Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DataStories at SemEval-2017 Task 6: Siamese LSTM with Attention for Humorous Text Comparison

In this paper we present a deep-learning system that competed at SemEval-2017 Task 6 "#HashtagWars: Learning a Sense of Humor”. We participated in Subtask A, in which the goal was, given two Twitter messages, to identify which one is funnier. We propose a Siamese architecture with bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, augmented with an attention mechanism. Our system works on the token-level, leveraging word embeddings trained on a big collection of unlabeled Twitter messages. We ranked 2nd in 7 teams. A post-completion improvement of our model, achieves state-of-the-art results on #HashtagWars dataset.
Functional Families of Spatial Abilities: Poor Relations and Rich Prospects

The search for psychometric correlates of environmental learning and wayfinding has important implications for how we conceive of the structure of the spatial domain. Substantial progress has been made in determining relations between spatial abilities as assessed using psychometric tests and environmental learning as assessed in field experiments. However, future studies should seek to overcome some methodological shortcomings of past endeavors. In addition, advances toward a comprehensive understanding of the spatial domain may depend on a useful framework to guide empirical inquiry. The idea of functional families of spatial abilities is proposed as such a framework.
Soluble cell adhesion molecules and parameters of lipoprotein metabolism in patients with severe burns.

BACKGROUND The role of leukocyte adhesion molecules in patients with burns and their relationship to other parameters of inflammation and lipid metabolism is only recently beginning to be explored. Therefore, we investigated the temporal changes in the levels of soluble cell adhesion molecules and other parameters of inflammation and lipoprotein metabolism in patients with thermal injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS The serum levels of soluble adhesion molecules, intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), and sE-selectin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen in seven patients with severe burns over a 30- day period were measured to determine the involvement of these factors in the pathophysiology of severe burns. Serum levels of slCAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin were determined by ELISA. Furthermore, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL chol), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL chol) and triglycerides (TG) were measured. RESULTS Blood levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, CRP and fibrinogen increased with maximum values six days after thermal injury. In contrast, serum levels of sE-selectin were elevated two days after thermal injury. The sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin levels correlated significantly with both the CRP and the fibrinogen levels. Plasma total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol decreased with minimum values four days after thermal injury. Furthermore, an increase of triglyceride levels was observed. CONCLUSION The observed inflammatory response of soluble cell adhesion molecules could be useful in monitoring endothelial activation immediately following thermal injury. Further studies involving a larger number of patients with burns should help to clarify the extent to which measured parameters, especially the temporal changes ofsCAMs, could be relevant in assessing the morbidity ofpatients with thermal injury.
Rotation-invariant texture retrieval using steerable wavelet-domain hidden Markov models

A new statistical model for characterizing texture images base don wavelet-domain hidden Markov models and steerable pyramids is presented. The new model is shown to capture well both the subband marginal distributions and the dependencies across scales and orientations of the wavelet descriptors. Once it is trained for an input texture image, the model can be easily steered to characterize that texture at any other orientations. After a diagonalization operation, one obtains a rotation-invariant description of the texture image. The effectiveness of the new model is demonstrated in large test image databases where significant gains in retrieval performance are shown.
Music as a transfer of faith

I ride the Big Yellow Bus to work each day, travelling through a long strip of local businesses. A particular charity shop that I have noticed from the bus is ‘Hospital Radio Bedside’. Hospital radio began in York around 1925, broadcasting football commentary, church services and gramophone recordings to hospital patients. Now, eighty-five years later, the Hospital Broadcasting Association boasts about 300 stations in the UK (Watson, 2000). The name and purpose of this charity shop fascinated me. I wondered if this concept is, perhaps, a throwback to gentler times. I imagined early NHS patients — happy to have ‘free’ hospital care at all and ‘over the moon’ to discover that they also had a free radio at hand for their personal listening pleasure. A not-so-quiet revolution is currently taking place in qualitative health research. The use of tools from the arts and humanities, in both investigation of patient concerns and dissemination of data, is gaining critical mass (Jones, 2006). Photography, music, dance and so forth have been added to the researcher’s investigative toolbox and ‘performance’ — in the widest sense of the word — has become a catchphrase for the work of qualitative researchers no longer satisfied with typical PowerPoint conference presentations or journal restrictions. Qualitative investigators are courageously developing arts-based research methods and dissemination techniques in order to both investigate deeper and reach wider audiences. This is good news, not only for participants in research studies, who are often involved in producing subsequent performative reports, but also for the larger community to whom findings should be directed. Batt-Rawden’s paper contributes to the growing use of tools from the arts to investigate health concerns. This research, participatory and action-oriented, focuses on whether participants could learn to use music as a ‘technology’ of health promotion and self-care. This process consequently raised the musical consciousness of its study participants. The use of patients’ self-constructed musical autobiographies has resonance with the biographic work of McAdams (1993, 1994, 1995, 1996; McAdams et al., 1997). McAdams has devised a framework for the study of narrated lives that includes investigating the psychosocial construction of life stories through which modern adults create identity, and proposes a structure for the content of life stories (1996: 308–309). The naturally recurrent themes unearthed in Batt-Rawden’s study resonate
Metaphors in Collision: Objectives, Assembly Lines, and Stories

ABSTRACTProminent in teacher preparation programs and in “methods” courses in departments and faculties of education are planning procedures derived from the “Tyler rationale. ” A key part of these procedures involves beginning the planning process by stating objectives. These procedures, and particularly planning- by-objectives, have been much criticized. A difficulty with the criticisms has been their ineffectiveness at engaging the metaphorical basis of such planning procedures, identified with industrial processes such as the assembly line. A second difficulty has been that the critics offer no alternative planning procedures. This article reviews and restates objections to the dominant objectives-based procedures and offers an alternative procedure based on the story form.
Laser rangefinder based road following

Road following plays an important role in ALV autonomous navigation. Vision based method is not robust to different weather, illuminance, road surface condition. In this paper we propose a laser rangefinder-based road following in semi-structural environment. The road edge features are detected and used to deduce the position of road boundary. A filter method is employed to track the parameter of road boundary. It is free of the shadow, bright spot and dirty road surface. Proposed method can perform the road following and obstacle detection simultaneously in day and night. It works well in our ALV equipped with IBEO laser scanner.
Diagnosis Using Incomplete Model in Fuzzy Discrete Event System: Application to Crisis Management

This paper presents a novel diagnosis approach for crisis management using fuzzy discrete event system (model). The method exploits the output events and membership value of each active state as input events of the diagnoser (diagnosis module). In our work the choice of fuzzy system representation is justified by the assumption that, during crisis management, the stress and/or impact emotion of the teams involved in crisis management must be taken into account and the evolution of the situation may not necessarily in one active state. The membership value generated by the model can be used for the possible control action during the crisis management.
Lifelong Learning in Intergenerational Settings: The Development of the Swedish Granddad Program From Project to National Association

This paper will develop the subject intergenerational learning as a form of lifelong learning. The project in focus was originally called “More men into the schools,” a support program for children attending compulsory school. It was initiated as a pilot project in the autumn of 1996 as the result of the interest shown by a male senior citizen in assisting a handicrafts teacher in school on a voluntary basis. The project, as it has been initiated in Sweden, is based on the understanding that those senior citizens who wish to do so ought to be given the opportunity to work in schools in order to improve the quality of their lives through this engagement and the network in which they thereby participate. Increased social capital, which has been defined by Coleman (1988, 1990), has been found in the schools that have employed a granddad. The results show that the work of the class granddad, both together with the teacher and outside during the breaks, also influences in a positive way the social capital between the pupils and the teacher. The work of the teacher is greatly influenced by the relationships between the pupils in the group. The recent situation is that one national organization and 10 regional associations support about 1,000 men working all over Sweden. The development and implementation of this model from 1996 to 2011 will be described.
ON SAMPLING RATES IN STOCHASTIC RECURSIONS

We consider the context of “stochastic recursions,” that is, recursions that involve quantities needing to be estimated using a stochastic simulation. Examples include certain stochastic adaptations of fixed-point recursions, line search recursions, and trust-region recursions obtained by replacing function and derivative values appearing within the recursion by their Monte Carlo counterparts. The primary motivating settings are Simulation Optimization and Stochastic Root Finding problems, where the low-point and the zero of a function are sought, respectively, with only Monte Carlo estimates of the functions appearing within the problem. We ask how much Monte Carlo sampling needs to be performed within stochastic recursions in order to ensure that the resulting iterates remain consistent, and more importantly, efficient, where “efficient” implies convergence at the fastest possible rate. Answering these questions involves trading-off two types of error inherent in the iterates: the deterministic error due to recursion and the “stochastic” error due to sampling. As we demonstrate through a characterization of the relationship between sample sizing and convergence rates, efficiency and consistency are intimately coupled with the speed of the underlying recursion, with faster recursions yielding a wider regime of “optimal” sampling rates. The implications of our results to practical implementation are immediate since they provide specific guidance on optimal simulation expenditure within a variety of stochastic recursions.
Role of Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in the Pollination of Buckwheat in Eastern North America

Seed production in buckwheat, Fagopyro.m esculentum Moench, can be lower than expected from the plant biomass. Low seed production is often blamed on inadequate pollination. Honey bees, Apis mellifem L. , were at least 95% of the insect visitors to buckwheat flowers in fields of central New York State. The number of times each flower was visited by a honey bee ranged from zero to >40, but the number of honey bee visits did not increase daily seed initiation if each flower was visited at least twice. Pollen delivery sometimes limited seed set, but limitation was not associated with low honey bee visitation frequency. The yield and genetic quality of buckwheat is best with pollen deliveries of at least 10 grains, but honey bees (It-livered less pollen. The time between delivery of the 1st and 10th pollen grain was =1 h, which is more than enough for fertilization to occur. Buckwheat in New York is polli- nated primarily by honey bees, but bee behavior is not well adapted to the crop, and the effectiveness of bees as pollinators was not improved at higher bee populations.
Subpixel Edge Detection: An Improved Zernike Orthogonal Moments Method

In this paper, an improved method for detecting edge points is presented. We expatiated on the principle of Zernike moments and the method of sub pixel edge detection Based on Zernike moments. With deducing of the rotated Zernike moments, a new way to acquire the perpendicular distance from the center of the circular to the edge (l) is introduced in the criterion for detection of the edge points. Experimental results show that the improved sub pixel edge detection algorithm can detect the edge effectively and precisely. It has higher precision, integrality of detection and stronger robustness to noise. Besides, it also provides a valuable and promising reference for practical use of edge detection techniques.
CP43′, the isiA Gene Product, Functions as an Excitation Energy Dissipator in the Cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942¶

Abstract Under conditions of iron deficiency certain cyanobacteria induce a chlorophyll (Chl)-binding protein, CP43′, which is encoded by the isiA gene. We have previously suggested that CP43′ functions as a nonradiative dissipator of light energy. To further substantiate its functional role an isiA overexpression construct was introduced into the genome of a cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 (giving isiAoe cells). The presence of functional CP43′ in isiAoe cells was confirmed by Western blot as well as by the presence of a characteristic blueshift of the red Chl a absorption peak and a notable increase in the 77 K fluorescence peak at 685 nm. Compared to wild-type cells isiAoe cells, with induced CP43′, had both smaller functional antenna size and decreased yields of room temperature Chl fluorescence at various light irradiances. These observations strongly suggest that isiAoe cells, with induced CP43′, have an increased capacity for dissipating light energy as heat. In agreement with this hypothesis isiAoe cells were also more resistant to photoinhibition of photosynthesis than wild-type cells. Based on these results we have further strengthened the hypothesis that CP43′ functions as a nonradiative dissipator of light energy, thus protecting photosystem II from excessive excitation under iron-deficient conditions.
Cardiovascular Effects of Halothane in Man

The author examined the cardiovascular effect of halothane in 15 unmedicated volunteers under moditions of constant arterial carbon dioxide tension and body temperature. Compared with awake measurements, the effects during the first hour of anesthesia included depression of enrdiac output, stmke volume, arterial pressure, left ventricular minute and stroke work, and myocardial contractility (as evidenced by the ballistocardiogram IJ-wave amplitude), muscle blood flow, and total body oxygen consumption. Mean right atrial pressure incrensed. These efeect were directly related to halothane concentration. Total peripheral resistance and heart rate were unchnnged and, at lighter anesthetic levels, skin blood flow increased. After five hours of anesthesia saveral values returned to towards or above awake values. These were: cardiac output, stroke volume, left ventricular work or stroke work, IJ-wave amplitude, muscle blood flow, and mean right atrial pressure. Told peripheral resistance fell and heart rate increased with progressive duration of anesthesia.
Integrating Mindfulness Meditation and Somatic Awareness into a Public Educational Setting

Experiential learning in meditation and self-awareness can be valuably integrated into the college and university curriculum. Along with this promotion of experiential learning, greater attention should also be brought to the wisdom and diversity that students with disabilities bring to the college campus. A course was offered at a state university in the South in the fall of 2001 that aimed to address both of these educational goals. The course, entitled “Contemplative Practice, Health Promotion, and Disability on Campus: An Experiential Seminar in Partnership with Disability Support Services,” was developed through support from a Contemplative Practice Fellowship from the American Council of Learned Societies. The experiential course content involved mindfulness meditation and somatic education. The course was open to all students, but students with disabilities were particularly welcomed. The following article describes the nature of the course, its development, and the results. The course syllabus is provided in the appendix.
Lysosomal Membrane Proteins and Their Central Role in Physiology

The lysosomal membrane was thought for a long time to primarily act as a physical barrier separating the luminal acidic milieu from the cytoplasmic environment. Meanwhile, it has been realized that unique lysosomal membranes play essential roles in a number of cellular events ranging from phagocytosis, autophagy, cell death, virus infection to membrane repair. This review provides an overview about the most interesting emerging functions of lysosomal membrane proteins and how they contribute to health and disease. Their importance is exemplified by their role in acidification, transport of metabolites and ions across the membrane, intracellular transport of hydrolases and the regulation of membrane fusion events. Studies in patient cells, non‐mammalian model organisms and knockout mice contributed to our understanding of how the different lysosomal membrane proteins affect cellular homeostasis, developmental processes as well as tissue functions. Because these proteins are central for the biogenesis of this compartment they are also considered as attractive targets to modulate the lysosomal machinery in cases where impaired lysosomal degradation leads to cellular pathologies. We are only beginning to understand the complex composition and function of these proteins which are tightly linked to processes occurring throughout the endocytic and biosynthetic pathways.
Endovascular Treatment of 2 Synchronous Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysms Using Stent-Assisted Coil Embolization and Double Bare-Metal Stenting

Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms located in the cervical region in close proximity to the skull are difficult to access using open surgical methods. Endovascular treatment has emerged as an alternative option for anatomically challenging internal carotid artery aneurysms. However, data comparing various endovascular techniques including stent grafting, coil embolization, double stenting, and stent-assisted coil embolization are lacking, making it difficult to determine the optimal treatment. We present a case of a patient with 2 fusiform extracranial carotid artery aneurysms treated successfully with a combination of double stenting and stent-assisted coil embolization. We also discuss technical considerations for selecting the appropriate endovascular intervention.
Antibacterial and Hemolytic Activity of the Coelomic Fluid of Dendrobaena veneta (Oligochaeta, Lumbricidae) Living in Different Localities

Earthworms are able to protect themselves against invading microorganisms through their immune systems. Although there are many studies about defense systems of Dendrobaena veneta , this is the first report focusing on the immune properties of earthworms belonging to the same species, which live in different localities. Thus, it was aimed to compare antibacterial and hemolytic activities of earthworms collected from different localities of Istanbul (Vezneciler, Suleymaniye and Beykoz). Both activities were studied with dilution and agar diffusion techniques. In antibacterial activity assays with dilution technique, it was observed that all suspensions of coelomic fluid of D. veneta living in Beykoz had significantly strong activity, while no results could be determined in diffusion assays. Nevertheless, in dilution assays for determination of hemolytic activity, coelomic fluid of earthworms living in Suleymaniye was the most effective group. In dilution assays, hemolytic activity were in the order of (S) > (V) > (B) for human erythrocytes. As a conclusion, coelomic fluid of Beykoz earthworms was a potential agent, which can be used as an alternative drug, since this coelomic fluid was effective against bacteria but not on erythrocytes.
Path-Computation-Element-Based Architecture for Interdomain MPLS/GMPLS Traffic Engineering: Overview and Performance

The Path Computation Element Working Group at the Internet Engineering Task Force is chartered to specify a PCE-based architecture for the path computation of interdomain MPLS- and GMPLS-based traffic engineered label switched paths. In this architecture, path computation does not occur at the head-end LSR, but on another path computation entity that may not be physically located on the head-end LSR. This method is greatly different from the traditional "per-domain" approach to path computation. This article presents analysis and results that compare performance of the PCE architecture with the current state-of-the-art approach. Detailed simulations are undertaken on varied and realistic scenarios where preliminary results show several performance benefits from the deployment of PCE. To provide a complete overview of significant development taking place in this area, milestones and progress at the IETF PCE WG are also discussed.
Social Skill and Institutional Theory

The problem of the role of actors in institutional theory can be addressed in considering a model of institutional entrepreneurship. A sociological posing of this question defines institutional entrepreneurs as actors who have social skills, that is, the ability to motivate cooperation of other actors by providing them with common meanings and identities. The author argues that skill is applied differently across organizational fields that are forming, become stable, and are being transformed. To illustrate some of these principles, the author considers the example of the role of Jacques Delors in the framing of the Single Market Program of the European Union.