Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Election to Cancún: A Comparative Rhetorical Criticism of President Barack Obama's Speeches on Climate Change

speeches on climate change, from the time of his election in 2008 until his conspicuous absence at the Cancún climate change talks in December 2010. Climate change is an issue of societal importance because of its negative effects on the environment and the economy. It is also important to the field of communication studies because an efficacious climate change accord relies on the ability to convince other countries of the importance of this issue. Scholars have conducted little work on climate change and the American presidency, which is a major justification for this study. I utilize the model of the rhetorical situation and cluster criticism to analyze 21 speeches made by Obama on climate change. I conclude that American presidents should focus on the economic benefits of transitioning to a renewable energy economy. ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The completion of this research paper would not be possible without the support of my adviser, Dr. Ross Singer. I will never forget his dedication to this project, and to the larger goal of building a more environmentally friendly world. Dr. Todd Graham has been my mentor for the last five years, and without his guidance, I would not be the person I am today. I completed this project largely because of his constant reminders about the importance of this research paper to my future. I would also like to thank Dr. Jonathan Gray, who introduced me to the subfield of environmental communication in the fall of 2010. Our frequent conversations about environmental communication have helped shape the final version of this research paper. The who have all provided me with important advice over the last five years. This research paper would never have happened without the heartfelt support of my family and friends. My father, Terry Calderwood, has supported me every step of the way in my academic career. Dad, you are my best friend and the best role model a son could ever ask for. My grandparents, Jack and Gilda Calderwood, never miss a chance to tell me how proud they are of the work that I do. I will never forget the support you three have provided me. I would also like to thank
Bacterial Origin and Community Composition in the Barley Phytosphere as a Function of Habitat and Presowing Conditions

ABSTRACT An understanding of the factors influencing colonization of the rhizosphere is essential for improved establishment of biocontrol agents. The aim of this study was to determine the origin and composition of bacterial communities in the developing barley (Hordeum vulgare) phytosphere, using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of 16S rRNA genes amplified from extracted DNA. Discrete community compositions were identified in the endorhizosphere, rhizoplane, and rhizosphere soil of plants grown in an agricultural soil for up to 36 days. Cluster analysis revealed that DGGE profiles of the rhizoplane more closely resembled those in the soil than the profiles found in the root tissue or on the seed, suggesting that rhizoplane bacteria primarily originated from the surrounding soil. No change in bacterial community composition was observed in relation to plant age. Pregermination of the seeds for up to 6 days improved the survival of seed-associated bacteria on roots grown in soil, but only in the upper, nongrowing part of the rhizoplane. The potential occurrence of skewed PCR amplification was examined, and only minor cases of PCR bias for mixtures of two different DNA samples were observed, even when one of the samples contained plant DNA. The results demonstrate the application of culture-independent, molecular techniques in assessment of rhizosphere bacterial populations and the importance of the indigenous soil population in colonization of the rhizosphere.
E-Commerce Adoption Barriers in Small Business and the Differential Effects of Gender

Over the last decade, the Internet and Internet technologies such as electronic commerce have experienced phenomenal growth. However, research shows that small businesses have been slow to adopt and to implement e-commerce due to a variety of barriers or impediments. Our understanding of these barriers and their importance has been fragmented and incomplete. This article presents an exploratory study of regional small businesses in Sweden that aims to improve our knowledge about e-commerce adoption barriers and to determine if there are any differences in the level of importance assigned to different barriers by males and females. The results of the study suggest that e-commerce adoption barriers fall into one of two distinct groupings: too difficult to implement or unsuitable to the business. The results also show that while males rate the difficulties of implementing e-commerce as more important, females indicate more concern about the unsuitability of e-commerce. The results of the study have significant implications for government organizations engaged in promoting e-commerce adoption, particularly among small businesses in regional areas.
Communication and influence

We study the information flows that arise among a set of agents with local knowledge and directed payoff interactions, which differ among pairs of agents. First, we study the equilibrium of a game where, before making decisions, agents can invest in pairwise active communication (speaking) and pairwise passive communication (listening). This leads to a full characterization of information and influence flows. Second, we show that, when the coordination motive dominates the adaptation motive, the influence of an agent on all his peers is approximately proportional to his eigenvector centrality. Third, we use our results to explain organizational phenomena such as: the emergence of work cliques; the adoption of human resources practices that foster communication (especially active communication); and the discrepancy between formal hierarchy and actual influence.
The Effects of Immigration on the Scale and Composition of Demand: A study of California establishments

We study potential economic benefits of immigration stemming from two factors: first, that immigrants bring not only their labor supply with them, but also their consumption demands; and second, that immigrants may have a comparative advantage in the production of ethnic goods. Using data on the universe of business establishments located in California between 1992 and 2002 matched with Census of Population data, we find some evidence that immigrant inflows boost employment in the retail sector, which is non-traded and a non-intensive user of immigrant labor. We find that immigration is associated with fewer stand-alone retail stores, and a greater number of large and in particular big-box retailers – evidence that likely contradicts a diversityenhancing effect of immigration. On the other hand, focusing more sharply on the restaurant sector, for which we can better identify the types of products consumed by customers, the evidence indicates that immigration is associated with increased ethnic diversity of restaurants.
Linux Kernel Developer Responses to Static Analysis Bug Reports

We present a study of how Linux kernel developers respond to bug reports issued by a static analysis tool. We found that developers prefer to triage reports in younger, smaller, and more actively-maintained files (§2), first address easy-to-fix bugs and defer difficult (but possibly critical) bugs (§3), and triage bugs in batches rather than individually (§4). Also, although automated tools cannot find many types of bugs, they can be effective at directing developers' attentions towards parts of the codebase that contain up to 3X more user-reported bugs (§5). Our insights into developer attitudes towards static analysis tools allow us to make suggestions for improving their usability and effectiveness. We feel that it could be effective to run static analysis tools continuously while programming and before committing code, to rank reports so that those most likely to be triaged are shown to developers first, to show the easiest reports to new developers, to perform deeper analysis on more actively-maintained code, and to use reports as indirect indicators of code quality and importance.
FPGA architecture for static background subtraction in real time

Background subtraction is a method typically used to segment moving regions in image sequences taken from a static camera by comparing each new frame to a model of the scene background. In this paper, we present an FPGA architecture for background subtraction, taking advantage of the data and logical parallel opportunities offered by a field programmable gate array (FPGA) architecture. At a clock rate of 40 MHz, the architecture can process 30 frames per second, where the image resolution is 240 x 120. The capability of the system is demonstrated for several tests and video sequences.
Vague Lies: How to Advise Consumers When They Complain

This paper analyzes the incentives of a seller to provide (un)biased and (im)precise advice about a complex product such as insurance, banking and telecommunication services. Misleading the buyers by biasing the advice upwards increases the revenues but also the expected fine imposed by the authority. Making the advice less precise does not affect the revenues in equilibrium but interferes with the authority's inference and affects the expected fine in a non-monotonic way. In particular, making the advice less precise makes it harder to convict the seller but increases the expected fine when the seller is found guilty. We find that, in the equilibrium, biasing the advice and making it noisier are complements; in particular, a higher buyers' heterogeneity, a stricter standard of proof employed by the authority and a larger share of credulous consumers make the advice more biased and less precise.
Infiltration condition and mouldability diagram in resin injection moulding

This paper deals with the modelling of injection moulding processes taking into account the deformability of the preform and the polymerisation of the resin. The coupled flow-deformation problem in the infiltrated and dry region is formulated with the corresponding boundary conditions and with the proper evolution equations determining the motion of the boundaries. An approximated analytical discussion is performed to obtain some estimates on the infiltration velocity, helping in identifying a window of applicability in the parameters space (i.e., the mouldability diagram), which fits well with the numerical simulations.
Concentration of Tea Extracts by Osmotic Evaporation: Optimisation of Process Parameters and Effect on Antioxidant Activity

In this work, the concentration process of three different tea extracts (medicinal Rosil No. 6, Black, and Forest Fruit teas) using the osmotic evaporation (OE) process, was studied. The effect of the OE process on the content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity was evaluated. The concentration process was carried out in a hollow-fibre membrane contactor with an effective surface area of 0.54 m2. The tea extract was circulated through the shell side of the contactor, while a concentrated osmotic solution (CaCl2 5 M) was circulated inside the fibres. The flux, the driving force, and the mass transfer coefficient were evaluated. A decrease of the water flux over time was observed and was attributed only to the decrease of the driving force, caused by the dilution of the osmotic solution. Using a surface area/feed volume ratio of 774 m2·m−3, it is possible to reach a tea concentration of 40% (w/w) in 5 h, with a constant water flux and without losing the phenolic content and antioxidant potential in most teas.
AN OVERVIEW ON OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus) AND IT'S IMPORTANCE AS A NUTRITIVE VEGETABLE IN THE WORLD

Okra a commercial vegetable crop belongs to family Malvaceae. It originates from Ethiopia and is widely spread all over tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions of the world. It plays an important role in the human diet and is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, calcium, potassium, enzymes, and total minerals which are often lacking in the diet of developing country. Its medicinal value has also been reported in curing ulcers and relief from hemorrhoids. Okra has found medical application as a plasma replacement or blood volume expander and also useful in genito-urinary disorders, spermatorrhoea and chronic dysentery. The fruits of okra have reawakened beneficial interest in bringing this crop into commercial production.
Comment on “ ‘ Agnotology : learning from mistakes

This comment contains a response to Benestad et al. (2013) where the authors critique a set of papers that they dislike and make a number of unjustified accusations toward their authors. I am going to demonstrate that, despite their “good intentions”, Benestad et al. (2013) is filled with misconceptions and/or falsehoods, and with severe mathematical and physical errors. In brief, this paper is a very superficial and unprofessional internet-blog style study. The arguments advanced by the authors simply originate from poor reading and understanding of the critiqued works and general lack of mathematical, statistical and physical knowledge. They even promote their critiques by claiming that the IPCC climate models are NOT supposed to reconstruct the correct phases of the temperature patterns! Simultaneously, the authors do not use their same logic to critique the alternative theories that they favor and advocate such as the IPCC AGW. In fact, one important aspect of the scientific method is comparing alternative theories to determine which one better agrees with the data. Benestad et al. (2003) carefully avoided this direct comparison. Often, the authors simply highlight secondary apparent discrepancies of the critiqued theories in reconstructing the data with an “absolute” precision claiming that such minor discrepancies invalidate the proposed theories. However, the authors do not provide any alternative theory capable to better interpret the major patterns of the same data. Moreover, despite their “good intentions”, Benestad et al. (2013) do not really demonstrate anything because often they do not even make explicit the functions they use or their data analysis results or figures. They simply provide some R-routines that in their opinion the reader is supposed to run by himself to find out what happens. Therefore, a real direct comparison with the critiqued works cannot even be made in most cases. In history of science the same flawed superficial logic has been often used by those who have opposed the emerging physical theories proposed since the 16 centuries from Galileo to Einstein and beyond. This work does not serve a scientific purpose, but a political one. Index of content:
Tobacco Smoke Exposure Is Associated With Attenuated Endothelial Function in 11-Year-Old Healthy Children

Background— Passive smoking is associated with early arterial damage in adults, but its effect on endothelial function in children is unknown. Methods and Results— Serum cotinine concentration was measured annually in children between 8 and 11 years of age who had participated since infancy in a randomized, prospective atherosclerosis prevention trial (Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project for children [STRIP]). At age 11, endothelium-dependent flow-mediated vasodilatory responses of the brachial artery were examined with high-resolution ultrasound in 402 children. These children were divided into 3 groups according to serum cotinine concentrations: the noncotinine group (nondetectable cotinine, n=229), the low cotinine group (cotinine between 0.2 and 1.6 ng/mL, n=134), and the top decile cotinine group (cotinine ≥1.7 ng/mL, n=39). Longitudinal cotinine data in children aged 8 to 11 years and ultrasound studies were available in 327 children. At age 11, the increase in cotinine concentration was associated with attenuated peak flow-mediated dilation response (mean±SD: the noncotinine group 9.10±3.88%, the low-cotinine group 8.57±3.78%, and the top-decile cotinine group 7.73±3.85%; P=0.03 for trend). Similarly, total dilation response (the area under the dilation response versus time curve between 40 and 180 seconds after hyperemia) was affected by the cotinine level (P=0.02 for trend). These trends were not explained by traditional atherosclerosis risk factors. Arterial measures and passive smoking showed even stronger associations when longitudinal cotinine data were used (peak flow-mediated dilation, P=0.01 for trend; total dilation response, P=0.008 for trend). Conclusions— Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke confirmed by serum cotinine concentrations impairs endothelial function in a dose-dependent manner in 11-year-old children.
The Hemodynamics of Blood Flow through the Internal Jugular Veinsafter CCSVI Endovascular Treatment and its Impact on the Quality of Lifein Patients with Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency

Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare pre- and post-operative blood flow through the internal jugular veins (IJVs) in patients with multiple sclerosis and chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency, who were subjected to endovascular treatment. The results were correlated with respect to changes in the quality of life. Methods: 144 MS patients underwent endovascular treatment of the IJVs. The blood flow through the IJVs was assessed by the means of the Doppler ultrasonography. The clinical neurological evaluation was based on the various diagnostic tools (scales). The assessment of the blood flow through the IJVs and an evaluation of the quality of life changes were performed before surgery, and at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Results: A statistically significant increase in the blood flow through the IJVs was identified on both sides during all three postoperative controls. The relationship between the IJV flow changes and the parameters related to the quality of life assessment, a statistically significant positive correlation between the flow improvement in the right IJV and Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale, as well as Fatigue Severity Scale scores, were found. For the remaining evaluated scales (Expanded Disability Status Scale, Heat Intolerance Scale and Epworth Sleepiness Scale), as well for the flow in the left IJV, there were no statistically significant correlations confirmed. Conclusion: Despite a significant improvement in the blood flow through the IJVs after endovascular interventions on the IJVs in CCSVI patients, it has not demonstrated that hemodynamic changes improve the quality of life in MS patients.
Evaluation of Hanau's formula in determination of lateral condylar guidance: A clinical research study

Statement of Problem: The accuracy and reliability of the methods used for programming the semi-adjustable articulators determine the accuracy in occlusion. The current recommended average settings using the Hanau's formula commonly used by clinicians is questionable, and thus reassessment is needed. This study was carried out to evaluate and compare the lateral condylar guidance: (1) Using the Hanau's formula and the computerized jaw tracking device (Kinesiograph). (2) On the right and left sides using both these methods. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 completely edentulous patients (14 male and 6 females) within 40–60 years of age were selected. Jaw relation was recorded followed by face bow transfer. Extraoral Gothic arch tracing was recorded; three protrusive records were obtained and condylar guidance was calculated. Lateral condylar guidance was then calculated using Hanau's formula, followed by the computerized jaw tracking device. A comparative evaluation was done of the obtained values. The same investigator worked with each of the study participants for the purpose of standardization. Results: The lateral condylar guidance values obtained using the Hanau's formula ranged from 14 to 17° while those obtained using the computerized K7 jaw tracking device ranged from 8 to 40°. Bennett angle values, obtained using the jaw tracking device and Hanau's formula showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) using paired t-test (at 95% confidence interval). Bennett angle values of the right and left sides found using the Hanau's formula were almost similar. Difference in the Bennett angle values of the right and left sides were found using the jaw tracking device. However, this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results, dentist and dental technicians should consider reassessing the current recommended average settings and use of the Hanau's formula for programming the semi-adjustable articulators.
Learning Semantic Segmentation with Weakly-Annotated Videos

Fully convolutional neural networks (FCNNs) trained on a large number of images with strong pixel-level annotations have become the new state of the art for the semantic segmentation task. While there have been recent attempts to learn FCNNs from image-level weak annotations , they need additional constraints, such as the size of an object, to obtain reasonable performance. To address this issue, we present motion-CNN (M-CNN), a novel FCNN framework which incorporates motion cues and is learned from video-level weak annotations. Our learning scheme to train the network uses motion segments as soft constraints, thereby handling noisy motion information. When trained on weakly-annotated videos, our method outperforms the state-of-the-art EM-Adapt approach on the PASCAL VOC 2012 image segmentation benchmark. We also demonstrate that the performance of M-CNN learned with 150 weak video annotations is on par with state-of-the-art weakly-supervised methods trained with thousands of images. Finally, M-CNN substantially outperforms recent approaches in a related task of video co-localization on the YouTube-Objects dataset. This is an extended version of our ECCV 2016 paper.
Mechanisms underlying parent–child occupational consistency: a critical review

ABSTRACT Parents’ and children’s occupations are often similar on a variety of dimensions, including income, gender typicality, and Holland’s job types [Whiston, S. C. , & Keller, B. K. (2004). The influences of the family of origin on career development: A review and analysis. The Counseling Psychologist, 32, 493–568]. The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are not well understood, limiting both research and application to real-world contexts such as career counseling settings. The present article has three main goals: (1) To critically examine individual mechanisms underlying parent–child occupational consistency; (2) To propose a multiple mechanisms model that accounts for the limitations and assumptions of individual mechanisms; and (3) To propose future research directions while critically examining implicit assumptions of past research and research methodology. By addressing these goals, this paper has the potential to inform future research on parent–child occupational consistency and vocational intervention efforts.