Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling Reader's Emotional State Response on Document's Typographic Elements

We present the results of an experimental study towards modeling the reader's emotional state variations induced by the typographic elements in electronic documents. Based on the dimensional theory of emotions we investigate how typographic elements, like font style (bold, italics, bold-italics) and font (type, size, color and background color), affect the reader's emotional states, namely, Pleasure, Arousal, and Dominance (PAD). An experimental procedure was implemented conforming to International Affective Picture System guidelines and incorporating the Self-Assessment Manikin test. Thirty students participated in the experiment. The stimulus was a short paragraph of text for which any content, emotion, and/or domain dependent information was excluded. The Analysis of Variance revealed the dependency of (a) all the three emotional dimensions on font size and font/background color combinations and (b) the Pleasure dimension on font type and font style. We introduce a set of mapping rules showing how PAD vary on the discrete values of font style and font type elements. Moreover, we introduce a set of equations describing the PAD dimensions' dependency on font size. This novel model can contribute to the automated reader's emotional state extraction in order, for example, to enhance the acoustic rendition of the documents, utilizing text-to-speech synthesis.
Automatic Face Segmentation and Facial Landmark Detection in Range Images

We present a methodology for face segmentation and facial landmark detection in range images. Our goal was to develop an automatic process to be embedded in a face recognition system using only depth information as input. To this end, our segmentation approach combines edge detection, region clustering, and shape analysis to extract the face region, and our landmark detection approach combines surface curvature information and depth relief curves to find the nose and eye landmarks. The experiments were performed using the two available versions of the Face Recognition Grand Challenge database and the BU-3DFE database, in order to validate our proposed methodology and its advantages for 3-D face recognition purposes. We present an analysis regarding the accuracy of our segmentation and landmark detection approaches. Our results were better compared to state-of-the-art works published in the literature. We also performed an evaluation regarding the influence of the segmentation process in our 3-D face recognition system and analyzed the improvements obtained when applying landmark-based techniques to deal with facial expressions.
Flexibility in young people with autism spectrum disorders on a card sort task

Adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have shown deficits in switching between rules governing their behaviour, as have high-functioning children with ASD. However, there are few studies of flexibility in lower-functioning children with ASD. The current study investigated this phenomenon with a group of low-functioning children with ASD compared to a mental-age-matched comparison group. The ASD group learned an initial discrimination task as quickly as the matched comparison group, but when the rule governing the discrimination was shifted, the comparison group learned the task with fewer errors, and made the discrimination more quickly than the groups with ASD. These findings suggest that low-functioning children with ASD do display the predicted deficits in extra-dimensional shift.
Long-term effect of a course on in-training assessment in postgraduate specialist education

Background: In-training assessment has become an important part of clinical teachers’ responsibilities. One way to ensure that clinical teachers are qualified for this role is setting up a course. A “Teach the teachers” course focusing on in-training assessment was designed for anaesthesiologists in Denmark. Aims: To evaluate short and longer term effects of a course on in-training assessment for clinical teachers in Anaesthesiology. Method: Fifty-one anaesthesiologists attended a 2-day interactive course about in-training assessment. Effects of the course on knowledge were assessed using identical pre- and post- tests. Longer- term effects were measured six months after the course using the same test. Self-reported use of in-training assessment methods was evaluated using supplemental questions in the follow-up test. Results: There were significant increases in knowledge about in-training assessment immediately following the course (effect size, Cohens d = 1, 5). The knowledge was retained six months later. Knowledge about assessment by clinical structured observation and by written assignments showed further increases in the follow-up period. Participants used the various assessment methods in their daily practice during the six-month study period. Conclusion: A focused “Teach the teachers” course during the implementation phase of a new assessment programme increased participants’ knowledge about in-training assessment.
Evaluation of Legislation: Skating on Thin Ice

While parliaments and politicians increasingly call for the evaluation of legislation, the methodological implications of statutes as an evaluand have not received much interest. This article explores the challenges and methods of evaluating statutes. It describes the methodology and the costs of eight all-encompassing evaluations of statutes at Swiss federal level. It then presents approaches to evaluating statutes. A distinction is made between statutes with the aim of problem-solving and those relating to social ordering. While the former are concerned with a ‘policy’ (objectives combined with intervention instruments), the latter are concerned with the ‘basic order’, which regulates the rights and indirectly the interactions of various actors, but which does not seek a specific outcome. A good part of the legislation aimed at problem-solving can be broken down into its main components; the evaluation of these components does not necessarily differ from the evaluation of programmes. Quite often, however, this approach is not feasible for various reasons. Strategies are presented to evaluate statutes in a more comprehensive manner.
THe politics of nuance: Irish official discourse on northern ireland

To be effective, the institutional and constitutional reforms implemented on the island of Ireland after the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement of 1998 needed to be accompanied by conceptual adjustment at all levels of society. It is in this conceptual alteration that official discourse comes into play. This article examines the discourse of the Irish governmental elite regarding three key themes in Irish official nationalism: unity, distinctiveness, self‐determination. Reinterpretation of the meaning of these concepts enabled major adjustments in Irish policy towards Northern Ireland to be presented by the Irish government as the fulfilment, as opposed to the betrayal, of core principles of Irish nationalism.
Servant Leadership and Work Engagement: The Contingency Effects of Leader–Follower Social Capital

Drawing from research on work engagement, contingent leadership, and social capital, the authors investigate the relationship between servant leadership and work engagement, as well as how this relationship might be moderated by leader–follower social capital. Data captured from 263 employees of four information technology (IT) companies show that servant leadership enhances work engagement, especially at higher levels of goal congruence and social interaction. In addition, a significant three-way interaction effect shows that, in conditions marked by high social interaction, goal congruence more strongly enables the conversion of servant leadership into enhanced work engagement. These findings have significant implications for HRD research and practice.
A Fast Algorithm for S-Regression Estimates

Equivariant high-breakdown point regression estimates are computationally expensive, and the corresponding algorithms become unfeasible for moderately large number of regressors. One important advance to improve the computational speed of one such estimator is the fast-LTS algorithm. This article proposes an analogous algorithm for computing S-estimates. The new algorithm, that we call “fast-S”, is also based on a “local improvement” step of the resampling initial candidates. This allows for a substantial reduction of the number of candidates required to obtain a good approximation to the optimal solution. We performed a simulation study which shows that S-estimators computed with the fast-S algorithm compare favorably to the LTS-estimators computed with the fast-LTS algorithm.
Personal construal of life tasks: Those who struggle for independence

Life tasks serve as an avenue for individuals to give personal meaning to their lives and to organize personal effort and activities. The present data, from a longitudinal study of the transition to college life, demonstrate how construals of life tasks can help to illuminate individuals' activity choices and affective experience of daily life activities. Ss who were absorbed in the task of «being on my own, away from family», also invested their academic activities with special significance. Discussion considers how similar life task themes may be enacted differently in other contexts
MAL‐PDT for difficult to treat nonmelanoma skin cancer

With an incidence of over 3.5 million nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) per year in the United States, there is an increasing need for effective, cost‐effective treatments for NMSC. When surgical excision is impractical or not feasible, methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy (MAL‐PDT) has demonstrated consistently high long‐term cure rates ranging from 70–90%, with superior cosmetic outcomes compared with other treatment modalities. With the exception of invasive squamous cell carcinoma, MAL‐PDT has been successful in treating all types of NMSC, especially in patients with multiple comorbidities, field cancerization, and lesions in cosmetically sensitive locations. Herein, a step‐by‐step description of the procedure for MAL‐PDT is provided, followed by a review of outcomes from large clinical trials performed over the past 15 years for each variant of NMSC. After reading this review, clinicians should have a thorough understanding of the benefits and limits of MAL‐PDT, and should be able to add this valuable procedure to their armamentarium of therapies for NMSC.
Plant senescence and proteolysis: two processes with one destiny

Abstract Senescence-associated proteolysis in plants is a complex and controlled process, essential for mobilization of nutrients from old or stressed tissues, mainly leaves, to growing or sink organs. Protein breakdown in senescing leaves involves many plastidial and nuclear proteases, regulators, different subcellular locations and dynamic protein traffic to ensure the complete transformation of proteins of high molecular weight into transportable and useful hydrolysed products. Protease activities are strictly regulated by specific inhibitors and through the activation of zymogens to develop their proteolytic activity at the right place and at the proper time. All these events associated with senescence have deep effects on the relocation of nutrients and as a consequence, on grain quality and crop yield. Thus, it can be considered that nutrient recycling is the common destiny of two processes, plant senescence and, proteolysis. This review article covers the most recent findings about leaf senescence features mediated by abiotic and biotic stresses as well as the participants and steps required in this physiological process, paying special attention to C1A cysteine proteases, their specific inhibitors, known as cystatins, and their potential targets, particularly the chloroplastic proteins as source for nitrogen recycling.
Influence of Blue Light on the Leaf Morphoanatomy of In Vitro Kalanchoe pinnata (Lamarck) Persoon (Crassulaceae)

Abstract Kalanchoe pinnata (Lamarck) Persoon (Crassulaceae) (air plant, miracle leaf) is popularly used to treat gastrointestinal disorders and wounds. Recently, the species was tested to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis with successful results. This medicinal activity was associated with the phenolic fraction of the plant. Blue light induces biosynthesis of phenolic compounds and many changes in anatomical characteristics. We studied the effects of supplementary blue light on the leaf morphology of in vitro K. pinnata. Plants cultured under white light (W plants) only and white light plus blue light (WB plants) show petioles with plain-convex section, amphistomatic leaf blades with simple epidermis, homogeneous mesophyll with densely packed cells, and a single collateral vascular bundle in the midrib. W plants have longer branches, a larger number of nodes per branch, and smaller leaves, whereas WB plant leaves have a thicker upper epidermis and mesophyll. Leaf fresh weight and leaf dry weight were similar in both treatments. Phenolic idioblasts were observed in the plants supplemented with blue light, suggesting that blue light plays an important role in the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds in K. pinnata.
A reagentless amperometric electrode based on carbon paste, chemically modified with D‐lactate dehydrogenase, NAD+, and mediator containing polymer for D‐lactic acid analysis. I. Construction, composition, and characterization

A reagentless carbon paste electrode was designed for D‐lactic acid analysis in a flow injection system for the monitoring of the production of D‐lactate in a batch fermentation. D‐Lactate dehydrogenase, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a synthetic redox polymer containing covalently attached toluidine blue O as mediator, graphite powder, and paraffin oil were used for the construction of the modified carbon paste electrode. D‐Lactate selectivity was indicated by insignificant responses from a variety of possible interfernces including L‐lactate. The electrodes gave a linear response in the range between 0.05 and 5 mM D‐lactate, with a detecting limit of 30 μM, allowing a sample throughput of 20 h−1. Preliminary investigations were made by covering the electrode surface with electropolymerized membranes. Satisfactory stability was observed, indicated by a reproducibility of 3.3% relative standard deviation (RSD, n = 31), with a non‐membrane‐covered electrode for the analysis of D‐lactate in fermentation broth. A long‐term stability (230 broth samples) was proven, suggesting the electrodes to have a good potential for use in on‐line monitoring of fermentation processes. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effect of Black Tea Consumption on Intracellular Cytokines, Regulatory T Cells and Metabolic Biomarkers in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of black tea intake on inflammatory cytokines and metabolic biomarkers in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Thirty patients with T2DM were randomly assigned either to a High Intake (HI) group, consuming three cups (600 mL) of black tea per day; and a Low Intake (LI) group, administered 1 cup (200 mL) per day, each during a 12‐week period. Intracellular cytokine expression, regulatory T cells (Treg), glycemic and lipid profiles were measured at baseline and following the tea intake period. Tea consumption correlated with major effects measured in peripheral blood of subjects that included significantly reduced glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, along with increased regulatory T cells CD3+ CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3, CD3+ CD4+ IL‐10+ cells (an immunosuppressive phenotype), reduced (pro‐inflammatory) CD3+ CD4+ IL‐17+ cells and reduced Th1‐associated CD3+ CD4+ IFN‐Υ+ cells. Tea consumption was also observed to abolish the significance of an inverse correlation between total serum cholesterol and representation of CD4+ IL‐4+ T cells, which may reflect protection against atopy‐related oxidative stress. Outcomes of this study describe both advantages and limitations to consumption of black tea as an aid to sustained health maintenance by persons at‐risk for TD2M and related obesity‐associated metabolic syndromes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Women Theorising Their Experiences of Anger: A Study Using Memory‐Work

Abstract This paper represents part of an ongoing project on the social construction of emotion. Although our general findings are that emotions are complex and difficult to separate from one another, this paper focuses on anger - an emotion which presents problems for women. The theories used include social constructionism and the theory-and-method of memory-work developed by Haug (1987). Memory-work is a method of enquiry which is collective, subjective, and deconstructive. It uses written memories and collective theorising of them as its raw material. Our analysis of anger considers the way anger was experienced in terms of themes which relate to anger and fear, anger and hurt, suppression of anger, anger and injustice. The conclusion points out the importance of power relationships in the experience of anger and hence the relevance of considering gender differences. The analysis suggests that women's anger needs to be rendered valid and visible: its social representation changed.
Methodological Individualism, Explanation, and Invariance

This article examines methodological individualism in terms of the theory that invariance under intervention is the signal feature of generalizations that serve as a basis for causal explanation. This theory supports the holist contention that macro-level generalizations can explain, but it also suggests a defense of methodological individualism on the grounds that greater range of invariance under intervention entails deeper explanation. Although this individualist position is not threatened by multiple-realizability, an argument for it based on rational choice theory is called into question by experimental results concerning preference reversals.
Have the public's expectations for antibiotics for acute uncomplicated respiratory tract infections changed since the H1N1 influenza pandemic? A qualitative interview and quantitative questionnaire study

Objective To investigate the effect of the H1N1 influenza pandemic on the public's expectations for a general practice consultation and antibiotic for acute respiratory illness. Design Mixed methods. Participants Qualitative interviews: 17 participants with acute respiratory tract infection (RTI) visiting English pharmacies. Face-to-face survey: about 1700 adults aged 15 years and older were recruited from households in England in January 2008, 2009 and 2011. Results The qualitative data indicated that the general public had either forgotten about the ‘swine flu’ (H1N1 influenza) pandemic or it did not concern them as it had not affected them directly or affected their management of their current RTI illness. Between 2009 and 2011, we found that there was little or no change in people's expectations for antibiotics for runny nose, colds, sore throat or cough, but people's expectations for antibiotics for flu increased (26%–32%, p=0.004). Of the 1000 respondents in 2011 with an RTI in the previous 6 months, 13% reported that they took care of themselves without contacting their general practitioners and would not have done so before the pandemic, 9% reported that they had contacted their doctor's surgery and would not have done so before the pandemic and 0.6% stated that they had asked for antibiotics and would not have done so before the pandemic. In 2011, of 123 respondents with a young child (0–4 years) having an RTI in the previous 6 months, 7.4% requested antibiotics and would not have done so before the pandemic. Unprompted, 20% of respondents thought Tamiflu© (oseltamivir) was a vaccine. Conclusions Expectations of the general public for a consultation or antibiotics with an RTI are similar now to before the H1N1 influenza pandemic; therefore, public antibiotic campaign messages and general practice advice to patients can remain unchanged. Parents with young children and those with personal experience of the H1N1 influenza are more likely to consult and will need more reassurance. The public need more education about Tamiflu©.
The Value of Skin Biopsy in Inflammatory Dermatoses

The skin biopsy is considered one of the most important tools in dermatology. Two primary reasons a clinician may perform a skin biopsy are either to establish a diagnosis or to evaluate therapy. The objective of this study was to critically assess the value of the skin biopsy as a diagnostic test for inflammatory dermatoses. One hundred consecutive skin biopsy specimens where an inflammatory dermatosis was queried were reviewed. To assess the diagnostic ability of the skin biopsy, the frequency with which a correct diagnosis was made based on histopathological analysis alone was recorded, that is, an initial “blind” diagnosis made without clinical data. Once this was recorded, the clinical history was provided and a posthistory diagnosis reached. The posthistory diagnosis was then compared with the final working diagnosis in the patient case notes. In 55% of cases, histology was able to provide a prehistory specific diagnosis. In 31% of cases, histology was not able to provide a specific diagnosis but could provide a differential diagnosis. In two thirds of these (20 of the 31 cases), the diagnosis was reached posthistory with clinicopathologic correlation. In 12% of cases, histology could only provide a pattern analysis, and in 2% of cases, only a descriptive report could be issued. In 13% of cases, the biopsy provided the final working diagnosis, which had not been considered clinically. The skin biopsy for inflammatory dermatoses is clearly a worthwhile investigative procedure. Prehistory blind histology based on microscopic data provided an accurate diagnosis correlating to the working diagnosis in 53% of cases. The diagnostic boundaries of dermatopathology are such that in an additional 25 cases (25%) a diagnosis was reached with aid of clinical data proving the importance of providing a well-thought-out differential diagnosis. Overall, in 78% of cases, histology with the aid of clinical information was able to provide an accurate diagnosis correlating to the working diagnosis.
Biomarkers for early effects of carcinogenic dual-acting PPAR agonists in rat urinary bladder urothelium in vivo

Abstract Small-molecule agonists of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α and γ isoforms (dual-acting PPAR agonists) can cause urothelial cancers in rodents. Rats were dosed orally for 16 days with bladder carcinogenic (ragaglitazar) as well as non-bladder carcinogenic (fenofibrate and rosiglitazone) PPAR agonists and protein changes were assayed in the urinary bladder urothelium by Western blotting. Dose levels reflected 10–20× human exposure, and the ragaglitazar dose was in the carcinogenic range. Ragaglitazar induced expression of the transcription factor Egr-1, phosphorylation of the c-Jun transcription factor and phosphorylation of the ribosomal S6 protein were observed. These changes were also observed in rats dosed with either rosiglitazone or fenofibrate. However, the protein changes were stronger (Egr-1 induction) or of a longer duration (S6 phosphorylation) in ragaglitazar-treated animals. Animals co-administered fenofibrate (a specific PPARα agonist) and rosiglitazone (a specific PPARγ agonist) exhibited Egr-1 and S6 protein changes more similar to those induced by ragaglitazar (a dual-acting PPARα/γ agonist) than either fenofibrate or rosiglitazone alone. The findings suggest that ragaglitazar causes Egr-1, c-Jun and S6 protein changes in the urothelium by a mechanism involving PPARα as well as PPARγ, and that the Egr-1, c-Jun and S6 protein changes might have potential biomarker value.