Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Need-Supportive Intervention Delivered to English Language Teachers in Colombia: A Pilot Investigation Based on Self-Determination Theory

Teachers can be trained to support the basic psychological needs of their students. An important question is whether teachers in economically disadvantaged countries (Colombia, for example) who learn about the principles of need support can facilitate the process of internalization in their students. Using self-determination theory, in the present research we describe several outcomes associated with a pilot study of an intervention that was delivered to English language teachers in and around Medellin, Colombia. Results of this pilot investigation suggested that the students of teachers who were trained to adopt a need-supportive approach to education, relative to students of teachers in a control condition, reported higher levels of autonomy support from their English teacher and autonomous self-regulation for their English studies. Students’ experiences of need satisfaction in English class statistically mediated some of the association between autonomous self-regulation for English studies and well-being in English class. These findings provide some initial evidence that English language teachers in economically disadvantaged countries such as Colombia who learn about the principles of need support can modify their pedagogic practice in a way that promotes autonomous (optimal) motivation in their students, with associated benefits for need satisfaction and well-being.
Span-based Neural Structured Prediction

Span-based Neural Structured Prediction Kenton Lee Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Associate Professor Luke Zettlemoyer Computer Science & Engineering A long-standing goal in artificial intelligence is for machines to understand natural language. With ever-growing amounts of data in the world, it is crucial to automate many aspects of language understanding so that users can make sense of this data in the face of information overload. The main challenge stems from the fact that the surface form of language, either as speech or text, is unstructured. Without programmatic access to the semantics of natural language, it is challenging to build general, robust systems that are usable in practice. Towards achieving this goal, we propose a series of neural structured-prediction algorithms for natural language processing. In particular, we address a challenge common to all such algorithms: the space of possible output structures can be extremely large, and inference in this space can be intractable. Despite the seeming incompatibility of neural representations with dynamic programs from traditional structured prediction algorithms, we can leverage these rich representations to learn more accurate models while using simpler or lazier inference. We focus on algorithms that model the most basic substructure of language: spans of text. We present state-of-the-art models for tasks that require modeling the internal structure of spans, such as syntactic parsing, and modeling structure between spans, such as question answering and coreference resolution. The proposed techniques are applicable to many problems, and we expect that they will further push the limits of neural structured prediction for natural language processing.
An Empirical Look at Business Students' Attitudes towards Laptop Computers in the Classroom.

Mobile computing technology has proliferated across university campuses with the goals of enhancing student learning outcomes and making courses more accessible. An increasing amount of research has been conducted about mobile computing’s benefits in classroom settings. Yet, the research is still in its infancy. The purpose of this paper is to add to the base of knowledge related to business student attitudes and opinions about laptop technology, particularly passive versus required use in the classroom. Implications of this study’s results will provide value to pedagogical policy makers, business educators, and mobile computing developers. Attitudinal and demographic survey data was collected from a sample of business students regarding the use of laptops in the classroom. Attitudinal data were derived from questions about course design, general laptop satisfaction, and potential benefits of laptop use, in addition to demographic and categorical data. Descriptive statistics are presented in addition to some statistical comparisons across demographic and categorical segments of the sample. DeVee E. Dykstra, Daniel L. Tracy, and Rand Wergin 40 Fall 2013 (Volume 9 Issue 2) mobile computing technology within a particular type of classroom. In particular, the evidence related to business student perceptions of mobile computing is sparse, at best. General attitudes regarding business classroom laptop use were studied and categorized in Wergin, Tracy, and Dykstra (2011). However, a rigorous statistical evaluation of business student attitudes and perceptions remains unexplored. Thus, business student attitudes and perceptions about such technology are unclear. The purpose of this study is to examine student attitudes about laptops in the business classroom and their opinions about policies requiring business students to bring laptop computers to class. The subtle difference between educational use of laptops and requiring them in class is explored. A scaled response questionnaire was used to gain an understanding of student attitudes and opinions, as well as to collect relevant demographic data.
Market‐Based Allocation with Indivisible Bids

We study multiunit double auctions accepting bids with indivisibility constraints. Modeling the auction problem as a Multiple Choice Knapsack Problem and using dynamic programming, we show that incremental computations during bid processing can speed the handling of key auction operations such as clearing and quoting. We propose different price‐quote policies and study their influence on the efficiency of market‐based allocation. Using a reconfigurable manufacturing scenario where agents trade large quantities of multiple goods, we demonstrate potential benefits of supporting indivisibility constraints in bidding. These benefits are highly sensitive to the form of price quote provided, indicating interesting tradeoffs in communication and allocation efficiency.
Analysis of the designs of coupling measures - a case study

Various measures have been proposed in software engineering for evaluating the quality of object-oriented software systems, many of them aimed at measuring the structural properties of the design of the software, such as coupling, cohesion and inheritance. There is diversity among the current proposals for coupling measurements and models, reflecting a lack of consensus on coupling and the need for a reference framework. This paper investigates the design of coupling measures based on Abran and Jacquet’s model of the process for designing a measurement method. This analysis is illustrated with a case study using measures of one type of coupling, suggested by Chidamber and Kemerer: Coupling Between Objects (CBO). This case study verifies whether or not this CBO measure includes all the design elements of a measurement method.
Measuring China's Stock Market Sentiment

This paper develops textual sentiment measures for China's stock market by extracting the textual tone of 60 million messages posted on a major online investor forum in China from 2008 to 2018. We conduct sentiment extraction by using both conventional dictionary methods based on customized word lists and supervised machine-learning methods (support vector machine and convolutional neural network). The market-level textual sentiment index is constructed as the average of message-level sentiment scores, and the textual disagreement index is constructed as their dispersion. These textual measures allow us to test a range of predictions of classical behavioral asset-pricing models within a unified empirical setting. We find that textual sentiment can significantly predict market return, exhibiting a salient underreaction-overreaction pattern on a time scale of several months. This effect is more pronounced for small and growth stocks, and is stronger under higher investor attention and during more volatile periods. We also find that textual sentiment exerts a significant and asymmetric impact on future volatility. Finally, we show that trading volume will be higher when textual sentiment is unusually high or low and when there are more differences of opinion, as measured by our textual disagreement. Based on a massive textual dataset, our analysis provides support for the noise-trading theory and the limits-to-arbitrage argument, as well as predictions from limited-attention and disagreement models.
A Brain–Computer Interface Speller with a Reduced Matrix: A Case Study in a Patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Visual P300-based Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) paradigms for spelling are aimed at offering a non-muscular communication channel for those people with severe motor impairment, such as locked-in patients. To be as effective as other assistive technologies, these systems have to achieve a greater communication rate. One way to do so is to develop better interfaces. In this regard, we thought of using a 4 x 3 symbol matrix based on the T9 interface developed for mobile phones. Due to presenting a reduced matrix and relying on an adaptation of the T9 predictive text system, we expected that this speller would provide a higher communication rate than usual 6 x 6 matrix spellers that are based on Farwell and Donchin’s classic proposal. As a proof of concept, a locked-in patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis tested our T9-like visual BCI speller along with two different 7 x 6 conventional matrix spellers. The comparison of her performance results with those of a sample of three healthy participants suggested that it was possible for this locked-in patient to control the T9-like speller as well as they did, and thus, write a target sentence considerably faster than when she used the alternative spellers. Keywords-Brain-Computer Interface; P300; Speller; T9 interface, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Spehlmann's evoked potential primer : visual, auditory, and somatosensory evoked potentials in clinical diagnosis.

As pointed out by the author in the preface, this book is a sequel to a previous text by Rainer Spehlmann entitled "Evoked Potential Primer". The book follows the proper format and builds upon Dr. Spehlmann's text. The emphasis is clearly on evoked potential methodology and utility as these apply to current clinical practice. As such it will be of interest to both beginning and experienced practitioners in the field. Strengths of the book include a comprehensive discussion of technical aspects of stimulation and recording parameters. Discussion of methods of activating particular components of the auditory, visual or somatosensory inputs are particularly thorough. Clinical correlations with central lesions are presented in phenomenologic fashion and are comprehensive. The text correctly identifies the current practice of using evoked potentials primarily for monitoring brain function in the operating room setting. This reviewer believes that the tendency to avoid neurophysiologic examination of peripheral (including proximal nerves and dermatomes) and central structures in neurologic syndromes has been overdone, driven largely by financial pressures from insurance carriers and not based on vigorous cost-benefit comparison with imaging methods. A discussion of the differences and complementary aspects of neurophysiologic and imaging (MRI and PET scanning) data would have been helpful to counter balance this deficiency in modern practice. A specific deficiency in the text is an inadequate discussion of source localization problems and methods to address these. This area is one in which knowledge is expanding at a very rapid rate. One would anticipate that developments in analysis of surface recorded voltage and magnetic fields will define an important part of the future of clinical neurophysiology. This deficiency, although important, does not detract from the overall quality and usefulness of this text, which I would rate as very high. John T. Murphy, Barrie, Ontario
The Effects of Imitation, Modeling, and Prompting on Play Skills of Young Children with Disabilities

3 Introduction . 4 Review of the Literature . 6 Methods. 20 Participants . 20 Intervention.21 Data Collection.22 Results.23 Data Analysis.23 Discussion.26 Summary of Major Findings.26 Limitations of the Study.27 Further Study.29 Conclusion.29 References . 32 PLAY SKILLS OF YOUNG CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES 3
Advancing social justice and affirming humanity in developmental science research with African American boys and young men

Abstract This commentary engages the three elements of a social justice framework in the study of African American Boys and Men’s (AABM) positive development, proposed by Barbarin, Tolan, and Gaylord-Harden (2019). In agreement with the importance of and in support of employing a social justice framework in developmental science, we offer theoretical and methodological options to advance each element. The options we describe are aimed at centering the humanity of AABM in the study of their development.
Intention–behaviour misalignment at B2C websites: when the horse brings itself to water, will it drink?

Abstract We examine factors leading to intention-behaviour misalignment during the current website visit for two groups of website visitors: (1) “directed buyers” who visit with an a priori intention to purchase on the current visit but end up not doing so, and (2) “search/deliberators” who visit with an a priori intention to only gather information for a specific future purchase but end up making a purchase during the current visit. A qualitative study analysed responses by 2660 visitors to the websites of a large hotel management company, 749 of whom acted against their a priori purchase intentions. Based on the results, we propose a theoretical model of factors influencing the intention-behaviour relationship, emphasising those factors that have received little attention in extant research and that have noticeably different impacts for each group, in either facilitating or inhibiting purchasing behaviour. We further explore the interrelationships between various types of uncertainty, anticipated action and inaction regret, and disconfirmed expectations in distorting the intention-behaviour relationship. We close with suggested topics for future research.
Influences of Al2O3 and TiO2Content on Viscosity and Structure of CaO–8%MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–TiO2–5%FeO Blast Furnace Primary Slag

In view of the fact that Ti–bearing blast furnace primary slag has been explored limitedly and its viscosity–structural property is not fully understood, the phase compositions, viscosity and structure of CaO–8%MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–TiO2–5%FeO slag are investigated by X-ray diffractometer, rotating cylinder method, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy respectively, considering the effect of Al2O3 and TiO2. The critical temperature that is defined as the temperature below which the viscosity of slag increases quickly, could be explained by the relative amount of perovskite to melilite from phase compositions analysis. The slag viscosity first increases with increasing Al2O3 content from 10 to 15 mass%, and then decreases with the further increase of Al2O3 to 18 mass%. Increasing TiO2 content continuously lowers the viscosity. FTIR and Raman spectra results show that increasing Al2O3 or decreasing TiO2 content leads to complex Si–O and Ti–O networks structure, corresponding to the slag viscosity variation. The effect of weak linkages of Si–O–Al is more dominant when Al2O3exceeds 15 mass%, which results in the decrease of viscosity.
Effectiveness of Spiritual Intelligence in Resilience and Responsibility of Students

Background: Spiritual intelligence is one of the important and influential variables in many psychological characteristics including resilience and responsibility. Objectives: Based thereon, the present study was conducted with the objective of determining the effectiveness of spiritual intelligence training in responsibility and resilience of secondary high school students in the city of Baghmalek. Methods: The present study was a semi-experimental study with pretest-posttest design and experimental/control groups. The research population included all secondary high school students from Baghmalek city during 2017 - 2018. Finally, 60 students were selected by the multistage cluster sampling method and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Data collection was done using the Connor-Davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC) and Kordlou’s responsibility questionnaire. The experimental group participated in eight 90-min sessions for spiritual intelligence instruction while the control group was placed in a waiting list and did not receive any instructions. After the termination of the sessions, both of the groups were subjected to posttest. Results: The results indicated that there was a linear significant relationship between the pretest and posttest scores of resilience (F = 56.32, P < 0.001) and the pretest and posttest scores of responsibility (F = 12.98, P = 0.004) in the experimental and control groups. The results of univariate analysis for resilience (F = 15.55, P < 0.001) and responsibility (F = 7.14, P = 0.016) as dependent variables were found significant. Thus, spiritual intelligence instruction increased resilience and responsibility in students. Conclusions: Spiritual intelligence training could be an appropriate interventional method for enhancing the students’ responsibility and resilience considering the society’s need for committed and flexible students who can resist problems and challenges.
Benefit Cost Analysis of Different Rice Varieties in Kapilvastu District, Nepal

Rice is an annual plant belongs to family Poaceae. It is the major staple food crop of Nepal and can be grown from plain to mountainous regions of Nepal. The crop varieties differ from each other in terms of production cost, gross return and gross margin. The objective of this study was to analyze benefit cost ratio for production of different rice varieties. The study was carried out in Kapilvastu district of Nepal in 2018. A sample size of 120 respondents were selected randomly. Four different rice varieties: Gorakhnath, Radha-4, Ramdhan, and Sawa were used for the study. The primary data were collected through household survey using interview schedule. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and Microsoft Excel. The average cost of production was amounted to NRs. 77,100/ha for all four rice varieties. Sawa variety had the highest gross return (NRs. 1,01,212.5/ha). The benefit cost ratio was observed highest for Sawa (1.312) and lowest for Radha-4 variety (1.005). Sawa is the most economic rice variety in terms of gross and net production in the study area. The findings will help farmers to choose and cultivate rice variety with greater profitability. It is recommended that concerned authorities should give emphasis on subsidies, farmers training and ensuring floor price of rice. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 7(2): 222-226
Exploring a Change in Meditation Practice Using Noise-Canceling Headphones

Perceived stress is a rising health issue related to daily stressors. Cumulative effects of stress have physical, mental, and emotional consequences. Meditation is a safe, self-care activity with demonstrated effectiveness in reducing stress. One impediment to successful meditation practice is the ability to maintain focus. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the use of noise-canceling headphones to increase attention during meditation and reduce stress levels. Specific aims were to 1) explore the effectiveness of two types of meditation on the ability to transition into a meditative state, and 2) explore the effectiveness of two types of meditation on perceived stress levels. The study was a mixed methods, crossover design. The sample consisted of employed adults, randomly divided into two groups. Two types of meditation were compared: 1) Zen Meditation and 2) a new method called Silent Heart Meditation, where noise-canceling headphone were utilized to eliminate external noise. One group practiced Zen meditation for the first two weeks and then Silent Heart for the next two weeks. The second group practiced Silent Heart for the first two weeks and then Zen for the next two weeks. Outcomes were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and a qualitative
Cooking loss, texture properties, and color of comminuted beef prepared with breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) flour

Cooking loss, texture properties, and color of comminuted beef when prepared with breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) flour or other flour sources was evaluated using 2 separate studies. Flour sources tested in these studies (against a negative control with no added flour) were breadfruit flour, soy flour, corn flour, wheat flour, and tapioca flour. Study 1: Finely minced, comminuted beef batters (extra lean beef targeted to 97% lean and 3% fat, salt, and ice/water) prepared with inclusion levels of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5% flour were evaluated for cooking loss and texture. Cooking loss was reduced (P < 0.05) in comminuted beef prepared with breadfruit flour compared with those not prepared with flour and cooking loss decreased as breadfruit flour inclusion level increased (Linear P < 0.01). Hardness was not different (P = 0.49) in comminuted beef prepared with breadfruit flour compared with soy flour, and was much less (P < 0.01) compared with the 3 other flour sources at each inclusion level. Study 2: Comminuted beef (lean beef targeted to 90% lean and 10% fat, salt, and ice/water) with inclusion levels of 0, 2.5, and 5% flour were formed into patties and were evaluated for color over a simulated retail display period. Redness values (a*) of comminuted beef prepared with breadfruit flour were the greatest (P < 0.05) during the 7-d simulated retail display compared with all other treatments, including control samples with no flour. Overall, the results indicated that breadfruit flour could be effectively used as an ingredient in comminuted beef to produce similar texture as observed with soy flour, while actually improving redness values beyond that of other flour sources.