Caring Dads model and delivered by a United Kingdom based children’s charity, improved outcomes for the fathers’ families and reduced the risk of further exposure to domestic abuse. Method: The evaluation of CDSC used a mixed method design that uniquely included partners’ and children’s reports on wellbeing and the fathers’ parenting and controlling behavior. There were 271 evaluation participants (66% fathers, 26% partners or ex-partners, and 8% children) provided pre- and post-program reports about the behavior of fathers attending at 5 centers in the United Kingdom. Results: Potential risks to children appeared to reduce postprogram, as fathers and partners reported fewer incidents of domestic abuse; fathers also reported that their interactions with their children improved and their experience of parenting stress, an indicator for potential abuse, reduced. Improvement in some fathers’ behavior appeared to contribute to increased feelings of safety and wellbeing within some families. Children and partners described positive changes in the fathers’ behavior; however, some fathers continued to pose a risk. Case notes indicated that the program influenced referrers’ decision making about children, either by providing evidence of the fathers’ learning or highlighting continuing concerns. Conclusions: CDSC demonstrates promising evidence that the program can contribute to reducing risks to children and families.
The underlying motives of university student volunteers participating in community service activities in custodial settings in South Africa: a philosophical perspective

Socrates pronounced that “An unexamined life is not worth living” and maintained the belief that the purpose of human life was personal and spiritual growth. This article explores, against this background, the motives and experiences of 12 student volunteers who assisted with the assessment of sentenced offenders in custodial settings in South Africa, as part of the “third mission” of the Department of Criminology and Security Science at the University of South Africa (Unisa). A case study approach was followed to explore the underlying social context and thereby gain an understanding of the students’ experience in terms of their exposure to the correctional milieu. The article relates the student volunteers’ experiences regarding their expectations and motives at the outset, their personal experiences and the benefits that involvement in this project holds for them.
The Value of Leisure or Disutility of Work: Wage Dispersion in a Model of Search with Endogenous Effort

Wage dispersion is generated in a sequential search environment through heterogeneity in firm productivity along with an individual wage-effort trade-off. For a given degree of TFP dispersion, the framework can generate any amount of wage dispersion. Calibrated to generate realistic gains from trade, it is able to generate the kind of wage dispersion observed in data.
Agent-based models and hypothesis testing: an example of innovation and organizational networks

Abstract Hypothesis testing is uncommon in agent-based modeling and there are many reasons why (see Fagiolo et al. (2007) for a review). This is one of those uncommon studies: a combination of the new and old. First, a traditional neoclassical model of decision making is broadened by introducing agents who interact in an organization. The resulting computational model is analyzed using virtual experiments to consider how different organizational structures (different network topologies) affect the evolutionary path of an organization's corporate culture. These computational experiments establish testable hypotheses concerning structure, culture, and performance, and those hypotheses are tested empirically using data from an international sample of firms. In addition to learning something about organizational structure and innovation, the paper demonstrates how computational models can be used to frame empirical investigations and facilitate the interpretation of results in a traditional fashion.
The Impact of Ethnic Background and Demographics on Conflict Management Styles’ Preferences: A Study of Six Sub-Cultures of Pakistan

This study aims to investigate conflict management style preferences of employees and how ethnic background along with other demographics affects these preferences. Using online survey, 296 responses are analyzed from the Govt. , education sector, NGOs and private sector employees. Respondents comprise of Pakhtuns of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA, Punjabis, Hindkowan, Urdu speaking community and Chitralis. Results show that there are significant differences in conflict management style preferences due to the ethnic background, education and organization type while there are no significant differences due to gender. It is also found out that the most and least preferred styles are integrating and dominating, respectively, irrespective of demographics of the respondents. They differ in their second, third and fourth preferences. Similarly, results also show that ethnic background, education and organization type are the valid predictors of conflict management style preferences. The study contributes to the ongoing debate on changing conflict management style preferences and dynamic versus static models of culture. It also puts forth managerial recommendations with regards to recruitment and selection, T & D, and posting and transfers. Directions for future research and limitations of the study are also discussed
The Foot-and-Mouth Disease Carrier State Divergence in Cattle

ABSTRACT The pathogenesis of persistent foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) infection was investigated in 46 cattle that were either naive or had been vaccinated using a recombinant, adenovirus-vectored vaccine 2 weeks before challenge. The prevalence of FMDV persistence was similar in both groups (62% in vaccinated cattle, 67% in nonvaccinated cattle), despite vaccinated cattle having been protected from clinical disease. Analysis of antemortem infection dynamics demonstrated that the subclinical divergence between FMDV carriers and animals that cleared the infection had occurred by 10 days postinfection (dpi) in vaccinated cattle and by 21 dpi in nonvaccinated animals. The anatomic distribution of virus in subclinically infected, vaccinated cattle was restricted to the pharynx throughout both the early and the persistent phases of infection. In nonvaccinated cattle, systemically disseminated virus was cleared from peripheral sites by 10 dpi, while virus selectively persisted within the nasopharynx of a subset of animals. The quantities of viral RNA shed in oropharyngeal fluid during FMDV persistence were similar in vaccinated and nonvaccinated cattle. FMDV structural and nonstructural proteins were localized to follicle-associated epithelium of the dorsal soft palate and dorsal nasopharynx in persistently infected cattle. Host transcriptome analysis of tissue samples processed by laser capture microdissection indicated suppression of antiviral host factors (interferon regulatory factor 7, CXCL10 [gamma interferon-inducible protein 10], gamma interferon, and lambda interferon) in association with persistent FMDV. In contrast, during the transitional phase of infection, the level of expression of IFN-λ mRNA was higher in follicle-associated epithelium of animals that had cleared the infection. This work provides novel insights into the intricate mechanisms of FMDV persistence and contributes to further understanding of this critical aspect of FMDV pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE The existence of a prolonged, asymptomatic carrier state is a political impediment for control and potential eradication of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). When FMD outbreaks occur, they are often extinguished by massive depopulation of livestock due to the fear that some animals may have undiagnosed subclinical infection, despite uncertainty over the biological relevance of FMD virus (FMDV) persistence. The work described here elucidates aspects of the FMDV carrier state in cattle which may facilitate identification and/or abrogation of asymptomatic FMDV infection. The divergence between animals that clear infection and those that develop persistent infection was demonstrated to occur earlier than previously established. The host antiviral response in tissues maintaining persistent FMDV was downregulated, whereas upregulation of IFN-λ mRNA was found in the epithelium of cattle that had recently cleared the infection. This suggests that the clearing of FMDV infection is associated with an enhanced mucosal antiviral response, whereas FMDV persistence is associated with suppression of the host antiviral response.
Landmark-based user location inference in social media

Location profiles of user accounts in social media can be utilized for various applications, such as disaster warnings and location-aware recommendations. In this paper, we propose a scheme to infer users' home locations in social media. A large portion of existing studies assume that connected users (i.e., friends) in social graphs are located in close proximity. Although this assumption holds for some fraction of connected pairs, sometimes connected pairs live far from each other. To address this issue, we introduce a novel concept of landmarks, which are defined as users with a lot of friends who live in a small region. Landmarks have desirable features to infer users' home locations such as providing strong clues and allowing the locations of numerous users to be inferred using a small number of landmarks. Based on this concept, we propose a landmark mixture model (LMM) to infer users' location. The experimental results using a large-scale Twitter dataset show that our method improves the accuracy of the state-of-the-art method by about 27%.