Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measuring Levels of Experiential States in Clinical Applications by Discan: A Discretized Analog Method

A clinically-oriented description is provided of the Discretized Analog or Discan method (Singh and Bilsbury, 1984) for obtaining reliable and precise measures of subjectively experienced dysfunction variables whose possible values form a continuum. The method can provide a 14-point ordered categorical scale with only four reference levels which represent some of the possible values of intensity of the variable. The process of Discan administration consists of a series of repeated comparisons of the true or perceived level with one or two reference levels at a time. It therefore allows for use of elaborate descriptive statements for reference levels. It is recommended following Shapiro (1961, 1975) that the reference levels be ideographic, ipsitive and should reflect ordered steps of recovery from the dysfunction. Discan overcomes several limitations of the commonly used rating scales. An application of Discan to the MSB relaxation technique is presented as an illustration.
Computational evidence for a rivalry hierarchy in vision

Cortical-form vision comprises multiple, hierarchically arranged areas with feedforward and feedback interconnections. This complex architecture poses difficulties for attempts to link perceptual phenomena to activity at a particular level of the system. This difficulty has been especially salient in studies of binocular rivalry alternations, where there is seemingly conflicting evidence for a locus in primary visual cortex or alternatively in higher cortical areas devoted to object perception. Here, I use a competitive neural model to demonstrate that the data require at least two hierarchic rivalry stages for their explanation. This model demonstrates that competitive inhibition in the first rivalry stage can be eliminated by using suitable stimulus dynamics, thereby revealing properties of a later stage, a result obtained with both spike-rate and conductance-based model neurons. This result provides a synthesis of competing rivalry theories and suggests that neural competition may be a general characteristic throughout the form-vision hierarchy.
Efficiency of Functional Brain Networks and Intellectual Performance

Our brain is a complex network in which information is continuously processed and transported between spatially distributed but functionally linked regions. Recent studies have shown that the functional connections of the brain network are organized in a highly efficient small-world manner, indicating a high level of local neighborhood clustering, together with the existence of more long-distance connections that ensure a high level of global communication efficiency within the overall network. Such an efficient network architecture of our functional brain raises the question of a possible association between how efficiently the regions of our brain are functionally connected and our level of intelligence. Examining the overall organization of the brain network using graph analysis, we show a strong negative association between the normalized characteristic path length λ of the resting-state brain network and intelligence quotient (IQ). This suggests that human intellectual performance is likely to be related to how efficiently our brain integrates information between multiple brain regions. Most pronounced effects between normalized path length and IQ were found in frontal and parietal regions. Our findings indicate a strong positive association between the global efficiency of functional brain networks and intellectual performance.
Feature selection for analyzing and retrieving fish otoliths using Elliptic Fourier Descriptors of shapes

This paper analyzes the characteristics of an experimental otolith retrieval system based on image contours described with Elliptical Fourier Descriptors (EFD). Otoliths are found in the inner ear of fish. Their shape can be analyzed to determine sex, age, populations and species, and thus they can provide necessary and relevant information for ecological studies. The system we propose was tested by identifying three different species, Engraulis encrasicolus from the family Engraulidae, Pomadasys incisus from the family Haemulidae, and two populations of the species Merluccius merluccius (from Catalonia and Galicia) from the family Merlucciidae. We focus on the search engine, experimenting with two cases and analyzing the feature selection obtained with the EFD coefficients.
The Ig cell adhesion molecule Basigin controls compartmentalization and vesicle release at Drosophila melanogaster synapses

Synapses can undergo rapid changes in size as well as in their vesicle release function during both plasticity processes and development. This fundamental property of neuronal cells requires the coordinated rearrangement of synaptic membranes and their associated cytoskeleton, yet remarkably little is known of how this coupling is achieved. In a GFP exon-trap screen, we identified Drosophila melanogaster Basigin (Bsg) as an immunoglobulin domain-containing transmembrane protein accumulating at periactive zones of neuromuscular junctions. Bsg is required pre- and postsynaptically to restrict synaptic bouton size, its juxtamembrane cytoplasmic residues being important for that function. Bsg controls different aspects of synaptic structure, including distribution of synaptic vesicles and organization of the presynaptic cortical actin cytoskeleton. Strikingly, bsg function is also required specifically within the presynaptic terminal to inhibit nonsynchronized evoked vesicle release. We thus propose that Bsg is part of a transsynaptic complex regulating synaptic compartmentalization and strength, and coordinating plasma membrane and cortical organization.
Streptococcus constellatus causing multiple liver abscesses: an elusive pathogen

the host. After Panja and Sen reported the first case of DH from Kolkata, there have been sporadic cases of histoplasma reported in different regions of India, with a greater prevalence in the Gangetic plain. Progressive DH is successfully treated with a lipid formulation of amphotericin B (3–5mg/kg/day) or amphotericin B deoxycholate (0.7–1mg/kg/day) for 10–14 days followed by itraconazole 200mg twice daily for 12 months. In our patient, the diagnosis of DH was convincingly made. In addition to standard therapy described, our patient was also given 10mg/day of prednisolone to supplement his adrenal insufficiency. He improved symptomatically; his appetite and hypotension improved and his skin lesions subsequently healed. A rare cause of granulomatous infection in India, where tuberculosis predominates, histoplasmosis usually takes an indolent course with a uniformly fatal outcome. Thus, a high index of suspicion is required to detect such cases. As effective treatment is available, early intervention may be life-saving.
Unleashing the animal within: Exploring consumers’ zoomorphic identity motives

Abstract Through netnographic inquiry, we explore the practice of zoomorphism by one group of ‘anthromorphs’ – Furries. We identify three interconnected narratives (escape, healing, and power) that members of the Furry subculture deploy to make sense of the world. Exploring these narratives further, we identify why these consumers are drawn to zoomorphism as a means of self-authentication. Building on this, we also identify two ways (constructing a fursuit and engaging in ritualised animalistic behaviour) in which Furries reinforce their communal status through authoritative performances that involves ‘giving oneself to the animal spirit’. To our knowledge, this study represents the first examination of Furry consumer culture, and contributes to our understanding of human–animal relations through insights for anthropomorphism, zoomorphism, and the extended self. Specifically, we identify that Furries draw on an anthropomorphised animal spirit to heal feelings of disconnection with the postmodern world. In contrast to studies on anthropomorphism, consumers draw on animal spirits to define their internal sense of self and operate more effectively within the world.
Being the Change: Resolving Institutional Contradiction through Identity Work

We show how gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) ministers in two mainline Protestant denominations in the United States experience and address a salient institutional contradiction between their role in the church and their marginalized GLBT identities. Drawing on this analysis, we offer a theoretical model of the microprocesses through which marginalized actors who are committed to the institution in which they are embedded can begin to think and act as agents of institutional change. This model enunciates the importance of embodied identity work in resolving the experience of institutional contradiction and marginalization.
Blood responses to titanium surface with TiO2 nano-mesh structure.

OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to enhance the blood responses to titanium (Ti) surfaces used for dental implant application through the formation of a TiO2 nano-mesh surface layer produced by a fast electrochemical anodization treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS Electrochemical anodization treatments with different anodization currents and temperatures in an alkaline solution were used to create a nano-mesh oxide layer on polished Ti surface. Surface characterizations of the mesh structure were carried out using thin-film X-ray diffractometer, field-emission scanning electron microscope, and atomic force microscope. The blood responses, including the blood-clotting ability and platelet adhesion morphology, to the test Ti surfaces were evaluated. The blood-clotting ability, in terms of optical density of blood, was statistically analyzed using a nonparametric method, Kruskal-Wallis test, for the factor of anodization treatment. RESULTS A multilayer TiO2 nano-mesh structure was rapidly formed on the polished Ti surface using a simple electrochemical anodization treatment in an alkaline solution. The TiO2 nano-mesh had an average mesh size between 34 and 93 nm, depending on the anodization current and temperature. The features on the TiO2 nano-mesh structure on the anodized Ti surface were of a similar size scale as blood proteins, giving the material better blood clot ability (P<0.05) and improved platelet activation and aggregation as compared with an untreated polished Ti surface. CONCLUSIONS The formation of TiO2 nano-mesh on the Ti surfaces was shown to enhance blood responses, which we expect to promote cell growth in the application of dental implants.
Deploying Resource Space Model on a Structured P2P Network

Resource Space Model (RSM) is a normalized classification model that uses m-dimensional semantic spaces to share and manage various resources in a centralized manner. This paper explores how to use the idea of classification semantics to organize indexes of resources in a decentralized manner. We deploy RSM on a structured P2P topology HRing by two ID management methods. HRing is a ring-structured P2P topology that can achieve logarithmic routing table size and routing hops. Theoretical analysis and simulations show that both methods can still maintain logarithmic performance and cost. Thus, the decentralized RSM on HRing can be applied on dynamic and large-scale resource-sharing systems.
A Novel Protective Framework for Defeating HTTP-Based Denial of Service and Distributed Denial of Service Attacks

The growth of web technology has brought convenience to our life, since it has become the most important communication channel. However, now this merit is threatened by complicated network-based attacks, such as denial of service (DoS) and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. Despite many researchers' efforts, no optimal solution that addresses all sorts of HTTP DoS/DDoS attacks is on offer. Therefore, this research aims to fix this gap by designing an alternative solution called a flexible, collaborative, multilayer, DDoS prevention framework (FCMDPF). The innovative design of the FCMDPF framework handles all aspects of HTTP-based DoS/DDoS attacks through the following three subsequent framework's schemes (layers). Firstly, an outer blocking (OB) scheme blocks attacking IP source if it is listed on the black list table. Secondly, the service traceback oriented architecture (STBOA) scheme is to validate whether the incoming request is launched by a human or by an automated tool. Then, it traces back the true attacking IP source. Thirdly, the flexible advanced entropy based (FAEB) scheme is to eliminate high rate DDoS (HR-DDoS) and flash crowd (FC) attacks. Compared to the previous researches, our framework's design provides an efficient protection for web applications against all sorts of DoS/DDoS attacks.
Experience, Expertise, and Teaching Effectiveness with Mainstreamed and Nondisabled Children in Physical Education

Teaching effectiveness with elementary level mainstreamed and nondisabled children was analyzed from the perspective of teacher experience and expertise. There were three analyses: (a) experienced (12.6 yrs) versus less experienced (2.3 yrs) teachers, n=10 each, (b) expert (met 4 of 5 criteria) versus nonexpert (met no criteria) teachers, n=5 each, and (c) expert (met 4 of 5 criteria) versus experienced (no criteria, similar experience) teachers, n=4 each. Classes were matched on activities. Teaching effectiveness was evaluated by analysis of how the teacher allocated class time and how time was spent by the student. Specifically, motor appropriate, on- and off-task data were collected on one mainstreamed and one nondisabled student from each class. Results indicated that teacher behavior differed little as a function of either experience or expertise. Mainstreamed students were significantly less motor appropriate and more off-task than nondisabled students, and neither experience nor expertise significa.
A Functional Analysis of the Effects of the Induction of Naming and Observing Teacher- Modeling on Accelerated Learning of Academic Skills for Children with Autism

A Functional Analysis of the Effects of the Induction of Naming and Observing TeacherModeling on Accelerated Learning of Academic Skills for Children with Autism Alison Corwin I tested the effects of the absence and presence of Naming on rate of learning when teacher modeling was part of an instructional procedure. A time-lagged multiple probe design across matched pairs of participants was implemented. Eight elementary aged children with autism, ranging in age from 4 to 7 years old, were selected because they lacked Naming at the onset of the study. The dependent variable was the number of instructional trials, or learn units, required to master 6mathematics curricular objectives: 3 prior to the emergence of Naming, and 3 following the acquisition of Naming. Each instructional session consisted of a teacher model, in which I demonstrated how to solve 2problems while the participant observed, followed by 20 learn units. Learn unit procedures following the teacher-model included positive reinforcement for correct responses and corrective feedback for incorrect responses. The independent variable in the study was the induction of Naming using multiple exemplar instruction (MEI) across listener and speaker responses. Following the emergence of Naming, 3 novel mathematics objectives were taught and rate of learning was measured. The participants’ rate of learning under teacher modeling conditions was compared prior to the emergence of Naming, and following the acquisition of Naming. The results of the study showed accelerated learning for all 8 participants under teacher modeling conditions following the acquisition of the Naming capability.
Marital and Family Satisfaction as a Function of Work–Family Demands and Community Resources

This study uses individual- and couple-level analyses to examine the influence of work–family demands and community resources on marital and family satisfaction within a sample of dual-earner parents with dependent children (N = 260 couples, 520 individuals). Total couple work hours were strongly negatively associated with marital satisfaction for both fathers and mothers. Work hours may be best studied as a couple-level demand, and working shorter combined hours, if possible, may be a central component of a broader adaptive strategy. Negative work-to-family spillover was negatively associated with parents’ family satisfaction, but for mothers this relationship was mediated by negative affect and (marginally) by couple disagreements. Finally, fathers’ neighborhood friends emerged as an important resource for both fathers and mothers, suggesting gender differences in the role of community in the work–family interface and highlighting the need for further research of community-level resources.
Radical Perspectives on the Empowerment of Afro-American Women: Lessons for the 1980s

This paper is a revised version of a speech delivered at the Tenth National Women's Studies Association (NWSA) Conference, co-sponsored by Emory University and Agnes Scott College, held at Emory College in Atlanta, Georgia, in June 1987. Angela Davis was invited by NWSA conference organizers to address the audience as one of the keynote speakers because of her ability to provide historical information often missing from mainstream text and to present conceptions of political systems and vehicles for social change that are different from those usually thought about. The Editors offer her remarks as one point of departure for movement toward an education for the liberation of both women and men in our society.
Do Attitudes Toward Divorce Affect Marital Quality?

Exchange theory predicts that people who adopt favorable attitudes toward divorce invest fewer resources in their marriages, thus eroding marital quality. Cognitive dissonance theory predicts that people who experience declines in marital quality adopt more favorable attitudes toward divorce as they anticipate leaving the relationship. This study tests both hypotheses. National, longitudinal data and structural equation models are used to estimate reciprocal paths between changes in attitudes toward divorce and changes in marital quality. The data provide stronger support for the exchange theory hypothesis than the cognitive dissonance hypothesis. Adopting more favorable attitudes toward divorce appears to undermine marital quality in the long run.
A cooperative approach for the diagnosis of the melanoma

In this work we present a decision support system for the melanoma diagnosis using individual methods and the collaboration between these methods. The system designed uses a photograph of the lesion and it makes a preprocessing task to extract the region of interest. Then, several characteristics of the image are analyzed, studying with different methods the degree of malignity; the methods used are based in Bayesian rules and in neural networks. Finally, each individual decision from each method contributes in some way to the final decision. The classification rate obtained with the cooperative approach is above 92%.
Intra-Preneurship and Enrolment: Building Networks of Ideas

In this paper we draw on and develop an actor-network perspective on organizational entrepreneurship—the study of enterprising behaviour within the firm. Based on the findings of an in-depth study of management consultants in a UK telecommunications firm, we argue that ideas do not flourish because they are inherently more `enterprising' or `innovative' than others, but rather because of the success (or otherwise) of the process of `enrolment'. Our study shows that the consultants were not `intermediaries without discretion', tasked with the diffusion of an already-established template. Rather, they acted as mediators by actively seeking to construct and maintain a network around their idea. By revealing the political tactics and power plays involved in this enrolment process, our study contributes to the actor-network literature by highlighting the link to organizational power and politics. The study also contributes by drawing attention to the subjectivity of network-builders—an issue often left under-explored in actor-network studies. We illuminate the identity processes involved in organizational entrepreneurship, including the link to systems of organizational control. This was fuelled by a mixture of anxiety, insecurity and the desire to be recognized as an `intra-preneur'.
Object reidentification in real world scenarios across multiple non-overlapping cameras

In a world where surveillance cameras are at every street corner, there is a growing need for synergy among cameras as well as the automation of the data analysis process. This paper deals with the problem of reidentification of objects in a set of multiple cameras inputs without any prior knowledge of the cameras distribution or coverage. The proposed approach is robust to change of scale, lighting conditions, noise and viewpoints among cameras, as well as object rotation and unpredictable trajectories. Both novel and traditional features are extracted from the object. Light and noise invariance is achieved using textural features such as oriented gradients, color ratio and color saliency. A probabilistic framework is used incorporating the different features into a human probabilistic model. Experimental results show that textural features improve the reidentification rate and the robustness of the recognition process compared with other state-of-the-art algorithms.
Automatic Measurement of Syntactic Complexity Using the Revised Developmental Level Scale

This paper describes a heuristics-based system for automatic measurement of syntactic complexity using the revised Developmental Level (D-Level) Scale (Rosenberg and Abbeduto, 1987; Covington et al., 2006). The system takes a raw sentence as input and assigns it to an appropriate developmental level (0-7). The system is designed with child language acquisition and psycholinguistic research in mind, and is therefore developed and evaluated using child language acquisition data from the CHILDES database (MacWhinney, 2000). Experiment results show that the model achieves an accuracy of 93.2% on unseen spoken data.
Restorative Retelling for Violent Loss: An Open Clinical Trial

Those impacted by the loss of a loved one to violent death (i.e., homicide, suicide, or accident) may be at risk for posttraumatic stress, depression, and prolonged grief. Restorative retelling (RR) is a structured group intervention developed to improve coping skills, integrate commemoration of the deceased, and approach traumatic memories. This article provides initial evidence for the use of RR in reducing trauma, depression, and prolonged grief symptoms in a records review open trial of 51 violent loss survivors at a community counseling clinic. Results suggested that RR was well tolerated with a significant decrease in symptoms.
Power controller design and stability analysis of a photovoltaic system with a dc/dc boost converter

The challenging issue of designing stable active power controllers for photovoltaic (PV) systems interfaced to the load with dc/dc boost converters is addressed in this paper. In particular, exploiting the inherent voltage and current ripple of power converters, a new proportional-integral (PI) controller with error variable the power-voltage gradient is proposed which is capable to ensure maximum power point (MPP) operation. Taking into account the nonlinear model of the PV source and the accurate nonlinear dynamics of the dc/dc boost converter an extensive stability analysis is addressed. Based on the singular perturbation theory and Lyapunov's direct method, it is proven that for appropriate values of the PI controller gains, stability and convergence to the MPP can be guaranteed. The excellent performance of the proposed PI controller is evaluated through simulations results and it is compared with the commonly used perturb and observe algorithm and the conventional MPP method based on ripple correlation control.