Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is Justice Really Blind? Effects of Crime Descriptions, Defendant Gender and Appearance, and Legal Practitioner Gender on Sentences and Defendant Evaluations in a Mock Trial

Two experiments were conducted to investigate how sources of information can bias the judicial process. Experiment 1 investigated the effects of photographs of victims' injury, and of vivid verbal victim injury description, on the evaluation and sentencing of a defendant in a mock criminal trial. The participants were presented with five different crime accounts: (a) vandalism, (b) arson, (c) child abuse, (d) child molestation, and (e) homicide, all committed by male perpetrators, and were asked to evaluate the trustworthiness, culpability, aggressiveness, guilt, and other crime-relevant personality traits of the defendant, and to set imprisonment sentences. Results of Experiment 1 showed that exposure to photographs of crime victim injuries as well as vivid crime descriptions had only weak and non-significant effects on defendant evaluations, but imprisonment terms tended to be longer in the Photo condition than in the No photo condition. To further investigate the possible effects of photographic information on judicial processes for different crimes (child molestation, child abuse, homicide), Experiment 2 was conducted with legal practitioners (judges, members of Swedish juries, law students, counsels for the defence, prosecutors, police officers) as evaluators. Results showed three tendencies: (a) a “same-sex penalty effect”: sentencing evaluators (judges, jurors) evaluated a defendant of the same gender as the evaluator, more harshly than one of the opposite gender, (b) a “male penalty effect”: non-sentencing evaluators (police officers, counsels for the defence, prosecutors, and law students) evaluated and judged a male defendant more harshly than a female, and (c) for female non-sentencing evaluators, the male penalty effect was enhanced for the more attractive defendants. Overall, the results suggest that defendant gender, defendant appearance, evaluator gender, and evaluator profession can affect the outcome of a criminal trial.
Soft NMR: Analysis & application to DSP systems

We have recently proposed the concept of soft N-modular redundancy (soft NMR) [1] in order to design robust and energy-efficient computing systems in nanoscale processes, where soft NMR was shown to achieve orders-of-magnitude improvement in robustness with significant power savings over NMR. In this paper, we analyze the performance of soft NMR and compare it with that of NMR and algorithmic noise-tolerance (ANT). An 8-b multiplier and a DCT-based still image compression system in a commercial 45nm CMOS process is considered. Two metrics of system performance: system reliability Pe,sys, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) are analyzed. We show that soft NMR always outperforms NMR and that our analysis predicts Pe,sys and SNR to within 4.2% and 2.7dB on average, respectively, of the results of Monte Carlo simulations.
Analog design in deep sub-micron CMOS

Analog design in deep sub-micron technologies is a reality now and poses severe challenges to the circuit designer. Trends in technologies as well as circuit design are discussed. It is shown that the power required for a certain dynamic range and bandwidth decreases with minimum feature size as long as a constant ratio between signal swing and supply voltage can be maintained. Below 0. 1µm channel-length, predictions of the threshold voltage endanger that requirement however. At circuit level, the problem that a low supply voltage poses on the use of switches and amplifiers is discussed. Various techniques are discussed to overcome these problems, like the use of low Vthtransistors, clock boosting, switched OpAmp technique, rail-to-rail input stages, back-gate driving circuits and CM level-shift techniques. Based on power estimates, the necessity of matching enhancing techniques like Auto-Zero techniques and Averaging is shown.
Grid computing performance prediction based in historical information

Performance prediction in Grid computing presents an important challenge due to Grid environments are volatiles, heterogeneous and not reliable. We suggest that the historical data related to applications, resources and users can provide an adequate amount of information for modelling and predicting Grid components behaviours. That information can be use to build a dynamic top-bottom Grid Service and Resources performance descriptions. In this paper we present the initial work that we have done in order to define prediction techniques. We show how the workload load analysis carried out in the previous stage of the presented work, has guided us in the design of prediction techniques, the mechanisms created for their evaluation and the performance predictors analysis.
Maintaining motivation using audio review

Rates of initial health behavior change have not consistently translated into similar rates of behavioral maintenance. Of those who achieve short‐term change, most successfully treated individuals revert back to their old high‐risk behaviors soon after treatment. While motivation for change remains a salient issue throughout the behavior change process, maintenance interventions have neglected to focus on the variability of motivation directly. This article proposes that an audio playback procedure that captures motivational decision‐making themes at their highest, most emotionally laden point and replays that material at later dates, may be an effective way to maintain motivation. Highlighted is the role of motivation in maintaining behavior change, the previous literature on audio and video feedback, and the roles of memory systems, cognitive dysfunction, recall bias, cognitive dissonance, change talk, emotional reprocessing and contextual learning on motivation. Special attention will be paid to addictive disorders because of the literature base in this area.
PLAYING TETRIS USING LEARNING BY IMITATION

Tetris is a stochastic and open-end board game. Several artificial players were developed to automatically play Tet ris. These players perform well in single games. In this paper, we developed a platform based on an open source project for game competitions among multiple players. We develop an artificial player employed learning by imitation, which is n ovel in Tetris. The imitation tasks of playing Tetris were mapped to a standard data classification problem. The experiments showed that the performance of the player can be significantl y improved when our player acquires similar game skills as tho e of the imitated human. Our player can play Tetris in diverse ways by imitating di fferent players, and has chances to defeat the best-known artificial player in the world. The framework supports incremental learning because the artificial playe r can find stronger players and imitate their skills.
Differential Signaling and Sugar Exchanges in Response to Avirulent Pathogen- and Symbiont-Derived Molecules in Tobacco Cells

Plants interact with microbes whose ultimate aim is to exploit plant carbohydrates for their reproduction. Plant–microbe interactions (PMIs) are classified according to the nature of their trophic exchanges: while mutualistic microbes trade nutrients with plants, pathogens unilaterally divert carbohydrates. The early responses following microbe recognition and the subsequent control of plant sugar distribution are still poorly understood. To further decipher PMI functionality, we used tobacco cells treated with microbial molecules mimicking pathogenic or mutualistic PMIs, namely cryptogein, a defense elicitor, and chitotetrasaccharide (CO4), which is secreted by mycorrhizal fungi. CO4 was perceived by tobacco cells and triggered widespread transient signaling components such as a sharp cytosolic Ca2+ elevation, NtrbohD-dependent H2O2 production, and MAP kinase activation. These CO4-induced events differed from those induced by cryptogein, i.e., sustained events leading to cell death. Furthermore, cryptogein treatment inhibited glucose and sucrose uptake but not fructose uptake, and promoted the expression of NtSUT and NtSWEET sugar transporters, whereas CO4 had no effect on sugar uptake and only a slight effect on NtSWEET2B expression. Our results suggest that microbial molecules induce different signaling responses that reflect microbial lifestyle and the subsequent outcome of the interaction.
An optimized proportionate adaptive algorithm for sparse system identification

Proportionate-type adaptive algorithms are commonly used for the identification of sparse impulse responses, like in network and acoustic echo cancellation. In this paper, we propose an optimized proportionate LMS adaptive filter in the context of a state variable model. The algorithm follows an optimization criterion based on the minimization of the system misalignment and uses an iterative procedure for computing the proportionate factors. Consequently, it achieves a proper compromise between the performance criteria, i.e., fast convergence/tracking and low misadjustment. Simulations performed in the context of sparse system identification indicate the good behavior of the proposed algorithm.
Parental perception of a baby sign workshop on stress and parent–child interaction

Introduction: Baby sign language is gaining in popularity. However, research has indicated a lack of empirical research supporting its use. In addition, research suggests that baby sign training may increase stress levels in parents. Methods: Nine families with children ranging in age from six months to two years; five months participated in a baby sign workshop. Survey data were analysed to determine parental stress levels as a result of the workshop or using signs with their children. Additionally, information from parents regarding parent–child interactions was recorded. Results: The data suggests that the use of baby signs enhanced parent–child communication, strengthened the parent–child bond, and reduced frustration. Furthermore, the data indicated that the use of baby signs with infants did not cause increased stress on parents. Key aspects of baby sign training that seem to reduce and inhibit stress in parents are discussed.
Mortality Probability Models (MPM II) based on an international cohort of intensive care unit patients.

OBJECTIVE To revise and update models in the Mortality Probability Model (MPM II) system to estimate the probability of hospital mortality among 19,124 intensive care unit (ICU) patients that can be used for quality assessment within and among ICUs. DESIGN AND SETTING Models developed and validated on consecutive admissions to adult medical and surgical ICUs in 12 countries. PATIENTS A total of 12,610 patients for model development, 6514 patients for model validation. Patients younger than 18 years and burn, coronary care, and cardiac surgery patients were excluded. OUTCOME MEASURE Vital status at hospital discharge. RESULTS The admission model, MPM0, contains 15 readily obtainable variables. In developmental and validation samples it calibrated well (goodness-of-fit tests: P = .623 and P = .327, respectively, where a high P value represents good fit between observed and expected values) and discriminated well (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.837 and 0.824, respectively). The 24-hour model, MPM24 (developed on 10,357 patients still in the ICU at 24 hours), contains five of the admission variables and eight additional variables easily ascertained at 24 hours. It also calibrated well (P = .764 and P = .231 in the developmental and validation samples, respectively) and discriminated well (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.844 and 0.836 in the developmental and validation samples, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Among severity systems for intensive care patients, the MPM0 is the only model available for use at ICU admission. Both MPM0 and MPM24 are useful research tools and provide important clinical information when used alone or together.
Intersection of Smoking, Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and Cancer: Proceedings of the 8th Annual Texas Conference on Health Disparities

The Texas Center for Health Disparities, a National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities Center of Excellence, presents an annual conference to discuss prevention, awareness education and ongoing research about health disparities both in Texas and among the national population. The 2013 Texas Conference on Health Disparities brought together experts, in research, patient care and community outreach, on the “Intersection of Smoking, Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and Cancer”. Smoking, HIV/AIDS and cancer are three individual areas of public health concern, each with its own set of disparities and risk factors based on race, ethnicity, gender, geography and socio-economic status. Disparities among patient populations, in which these issues are found to be comorbid, provide valuable information on goals for patient care. The conference consisted of three sessions addressing “Comorbidities and Treatment”, “Public Health Perspectives”, and “Best Practices”. This article summarizes the basic science, clinical correlates and public health data presented by the speakers.
FakePointer: An Authentication Scheme for Improving Security against Peeping Attacks Using Video Cameras

Peeping attacks in the real world are a threat to user authentication. What is worse, an emerging attack method such as video capture makes traditional measures against peeping attack insufficient. This paper presents a unique user authentication scheme named "fakePointer'' as a solution to peeping attacks conducted by video capture. It makes it difficult for attackers to obtain a secret even if someone captures an authentication scene using a video camera. The fakePointer has two unique features to ensure security against such a peeping attack. One is that fakePointer provides a double-layered interface for a secret input. This interface makes it difficult for attackers to identify a legitimate user's secret even if they have a video record showing a target user's authentication action. The other feature is that fakePointer uses two secrets: a fixed secret and a disposable secret. This feature enables change of a secret input operation in each authentication, which is also a necessary feature for ensuring security. This feature makes it difficult to extract a secret by statistical inference even if an attacker has many video records of the same user.
Evaluating effective school improvement: Case studies of programmes in eight european countries and their contribution to the effective school improvement model

This article describes the empirical research that contributed to the development of the model of “effective school improvement”. The focus is mainly on the findings of that research but the problematic nature of designing a methodology that is applicable in 8 very different education systems is also discussed. The 4 key factors to emerge from the research were the importance of context, the role of external changes agents, the importance of internal change agency, and the complexity of the relationship between all the factors and influences. These factors and their contribution to the emerging ESI model are discussed in relation to the theoretical reflections reported in the previous article.
Examining Relations of Entertainment with Social Interaction Motives and Team Identification

The goal was to investigate a potential causal pattern between the motives of sport spectators and team identification by using a cross-lagged panel design. Questionnaires were completed by 229 participants at the beginning and end of one NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) college football season for 4 mo. in the USA. The questionnaire included three items for each motive (Social Interaction and Entertainment), three items measuring team identification, and demographic items. The relation of Entertainment at Time 1 to team identification at Time 2 was larger than the relation of team identification at Time 1 to Entertainment at Time 2. This suggests that the motivation of Entertainment may lead to the formation of team identification more than team identification leads to Entertainment. However, the motive of Social Interaction did not show the same pattern. As results of this study suggested some spectator sport motives might lead to identification with a team, the hypothesis that all motives would be the basis of team identification might not be correct.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy in traumatic brain injury.

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) offers a unique non-invasive approach for assessing the metabolic status of the brain in vivo and is particularly suited to studying traumatic brain injury (TBI). In particular, MRS provides a noninvasive means for quantifying such neurochemicals as N-acetylaspa
Internet Access by People with Intellectual Disabilities: Inequalities and Opportunities

This review gives an overview of the societal inequalities faced by people with intellectual disabilities, before focusing specifically on challenges people face accessing the Internet. Current access will be outlined along with the societal, support and attitudinal factors that can hinder access. Discussion of carer views of Internet use by people with intellectual disabilities will be covered incorporating consideration of the tension between protection, self-determination and lifestyle issues and gaining Internet access. We will address how impairment related factors may impede access and subsequently discuss how supports may be used to obfuscate impairments and facilitate access. We will move on from this to critically describe some of the potential benefits the Internet could provide to people with intellectual disabilities, including the potential for self-expression, advocacy and developing friendships. Finally, strategies to better include people with intellectual disabilities online will be given along with future research suggestions.
Psychometric and measurement properties of concussion assessment tools in youth sports.

CONTEXT Establishing psychometric and measurement properties of concussion assessments is important before these assessments are used by clinicians. To date, data have been limited regarding these issues with respect to neurocognitive and postural stability testing, especially in a younger athletic population. OBJECTIVE To determine the test-retest reliability and reliable change indices of concussion assessments in athletes participating in youth sports. A secondary objective was to determine the relationship between the Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC) and neuropsychological assessments in young athletes. DESIGN We used a repeated-measures design to evaluate the test-retest reliability of the concussion assessments in young athletes. Correlations were calculated to determine the relationship between the measures. All subjects underwent 2 test sessions 60 days apart. SETTING Sports medicine laboratory and school or home environment. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Fifty healthy young athletes between the ages of 9 and 14 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Scores from the SAC, Balance Error Scoring System, Buschke Selective Reminding Test, Trail Making Test B, and Coding and Symbol Search subsets of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children were used in the analysis. RESULTS Our test-retest indices for each of the 6 scores were poor to good, ranging from r = . 46 to . 83. Good reliability was found for the Coding and Symbol Search tests. The reliable change scores provided a way of determining a meaningful change in score for each assessment. We found a weak relationship ( r < .36) between the SAC and each of the neuropsychological assessments; however, stronger relationships ( r > .70) were found between certain neuropsychological measures. CONCLUSIONS We found moderate test-retest reliability on the cognitive tests that assessed attention, concentration, and visual processing and the Balance Error Scoring System. Our results demonstrated only a weak relationship between performance on the SAC and the selected neuropsychological tests, so it is likely that these tests assess somewhat different areas of cognitive function. Our correlational findings provide more evidence for using the SAC along with a more complex neuropsychological assessment battery in the evaluation of concussion in young athletes.
Directed evolution of a highly efficient cellobiose utilizing pathway in an industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain

Balancing and increasing the flux through an engineered heterologous pathway in a target organism to achieve high yield and productivity remains an overwhelming challenge in metabolic engineering. Here we report a novel strategy combining directed evolution and promoter engineering for rapid and efficient multi‐gene pathway optimization. As proof of concept, this strategy was applied to optimize a cellobiose utilizing pathway in an industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain for highly efficient cellulosic biofuels production. The resulting strain exhibited significantly higher cellobiose consumption rate (6.41‐fold) and ethanol productivity (6.36‐fold) compared to its parent strain. This study also showed that both the ratios and absolute values of the expression levels of the genes in the cellobiose utilizing pathway play an important role in cellobiose uptake, and β‐glucose is likely one of the key factors affecting cellobiose metabolism. Biotechnol. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013;110: 2874–2881. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differentiated Communication Services for NoC-Based MPSoCs

The adoption of Networks-on-Chip (NoCs) as the communication infrastructure for complex integrated systems is a fact, and has been promoted by the growing number of processing elements integrated in current MPSoCs. These are designed to execute several applications in parallel, with different communication requirements and distinct levels of required quality of service. To meet these restrictions, most designs customize the MPSoC at design time, using specific NoC communication services as adaptive routing algorithms, priorities, and connections. However, MPSoCs are increasingly used in embedded systems, where new applications may be added at runtime, characterizing dynamic workload scenarios. Such scenarios require adaptability at runtime, with applications having the possibility to select the most appropriate communication service according to their respective requirements. The goal of the present work is to link the hardware level of NoCs to the MPSoC application level, proposing the development of a communication API that exposes the communication services offered by the NoC to the application developer. Executing real and synthetic applications in two different MPSOCs, and using four different NoC communication services enabled to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed approach to meet applications requirements.
Control of coordinated patterns for ocean sampling

A class of underwater vehicles are modelled as Newtonian particles for navigation and control. We show a general method that controls cooperative Newtonian particles to generate patterns on closed smooth curves. These patterns are chosen for good sampling performance using mobile sensor networks. We measure the spacing between neighbouring particles by the relative curve phase along the curve. The distance between a particle and the desired curve is measured using an orbit function. The orbit value and the relative curve phase are then used as feedback to control motion of each particle. From an arbitrary initial configuration, the particles converge asymptotically to form an invariant pattern on the desired curves. We describe application of this method to control underwater gliders in a field experiment in Buzzards Bay, MA in March 2006.