Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Making sense of how festivals demonstrate a community's sense of place

The paper is based on a systematic analysis of four community cultural festivals in destinations in the northern rivers region of NSW. The investigation explores how a sense of community and place are linked to the success of such events. It critically analyses the challenges facing communities using festivals to deliver complex social, political and cultural outcomes. It seeks to establish how festivals reconcile the tensions generated by different community voices. The paper demonstrates the character of community festivals. Its fine-grained analysis observes how different strategies have different consequences. Through surveys, interviews, media analysis and critical observation it establishes that self esteem, a sense of identity for internal and external purposes, economic drivers especially in the area of tourism, a festival's origins, event content, the dynamics between key stakeholders and community champions are all major contributors to distinctive events.
‘What drives students’ affective commitment towards their university?’

Abstract How can universities build ongoing, committed relationships with students, able to withstand the financial and emotional challenges of studying in higher education? The research proposes that students’ ongoing attachment to their university, based on positive feelings towards the university, is an important aspect of the student experience. This ongoing attachment is conceptualised here as students’ affective commitment towards their institution. Using an online survey-method and a research sample comprising undergraduate students studying in the UK, this research identifies three factors which drive students’ affective commitment towards their institution. These factors include students’ affective commitment towards academics and students’ calculative commitment towards the institution; factors which draw from the relational literature. A third factor, commitment balance, was developed within this research. Commitment balance occurs when a student’s commitment to their university is perceived to be reciprocated by the university’s commitment to the student. The study found that commitment balance was the most important driver of students’ ongoing attachment to their institution. The paper proposes that commitment balance is a key idea to consider within relational studies generally, but has a particular relevance in the higher education context for understanding the student experience. Commitment balance reflects the pulse of reciprocity which energises relational exchanges between students and institution. The findings of this research reinforce how critically important it is for universities and academics to build relationships with students. The desired outcome is to enhance the student experience, create positive attachment between students and university and ultimately improve student retention.
Modeling Bank Senior Unsecured Ratings: A Reasoned Structured Approach to Bank Credit Assessment

This paper studies the impact of bank-specific financial indicators and macroeconomic variables on bank senior unsecured ratings by Moody’s. Controlling for bank financial characteristics, we find significant evidence of procyclicality in bank ratings stemming from lagged interaction effects between the real output gap and the credit gap. In particular, macroeconomic slowdowns that follow credit booms tend to imply lower ratings. Similarly, when credit expansion above a trend is followed by strong economic performance, bank ratings tend to increase. Bank ratings also appear to correlate positively with the slope of the yield curve and tend to increase with sovereign ratings, market share of lending, and bank size. Given the ongoing debate on the importance, timeliness, and information content of credit ratings in general - and those assigned to banks in particular - the paper addresses a topic that is of great importance to central banks, regulators, and risk managers.
Access in the Food Environment: A Health Equity Approach Reveals Unequal Opportunity

Evidence shows that not all places offer people equal access to affordable, healthy food; unequal access is a potential explanation for disparities in health. This study applied the theoretically grounded social science concept of health equity to shift the focus from equal (same for all) to equitable (needs-based) access. Using data from Taking Neighborhood Health to Heart (TNH2H), a large community-based participatory research (CBPR) initiative in Denver, Colorado, this article examines how food access can vary based on social advantage and disadvantage (n = 926). Findings uncovered important inequities and demonstrated a new and promising approach to understanding the food environment–health relationship.
An appraisal of drug development timelines in the Era of precision oncology

The effects of incorporating a biomarker-based (personalized or precision) selection strategy on drug development timelines for new oncology drugs merit investigation. Here we accessed documents from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) database for anticancer agents approved between 09/1998 and 07/2014 to compare drugs developed with and without a personalized strategy. Sixty-three drugs were included (28 [44%] personalized and 35 [56%] non-personalized). No differences in access to FDA-expedited programs were observed between personalized and non-personalized drugs. A personalized approach for drug development was associated with faster clinical development (Investigational New Drug [IND] to New Drug Application [NDA] submission; median = 58.8 months [95% CI 53.8–81.8] vs. 93.5 months [95% CI 73.9–112.9], P =.001), but a similar approval time (NDA submission to approval; median=6.0 months [95% CI 5.5–8.4] vs. 6.1 months [95% CI 5.9–8.3], P = .756) compared to a non-personalized strategy. In the multivariate model, class of drug stratified by personalized status (targeted personalized vs. targeted non-personalized vs. cytotoxic) was the only independent factor associated with faster total time of clinical drug development (clinical plus approval phase, median = 64.6 vs 87.1 vs. 112.7 months [cytotoxic], P = .038). Response rates (RR) in early trials were positively correlated with RR in registration trials (r = 0.63, P = <.001), and inversely associated with total time of drug development (r = −0.29, P = .049). In conclusion, targeted agents were developed faster than cytotoxic agents. Shorter times to approval were associated, in multivariate analysis, with a biomarker-based clinical development strategy.
Stabilising Experience Replay for Deep Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning

Many real-world problems, such as network packet routing and urban traffic control, are naturally modeled as multi-agent reinforcement learning (RL) problems. However, existing multi-agent RL methods typically scale poorly in the problem size. Therefore, a key challenge is to translate the success of deep learning on single-agent RL to the multi-agent setting. A major stumbling block is that independent Q-learning, the most popular multi-agent RL method, introduces nonstationarity that makes it incompatible with the experience replay memory on which deep Q-learning relies. This paper proposes two methods that address this problem: 1) using a multi-agent variant of importance sampling to naturally decay obsolete data and 2) conditioning each agent's value function on a fingerprint that disambiguates the age of the data sampled from the replay memory. Results on a challenging decentralised variant of StarCraft unit micro-management confirm that these methods enable the successful combination of experience replay with multi-agent RL.
AN EXAMINATION OF THE SPIRITUAL INTELLIGENCE AND SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING SKILLS OF PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS IN AN URBAN DISTRICT

A growing body of evidence has suggested that the factors determining academic success are not limited to the cognitive realm alone. Students bring to the classroom their natural talents, as well as all of their previous experiences, joys, sorrows, hopes and dreams. Obtaining the essential social and emotional learning skills to meet the challenges of life and persevere academically is a foundation pivotal to future success. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between spiritual intelligence and the level of students’ social and emotional learning skills in an effort to gain insight into the effect one may have upon the other. This mixed method study included 181 students aged 7 to 13 years old in an urban public school district. Data were collected using two instruments. Analysis of the data obtained from these instruments was used to examine the particular characteristics of two focus groups: one group consisting of students scoring at the higher scale of both instruments and another group consisting of students scoring at the lower scale of both instruments. Results of step-wise multiple regression indicate a significant (p < .025) predictive relationship between students’ self-perceived level of Existential Well-Being and all five
Hovering Information: A Self-Organising Infrastructure-Free Information Storage and Retrieval Service

This paper introduces the Spatial Memory concept which defines any geographical location as a memory where information can be stored and retrieval by user-applications. The Hovering Information Middleware is also introduced as a constrained implementation of the Spatial Memory concept. This middleware is based on results presented on previous works related with Hovering Information. Two main modules of the middleware are discussed and evaluated, the Storage and the Retrieval Modules. The evaluation is done by simulations using both random-way-point and real mobility patterns. Real mobility patterns are generated with the SLAW real mobility model. The simulations evaluate current storage and retrieval algorithms and outlines the major drawbacks and potential improvements for next milestones.
Understanding Consumers' Behaviour when Using a Mobile Phone as a Converged Device

The phenomenon of convergence has caused huge impact on the digital economy. Although this concept has attracted salient interests and discussions for two decades, it lacks of conceptual framework from the consumer perspectives. On the other hand, research on the adoption of mobile devices provided little information to the understanding of individual adoption of mobile phones as converged devices, such as the use of mobile phones for personal information management (PIM), entertainment, e-mail and commerce. For developing an empirical model, this research conducted 50 personal interviews. The results indicate individuals' age and choices of device type/service plan significantly differentiate the extent use of mobile phones. The relative factors that may influence the use of mobile phones for a specific purpose are also identified. In summary, this research provides a preliminary study to the understanding of consumer behaviours and the development of convergent technologies.
A Generic NP-hardness Proof for a Variant of Graph Coloring

In this note, a direct proof is given of the NP-completeness of a variant of GRAPH COLORING, i.e., a generic proof is given, similar to the proof of Cook of the NP-completeness of SATISFIABILITY. Then, transformations from this variant of GRAPH COLORING to INDEPENDENT SET and to SATISFIABILITY are given. These proofs could be useful in an educational setting, where basics of the theory of NP-completeness must be explained to students whose background in combinatorial optimisation and/or graph theory is stronger than their background in logic. In addition, I believe that the proof given here is slightly easier than older generic proofs of NP-completeness.
“You have to be able to adjust your own self”: Latinx students’ transitions into college from a low-performing urban high school

ABSTRACT This case study explores the first year college transition experiences of a cohort of eight first generation Latinx students who graduated from the same low-performing urban high school. Drawing on Tara Yosso’s (2005) model of community cultural wealth, I examine the challenges students confronted at their respective postsecondary institutions and highlight connections to their high school preparation. Findings demonstrate how students mobilized aspirational, navigational, social, and familial wealth to overcome barriers and persist. This study suggests the value of applying asset-based frameworks to understand the college pathways of students of color.
Identification of muscle synergies associated with gait transition in humans

There is no theoretical or empirical evidence to suggest how the central nervous system (CNS) controls a variety of muscles associated with gait transition between walking and running. Here, we examined the motor control during a gait transition based on muscle synergies, which modularly organize functionally similar muscles. To this end, the subjects walked or ran on a treadmill and performed a gait transition spontaneously as the treadmill speed increased or decreased (a changing speed condition) or voluntarily following an experimenter’s instruction at constant treadmill speed (a constant speed condition). Surface electromyograms (EMGs) were recorded from 11 lower limb muscles bilaterally. We then extracted the muscle weightings of synergies and their activation coefficients from the EMG data using non-negative matrix factorization. As a result, the gait transition was controlled by approximately 9 muscle synergies, which were common during a walking and running, and their activation profiles were changed before and after a gait transition. Near a gait transition, the peak activation phases of the synergies, which were composed of plantar flexor muscles, were shifted to an earlier phase at the walk-to-run transition, and vice versa. The shifts were gradual in the changing speed condition, but an abrupt change was observed in the constant speed condition. These results suggest that the CNS low-dimensionally regulate the activation profiles of the specific synergies based on afferent information (spontaneous gait transition) or by changing only the descending neural input to the muscle synergies (voluntary gait transition) to achieve a gait transition.
SATISFAÇÃO NO TRABALHO E ESCOLHAS DE CARREIRA: UM ESTUDO UTILIZANDO O MODELO DE ANCORA DE CARREIRA DE SCHEIN

This study explores the relationship between job satisfaction and alignment between the individual´s current occupation and his/her talents, needs and values, namely as career anchors . A quantitative survey using Schein e Van Maanen´s Career Anchor model (2013) and Siqueira´s Job Satisfaction survey (2008) was performed for a non-probabilistic sample students at the Business School of a private University in Rio de Janeiro. The most frequent career anchor found for both genders was Lifestyle , showing a trend towards finding a career that allows some balance between professional and personal life. Finally, we identified that autonomous individuals are more satisfied than those who receive salary, male ones are more satisfied with the job than the female ones, and there is a positive association with years of experience and satisfaction in the job.
A robust soft hash algorithm for digital image signature

Watermarking is largely used for copyright protection and fast search of images in databases. Another method for securely identifying images is to use hash functions. Digital signature standard, used in cryptosystem to dispute authentication documents, is based on hash functions. A digital signature is a bit stream dependent on key and content of document. For each document, the digital signature algorithm provides a unique output bit stream. In order to be efficient in images, the digital signature should be different if and only if the image content, and not the input bit stream, is different. Our new method is a one-way function for images. Using the radon transform and principal component analysis, we extract characteristics robust against geometrical transformation (rotation and scaling) and image processing attacks (compression, filtering, blurring).
The Kaiser Permanente Shoulder Arthroplasty Registry

Background and purpose — Shoulder arthroplasty is being performed in the United States with increasing frequency. We describe the medium-term findings from a large integrated healthcare system shoulder arthroplasty registry. Patients and methods — Shoulder arthroplasty cases registered between January 2005 and June 2013 were included for analysis. The registry included patient characteristics, surgical information, implant data, attrition, and patient outcomes such as surgical site infections, venous thromboembolism, and revision procedures. Results — During the study period, 6,336 primary cases were registered. Median follow-up time for all primaries was 3.3 years; 461 cases were lost to follow-up by ending of health plan membership. Primary cases were predominantly female (56%) and white (81%), with an average age of 70 years. The most common reason for surgery was osteoarthritis in 60% of cases, followed by acute fracture (17%) and rotator cuff tear arthropathy (15%). In elective shoulder arthroplasty procedures, 200 all-cause revisions (4%) were reported, with glenoid wear being the most common reason. Interpretation — Most arthroplasties were elective procedures: over half performed for osteoarthritis. Glenoid wear was the most common reason for revision of primary shoulder arthroplasty in elective cases.
Mitochondrial Ultrastructural Alterations and Declined M2 Receptor Density Were Involved in Cardiac Dysfunction in Rats after Long Term Treatment with Autoantibodies against M2 Muscarinic Receptor

Background Previous studies showed that autoantibodies (M2-AA) against the second extracellular loop of M2 muscarinic receptor (M2AChR-el2) from dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) serum could induce DCM-like morphological changes in mice hearts. However, the effects of M2-AA on the cardiac function during the process of DCM and the potential mechanisms are not fully known. The present study was designed to dynamically observe the cardiac function, mitochondrial changes, and M2 receptor binding characteristics in rats long-term stimulated with M2-AA in vivo. Methods M2-AA-positive model was established by actively immunizing healthy male Wistar rats with synthetic M2AChR-el2 peptide for 18 months. Meanwhile, vehicle group rats were administrated with physiological saline. The change of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was detected by radionuclide imaging. The ultrastructure of mitochondria was observed under electron microscopy. The M2 receptor binding characteristics were determined by radioactive ligand binding assay. Results After immunization for 12 months, compared with vehicle group, M2AChR-el2-immunized rats showed decreased myocardial contractility and cardiac diastolic function evidenced by declined maximal rate of rise of ventricular pressure and increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, respectively. Additionally, mitochondrial swelling and vacuolation were observed. At 18 months, M2AChR-el2-immunized rats manifested significant decreased cardiac systolic and diastolic function and pathological changes such as enlargement of right ventricular cavity and wall thinning; and the mitochondrial damage was aggravated. Furthermore, the M2 receptor maximum binding capacity (Bmax) of the M2AChR-el2-immunized rats significantly decreased, while the M2 receptor dissociation constant (Kd) was increased. Conclusions Our study suggested that long-term stimulation with M2-AA leaded to the ventricular dilatation and gradual deterioration of cardiac dysfunction. Mitochondrial damage and the down-regulation of M2 receptor density and affinity may be involved in the process.
Genome-Wide Association Study for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Taiwanese Han Population

Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with strong genetic components. Several recent genome-wide association (GWA) studies in Caucasian samples have reported a number of gene regions and loci correlated with the risk of ASD—albeit with very little consensus across studies. Methods A two-stage GWA study was employed to identify common genetic variants for ASD in the Taiwanese Han population. The discovery stage included 315 patients with ASD and 1,115 healthy controls, using the Affymetrix SNP array 6.0 platform for genotyping. Several gene regions were then selected for fine-mapping and top markers were examined in extended samples. Single marker, haplotype, gene-based, and pathway analyses were conducted for associations. Results Seven SNPs had p-values ranging from 3.4~9.9*10−6, but none reached the genome-wide significant level. Five of them were mapped to three known genes (OR2M4, STYK1, and MNT) with significant empirical gene-based p-values in OR2M4 (p = 3.4*10−5) and MNT (p = 0.0008). Results of the fine-mapping study showed single-marker associations in the GLIS1 (rs12082358 and rs12080993) and NAALADL2 (rs3914502 and rs2222447) genes, and gene-based associations for the OR2M3-OR2T5 (olfactory receptor genes, p = 0.02), and GLIPR1/KRR1 gene regions (p = 0.015). Pathway analyses revealed important pathways for ASD, such as olfactory and G protein–coupled receptors signaling pathways. Conclusions We reported Taiwanese Han specific susceptibility genes and variants for ASD. However, further replication in other Asian populations is warranted to validate our findings. Investigation in the biological functions of our reported genetic variants might also allow for better understanding on the underlying pathogenesis of autism.
Using The Matrix Ridge Approximation to Speedup Determinantal Point Processes Sampling Algorithms

Determinantal point process (DPP) is an important probabilistic model that has extensive applications in artificial intelligence. The exact sampling algorithm of DPP requires the full eigenvalue decomposition of the kernel matrix which has high time and space complexities. This prohibits the applications of DPP from large-scale datasets. Previous work has applied the Nystrom method to speedup the sampling algorithm of DPP, and error bounds have been established for the approximation. In this paper we employ the matrix ridge approximation (MRA) to speedup the sampling algorithm of DPP, showing that our approach MRA-DPP has stronger error bound than the Nystrom-DPP. In certain circumstances our MRA-DPP is provably exact, whereas the Nystrom-DPP is far from the ground truth. Finally, experiments on several real-world datasets show that our MRA-DPP is more accurate than the other approximation approaches.
Question Generation via Overgenerating Transformations and Ranking

Abstract : We describe an extensible approach to generating questions for the purpose of reading comprehension assessment and practice. Our framework for question generation composes general-purpose rules to transform declarative sentences into questions, is modular in that existing NLP tools can be leveraged, and includes a statistical component for scoring questions based on features of the input, output, and transformations performed. In an evaluation in which humans rated questions according to several criteria, we found that our implementation achieves 43.3% acceptability for the top 10 ranked questions, and generates approximately 6.8 acceptable questions per 250 words of source text.