Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A novel ergodic capacity analysis of diversity combining and multihop transmission systems over generalized composite fading channels

Ergodic capacity is an important performance measure associated with reliable communication at the highest rate at which information can be sent over the channel with a negligible probability of error. In the shadow of this definition, diversity receivers (such as selection combining, equal-gain combining and maximal-ratio combining) and transmission techniques (such as cascaded fading channels, amplify-and-forward multihop transmission) are deployed in mitigating various performance impairing effects such as fading and shadowing in digital radio communication links. However, the exact analysis of ergodic capacity is in general not always possible for all of these forms of diversity receivers and transmission techniques over generalized composite fading environments due to it's mathematical intractability. In the literature, published papers concerning the exact analysis of ergodic capacity have been therefore scarce (i.e., only [1] and [2]) when compared to those concerning the exact analysis of average symbol error probability. In addition, they are essentially targeting to the ergodic capacity of the maximal ratio combining diversity receivers and are not readily applicable to the capacity analysis of the other diversity combiners / transmission techniques. In this paper, we propose a novel moment generating function-based approach for the exact ergodic capacity analysis of both diversity receivers and transmission techniques over generalized composite fading environments. As such, we demonstrate how to simultaneously treat the ergodic capacity analysis of all forms of both diversity receivers and multihop transmission techniques.
Effective Multi-Query Expansions: Robust Landmark Retrieval

Given a query photo issued by a user (q-user), the landmark retrieval is to return a set of photos with their landmarks similar to those of the query, while the existing studies on the landmark retrieval focus on exploiting geometries of landmarks for similarity matches between candidate photos and a query photo. We observe that the same landmarks provided by different users may convey different geometry information depending on the viewpoints and/or angles, and may subsequently yield very different results. In fact, dealing with the landmarks with shapes caused by the photography of q-users is often nontrivial and has never been studied. Motivated by this, in this paper we propose a novel framework, namely multi-query expansions, to retrieve semantically robust landmarks by two steps. Firstly, we identify the top-k photos regarding the latent topics of a query landmark to construct multi-query set so as to remedy its possible shape. For this purpose, we significantly extend the techniques of Latent Dirichlet Allocation. Secondly, we propose a novel technique to generate the robust yet compact pattern set from the multi-query photos. To ensure redundancy-free and enhance the efficiency, we adopt the existing minimum-description-length-principle based pattern mining techniques to remove similar query photos from the (k+1) selected query photos. Then, a landmark retrieval rule is developed to calculate the ranking scores between mined pattern set and each photo in the database, which are ranked to serve as the final ranking list of landmark retrieval. Extensive experiments are conducted on real-world landmark datasets, validating the significantly higher accuracy of our approach.
A psychophysiological examination of the emotions-performance relationship

As anger is one of the most commonly experienced emotions in sport competition, this research project aimed to explore the effect of anger on physical activities of gross and fine muscular skill tasks, and to test the moderating roll of state-hope and self-efficacy in these relationships. Following Lazarus’s (1991, 2000a) framework, we examined the positive and negative impact that anger may have on a gross motor 2000m run task, and fine motor rifle-shooting and fencing tasks, in intermediate and highly trained performers. We proposed that anger would benefit the performance of a gross motor skill task regardless of the level of hope. We also hypothesised that, on the fine motor skill task, anger would have a negative effect on performance, but that this negative effect would be attenuated by hope/self-efficacy. We conducted three studies, Study 1 revealed that anger was associated with enhanced gross muscular performance, in addition anger was positively associated with better fine motor task performance. The results for the moderating effect of hope partially supported our hypothesis, the positive effect of state-anger was not moderated by state-hope in the gross motor skill performances as expected. Contrary to our hypothesis, state-hope did not attune the relationship between state-anger and the fine motor skill performance. No significant association between state-anger and shooting task performance was revealed in Study 2, furthermore, we did not identify any moderating influence of self-efficacy in the anger-performance relationship. In study 3 we conducted a novel, laboratory-based, single-case research experiment in order to test athletes’ fine motor task performance (i.e., a fencing fleche attack) under two emotional states: anger and neutral. As hypothesized, state-anger had a positive effect on response-time, and a negative effect on precision. In addition, state-anger was positively associated with greater muscle activity during a fencing attack. Results are discussed and future research directions are offered.
Stem cells from foreign body granulation tissue accelerate recovery from acute kidney injury.

BACKGROUND In previous studies, we obtained mesenchymal stem cells called granulation tissue stem cells (GTSC) from a regenerating granulation tissue created by placing a foreign body in the subcutaneous tissue of rats. Here, we used GTSC to ameliorate ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in rats. METHODS In two groups of Fischer rats, we induced ischemia/reperfusion injury. Group 1 (treated rats) received one intravenous injection of GTSC 3 h after injury; Group 2 (control rats) received vehicle. Both groups were subsequently studied by renal function tests, kidney histology and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS At 24 and 48 h after injury, plasma creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were significantly lower in the treated rats as compared to control rats. The levels remained low and declined to near baseline levels by Day 4 in the treated group. At the cortico-medullary region, the treated rats showed significantly higher renal tubular cell proliferation and less tubular cell apoptosis. Histological analysis of the kidney for tubular dilatation, necrosis, congestion and casts was not significantly different in the two groups. To understand the mechanism of the GTSC effect, messenger RNA levels of several growth and immune modulatory factors were quantified in cultured GTSC and compared with those in cultured glomerular epithelial cell (GEC; a non-stem cell line). GTSC had 2- to 8-fold higher expression of FGF2, HGF, IGF-1, vascular endothelial growth factor (growth factors) and IL-4, IL-6 (anti-inflammatory factors) than GEC. CONCLUSIONS Administration of GTSC accelerates recovery in rats with ischemia/reperfusion-induced AKI. This effect may be mediated by the paracrine action of growth and immune-suppressive factors secreted by these cells.
A Modelling Framework for Functional Imagination

Imagination is generally regarded as a very powerful and advanced cognitive ability. In this paper we propose a mod- elling framework for what we call functional imagination: the ability of an embodied agent to simulate its own behav- iors, predict their sensory-based consequences, and extract behavioural benefit from doing so. We identify five key com- ponents of architectures for functional imagination, and claim that they may be both necessary and sufficient. We outline a typical architecture, explain the flow of control within it, and describe a typical testing scenario using nested physics-based robot models. We also show how malfunctions within such an architecture may produce effects reminiscent of those found in certain human pathologies.
The role of literal meaning in figurative language comprehension: evidence from masked priming ERP

The role of literal meaning during the construction of meaning that goes beyond pure literal composition was investigated by combining cross-modal masked priming and ERPs. This experimental design was chosen to compare two conflicting theoretical positions on this topic. The indirect access account claims that literal aspects are processed first, and additional meaning components are computed only if no satisfactory interpretation is reached. In contrast, the direct access approach argues that figurative aspects can be accessed immediately. We presented metaphors (These lawyers are hyenas, Experiment 1a and 1b) and producer-for-product metonymies (The boy read Böll, Experiment 2a and 2b) with and without a prime word that was semantically relevant to the literal meaning of the target word (furry and talented, respectively). In the presentation without priming, metaphors revealed a biphasic N400-Late Positivity pattern, while metonymies showed an N400 only. We interpret the findings within a two-phase language architecture where contextual expectations guide initial access (N400) and precede pragmatic adjustment resulting in reconceptualization (Late Positivity). With masked priming, the N400-difference was reduced for metaphors and vanished for metonymies. This speaks against the direct access view that predicts a facilitating effect for the literal condition only and hence would predict the N400-difference to increase. The results are more consistent with indirect access accounts that argue for facilitation effects for both conditions and consequently for consistent or even smaller N400-amplitude differences. This combined masked priming ERP paradigm therefore yields new insights into the role of literal meaning in the online composition of figurative language.
English to Arabic Translation of the Composite Abuse Scale (CAS): A Multi-Method Approach

Background The composite abuse scale (CAS) is a comprehensive tool used to measure intimate partner violence (IPV). The aim of the present study is to translate the CAS from English to Arabic. Methods The translation of the CAS was conducted in four stages using a multi-method approach: 1) preliminary forward translation, 2) discussion with a panel of bilingual experts, 3) focus groups discussion, and 4) back-translation of the CAS. The discussion included a linguistic validation by a comparison of the Arabic translation with the original English by assessing conceptual and content equivalence. Findings In all the stages of translation, there was an agreement to remove the question from the CAS that asked women about the use of objects in the vagina. Wording, format and order of the items were refined according to comments and suggestions made by the experts’ panel and focus groups’ members. The back-translated CAS showed similar wording and language of the original English version. Conclusions The Arabic version of the CAS will help to measure the problem of IPV among Saudi women and possibly other Arabic-speaking women in future studies. This is important, particularly, in longitudinal studies or intervention studies among abused women and it allows a comparison of the results of studies from different cultures. However, further validations studies are needed to ensure accurate and equivalent Arabic translation of the CAS.
Evaluation of cardiac responses to Stress in healthy individuals A Non invasive evaluation by Heart Rate Variability and Stroop test

Objective and Study Design : Stress is considered as physiological response to the mental, emotional, or physical challenges. Most of the times mental stress provokes body’s “fight or flight” response called as acute stress response. But prolonged or chronic stress can affect numerous physiological functions, such as growth, immune system, metabolism, reproduction and circulation. The Autonomic regulation of the cardiovascular system is most commonly affected by stress and is assessed by means of heart rate variability (HRV) Material and Methods : The aim of this study is to establish mental stress and cardiovascular autonomic Nervous System response to mental stress assessed by combining different physiological parameters using HRV and Stroop test as tool. We compared the mean RR interval, Blood pressure and indices of HRV during the Stroop Color Word Test (SCWT). A total of 50 normal healthy subjects were participated in this study. Results : Statistically significant change in heart rate, RR interval and BP was observed during the stress as compared to resting condition. All the components of HRV (SDNN, RMSSD, NN50, PNN50, LF, HF, LF/HF) were sensitive to stress in all the healthy individuals. Males were more prone to stress when compared to females. Conclusion : The results suggest that there was increased sympathetic activity and reduced parasympathetic activity in HRV performed during the Stroop test and showed statistically significant difference among the genders. Both physical and mental stress influence risk factors that may increase risk for cardiovascular diseases and autonomic imbalance
Contentment: Perceived Completeness across Cultures and Traditions

Over the past 2 decades, a major focus in psychological research has been on pursuing happiness, positivity, and optimal human flourishing. Interestingly, little attention has been paid to contentment, which, according to over 4,000 years of spiritual, philosophical, and theoretical discourse, is an emotion that sits at the deepest core of human wellbeing and is foundational to the experience of fulfillment in life. This article synthesizes etymological, religious, philosophical, and psychological treatments of contentment from multiple languages and traditions. Derived from these perspectives, it also presents a prototype approach to contentment, its core affect features and cross-cultural variations. Finally, it presents theory-grounded hypotheses intended to initiate future research on the topic. We propose a primary appraisal theme that is at the root of all experiences of contentment: perceived completeness, which refers to the perception that the present situation is enough and entire.
From Black-ish to Blackness

Prior research shows consumption of Black information affects the way people think. More specifically, it influences general racial group attitudes. However, the expectations about the amount of Black information and deeper understanding of its effect on racial identity development remain unclear. Using a unique survey data set, with large oversamples of Blacks, this article explores whether the amount of Black information consumed influences Black identity development. The findings show Black information sources positively affect racial identity development—creating a sense that race is a more important aspect of the individuals’ definitions of self (i.e., racial centrality). The flip side, however, is greater consumption of Black information decreases public regard, prompting Blacks to believe other groups have a more negative feeling toward them. Thus, Black media plays a dual function in racial identity development—both positive and negative.
El papel de la organización escolar en el cambio educativo: la inercia de lo establecido The Role of School Organization in Educational Change: the Inertia of the Status Quo

This article aims to analyse the role played by the School Organization in the processes of educational change, referred to the Educational Reforms of Spain in recent years. The article seeks to answer the question: What has been the contribution of the School Organization to the transformation of educational policies and practices in Spain? Its realization is based on a Teacher-Researcher Project recently developed, as a result of many years of experience in the field. To try to answer this question, we take into account some major factors that have made School Organization in Spain an important agent in the continuity and inertia of education, including: the policy orientation of educational change, the neglect in the organizational context of education in the analysis and proposals for change, and the dominant research tradition in School Organization. Specifically, it deals with the conception and processes of educational reform based on laws, the neglect of the organizational dimension of education, the relationship, or rather its absence, between Teaching and Organization, the prevailing management of teaching work, with special reference to the learning cycle and professional recognition. Finally, we carry out a critical review of the research tradition in the field of School Organization, indicating its main weaknesses: dependence of non-school organizations, excessive attention to formal structures, the positivist approaches, the estrangement of teachers in relation to the organizational reality, the centralized and uniform tradition of the educational system, etc. Overall, the article describes, in a synthetic and panoramic form, the neglect of this basic dimension of the educational system which is the organization of schools.
A Census of the Chamaeleon I Star-forming Region

I present a new census of the members of the Chamaeleon I star-forming region. Optical spectroscopy has been obtained for 179 objects that have been previously identified as possible members of the cluster, that lack either accurate spectral types or clear evidence of membership, and that are optically visible (I ≲ 18). I have used these spectroscopic data and all other available constraints to evaluate the spectral classifications and membership status of a total sample of 288 candidate members of Chamaeleon I that have appeared in published studies of the cluster. The latest census of Chamaeleon I now contains 158 members, eight of which are later than M6 and thus are likely to be brown dwarfs. I find that many of the objects identified as members of Chamaeleon I in recent surveys are actually field stars. Meanwhile, seven of nine candidates discovered by Carpenter and coworkers are confirmed as members, one of which is the coolest known member of Chamaeleon I at a spectral type of M8 (~0.03 M☉). I have estimated extinctions, luminosities, and effective temperatures for the members and used these data to construct an H-R diagram for the cluster. Chamaeleon I has a median age of ~2 Myr according to evolutionary models and hence is similar in age to IC 348 and is slightly older than Taurus (~1 Myr). The measurement of an initial mass function for Chamaeleon I from this census is not possible because of the disparate methods with which the known members were originally selected and must await an unbiased, magnitude-limited survey of the cluster.
The Effect of Listening to Music on Musicians' Performance Anxiety

ii Dedication. iii Acknowledgments. iv Vita. vi List of Tables. ix Chapter I: Introduction. 1 Background of the problem.1 Causes of Anxiety. 2 Categorizing Anxiety. 4 Need for study. 4 Purpose. 5 Definition of terms. 6 Chapter II: Review of Literature. 8 Defining performance anxiety. 8 Coping strategies. 10 Potential contributors. 15 Effects of music listening. 18 Measuring anxiety. 19 Pilot study. 21 Chapter III: Methodology. 23 Sample. 23 Instrumentation. 23 Procedures. 25 Chapter IV: Results. 28 Demographics of sample. 28 Research Questions 1. 29 Research Question 2. 31 viii Research Question 3. 32 Research Question 4. 33 Chapter V: Discussion. 34 Summary. 34 Discussion. 37 Limitations. 40 Recommendations for further research. 41 References. 43 Appendix A: STAI Form Y-1 Sample. 47 Appendix B: STAI Form Y-2 Sample. 48 Appendix C: Dear Studio Teach Letter. 49 Appendix D: Dear Studio Member Letter. 50 Appendix E: Adjudicator Questionnaire. 51
Cross-Corpus Classification of Realistic Emotions - Some Pilot Experiments

We use four speech databases with realistic, non-prompted emotions, and a large state-of-the-art acoustic feature vector, for cross-corpus classifications, in turn employing three databases for training and the fourth for testing. Categorical and continuous (dimensional) annotation is mapped onto a representation of valence with the three classes positive, neutral, and negative. This cross-corpus classification is compared with within corpus classifications. We interpret performance and most important features.
Harm reduction in gambling: a systematic review of industry strategies

Abstract Background: Gambling venues and industry regulators utilise a variety of strategies to reduce potential consumer harm from gambling. These strategies originate at the level of governmental and industry policy, and are distinct from responsible gambling behavioural strategies that individual gamblers may choose to implement. Method: This systematic review examined industry-implemented or environmental-level strategies aimed at reducing consumer harm from gambling. Twenty-seven studies that met inclusion criteria were summarised based on the type of strategy examined. Due to variability in study designs, strategies examined, and outcome measures employed, meta-analyses could not be completed. Results: Strategies that were most effective in reducing gambling time or expenditure included: self-appraisal pop-up messages, $1 maximum bets, removal of large note acceptors and ATMs, reduced operating hours, and smoking bans. These findings were limited by the quality of studies available, however. Many studies did not include pre- and post-measurement or control groups, and most relied on retrospective self-report. Conclusions: These results provide insight into strategies that demonstrate preliminary effectiveness in reducing both the amount of time spent gambling and the amount of money gamblers spend. Further research that employs rigorous prospective experimental designs, appropriate control conditions, and both pre and post-intervention measures is required before firm conclusions can be drawn. However, there is sufficient evidence to support the continued use and further development of such industry-implemented strategies aimed at reducing gambling-related harm.
Parental Education and Child's Education: A Natural Experiment

Is the intergenerational educational link due to nature or nurture? In order to answer this dilemma, this paper identifies the effect of parental education on their offspring’s schooling attainment using a discontinuity in the parental educational attainment. The discontinuity stems from changes in the minimum school leaving age legislation which took place in the Seventies in Britain. This strategy identifies the effect of parental schooling only for parents with a lower taste for education and may not reflect the general social returns of parental education. However, since policies are more likely to target children at risk of not maximising their educational potential, the estimates are of interest. Contrary to recent evidence, we find a positive effect of both parents education on their children’s schooling achievements when focusing on natural parents only. Step parents have no or a negative impact on children’s education. In most cases, the endogeneity of parental education is rejected. These estimates suggest substantial social returns to education for same-sex parent. The estimates are robust to the introduction of additional controls for income, labour force participation, fertility and neighbourhood quality, indicating that the effect of parental education is direct.