Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does skills–demands compatibility result in intrinsic motivation? Experimental test of a basic notion proposed in the theory of flow-experiences

This research addresses the notion that the compatibility of skills and task demands involved in an activity elicits flow-experiences that render the activity intrinsically rewarding. We applied two experimental settings designed to test the causal impact of a skills–demands compatibility on the emergence of flow and intrinsic motivation: a playful computer game (Experiment 1) and a knowledge task (Experiment 2). Results support the balance hypothesis and indicate that compatibility of skills and task demands results in a flow-experience, irrespective of the type of activity. This demonstrates the generalizability of flow-experiences across two qualitatively different types of activities. Going beyond prior research, the results of Experiment 2 reveal that flow-experiences foster the willingness to reengage in the activity in a free choice setting, which represents a behavioral measure of intrinsic motivation.
Latch-free Synchronization in Database Systems: Silver Bullet or Fool's Gold?

Recent research on multi-core database architectures has made the argument that, when possible, database systems should abandon the use of latches in favor of latch-free algorithms. Latch-based algorithms are thought to scale poorly due to their use of synchronization based on mutual exclusion . In contrast, latch-free algorithms make strong theoretical guarantees which ensure that the progress of a thread is never impeded due to the delay or failure of other threads. In this paper, we analyze the various factors that inﬂuence the performance and scalability of latch-free and latch-based algorithms, and perform a microbenchmark evaluation of latch-free and latch-based synchronization algorithms. Our ﬁndings indicate that the argument for latch-free algorithms’ superior scalability is far more nuanced than the current state-of-the-art in multi-core data-base architectures suggests.
Enhanced Gradient and Adaptive Learning Rate for Training Restricted Boltzmann Machines

Boltzmann machines are often used as building blocks in greedy learning of deep networks. However, training even a simplified model, known as restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), can be extremely laborious: Traditional learning algorithms often converge only with the right choice of the learning rate scheduling and the scale of the initial weights. They are also sensitive to specific data representation: An equivalent RBM can be obtained by flipping some bits and changing the weights and biases accordingly, but traditional learning rules are not invariant to such transformations. Without careful tuning of these training settings, traditional algorithms can easily get stuck at plateaus or even diverge. In this work, we present an enhanced gradient which is derived such that it is invariant to bit-flipping transformations. We also propose a way to automatically adjust the learning rate by maximizing a local likelihood estimate. Our experiments confirm that the proposed improvements yield more stable training of RBMs.
Development of a scale measuring childlike anthropomorphism in products

Abstract In this paper, the measurement of childlike anthropomorphism in products is investigated. A measurement scale to capture childlike anthropomorphism in products is introduced, and three studies are reported to support the validity of the scale. Scale development procedures suggest that childlike characteristics comprise four dimensions: sweetness, simplicity, sympathy, and smallness, measured on a 23-item scale. The results show that consumers react positively to childlike anthropomorphic characteristics in products. Across samples, men perceived such characteristics to be more sympathetic than women did. These findings suggest that childlike anthropomorphic characteristics are liked by consumers but that their appeal is based on different factors for men and women.
Manual vs Assisted Transcription of Prepared and Spontaneous Speech

Our paper focuses on the gain which can be achieved on human transcription of spontaneous and prepared speech, by using the assistance of an ASR system. This experiment has shown interesting results, first about the duration of the transcription task itself: even with the combination of prepared speech + ASR, an experimented annotator needs approximately 4 hours to transcribe 1 hours of audio data. Then, using an ASR system is mostly time-saving, although this gain is much more significant on prepared speech: assisted transcriptions are up to 4 times faster than manual ones. This ratio falls to 2 with spontaneous speech, because of ASR limits for these data. Detailed results reveal interesting correlations between the transcription task and phenomena such as Word Error Rate, telephonic or non-native speech turns, the number of fillers or propers nouns. The latter make spelling correction very time-consuming with prepared speech because of their frequency. As a consequence, watching for low averages of proper nouns may be a way to detect spontaneous speech.
COPING BEHAVIOURS IN RECENT ABSTINENCE ATTEMPT IN OPIOID DEPENDENT SUBJECTS

Failure of coping machanisms in handling urges when exposed to high risk situations has been posited as one of the factors associated with relapse of drug use. In the present study there has been an attempt to study the coping mechanisms used by opioid dependent subjects in a recent abstinence attempt. The sample consisted of 100 opioid dependent subjects admitted to the deaddiction centre at A.I.I.M.S. New Delhi. The subjects should have had an abstinence longer than a month's period in the 1 year prior to the study. The coping behaviours were assessed by a semistructured interview schedule based on the coping behaviors inventory of Litmen et al, (1981). The results indicate that a wide variety of cognitive and behavioural startegies are used by subjects to handle temptations when exposed to high risk situations. On an average each subject used 7.4. behaviours. Behavioural strategies were commonly employed and they were: keeping away from users, keeping in company of nonusers, working harder, avoiding places associated with use, etc. In understanding the determinants of the coping mechanisms it was seen that family type determined the use of following behaviours viz, being better off without drugs, thinking of mess resulting from drugs and saying J am well and wish to stay so. Route of drug use was important determinant for using the mechanism i.e., realizing effects on health to keep off the urges in high risk situations
Reliability of Students' Self-Recorded Participation in Class Discussion

The study determined whether students' self-recording of their class comments differed from observers' tallies of student comments and specifically whether students overreported their comments when credit was available for participation. In three sections (51-57 students per section) of an undergraduate educational psychology course, participants received a small amount of credit toward their grade for reporting up to two comments per class session in selected course units. Participants self-recorded their comments on a specially designed card on all days set aside for discussion in all units, including the noncredit units. Agreement between participant and observer records of individual participation proved high overall, and students did not overreport their comments under credit conditions.
Profiling teachers' professional learning practices and values: differences between and within schools

This article reports findings from a survey of the values and perceived practices of 1212 members of staff in 32 schools in England participating in the ‘Learning How to Learn’ (LHTL) project in relation to teachers' professional learning. Through factor analysis four underlying dimensions of teachers' learning practices were developed. These dimensions appear to reflect a demarcation between teachers' in-class and out-of-class learning. Overall, practices and values for teachers' classroom contextualized learning were lower than for out-of-class learning. Through cluster analysis teachers were grouped according to their reported levels of practice on the four dimensions of teachers' learning. Five distinctive clusters of teachers were identified, each cluster with a distinctive teacher learning profile. The main findings are that there are systematic differences between schools in terms of the mix of their teachers' learning profiles. There are also important differences between staff working in primary and secondary schools. In addition, there are significant differences within school between senior and middle managers, teachers with little or no managerial responsibility and support staff, and between secondary teachers of different subjects. This diversity of teachers' learning underpins the need for schools to develop more differentiated strategies for supporting continuous learning among different groups of staff.
Oscillation results for third order nonlinear delay dynamic equations on time scales ∗

In this paper, we consider the third order nonlinear delay dynamic equations (a(t){[r(t)x(t)]}) + f(t, x(τ(t))) = 0, on a time scale T, where γ > 0 is a quotient of odd positive integers, a and r are positive rd-continuous functions on T, and the so-called delay function τ : T → T satisfies τ(t) ≤ t, and τ(t) → ∞ as t → ∞, f ∈ C(T × R,R) is assumed to satisfy uf(t, u) > 0, for u 6= 0 and there exists a positive rd-continuous function p on T such that f(t, u)/u ≥ p(t), for u 6= 0. Our results are different and complement the results established by Hassan in Math. Comput. Model. , 2009. Some examples are considered to illustrate the main results.
Learning processes and collaborative concept mapping

This research addressed children's difficulty in learning science meaningfully. A Wittgensteinian analysis of meanings suggests that they arise in successful acts of communication in the context of specific types of shared activity. From this perspective, communication between pupils in using scientific ideas should provide a worthwhile, effective learning task. Concept mapping provides a means of structuring discussion about scientific meanings. The research used primarily qualitative approaches to investigate the potential for collaborative concept mapping to improve 9- to 11-year-old children's learning in science. Analysis of the talk in pupil groups identified the processes at work in the discussion. The structure of the discussion differed substantially from common patterns of classroom talk, often involving children in collaborative construction of the relationships shown in the concept maps. The findings show concept mapping to be beneficial for learning, and to support sustained small-group discussion of scientific ideas.
Parental fear of crime

This article explores an alternative way of conceptualizing the relation between quantitative data on fear of crime derived from closed questions and subsequent elaborated responses to open-ended prompts. Parents were asked to rate their worry about their children as victims of crime. In line with previous research on ‘altruistic fear of crime’, levels of worry reported by parents were generally high and a function of parental age, personal worry about victimization and perception of rising crime rates. In responding to general fear of crime questions, parents position themselves in relation to broad social issues. Subsequent analysis of the elaborations on these responses indicates more complex and contradictory positions as parents engage with discourses around competing goals of parenthood: child safety, nurturance and positive independence. It is thus concluded that closed responses to broad fear of crime questions are better understood as self positioning within a particular social and interactive context, rather than as measures of fixed underlying variables.
Axial length measurement acquisition rates of two optical biometers in cataractous eyes

Purpose To compare the ability of two optical biometers to acquire the axial length (AL) measurement in cataractous eyes. Methods This prospective, comparative, single-center study comprised 105 eyes (63 patients). AL was acquired by the composite mean value of 20 measurements (composite-20 IM) and five measurements (composite-5 IM) (IOLMaster® 500 version 7.1 software), and the standard mean value of the first five measurements (standard-5 LS, Lenstar LS 900®). Anterior chamber depth (ACD) and average keratometry (K) readings were acquired. Results AL was acquired in 83.8%, 92.4%, and 84.8% of eyes for the composite-5 IM, composite-20 IM, and standard-5 LS, respectively. Standard-5 LS AL measurements were significantly shorter (P<0.001). IOLMaster® 500-acquired ACD (corneal epithelium to lens) measurements were significantly shorter (P<0.001). IOLMaster® 500 average K measurements were significantly steeper (P<0.001). Conclusion The composite-20 IM had the highest AL acquisition success rate of the three versions evaluated. AL, ACD, and average Ks were statistically different between the two biometers, although the differences were clinically insignificant.
Immune-Challenged Fish Up-Regulate Their Metabolic Scope to Support Locomotion

Energy-based trade-offs occur when investment in one fitness-related trait diverts energy away from other traits. The extent to which such trade-offs are shaped by limits on the rate of conversion of energy ingested in food (e.g. carbohydrates) into chemical energy (ATP) by oxidative metabolism rather than by the amount of food ingested in the first place is, however, unclear. Here we tested whether the ATP required for mounting an immune response will lead to a trade-off with ATP available for physical activity in mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki). To this end, we challenged fish either with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from E. coli or with Sheep Red Blood Cells (SRBC), and measured oxygen consumption at rest and during swimming at maximum speed 24h, 48h and 7 days post-challenge in order to estimate metabolic rates. Relative to saline-injected controls, only LPS-injected fish showed a significantly greater resting metabolic rate two days post-challenge and significantly higher maximal metabolic rates two and seven days post-challenge. This resulted in a significantly greater metabolic scope two days post-challenge, with LPS-fish transiently overcompensating by increasing maximal ATP production more than would be required for swimming in the absence of an immune challenge. LPS-challenged fish therefore increased their production of ATP to compensate physiologically for the energetic requirements of immune functioning. This response would avoid ATP shortages and allow fish to engage in an aerobically-challenging activity (swimming) even when simultaneously mounting an immune response. Nevertheless, relative to controls, both LPS- and SRBC-fish displayed reduced body mass gain one week post-injection, and LPS-fish actually lost mass. The concomitant increase in metabolic scope and reduced body mass gain of LPS-challenged fish indicates that immune-associated trade-offs are not likely to be shaped by limited oxidative metabolic capacities, but may instead result from limitations in the acquisition, assimilation or efficient use of resources.
A History of Heterodox Economics

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to review Fred Lee's book A History of Heterodox Economics.Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a context for Lee's research within the current debates over the financial crisis, then reviews and evaluates his analysis.Findings – Lee has provided valuable and almost overwhelmingly meticulous documentation of the struggle to maintain space for heterodox economics within the discipline of economics, beginning before the turn of the twentieth century and continuing into the present. He is most concerned to use this research to formulate strategies to build community among heterodox economists, to provide a strong alternative to mainstream economics.Originality/value – The author was less than convinced by Lee's suggestion that heterodox economics should emulate a professional model based on publications and citations that bears a striking resemblance to the methods of mainstream economics. That said, the author shares his belief that heterodox economics has impo.
Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Meningiomas with Reference to Proliferative Markers p53 and Ki-67.

INTRODUCTION Meningiomas are slow growing primary central nervous system (CNS) tumours attached to the duramater, which arise from the meningothelial cells of the arachnoid. Grading of meningioma based on histological findings assisted with supplementary immunohistochemical studies, predicts the prognosis of meningioma with good precision. AIM To evaluate proliferative markers and correlate with various histological subtypes and grade. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 224 meningiomas, diagnosed between January1995 and October 2011were graded according to WHO 2007 criteria. Immunostaining for p53 and Ki-67 markers were performed on 100 cases. RESULTS There was female predominance. There were 194 Grade I, 24 Grade II and 6 Grade III meningiomas. Brain invasion noted in 18(8%) meningiomas predominantly in grade III followed by grade II. Recurrence was seen in 7 (3.1%) cases, most common in psammomatous followed by angiomatous meningioma. Immunostaining showed p53 positivity in 72.5% of grade I, 83.3% of grade II and all the cases of grade III tumours. Ki-67 Labelling Index (LI) consistently increased from grade I to grade III tumours. CONCLUSION p53 and Ki-67 LI correlated well with increasing histological grade and biological behaviour of meningioma.
Compound document compression with model-based biased reconstruction

The usefulness of electronic document delivery and ar- chives rests in large part on advances in compression technology. Documents can contain complex layouts with different data types, such as text and images, having different statistical characteristics. To achieve better image quality, it is important to make use of such characteristics in compression. We exploit the transform coefficient distributions for text and images. We show that the scheme in base- line JPEG does not lead to minimum mean-square error if we have models of these coefficients. Instead, we discuss an algorithm de- signed for this performance that involves first classifying the blocks, and then estimating the parameters to enable a biased reconstruc- tion in the decompression value. Simulation results are shown to validate the advantages of this method. © 2004 SPIE and IS&T.
Transcatheter occlusion of complex atrial septal defects

Percutaneous device occlusion of secundum atrial septal defects (ASDs) is becoming an accepted alternative to surgical closure. This method allows us to evaluate patients with complex conditions for treatment. From a total of 70 patients with ASD evaluated for percutaneous closure, we selected for analysis 28 who had complex conditions. The mean age was 36 ± 23 yr (range, 4–72). Six had heart failure, and of these six, three had atrial fibrillation. At cardiac catheterization, the pulmonary pressure was 47 ± 24 mm Hg, and the QP/QS was 1.7 ± 0.4; two patients had bidirectional shunt and systemic pulmonary pressure. Two patients received a buttoned device and 26 an Amplatzer septal occluder. The groups of patients with complex conditions were separated into the following groups. Group I (n = 4) underwent combined treatment of associated anomalies. Two patients had pulmonary stenosis, one had mitral stenosis, and one had an aortic root–left atrium fistula. They were treated in or during with the same procedure by combined transcatheter techniques (balloon valvuloplasty and fistula occlusion) before ASD occlusion. Group II (n = 9) had multiple defects (cribiform or two separate holes). They were treated with a single device in five instances and with two separate devices in four cases. Group III (n = 14) had large (32 ± 3 mm) single defects. Nine of them underwent successful implantation using a device 33 ± 3 mm in diameter; in the remaining five patients the device was removed because of instability. Group IV (n = 3) had residual defects after previous partial device occlusion. All three defects were successfully occluded with a second device. No movement or interference with the first device was observed. Group V (n = 6) had severe pulmonary hypertension (86 ± 16 mm Hg). Immediately after ASD occlusion we observed significant relief in these patients (67 ± 14 mm Hg; P < 0.01). There were no major complications; all 23 patients with successful implants were discharged without symptoms 2–7 days later; one patient with atrial fibrillation recovered sinus rhythm. The follow‐up (8 ± 5 mo) Doppler echo study showed complete ASD occlusion in 22 patients and a peak pulmonary pressure of 30 ± 14 mm Hg. We conclude that transcatheter occlusion of ASDs is an effective and safe treatment for patients with complex anatomic or physiopathologic conditions, as evaluated by short‐term follow‐up. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 51:33–41, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ubiquitous Presence and Novel Diversity of Anaerobic Alkane Degraders in Cold Marine Sediments

Alkanes are major constituents of crude oil and are released to the marine environment by natural seepage and from anthropogenic sources. Due to their chemical inertness, their removal from anoxic marine sediments is primarily controlled by the activity of anaerobic alkane-degrading microorganisms. To facilitate comprehensive cultivation-independent surveys of the diversity and distribution of anaerobic alkane degraders, we designed novel PCR primers that cover all known diversity of the 1-methylalkyl succinate synthase gene (masD/assA), which catalyzes the initial activation of alkanes. We studied masD/assA gene diversity in pristine and seepage-impacted Danish coastal sediments, as well as in sediments and alkane-degrading enrichment cultures from the Middle Valley (MV) hydrothermal vent system in the Pacific Northwest. MasD/assA genes were ubiquitously present, and the primers captured the diversity of both known and previously undiscovered masD/assA gene diversity. Seepage sediments were dominated by a single masD/assA gene cluster, which is presumably indicative of a substrate-adapted community, while pristine sediments harbored a diverse range of masD/assA phylotypes including those present in seepage sediments. This rare biosphere of anaerobic alkane degraders will likely increase in abundance in the event of seepage or accidental oil spillage. Nanomolar concentrations of short-chain alkanes (SCA) were detected in pristine and seepage sediments. Interestingly, anaerobic alkane degraders closely related to strain BuS5, the only SCA degrader in pure culture, were found in mesophilic MV enrichments, but not in cold sediments from Danish waters. We propose that the new masD/assA gene lineages in these sediments represent novel phylotypes that are either fueled by naturally occurring low levels of SCA or that metabolize medium- to long-chain alkanes. Our study highlights that masD/assA genes are a relevant diagnostic marker to identify seepage and microseepage, e.g., during prospecting for oil and gas, and may act as an indicator of anthropogenic oil spills in marine sediments.
Individual Psychological Assessment: A Core Competency for Industrial–Organizational Psychology

Individual Psychological Assessment is widely practiced among I–O psychologists and supported as a core competency by a majority of the commentaries. Our response addresses some of the key points made in the commentaries, such as issues related to the definition, contextual and criterion variables, interpretation and integration methods, validity evidence, professional matters, and future research directions. We also respond to a few critics who want to entirely eliminate expert assessor judgment in IPAs. Models are presented for using assessor judgment and mechanical methods in IPAs and for distinguishing naïve and sophisticated IPA researchers and practitioners. We conclude that IPA is now widely accepted as a core part of I–O psychology.