Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Development of Relational Communication: A Personal Narrative

Given the rather unique opportunity of offering a personal accounting of the development of one’s theoretical endeavors, I wondered where to begin, where to step into the narrative stream of influences that may have played a part in the unfolding of the theoretical interests that have shaped my professional life. What formed a potential backdrop for these interests? How (you notice we never ask “why” when taking a relational communication approach) did these interests become centered on studying interaction patterns? Allowing myself a fairly free reign, I wondered if a possible influence came from growing up on a farm and at an early age unknowingly coming to “know” the behavior patterns of different farm animals, fine tuned perhaps with a particular love of horses; riding my pony, as the family story goes, almost before I could walk, and somewhat older, breaking quarter horses fresh off the Dakota range. In these musings I thought, perhaps these experiences fed into a later fascination with primatology and the “unspoken” power of behavioral observation. This interest was personally enhanced by spending time at different primate research sites in Kenya, walking the fields with Shirley Strums’s “Pump-House Gang” of baboons, and observing colonies of rhesus monkeys and chimpanzee groups at Stewart Altmann’s research site in the plains below Kilimanjaro. Or perhaps my interest in human interaction emerged simply from everyday social encounters, flavored with a mix of cultural variations experienced from extended periods of time living, traveling, and teaching in South America. These reflections are highly selective, abbreviated threads of a sense-making nature, yet in combination, these experiences may have fostered the groundwork for my later focus of study on social interaction. THE JOURNAL OF FAMILY COMMUNICATION, 4(3&4), 157–165 Copyright © 2004, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.
Rice growth state estimation by hyperspectral manifold learning

Hyperspectral remote sensing is a promising method for the farm product monitoring. However, the estimation accuracy is restricted by the multidimensionality and shortage of statistically sufficient number of data. In this paper, a new method is proposed to acquire inherent vegetation-related coordinates on hyperspectral manifold by the combination of unsupervised manifold learning and supervised vegetation-related coordinates estimation. Experimental results show high estimation performance in vegetation-related quantities by the proposed method, i.e. nonlinear structure extraction and improved generalization performance, in comparison with multivariate linear regression based on hyperspectral data.
Automatic defects classification with p-median clustering technique

The problem of automatic defect recognition and classification for vision systems development is addressed. The main objectives of such systems are defect recognition and classification based on known features. The classification function is designed using cluster analysis. Two stages approach is proposed. On the first offline stage of classification a teaching process has been employed. On the second online stage inspection image is classified using its features comparison with the closest medians in real time. Comparative analysis with the state-of-the-art classification methods has demonstrated an efficiency of the proposed approach. Examples described here relate specifically to semiconductor industry but can be adopted to other manufacturing processes.
Involvement of PPS3 Phosphorylated by Elicitor-Responsive Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases in the Regulation of Plant Cell Death1

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades play pivotal roles in plant innate immunity. Overexpression of StMEK1DD, a constitutively active MAPK kinase that activates salicylic acid-induced protein kinase (SIPK) and wound-induced protein kinase (WIPK), provokes hypersensitive response-like cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana. Here we purified a 51-kD MAPK, which was activated in potato (Solanum tuberosum) tubers treated with hyphal wall elicitor of a plant pathogen, and isolated the cDNA designated StMPK1. The deduced amino acid sequence of the StMPK1 showed strong similarity to stress-responsive MAPKs, such as tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) SIPK and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) AtMPK6. To investigate the downstream signaling of StMPK1, we identified several proteins phosphorylated by StMPK1 (PPSs) using an in vitro expression cloning method. To dissect the biological function of PPSs in the plant defense, we employed virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in N. benthamiana. VIGS of NbPPS3 significantly delayed cell death induced by the transient expression of StMEK1DD and treatment with hyphal wall elicitor. Furthermore, the mobility shift of NbPPS3 on SDS-polyacrylamide gel was induced by transient expression of StMEK1DD. The mobility shift of NbPPS3 induced by StMEK1DD was not compromised by VIGS of WIPK or SIPK alone, but drastically reduced by the silencing of both WIPK and SIPK. This work strongly supports the idea that PPS3 is a physiological substrate of StMPK1 and is involved in cell death activated by a MAPK cascade.
The Voluntary Simplicity Consumer: A Comparative Study

Voluntary simplicity consumers are those exhibiting a lifestyle of low consumption, ecological responsibility, and self-sufficiency. In this study such consumers in three US cities were compared on values and behavior. The structure of values and behaviors in voluntary simplicity was examined, as was the motivation for voluntary simplicity, and the level of adoption of voluntary simplicity behavior. Analysis indicates that values of voluntary simplicity are consistent with voluntary simplicity behavior, the number of factors composing the values and behaviors of voluntary simplicity are the same in all three cities, the motivation for voluntary simplicity is the same in all three cities, and adoption of behaviors of voluntary simplicity varies from city to city.
Optimization of Microwave Assisted Alkaline Extraction of Xylan from Birch Wood Using Response Surface Methodology

The main purpose of this study was to optimize microwave assisted alkaline extraction of the hemicellulose, xylan, from birch wood. The simultaneous effects of process variables such as time (10 - 30 minutes), concentration of sodium hydroxide solution (4 - 8 wt%), solid to liquid ratio (1:8 to 1:20, g:mL), and sample size (5 - 10 g) on the temperature of the wood slurry, wood dissolution, and yield of extraction were evaluated. A central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were used for the optimization of the extraction process. Based on the CCD, quadratic models were developed to correlate the extraction process variables with the responses such as temperature of wood slurry, wood dissolution, and yield of xylan and the models were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods (ANOVA). Statistical analysis showed that all the models developed were found to be adequate for the prediction of the respective responses. Optimization of the process was performed using a numerical optimization available in the software to maximize the yield of xylan and the optimum process variables for the maximum yield of xylan was found to be: 10 g of wood fibres, 8 wt% of NaOH solution, 1:10 solid to liquid ratio (g:mL) and 25 minutes of irradiation time. About 72.5% of the xylan present in the birch wood was extracted using the optimized extraction parameters.
Exponential Synchronization of Discrete-Time Chaotic Delayed Neural Networks

This paper investigates exponential synchronization problem of general discrete-time chaotic delayed neural networks. Based on Lyapunov stability theory, the dynamic output feedback controller is established to guarantee exponential stable synchronization of both master and slave systems with time delays. The control design equation is shown to be a linear matrix inequality (LMI) standard problem which can be easily solved by MATLAB LMI Control Toolbox to determine the synchronization control law. Most chaotic neural networks can be transformed into this general chaotic neural network to be synchronization controller designed in a unified way.
Considering Diversity: Multivoicedness in International Academic Collaboration

International collaboration projects in academic work can be considered boundary-crossing projects with learning potential. Contrary to perceiving diversity as a barrier for understanding, we depart from dialogical arguments in perceiving ambiguity and diversity as continuous resources for meaning enrichment. Here, we report a study of an international academic project to gain more insight into how this resource is exploited. Using Bakhtin’s theory, negotiation processes are analysed and explained by distinguishing voices stemming from different socio-cultural backgrounds. Project members did not explore fully the voices being expressed in their negotiation processes and therefore did not come to face their differences. We conclude that diversity should neither be seen as an obstacle for understanding, nor be presupposed as a resource for meaning generation. Rather, diversity should be actively worked on by group members in collaboration, starting by perceiving each other as real ‘others’ and receiving arguments initially as not understood.
The Role of Mathematical Symbols in the Development of Number Conceptualization: The Case of the Minus Sign

In mathematics education, students’ difficulties with negative numbers are well known. To explain these difficulties, researchers traditionally refer to obstacles raised by the concept of NEGATIVE NUMBERS itself throughout its historical evolution. In order to improve our understanding, I propose to take into consideration another point of view, based on Vygotsky's principles, which define a strong relationship between signs such as language or symbols and cognitive development. I show how it is of great interest to consider students’ difficulties with negatives in the light of the use of symbols, in particular the minus sign. I describe the results of an empirical study about students’ strategies in solving arithmetical equations with negatives. My analysis shows that the problems raised by the presence of negatives in the equations are attributable to students’ very restricted and often inadequate use of the minus sign, which prevents them from finding a negative solution or making sense of it.
“…Here We Help Each Other”: Sense of Community of People Subjected to Forced Removals

This study examined the sense of community of people with experience of forced removals in a South African setting. The participants were 200–108 men (54%) and 92 women (46%) between 18 and 61 years of age and selected using systematic random sampling from the Khuma community. Data were collected using a Sense of Community Index-2 and the Mmogo-method®, a visual representation procedure. The questionnaire data were statistically analysed and the qualitative data were thematically and visually analysed. Findings suggested that places were important to sense of community in meeting their needs for survival, to maintain intergenerational relationships, and to facilitate community interactions.
Informal Collaboration in R & D. The formation of Networks Across Organizations

A barter economy is operated by the Danish biotech community. This barter economy is significant as an 'interactional infra-structure' for the emergence and discovery of collaborative R&D venues. Norms of liberally sharing information on the frontier of research greatly enhance the efficiency of the network forma tion process. Our study documents the whole process of informally forming collaborative relations amongst companies and universities in biotech R&D. A model is developed which serves as an interpretive scheme for case studies. The patterns of collaboration depicted in this paper appear to be anarchistic and random, but we argue that these traits are somewhat 'domesticated' by com munity norms. Furthermore, in spite of its strategic importance, networking appears to be totally out of managerial purview and control. However, we suggest that these collaborative relations may in certain, often paradoxical, ways be channelled and conditioned by managerial fiat.
A novel amplitude-only method of phase difference measurement between two signals by using 90° hybrid

In this study, a novel amplitude-only method to measure the phase difference between two incident signals is developed. For a 90° hybrid, it can be shown as two signals with relative phase difference ΔΦ incident to the input and isolated ports, their phase difference can be calculated from the measured power data by having two detectors connected to the direct and coupled ports. The general formulas and measurement results of a special condition are presented.
Discovering Chinese Words from Unsegmented Text

In English written text, words are separated by spaces, but in written Chinese text, there are no such separators between words. (See Figure 1.) Thus, effective information retrieval of Chinese text first requires good word segmentation. In this paper, we investigate an efficient algorithm to discover the words and their occurrence probabilities from a corpus of unsegmented text without using a dictionary. Using the probabilities of the words, word segmentation is done according to the maximum likelihood principle. Comparing the segmentation output by the algorithm with the correct segmentation, recall/precision of 65.65%/71.91% is achieved. If some simple post-processing is performed, recall/precision can be boosted up to 97.72%/91.05%.
On-line simulation of building energy processes: Need and research requirements

Most building energy simulation software offers significant building energy performance capabilities; however, its use is limited to design phase only. There is significant benefit to have these energy simulation models available during operation phase for detection and diagnostics. Since simulation models and real building states are not coupled, the models are initialized in an empty state or run through a warm-up period (i.e., off-line simulation). This paper develops the need and research requirements for on-line simulation of building energy processes where current state variables obtained from sensors and meters in buildings are used to initialize the model. Based on the simulation results, a new corrective decision is made and implemented in the real process. This paper argues that on-line simulation can provide decision makers with reliable energy models to test different technical and behavioral interventions, and improve predictions of building performance, compared to the results obtained with existing off-line models.
Immunogenicity of Recombinant Fiber-Chimeric Adenovirus Serotype 35 Vector-Based Vaccines in Mice and Rhesus Monkeys

ABSTRACT Preexisting immunity to adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) has been shown to suppress the immunogenicity of recombinant Ad5 (rAd5) vector-based vaccines for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in both preclinical studies and clinical trials. A potential solution to this problem is to utilize rAd vectors derived from rare Ad serotypes, such as Ad35. However, rAd35 vectors have appeared less immunogenic than rAd5 vectors in preclinical studies to date. In this study, we explore the hypothesis that the differences in immunogenicity between rAd5 and rAd35 vectors may be due in part to differences between the fiber proteins of these viruses. We constructed capsid chimeric rAd35 vectors containing the Ad5 fiber knob (rAd35k5) and compared the immunogenicities of rAd5, rAd35k5, and rAd35 vectors expressing simian immunodeficiency virus Gag and HIV-1 Env in mice and rhesus monkeys. In vitro studies demonstrated that rAd35k5 vectors utilized the Ad5 receptor CAR rather than the Ad35 receptor CD46. In vivo studies showed that rAd35k5 vectors were more immunogenic than rAd35 vectors in both mice and rhesus monkeys. These data suggest that the Ad5 fiber knob contributes substantially to the immunogenicity of rAd vectors. Moreover, these studies demonstrate that capsid chimeric rAd vectors can be constructed to combine beneficial immunologic and serologic properties of different Ad serotypes.
Meaning and mental contamination: Focus on appraisals

Background The recent expansion of interest in contamination-related obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) has fostered the description of mental contamination and a series of experiments designed to understand associated factors. This supports a cognitive approach to the understanding and treatment of contamination-related OCD—especially when the contaminant is mental, rather than contact based. Appraisals associated with responsibility, violation, and immorality have been shown to predict mental contamination responses to an imagined negative event which included negative moral elements in the absence of imagined physical dirt. Imagined physical dirt can be a highly distressing component of contamination fear and is often used in OCD research. The aim of this study was to assess whether specific appraisals could predict mental contamination responses in the context of an imagined event involving both an immoral person and physical dirt. Methods Female undergraduate students (N = 59) imagined experiencing a non-consensual kiss from a man described as physically dirty. Results Consistent with predictions and with previous findings, appraisals generally accounted for significant unique variance in mental contamination indices above and beyond other predictor variables. Conclusions Further development of assessment/treatment strategies focusing on appraisals will likely improve therapeutic outcomes for mental contamination.
A Dual Role of Adenosine A2A Receptors in 3-Nitropropionic Acid-Induced Striatal Lesions: Implications for the Neuroprotective Potential of A2A Antagonists

Reduction of A2A receptor expression is one of the earliest events occurring in both Huntington's disease (HD) patients and mice overexpressing the N-terminal part of mutated huntingtin. Interestingly, increased activity of A2A receptors has been found in striatal cells prone to degenerate in experimental models of this neurodegenerative disease. However, the role of A2A receptors in the pathogenesis of HD remains obscure. In the present study, using A2A-/- mice and pharmacological compounds in rat, we demonstrate that striatal neurodegeneration induced by the mitochondrial toxin 3-nitropropionic acid (3NP) is regulated by A2A receptors. Our results show that the striatal outcome induced by 3NP depends on a balance between the deleterious activity of presynaptic A2A receptors and the protective activity of postsynaptic A2A receptors. Moreover, microdialysis data demonstrate that this balance is anatomically determined, because the A2A presynaptic control on striatal glutamate release is absent within the posterior striatum. Therefore, because blockade of A2A receptors has differential effects on striatal cell death in vivo depending on its ability to modulate presynaptic over postsynaptic receptor activity, therapeutic use of A2A antagonists in Huntington's as well as in other neurodegenerative diseases could exhibit undesirable biphasic neuroprotective—neurotoxic effects.
Functional Outcome, Rehabilitation Use and Length of Hospital Stay for Stroke Patients in South Madrid

Background: Health status and use of resources by stroke patients in Spain are unknown. Methods: A total of 103 acute stroke patients resident in south Madrid, population 665,168, were seen in 1996 at a general hospital and three primary care centres and evaluated at 5–10 days, 3 and 6 months after stroke. Health outcomes and patterns of rehabilitation and hospital use by patient groups were studied using multivariate logistic regression. Results: The group receiving rehabilitation exhibited higher levels of impairment, disability and handicap at each time point, these differences decreasing with time, except in the distribution of walking ability which was unimodal in that group. Younger age, poor walking ability and motor capacity, pain on the paretic side and living with a spouse predicted use of rehabilitation; low level of education predicted a long hospital stay. Conclusion: Rehabilitation for stroke in south Madrid was sparse and used mainly by young, severely affected patients.
Microbial Survey of a Full-Scale, Biologically Active Filter for Treatment of Drinking Water

ABSTRACT The microbial community of a full-scale, biologically active drinking water filter was surveyed using molecular techniques. Nitrosomonas, Nitrospira, Sphingomonadales, and Rhizobiales dominated the clone libraries. The results elucidate the microbial ecology of biological filters and demonstrate that biological treatment of drinking water should be considered a viable alternative to physicochemical methods.
A Tale of Two Cities: Distinctiveness Theory and Advertising Effectiveness

The authors conducted an empirical study to test McGuire's (1984) distinctiveness theory within an advertising context. First, following the distinctiveness theory postulate, they found that members of minority groups were more likely than majority groups to have their ethnicity salient. Furthermore, in applying distinctiveness theory to persuasion, they found that members of minority (versus majority) groups find an ad spokesperson from their own ethnic group to be more trustworthy and that increased trustworthiness led to more positive attitudes toward the brand being advertised. The authors draw implications for both advertising to ethnic/minority groups as well as for further research applications of distinctiveness theory.
Breathing Rate Estimation From the Electrocardiogram and Photoplethysmogram: A Review

Breathing rate (BR) is a key physiological parameter used in a range of clinical settings. Despite its diagnostic and prognostic value, it is still widely measured by counting breaths manually. A plethora of algorithms have been proposed to estimate BR from the electrocardiogram (ECG) and pulse oximetry (photoplethysmogram, PPG) signals. These BR algorithms provide opportunity for automated, electronic, and unobtrusive measurement of BR in both healthcare and fitness monitoring. This paper presents a review of the literature on BR estimation from the ECG and PPG. First, the structure of BR algorithms and the mathematical techniques used at each stage are described. Second, the experimental methodologies that have been used to assess the performance of BR algorithms are reviewed, and a methodological framework for the assessment of BR algorithms is presented. Third, we outline the most pressing directions for future research, including the steps required to use BR algorithms in wearable sensors, remote video monitoring, and clinical practice.
TASK-GROUPS AS SELF-CATEGORIES: A SOCIAL IDENTITY PERSPECTIVE ON STATUS GENERALIZATION

In this paper we incorporate the concept of self-categorization into status characteristics theory to offer a group-based approach to status generalization. We suggest that task-groups can be understood as self-categories, and that the cognitive and motivational processes associated with psychological group formation have implications for status characteristics theory. In Study 1 self-categorization with an other in terms of a shared group membership increased collective orientation. In Study 2 intergroup categorization, combined with high identification with the ingroup, undermined collective orientation and increased stay responses towards an outgroup partner. Implications for further exploring the intersection of statusorganizing and social identity processes are discussed.