Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Emotion: Sensory Representation, Reinforcement, and the Temporal Lobe

Abstract In this article emphasis is placed on the reciprocal relationships between reinforcers and the central representations of extrinsic stimuli. It is argued that an understanding of these processes will prove crucial in an understanding of how adaptive stimulus representations can be formed and how such representations can come to elicit emotions. It is proposed that the evolutionary origin of emotions, which are primarily Seen as energising signals of survival value, arose from the need to Sensitise an animal in the absence of appropriate signals of reinforcement. Evidence is provided that many of these functions take place in the primate temporal lobe.
Irish-language policy in a multiethnic state: competing discourses on ethnocultural membership and language ownership

Abstract This paper examines how competing discourses about the ownership of the Irish language in an increasingly multiethnic Ireland and the extent to which it is associated with a sense of ‘Irishness’ influence the formulation of recent Irish-language policy at institutional and national levels. As part of a broader study on the language ideology and practice of Irish-speaking immigrants to Ireland, a critical analysis of their discourse in relation to questions of language ownership and ethnocultural self-identification was performed. A similar analysis of the public discourse was conducted by examining public statements, policy documents, letters to the editor and newspaper articles from the English-language media that addressed questions of language, immigration and identity. The informants' discourse reveals a social-constructionist ideology about the ownership of Irish and the permeability of the Irish-speaking ethnoculture that challenges the ethnically essentialist character of the public's discourse on such matters. It is this dominant public discourse, however, that informs language policy to the exclusion of more social-constructionist perspectives.
RESEARCH: "The Narrative Construction of Muslim Prayer Experiences"

This article presents a narrative analysis of 18 Muslims' prayer experiences. The results of the study showed that experiences of answered prayers are structured by collective narratives and refer to other texts in the religious tradition. The narratives have important social and individualizing functions that help them remain Muslims in modern society. The informants reported that they had experienced situations when they had prayed but did not receive what they requested. They did not, however, mediate any well-formed narratives about these experiences, primarily because of a lack of collective narratives structuring the event in this way. The analysis showed, furthermore, that the informants used four strategies in order to transform the experience of unanswered prayers into answered prayers. The analysis concludes that prayer experiences are fluid phenomena "located" in the interplay between individual, text, and context.
Non-Isomorphic Graphs with Cospectral Symmetric Powers

The symmetric $m$-th power of a graph is the graph whose vertices are $m$-subsets of vertices and in which two $m$-subsets are adjacent if and only if their symmetric difference is an edge of the original graph. It was conjectured that there exists a fixed $m$ such that any two graphs are isomorphic if and only if their $m$-th symmetric powers are cospectral. In this paper we show that given a positive integer $m$ there exist infinitely many pairs of non-isomorphic graphs with cospectral $m$-th symmetric powers. Our construction is based on theory of multidimensional extensions of coherent configurations.
Locating Need-to-Externalize Constant Strings for Software Internationalization with Generalized String-Taint Analysis

Nowadays, a software product usually faces a global market. To meet the requirements of different local users, the software product must be internationalized. In an internationalized software product, user-visible hard-coded constant strings are externalized to resource files so that local versions can be generated by translating the resource files. In many cases, a software product is not internationalized at the beginning of the software development process. To internationalize an existing product, the developers must locate the user-visible constant strings that should be externalized. This locating process is tedious and error-prone due to 1) the large number of both user-visible and non-user-visible constant strings and 2) the complex data flows from constant strings to the Graphical User Interface (GUI). In this paper, we propose an automatic approach to locating need-to-externalize constant strings in the source code of a software product. Given a list of precollected API methods that output values of their string argument variables to the GUI and the source code of the software product under analysis, our approach traces from the invocation sites (within the source code) of these methods back to the need-to-externalize constant strings using generalized string-taint analysis. In our empirical evaluation, we used our approach to locate need-to-externalize constant strings in the uninternationalized versions of seven real-world open source software products. The results of our evaluation demonstrate that our approach is able to effectively locate need-to-externalize constant strings in uninternationalized software products. Furthermore, to help developers understand why a constant string requires translation and properly translate the need-to-externalize strings, we provide visual representation of the string dependencies related to the need-to-externalize strings.
Drug-Cyclodextrin-Vesicles Dual Carrier Approach for Skin Targeting of Anti-acne Agent

In the present study attempt was made for preparation of isotretinoin-hydroxypropyl β cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) inclusion complex and encapsulate this complex in elastic liposomes to study the effect of dual carrier approach on skin targeting of isotretinoin. The isotretinoin HP-β-CD complex was prepared by freeze-drying method and characterized by IR spectroscopy. The drug and drug-CD complex loaded elastic liposomal formulation were prepared and characterized in vitro, ex-vivo and in vivo for shape, size, entrapment efficiency, no. of vesicles per cubic mm, in vitro skin permeation and deposition study, photodegradation and skin toxicity assay. The transdermal flux for different vesicular formulations was observed between 10.5 ± 0.5 to 13.9 ± 1.6 μg/cm2/h. This is about 15-21 folds higher than that obtained from drug solution (0.7 ± 0.1 μg/cm2/h) and 4-5 folds higher than obtained with drug-CD complex solution (2.7 ± 0.1 μg/cm2/h). The amount of drug deposit was found to increase significantly (p < 0.05) by cyclodextrin complexation (30.1 ± 0.1 μg). The encapsulation of this complex in elastic liposomal formulation further increases its skin deposition (262.2 ± 21 μg). The results of skin irritation study using Draize test also showed the significant reduction in skin irritation potential of isotretinoin elastic liposomal formulation in comparison to free drug. The results of the present study demonstrated that isotretinoin elastic liposomal formulation possesses great potential for skin targeting, prolonging drug release, reduction of photodegradation, reducing skin irritation and improving topical delivery of isotretinoin.
Gravity Redux: Measuring International Trade Costs with Panel Data

Barriers to international trade are known to be large. But have they become smaller over time? Building on the gravity framework by Anderson and van Wincoop (2003), I derive an analytical solution for time-varying multilateral resistance variables that can be related to observable trade data. This solution makes it possible to infer time-varying bilateral trade costs directly from the model's gravity equation without imposing arbitrary trade cost functions. As an illustration, I show that U.S. trade costs with major trading partners declined on average by about 40 percent between 1970 and 2000, with Mexico and Canada experiencing the biggest reductions.
A reliable single stage single phase hybrid solar inverter with anti-islanding protection

Reliable and protected solar inverter is necessary for effective smart grid implementation. Grid fed hybrid singlestage single-phase solar inverter with incremental conductance MPPT (INC+regulator), closed loop current and voltage controller is implemented here. In normal condition inverter current T.H. D is under the limit as per IEEE-519. In this paper, Anti-islanding protection is achieved by using high speed AC circuit breaker, as per the guideline of German VDE0126-1-1 Standard. Also reliability is improved by using proposed hybrid solar inverter system. Comparative results are obtained by simulation in MATLAB R2013a software. The whole system can be used as a strong chain in local distribution system as an application in future effectively.
Involvement and Set as Determinants of Behavioral Stereotypy

Ss were run in a “two-choice” experiment in which the stimulus series consisted of equally-likely alternatives arranged in a random sequence. Half the Ss were run under non-involving instructions and half under involving instructions. Half the Ss in each of these groups were told that the sequence of alternatives was random and half were told that the sequence had a definite structure. Telling an S that the problem was soluble significantly reduced his stereotypy and increased his tendency to alternate an incorrect response. Involvement had no effect on an S who believed the problem to be insoluble, but had a significant effect on Ss who believed the problem to be soluble. Ss in the involved-structured group grossly underevaluated their performance and had the highest level of aspiration relative to Ss in the other groups.
Bayesian Optimization with Gradients

Bayesian optimization has been successful at global optimization of expensive-to-evaluate multimodal objective functions. However, unlike most optimization methods, Bayesian optimization typically does not use derivative information. In this paper we show how Bayesian optimization can exploit derivative information to decrease the number of objective function evaluations required for good performance. In particular, we develop a novel Bayesian optimization algorithm, the derivative-enabled knowledge-gradient (dKG), for which we show one-step Bayes-optimality, asymptotic consistency, and greater one-step value of information than is possible in the derivative-free setting. Our procedure accommodates noisy and incomplete derivative information, comes in both sequential and batch forms, and can optionally reduce the computational cost of inference through automatically selected retention of a single directional derivative. We also compute the d-KG acquisition function and its gradient using a novel fast discretization-free technique. We show d-KG provides state-of-the-art performance compared to a wide range of optimization procedures with and without gradients, on benchmarks including logistic regression, deep learning, kernel learning, and k-nearest neighbors.
Experiences with simulated robot soccer as a teaching tool

The development of assignments for undergraduate teaching typically requires a compromise between what is achievable by an average student and what engages the interest of a more advanced member of the class. Selecting a suitable compromise is particularly problematic for undergraduate artificial intelligence (AI) courses which typically attempt to cover a very broad range of topics, without delving too deeply into the details. Ideally, a single problem would be selected whose solution could be approached with more than one technique covered in the course, enabling students to carry out a comparative analysis of performance. Robot soccer simulation has provided an interesting platform for artificial intelligence research and is increasingly being used as a teaching apparatus. There are a number of limitations with existing simulation methodologies for this purpose. Current robot soccer simulators are aimed at research groups where accuracy is paramount and all facets of the real system must be emulated. However, many of the intricacies of a real robot soccer player are inappropriate for a teaching environment, as they detract from desired learning outcomes. Consequently, there is a need for a simulation that employs a simplified set of game rules and dynamics. This paper describes the design and implementation of such a framework and presents experiences gained from its use as a third year practical.
“From Where I Stand:” African American Teacher Candidates on Their Decision to Teach

Abstract Multiple studies explore the issue of the absence of teachers of color in the profession at large. Few studies, however, address the issue from the angle of the teacher candidate of color. With so many competing professions, why do they ultimately make the decision to join the profession? What are the contexts that influence and support that choice? What are the challenges that make that choice questionable? Here, the authors examine from these and other angles African American teacher candidates' decisions to teach.
Using measures from the SCL‐90‐R to screen for personality disorders

Objective The Symptom Check-List 90-Revised (SCL-90-R) is a widespread instrument in clinical practice. Does it also contain useful screening properties with respect to DSM-IV) personality disorders (PDs)? Methods SCL-90-R questionnaires from 2248 patients admitted for treatment in the Norwegian Network of Personality-Focused Treatment Programs were analysed with respect to associations between the Interpersonal sensitivity, Hostility and Paranoid ideation subscales, and avoidant, borderline and paranoid PD, as well as the Personality Severity Index (PSI) and its relationship to severe or any PD. Results The three ‘interpersonal’ subscales and the SCL-90-R PSI displayed significant but modest associations with the associated DSM-IV personality disorders. However, the associations and the diagnostic efficiency statistics were not strong enough for diagnostic inferences. Conclusion Although the SCL-90-R is primarily a measure of symptom distress, it yields some valid supplement in assessing the extent of present interpersonal dysfunction, and may serve as an indicator for further diagnostic evaluations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling Glottal Source for High Quality Voice Conversion

A novel modeling method for glottal source is proposed for improving the naturalness and quality of synthetic speech. This paper utilizes the high correlation between vocal tract parameters and glottal source to model glottal source. Vocal tract parameters (LSF) are clustered into some classes. Within each class, a LSF vector closest to centroid and its corresponding glottal wave derivative are selected as a code vector representing different phonetic class of voiced speech. At the stage of voice conversion or synthesis, we can find the relevant glottal source by virtual of finding the closest matched vocal tract parameters. Experiment results show that this vocal tract related glottal source model significantly outperform Rosenberg model and LF model. Correlation coefficients between vocal tract related glottal source and original glottal source increase 27% and 30.13%, spectral distance between synthetic speech and original speech reduce 50.5% and 51.48% respectively, comparing with Rosenberg model and LF model
Relationship Between Intercultural Communicative Competence and L2-Learning Motivation of Iranian EFL Learners

In today's interconnected multicultural world, citizens' differential levels of intercultural communicative competence (ICC) can play an important role in the amount of enthusiasm, time, and efforts they invest in second or foreign language (L2) communication and learning. ICC has recently found its way into L2 theory and research. This study attempted to first develop a measure of ICC and then explore the relationship between Iranian L2 learners' ICC and their L2 learning motivation, on the one hand, and between gender and the development of ICC, on the other. The participants were 180 B.A. English Literature/Translation and M.A. TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) students at several Iranian universities. A test battery including the final version of the ICC questionnaire and an L2-learning motivation questionnaire adapted from Gardner's attitude/motivation test battery was then administered to a random selection of 70 students (M = 30 and F = 40). The correlation results indicated that there was a strong, positive relationship between L2 learners' ICC and L2-learning motivation. Meanwhile, t-test results demonstrated that Iranian female and male L2 learners did not possess different levels of ICC. The finding related to the ICC and motivation association suggests that an account of ICC development be incorporated into L2 teachers' classroom agendas at different educational levels.
A Deadline based Task Scheduling Algorithm for Heterogeneous Grid Environments

Grid computing is the framework of computer systems that provides high performance computing environment. The challenging issue in grid computing is to design efficient and reliable task scheduling algorithms for efficient utilization of grid computing. In this paper, we are proposing a new Improvised Prioritized Deadline (IPD) based scheduling algorithm for efficient task execution with deadline constraints of users’ tasks. The proposed algorithm considers the processing power of the resources while scheduling the tasks. Performance comparison of the algorithm has been done with the other task scheduling algorithms such as Earliest Deadline First (EDF) and Prioritized Based Deadline Scheduling Algorithm (PDSA). The proposed algorithm improves 45%-70% with respect to the average tardiness over the PDSA algorithm. The proposed algorithm also shows good results with respect to the number of non-delayed tasks. In the cases the purposed improvised algorithm has shown good results.
Use of Medicare Claims to Identify US Hospitals with a High Rate of Surgical Site Infection after Hip Arthroplasty

Objective. To assess the ability of Medicare claims to identify US hospitals with high rates of surgical site infection (SSI) after hip arthroplasty. Design. Retrospective cohort study. Setting. Acute care US hospitals. Participants. Fee-for-service Medicare patients 65 years of age and older who underwent hip arthroplasty in US hospitals from 2005 through 2007. Methods. Hospital rankings were derived from claims codes suggestive of SSI, adjusted for age, sex, and comorbidities, while using generalized linear mixed models to account for hospital volume. Medical records were obtained for validation of infection on a random sample of patients from hospitals ranked in the best and worst deciles of performance. We then calculated the risk-adjusted odds of developing a chart-confirmed SSI after hip arthroplasty in hospitals ranked by claims into worst- versus best-performing deciles. Results. Among 524,892 eligible Medicare patients who underwent hip arthroplasty at 3,296 US hospitals, a patient who underwent surgery in a hospital ranked in the worst-performing decile based on claims-based evidence of SSI had 2.9-fold higher odds of developing a chart-confirmed SSI relative to a patient with the same age, sex, and comorbidities in a hospital ranked in the best-performing decile (95% confidence interval, 2.2-3.7). Conclusions. Medicare claims successfully distinguished between hospitals with high and low SSI rates following hip arthroplasty. These claims can identify potential outlier hospitals that merit further evaluation. This strategy can also be used to validate the completeness of public reporting of SSI.
New efficient MDS array codes for RAID. Part I. Reed-Solomon-like codes for tolerating three disk failures

This paper presents a class of binary maximum distance separable (MDS) array codes for tolerating disk failures in redundant arrays of inexpensive disks (RAID) architecture based on circular permutation matrices. The size of the information part is m/spl times/n, the size of the parity-check part is m/spl times/3, and the minimum distance is 4, where n is the number of information disks, the number of parity-check disks is 3, and (m+1) is a prime integer. In practical applications, m can be very large and n is from 20 to 50. The code rate is R=n/(n+3). These codes can be used for tolerating three disk failures. The encoding and decoding of the Reed-Solomon-like codes are very fast. There need to be 3mn XOR operations for encoding and (3mn+9(m+1)) XOR operations for decoding.
Adenosine, Ketogenic Diet and Epilepsy: The Emerging Therapeutic Relationship Between Metabolism and Brain Activity

For many years the neuromodulator adenosine has been recognized as an endogenous anticonvulsant molecule and termed a “retaliatory metabolite. ” As the core molecule of ATP, adenosine forms a unique link between cell energy and neuronal excitability. In parallel, a ketogenic (high-fat, low-carbohydrate) diet is a metabolic therapy that influences neuronal activity significantly, and ketogenic diets have been used successfully to treat medically-refractory epilepsy, particularly in children, for decades. To date the key neural mechanisms underlying the success of dietary therapy are unclear, hindering development of analogous pharmacological solutions. Similarly, adenosine receptor–based therapies for epilepsy and myriad other disorders remain elusive. In this review we explore the physiological regulation of adenosine as an anticonvulsant strategy and suggest a critical role for adenosine in the success of ketogenic diet therapy for epilepsy. While the current focus is on the regulation of adenosine, ketogenic metabolism and epilepsy, the therapeutic implications extend to acute and chronic neurological disorders as diverse as brain injury, inflammatory and neuropathic pain, autism and hyperdopaminergic disorders. Emerging evidence for broad clinical relevance of the metabolic regulation of adenosine will be discussed.
Over‐imitation in children with autism and Down syndrome

Abstract Typically developing children have been shown to imitate the specific means used by an adult to achieve an object-directed outcome, even if a more efficient method is available. It has been argued that this behaviour can be attributed to social and communicative motivations. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), relative to children with Down syndrome (DS), show a reduced tendency to copy the exact means used by an adult to produce a novel outcome. To achieve this a sample of 34 children (22 with ASD and 12 with DS) were given a test of object-directed imitation. Contrary to expectation, children in both groups imitated the specific method of the model to the same high extent. This finding is in line with suggestions that object-directed imitation is relatively spared in children with autism but is surprising given arguments linking such imitation to socially based motivations. Nevertheless, children's ability to successfully copy the .