Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Embedding Choice in the Context of Daily Routines: An Experimental Case Study

In this study, we evaluated the effect of individualized, embedded choice opportunities in daily routines on the task initiations and protests by one man with severe disabilities. An initial functional analysis conducted during Phase 1 revealed that low rates of participation and high rates of protests in household activities were related to prompts that offered no control. Subsequently in Phase 2, we modified prompts within three different routines to provide greater control through choice. Within the context of an A-B-A-B design, the effects of a “traditional” no-choice versus choice task analysis were evaluated in each routine across three staff. The results demonstrated that when routines included opportunities for choice, task initiations were high, whereas protests, including severe aggression, were virtually eliminated. These results are discussed in relation to their implications for participant control, individualizing choice opportunities, embedding choice in daily routines, and the prevention of problem behaviors.
An alternate approach towards meaningful lyric generation in Tamil

This paper presents our on-going work to improve the lyric generation component of the Automatic Lyric Generation system for the Tamil Language. An earlier version of the system used an n-gram based model to generate lyrics that match the given melody. This paper identifies some of the deficiencies in the melody analysis and text generation components of the earlier system and explains the new approach used to tackle those drawbacks. The two central approaches discussed in this paper are: (1) An improved mapping scheme for matching melody with words and (2) Knowledge-based Text Generation algorithm based on an existing Ontology and Tamil Morphology Generator.
Gossip in a Maximum Security Female Prison: An Exploratory Study

This research examines 2 issues that have been overlooked by previous research on the subculture of female inmates: the social functions of gossip in a maximum security female prison and the inmates’ motivations and attitudes toward gossip and gossipers. The inmates of Israel's female prison perceive gossip as a negative phenomenon. Although they claim that gossip is frequent and central in their prison lives, most deny gossiping themselves. The inmates give several explanations for gossip. They see gossip as an inherent part of “female nature” and claim that gossip is used to increase one's social or material status. They also argue that gossip is an act of envy or an expression of useless evilness. Nonetheless, this study proposes that the inmates use gossip to relieve various pains of imprisonments and that despite the inmates’ negative attitudes, gossip may serve other beneficial social purposes of which the inmates are unaware. Although complex and occasionally contradictory, the findings of this study emphasize the multiple positive and negative functions that gossip has in the prison lives of female inmates.
Total Blood Mercury Levels and Depression among Adults in the United States: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2008

Background Mercury is a neurotoxicant linked with psychiatric symptoms at high levels of exposure. However, it is unclear whether an association is present at the low exposure levels in the US adult population. Materials and Methods Cross-sectional associations of total blood mercury and depression were assessed in 6,911 adults age ≥20 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2005–2008. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to assess depression (high likelihood of a depressive spectrum disorder diagnosis; score 5–27). Results Unadjusted survey weighted logistic regression suggested that higher total blood mercury was associated with lower odds of depression (Odds Ratio = 0.49, 95% Confidence Interval: 0.36–0.65, comparing the highest and lowest mercury quintiles). This association largely disappeared after adjustment for sociodemographic variables (income-poverty ratio, education, marital status). However, in age-stratified analyses, this inverse relationship remained in older adults (age ≥40) even after adjustment for sociodemographic variables. Simulation analyses adjusting for expected confounding effects of fish intake suggested that the inverse relationship among older adults may be plausibly attributed to residual confounding (Odds Ratio = 0.75, 95% Confidence Interval: 0.50–1.12, comparing the highest and lowest mercury quintiles). Conclusions Higher total blood mercury was not associated with increased odds of depression. The lower odds of depression in older adults with higher total blood mercury may be due to residual confounding.
Proposition for an improved version of the consumer entitlement inventory

This note proposes an improved version of the Consumer Entitlement Inventory (CEI) developed by Boyd and Helms (2005). Two studies, conducted in two different cultural settings—France (n = 203) and the United States (n = 181)—raised some issues with the original version of the CEI. The underlying theoretical reasons for these results are discussed and an analysis of the CEI's content validity is performed. An improved version of the CEI, enriched with items that more closely capture the consumer entitlement construct, is proposed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Performance Analysis of Binary Spray and Wait Routing in DTN ’ s

The goal of this research paper is to obtain the performance analysis for a unicast session with coding awareness by Binary Spray-and-Wait routing. General settings considered for the distribution of the information rate between nodes, the buffer size, and therefore the multiple transmission channels clogging for network resources. Because of mean-field estimates, fluid models are derived to forecast the distribution of the frames bearing on totally different flows, thereby learning of performance in DTN through Binary Spray-and-Wait under the presence of clogging among multiple transmission channels. The precision of the model is assessed through simulations supported artificial quality traces.
Mapping information to audio and tactile icons

We report the results of a study focusing on the meanings that can be conveyed by audio and tactile icons. Our research considers the following question: how can audio and tactile icons be designed to optimise congruence between crossmodal feedback and the type of information this feedback is intended to convey? For example, if we have a set of system warnings, confirmations, progress up-dates and errors: what audio and tactile representations best match the information or type of message? Is one modality more appropriate at presenting certain types of information than the other modality? The results of this study indicate that certain parameters of the audio and tactile modalities such as rhythm, texture and tempo play an important role in the creation of congruent sets of feedback when given a specific type of information to transmit. We argue that a combination of audio or tactile parameters derived from our results allows the same type of information to be derived through touch and sound with an intuitive match to the content of the message.
On Well-Balanced Finite Volume Methods for Nonconservative Nonhomogeneous Hyperbolic Systems

In this work we introduce a general family of finite volume methods for nonhomogeneous hyperbolic systems with nonconservative terms. We prove that all of them are “asymptotically well-balanced”: they preserve all smooth stationary solutions in all the domain except for a set whose measure tends to zero as $\Delta x$ tends to zero. This theory is applied to solve the bilayer shallow-water equations with arbitrary cross-section. Finally, some numerical tests are presented for simplified but meaningful geometries, comparing the computed solution with approximated asymptotic analytical solutions.
Effect of calcium on adsorptive removal of As(III) and As(V) by iron oxide-based adsorbents

The effects of calcium on the equilibrium adsorption capacity of As(III) and As(V) onto iron oxide-coated sand (IOCS) and granular ferric hydroxide (GFH) were investigated through batch experiments, rapid small-scale column tests (RSSCT) and kinetics modelling. Batch experiments showed that at calcium concentrations≤20 mg/L, high As(III) and As(V) removal efficiencies by IOCS and GFH are achieved at pH 6. An increase of the calcium concentration to 40 and 80 mg/L reversed this trend, giving higher removal efficiencies at higher pH (8). The adsorption capacities of IOCS and GFH at an equilibrium arsenic concentration of 10 μg/L were found to be between 2.0 and 3.1 mg/g for synthetic water without calcium and between 2.8 and 5.3 mg/g when 80 mg/L of calcium was present at the studied pH values. After 10 hours of filter run in RSSCT, approximately 1000 empty bed volumes, the ratios of C/Co for As(V) were 26% and 18% for calcium-free model water; and only 1% and 0.2% after addition of 80 mg/L of Ca for filter columns with IOCS and GFH, respectively. The adsorption of As(III) and As(V) onto GFH follows a second-order reaction, with and without addition of calcium. The adsorption of As(III) and As(V) onto IOCS follows a first-order reaction without calcium addition, and moves to the second-reaction-order kinetics when calcium is added. Based on the intraparticle diffusion model, the main controlling mechanism for As(III) adsorption is intraparticle diffusion, while surface diffusion contributes greatly to the adsorption of As(V).
Methodology for Simultaneous Noise and Impedance Matching in W-Band LNAs

This paper presents a step-by-step methodology for simultaneous noise and input impedance matching in CMOS and SiGe W-band LNAs. This technique yields either increased gain or reduced power dissipation. Additionally, techniques to determine the optimum layout for MOSFETs in mm-wave LNAs are discussed. Measurement results in 90nm CMOS show a 1-stage 1.8V, 78GHz LNA with 3.8dB gain and 16mW power dissipation, and a 1.8V, 2-stage 94GHz LNA with 4.8dB gain, and 30mW power dissipation. In all cases S11 and S22 are lower than -10 dB
Visual Rhetoric and the Case of Intellectual Capital

Visual images abound in accounting-related media and are powerful tools for communicating messages regarding all aspects of organisations. This is particularly important in the case of intellectual capital, where a deficient accounting framework for intangibles leads stakeholders to seek enlightenment beyond the financial statements. The central contribution of the work presented here is the development of theory to guide the interpretation of visual rhetoric in pictures and photographs. Within an over-arching framework of Barthesian visual semiotics, a model of visual rhetoric and repetition is developed by reference to the work of Durand and others. Four types of visual repetition are identified: identity, similarity, accumulation and series. In the light of this model, illustrative examples of visual images from annual reports are analysed to indicate how visual rhetoric contributes to the communication of intellectual capital.
Forgotten leaders: what do we know about the deputy principalship in secondary schools?

This article examines the roles of deputy principals (assistant principals, deputy heads) in secondary schools and thus contributes to an under‐researched area often overlooked in discussions about school leadership. Typically, these discussions have focussed on the principalship alone. Data were collected from deputy principals in one large government education system in Australia using a specially designed questionnaire, comprising closed and open items. Respondents reported high pressure in the role, and an increase in recent times in the number of hours worked and in the variety and diversity of the role. Noteworthy is the fact that the majority were satisfied with their role as a deputy principal, with about 40% intending to seek promotion to the principalship. ‘Lifestyle decisions’ were the overwhelming deterrent to seeking promotion. The level of satisfaction with their role related to how well the notion of team among school administration team members was developed and the alignment in their roles between what deputy principals saw as their real role with their ideal role. The closer the real and ideal roles were aligned, the higher the level of satisfaction. Deputy principals identified strong interpersonal/people skills, inspiring and visioning change, delegation and empowerment and being a good manager as key skills for their role. Professional development areas of need for them included financial management and leadership skills.
Spatial Composition Techniques and Sound Spatialisation Technologies

In the context of current developments towards an exchange format for spatial audio, it is important to consider the interactions and tensions between spatial composition techniques and spatial audio technologies. This paper gives an overview of common compositional techniques and audio technologies used for spatial compositions, and discusses various forms of hybrid uses of audio technologies. A spatial composition created using certain audio technologies may lose integrity when transferred to another audio technology, when the compositional intent is not taken into account. Tools that are flexible with regard to the spatial audio reproduction technology applied are useful for the comparison of various spatialisation methods during the compositional process, but are also essential to enable a hybrid use of technologies within one composition.
Alcohol Problems in Older Adults: Prevention and Management

This manual provides state-of-the-art, practical materials to detect, prevent, and intervene with older adults who are at-risk and problem drinkers. It provides the first systematic, practical approach for working with the growing vulnerable population of older adults who use alcohol at risk levels often unnoticed in everyday clinical practice. Including guides to alcohol screening, protocols for managing withdrawal care, and an English/Spanish Health Promotion Workbook for Older Adults, this book is designed as a hands-on text for use in a range of primary and mental health care settings. Physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and case managers will all be able to use it profitably.
Overproduction and Physical Characterization of SoxR, a [2Fe-2S] Protein That Governs an Oxidative Response Regulon in Escherichia coli(*)

SoxR protein governs the soxRS (superoxide response) regulon of Escherichia coli by becoming a transcriptional activator when the cells are exposed to compounds that mediate univalent redox reactions, many of which produce superoxide as a by-product. SoxR was overproduced and purified to near homogeneity from a strain bearing an expression vector. It could bind specifically to the soxS operator even in the absence of RNA polymerase. The aerobically purified protein, which is readily autooxidized, could activate the transcription of soxS DNA even without exposure to known inducing agents. SoxR is a globular homodimer. It contains one [2Fe-2S] cluster per polypeptide chain, as demonstrated by optical and EPR spectroscopy combined with stoichiometric analysis of iron content, unpaired-electron-spin density, and reduction by dithionite. The protein is active in its oxidized ([2Fe-2S]2+) state. The presence of a prosthetic group capable of univalent redox reactions may help to explain the activation of the regulon in vivo by compounds that can mediate such reactions.
Transforming Scagnostics to Reveal Hidden Features

Scagnostics (Scatterplot Diagnostics) were developed by Wilkinson et al. based on an idea of Paul and John Tukey, in order to discern meaningful patterns in large collections of scatterplots. The Tukeys' original idea was intended to overcome the impediments involved in examining large scatterplot matrices (multiplicity of plots and lack of detail). Wilkinson's implementation enabled for the first time scagnostics computations on many points as well as many plots. Unfortunately, scagnostics are sensitive to scale transformations. We illustrate the extent of this sensitivity and show how it is possible to pair statistical transformations with scagnostics to enable discovery of hidden structures in data that are not discernible in untransformed visualizations.
Greater Depressive Symptoms and Higher Viral Load Are Associated with Poor Physical Function among Latino Men Living with HIV

Physical function limitations have been associated with poor health outcomes, which have a negative impact on quality of life of older individuals. This study examined the association between depression, viral load, and acculturation with physical function among Latino men living with HIV. A secondary data analysis was performed using a cross-sectional data of 146 Latino immigrant men living with HIV in New York City and Washington, DC. Physical function was measured using the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). Uncontrolled HIV infection and depression were associated with worse physical function, thus implying the importance of adequate health care to address these conditions. Preserving physical function should start during middle adulthood, particularly among people living with HIV because of their greater risk of developing age-related challenges such as depression, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases among others. This study informs future interventions to preserve physical function and achieve the goal of successful aging.
Magnetic Resonance Perfusion-Weighted Imaging of Acute Cerebral Infarction: Effect of the Calculation Methods and Underlying Vasculopathy

Background and Purpose— Various calculation methods are available to estimate the transit-time on MR perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI). Each method may affect the results of PWI. Steno-occlusive disease in the parent vessels is another factor that may affect the results of the PWI. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effect of the calculation methods and underlying vasculopathy on PWI. Methods— From a pool of 113 patients who had undergone PWI during the study period, a total of 12 patients with nonlacunar ischemic strokes who were scanned within 24 hours after onset of symptom were selected for the study. The patient population consisted of 6 patients who had extracranial internal carotid artery stenosis (>70%) and 6 individuals without stenosis. Seven different postprocessing methods were evaluated: first moment, ratio of area to peak, time to peak (TTP), relative TTP, arrival time, full-width at half-maximum, and deconvolution methods. Follow-up MR or CT images were used to determine the areas that evolved into infarcts, which served as the gold standard. Sensitivity and specificity of each transit time technique were calculated. Results— Calculation methods with high sensitivity were the first moment (sensitivity, 74%), TTP (sensitivity, 77%), and deconvolution methods (sensitivity, 81% to 94%). Between the 2 groups with and without internal carotid artery stenosis, the specificity of most of the techniques was lower in the internal carotid artery stenosis group. The first moment and deconvolution methods maintained relatively high specificity even in the stenosis group. Conclusions— The calculation technique and presence of underlying vasculopathy have a direct impact on the results of PWI. The methods with high sensitivity even in the presence of steno-occlusive disease were the first moment and deconvolution methods with arterial input function derived from the peri-infarct arteries; the deconvolution method was the superior choice because of higher lesion conspicuity.
REPRESENTATION OF PROPRIOCEPTIVE INFORMATION FOR GENERATION OF ARM DYNAMICS

The goal of this thesis was to investigate how the brain represents proprioceptive information about limb state, i.e., position, velocity and acceleration to generate reaching movements. To achieve this goal, human behaviors during point-to-point reaching in multiple novel dynamic environments were examined and neural coding schemes in the brain were inferred from the observed behaviors, e.g. the pattern of generalization. The patterns of generalization across limb position in multiple dynamic conditions suggested that the internal model encodes limb position and velocity using a gain-field scheme. That is, neural elements in the brain seem to encode limb velocity and position multiplicatively. This multiplicative combining scheme seems to extend to encoding of limb velocity and acceleration as the pattern of generalization across acceleration space rejects a linearly separable encoding of acceleration and velocity. The nonlinear combining of all sensory information in the brain might originate from the properties of the proprioceptive sensors in our body, muscle spindles. Muscle spindles respond to all three sensory information in highly nonlinear way due to the nonlinear relationship between tension and muscle spindle length. Surprisingly, some tuning functions that were independently derived from the mathematical model of muscle spindle closely resemble the tuning functions derived from the gain-field scheme and thus, can explain the patterns of generalization across various state spaces. So far, at least in a force field paradigm, motor learning has been considered as an implicit procedure and the effect of explicit knowledge has been ignored. However, a proper assessment of relevant explicit knowledge indicates that there is a small but significant effect of explicit knowledge on motor performance. Interestingly, the formation of explicit knowledge is primarily driven by visual information while the formation of implicit internal model is primarily driven by proprioceptive information. Advisor: Dr. Reza Shadmehr
Network properties of genes harboring inherited disease mutations

By analyzing, in parallel, large literature-derived and high-throughput experimental datasets we investigate genes harboring human inherited disease mutations in the context of molecular interaction networks. Our results demonstrate that network properties influence the likelihood and phenotypic consequences of disease mutations. Genes with intermediate connectivities have the highest probability of harboring germ-line disease mutations, suggesting that disease genes tend to occupy an intermediate niche in terms of their physiological and cellular importance. Our analysis of tissue expression profiles supports this view. We show that disease mutations are less likely to occur in essential genes compared with all human genes. Disease genes display significant functional clustering in the analyzed molecular network. For about one-third of known disorders with two or more associated genes we find physical clusters of genes with the same phenotype. These clusters are likely to represent disorder-specific functional modules and suggest a framework for identifying yet-undiscovered disease genes.