Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Likelihood of Marriage: The Effect of Incarceration

Researchers have highlighted the importance of marriage when studying variation in deviance over the life course, but few studies have examined the effect that incarceration has on marriage or have considered variation by race and ethnicity. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY), this study contrasts the effect of incarceration on the likelihood of marriage for White, Black, and Hispanic males. Incarceration reduced the chances of marriage for all men, but had a significantly stronger effect on the marital outcomes for Whites. Although Whites were most likely to be married overall, incarceration was associated with a 59 percent decline in the odds of marriage for Whites, and the odds of marriage decreased 30 percent for Blacks and 41 percent for Hispanics. The association was maintained even after controlling for time‐varying life‐course events and static individual‐level factors. This research has important implications for the study of the incarceration and the consequences it can have for spouses, families, and communities.
Neural representation of calling songs and their behavioral relevance in the grasshopper auditory system

Acoustic communication plays a key role for mate attraction in grasshoppers. Males use songs to advertise themselves to females. Females evaluate the song pattern, a repetitive structure of sound syllables separated by short pauses, to recognize a conspecific male and as proxy to its fitness. In their natural habitat females often receive songs with degraded temporal structure. Perturbations may, for example, result from the overlap with other songs. We studied the response behavior of females to songs that show different signal degradations. A perturbation of an otherwise attractive song at later positions in the syllable diminished the behavioral response, whereas the same perturbation at the onset of a syllable did not affect song attractiveness. We applied naïve Bayes classifiers to the spike trains of identified neurons in the auditory pathway to explore how sensory evidence about the acoustic stimulus and its attractiveness is represented in the neuronal responses. We find that populations of three or more neurons were sufficient to reliably decode the acoustic stimulus and to predict its behavioral relevance from the single-trial integrated firing rate. A simple model of decision making simulates the female response behavior. It computes for each syllable the likelihood for the presence of an attractive song pattern as evidenced by the population firing rate. Integration across syllables allows the likelihood to reach a decision threshold and to elicit the behavioral response. The close match between model performance and animal behavior shows that a spike rate code is sufficient to enable song pattern recognition.
Evaluation of Dicentrarchus labrax Meats and the Vegetable Quality of Beta vulgaris var. cicla Farmed in Freshwater and Saltwater Aquaponic Systems

The purpose of this study is to exploit the euryhaline nature of commercially attractive species for their cultivation in freshwater aquaponic systems. This approach may increase the profitability of aquaponic production in coastal countries where the consumption of marine fish is traditional and of commercial relevance. For this purpose, juvenile European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were reared in an aquaponic freshwater (AFW) system and an aquaponic saltwater (ASW) system (salinity 20 ppt), in combination with chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) seedlings, a salt tolerant plant. At the end of the trial, nitrate and phosphate concentration in water significantly increased in the ASW system, suggesting that the ability of B. vulgaris to absorb these substances was limited by salinity. Total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry revealed that the concentration of some oligoelements such as Fe remained lower with respect to the concentration in the freshwater hydroponic solution, in both AFW and ASW. FTIR-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy on plants showed that growth at high salinity affected their lipid content. In the case of fish, freshwater had no effects on mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acid profiles, although saturated fatty acids were significantly decreased in D. labrax reared in AFW. Our results demonstrates that it is possible to increase aquaponic profitability by farming D. labrax juveniles in an aquaponic freshwater system together with Beta vulgaris, obtaining good quality products.
‘Nothing will prevent me from doing a good job’. The professionalisation of part‐time teaching staff in further and adult education

Approximately 85,000 part‐time teaching staff working in further education (FE) and adult and community learning (ACL) are often seen as ‘a problem’. The intrinsic ‘part‐timeness’ of these staff tends to marginalise them: they remain under‐recognised and largely unsupported. Yet this picture is over‐simplified. This article examines how part‐time staff make creative use of professional autonomy and agency to mitigate problematic ‘casual employment’ conditions, reporting on results from Learning and Skills Development Agency‐sponsored research (2002–2006) with 700 part‐time staff in the learning and skills sector. The question of agency was reported as a key factor in part‐time employment. Change is necessary for the professional agency of part‐timers to be harnessed as the sector responds to ambitious sectoral ‘improvement’ agendas following the Foster Report and FE White Paper. Enhanced professionalisation for part‐time staff needs greater recognition and inclusion in change agendas.
Reflections on Brian Shackels Usability-Context , Definition , Design and Evaluation

The foundations of usability evaluation were being established in the early 1990’s. In this context, Usability Context, Definition, Design and Evaluation built upon Shackel’s earlier influential work that helped define the notion of usability. In this paper he established key dimensions of usability and approaches to integration of testing these within the whole process of setting requirements. Essentially he argued for usability design as part of the system design processes. This commentary describes the context of the paper and then reviews the influential ideas that appear in much subsequent work.
Labeling of Multiple HIV-1 Proteins with the Biarsenical-Tetracysteine System

Due to its small size and versatility, the biarsenical-tetracysteine system is an attractive way to label viral proteins for live cell imaging. This study describes the genetic labeling of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) structural proteins (matrix, capsid and nucleocapsid), enzymes (protease, reverse transcriptase, RNAse H and integrase) and envelope glycoprotein 120 with a tetracysteine tag in the context of a full-length virus. We measure the impact of these modifications on the natural virus infection and, most importantly, present the first infectious HIV-1 construct containing a fluorescently-labeled nucleocapsid protein. Furthermore, due to the high background levels normally associated with the labeling of tetracysteine-tagged proteins we have also optimized a metabolic labeling system that produces infectious virus containing the natural envelope glycoproteins and specifically labeled tetracysteine-tagged proteins that can easily be detected after virus infection of T-lymphocytes. This approach can be adapted to other viral systems for the visualization of the interplay between virus and host cell during infection.
The practice of psychological science: searching for Cronbach's two streams in social-personality psychology.

The present research surveyed a group of editors and editorial board members of personality and social psychology journals to examine the practice of psychological science in their field. Findings demonstrate that (a) although personality and social researchers tend to use many of the same approaches, methods, and procedures, they nonetheless show average differences in each of these domains, as well as in their overarching theoretical aims and perspectives; (b) these average differences largely conform to social and personality researchers' stereotypes about each subgroup; (c) despite their methodological and philosophical differences, the 2 subgroups study many of the same research topics; and (d) the structure of social-personality research practices can be characterized as having 2 independent factors, which closely correspond to L. J. Cronbach's (1957) correlational and experimental "streams of research. "
Impacts of the Indian Ocean on the ENSO cycle

This study examines the impacts of the Indian Ocean on the ENSO (El Niño‐Southern Oscillation) cycle by performing experiments with a coupled atmosphere‐ocean general circulation model (CGCM). In one of the experiments, the ocean model domain includes only the tropical Pacific Ocean (the Pacific Run). In the other experiment, the ocean model domain includes both the Indian and tropical Pacific Oceans (the Indo‐Pacific Run). The experiment results show that the CGCM simulation of ENSO including both the Indian and tropical Pacific Oceans tends to be more realistic than that including the tropical Pacific Ocean only. In particular, the Indo‐Pacific Run produces ENSO events with larger amplitude and greater variability on decadal time scales. The interactive Indian Ocean also affects the surface heat flux anomalies in the Indian Ocean during the ENSO cycle and surface wind stress anomalies in both the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans. There are indications that both surface heat flux and wind stress are actively forcing a portion of the interannual variability in the Indian Ocean during the ENSO cycle.
A comparison of the Picture Exchange Communication System and prelinguistic milieu teaching on spoken communication in preschoolers with ASD: Implications for method choice

1 Abstracted from: Yoder, P. & Stone, W. L. (2006). A randomized comparison of the effect of two prelinguistic communication interventions on the acquisition of spoken communication with preschoolers with ASD. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 49, 698–711.
Employee Emotional Competence

Customers often experience intense emotions during service encounters. Their perceptions of how well contact employees demonstrate emotional competence in emotionally charged service encounters can affect their service evaluations and loyalty intentions. Previous studies examining employees’ potential to behave in emotionally competent ways (i.e., employee emotional intelligence [EEI]) have used self- or supervisor-reported scales to predict customer outcomes, presenting EEI as stable and independent of the context. However, service firms should be more concerned with the actual display of emotionally competent behaviors by employees (employee emotional competence [EEC]), because employee behaviors vary across encounters. Moreover, a customer perspective of EEC is useful, as customer perceptions of employee performance are crucial predictors of satisfaction and loyalty. Therefore, this study proposes a conceptualization and operationalization of EEC in a service encounter context. On the basis of a comprehensive literature review and in-depth interviews, the authors develop a scale to capture customer-perceived EEC, defined as an employee’s competence in perceiving, understanding, and regulating customer emotions during a discrete service encounter. The scale achieves good reliability and validity. Researchers can use it to explore the role of EEC in service contexts, and managers can employ the scale to diagnose EEC and improve the customers’ service encounter experiences.
Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is expressed in activated rat skeletal muscle satellite cells

Skeletal muscle satellite cells from uninjured muscle of adult animals are generally found to be in a quiescent state, and when cultured, they remain quiescent in vitro for a period of time which is directly related to the age of the donor animal. A technique for studying the activation of satellite cells in primary cultures has been developed and employs proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) as a marker for entrance into the S phase of the cell cycle. PCNA is a protein involved in DNA replication and is maximally expressed in S phase of the cell cycle. We monitored PCNA expression in satellite cells isolated from young (3 week) and adult (9 month) rats, and our results indicate that satellite cells begin to accumulate PCNA prior to changes in cell number in both age groups. Using ELISA techniques, we demonstrated that addition of an extract of crushed muscle (CME) activated satellite cells and significantly reduced the length of the lag phase in cells from both age groups. Addition of bFGF shortened the lag phase of PCNA synthesis in satellite cells from 3‐week‐old rats but had no effect on the kinetics of PCNA expression in cells from 9‐month‐old rats. Based on our experiments, PCNA expression can be used as a marker to follow the entry of satellite cells into the cell cycle in primary mass cultures. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extrinsic Recalibration in Camera Networks

This work addresses the practical problem of keeping a camera network calibrated during a recording session. When dealing with real-time applications, a robust calibration of the camera network needs to be assured, without the burden of a full system recalibration at every (un)intended camera displacement. In this paper we present an efficient algorithm to detect when the extrinsic parameters of a camera are no longer valid, and reintegrate the displaced camera into the previously calibrated camera network. When the intrinsic parameters of the cameras are known, the algorithm can also be used to build ad-hoc distributed camera networks, starting from three calibrated cameras. Recalibration is done using pairs of essential matrices, based on image point correspondences. Unlike other approaches, we do not explicitly compute any 3D structure for our calibration purposes.
The Canberra Longitudinal Study: Design, Aims, Methodology, Outcomes and Recent Empirical Investigations

The first section of this paper describes methodology and major cognitive outcomes of the Canberra Longitudinal Study (CLS). This community study of 1045 Australians aged 70 years or over commenced in 1990. Participants were reassessed on three subsequent occasions. Its major themes were investigations of prevalence of dementia and depression, risk factors, inter-individual variability and instrument development. Over 60 papers arising from the study have been published. The second section of this paper describes the use of a Factor of Curves (FOC) latent growth model to examine the existence of a common factor responsible for age-related deterioration in cognitive and non-cognitive processes. This analysis is a logical progression in a series of investigations using the Canberra Longitudinal Study into risk factors and correlates of cognitive change using structural equation modeling techniques. The FOC model is described and is used to explore the nature of an hypothesized common factor and to determine its relationship with age, gender, education, pre-morbid intelligence and to the ApoE genotype. Latent growth models were developed for each of reaction time, Symbol Letter Modalities Test (SLMT), Grip strength, self-reported Sensory disability and memory from three waves of data. Second-order latent level slope factors were established based on the individual factor growth curve models. Although a common factor model could be fitted to the data, there is little support that it represents a single common cause.
A Design of BJT-based ESD Protection Device combining SCR for High Voltage Power Clamps

This paper presents a novel bipolar junction transistor (BJT) based electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device. This protection device was designed for 20V power clamps and fabricated by a process with Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS (BCD) 0. 18μm. The current-voltage characteristics of this protection device was verified by the transmission line pulse (TLP) system and the DC BV characteristic was verified by using a semiconductor parameter analyzer. From the experimental results, the proposed device has a trigger voltage of 29.1V, holding voltage of 22.4V and low on-resistance of approximately 1.6;. In addition, the test of ESD robustness showed that the ESD successfully passed through human body model (HBM) 8kV. In this paper, the operational mechanism of this protection device was investigated by structural analysis of the proposed device. In addition, the proposed device were obtained as stack structures and verified.
Iterative Channel Estimation, Equalization, and Decoding for Pilot-Symbol Assisted Modulation Over Frequency Selective Fast Fading Channels

A pilot-based channel estimation scheme is proposed for frequency selective Rayleigh fading channels which work in conjunction with the existing paradigm of turbo equalization. The iterative nature of the channel estimation technique provides substantial gain over noniterative methods and makes it a suitable choice for iterative equalization and decoding. The channel estimator has low complexity, is decoupled from the equalizer soft-input soft-output module, and is capable of tracking significant channel variations within a codeword. The scheme is compatible with quadratic-amplitude modulation and with both parallel concatenated convolutional and low-density parity checks coding. The proposed scheme provides an attractive low-complexity alternative to iterative receivers based on state-space models for channel parameter evolution. The use of pilot symbols is demonstrated to aid the equalizer both directly through channel estimation and indirectly through pilot message insertion.
RLS-based online estimation on vehicle linear sideslip

This paper proposes an effective model-based approach to estimate vehicle linear sideslip online via recursive least square method (RLS) with forgetting. In this approach, a Luenberger observer is first designed to estimate vehicle states, including vehicle sideslip. Two lumped vehicle parameters in this observer are updated recursively to minimize the discrepancy between the model used and the physical plant and any possible effects caused by external unknown disturbances, in particular, road surface. Computer simulation and in-vehicle testing have been conducted to verify the proposed approach with results indicating that the proposed approach is very effective and robust in estimating vehicle linear sideslip under various road surfaces
Physically based facial model

We have constructed a dynamic face model, which is based on the anatomical structures of a real face. Accurate head geometry was obtained from Magnetic Resonance Images (MRIs). An image segmentation program was used to convert the volumetric MRI data to a polygonal representation of the head. The most detailed models we have used have contained approximately 35000 vertices and 70000 polygons. We have constructed separate models for the behavior of the skin, muscles and skull. Contracting the modeled muscles produces facial movements.
An Integrated VIKOR and Fuzzy AHP Method for Assessing a Sustainable Research Project

The main aim of this paper is to present an alternative of assigning weights to decision criteria in Multi Criteria Decision Making problems. The fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) is applied for this objective. The sustainable research process is necessary for a university. Multidirectional evaluation in sustainable research projects is required. Many conflicting criteria must be determined when comparing research projects to choose among or rank them. In this article a Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) problem is illustrated and a research project selection problem is presented. The VIKOR method combined to FAHP method is presented to solve the MCDM problem. The result can be used as information for university administrators to develop a policy for preventing pollution and hazards generated from research projects. This model is applied to a case of study of research projects in Thailand. At first, research projects are broken down and sources of sustainability are identified. The data were collected regarding research project lifecycle. Then, major sustainable initiatives are identified. The important weight of sustainability for each research projects is analyzed. The Sustainability Index is computed using VIKOR method. Fuzzy numbers are used to cope with uncertainties associated with the data collected by questionnaires distributed to researchers.
Multilayer Tubular Conductor for High Q-Factor Wireless Power Transfer System Resonators

In this paper, we investigate multilayer tubular conductor for multi-MHz Wireless Power Transfer systems high-Q (quality factor) resonators. The conductor layers' thicknesses and current sharing between them are optimized at 13.56 MHz, showing significant reduction in conductor ac resistance RAC. Capacitive ballast is used as a practical method for current sharing between layers and operation of coil near resonance. A two-layer conductor is designed, fabricated, and characterized at 27.93 MHz, showing 18.1% and 12.8% reduction in RAC, compared with an identical conductor without capacitive ballast and a same size solid conductor, respectively.
BIT and Purdue at TREC-KBA-CCR Track 2014

Abstract : This report summarizes our participation at KBA-CCR track in TREC 2014. Our submissions are generated in two steps: (1) Filtering a candidate documents collection from the stream corpus for a set of target entities; and (2) Estimating the relevance levels between candidate documents and target entities. Three kinds of approaches are employed in the second step, including query expansion, classification and learning to rank. Query expansion is an unsupervised baseline by combining an entity and its related entities as a query to retrieve its relevant documents. Query expansion performs considerably well in vital + useful scenario. It's not difficult to filter a relevant document set from the stream corpus. However, in vital only scenario, supervised approaches are more powerful than query expansion in identifying vital documents for target entities. Our results reveal that learning to rank approaches are more suitable for CCR with current evaluation methodology.
Illustrating the Multi-Faceted Dimensions of Group Therapy and Support for Cancer Patients

In cancer support groups, choice of therapy model, leadership style, and format can impact patients’ experiences and outcomes. Methodologies that illustrate the complexity of patients’ group experiences might aid in choosing group style, or testing therapeutic mechanisms. We used this naturalistic study as a beginning step to explore methods for comparing cancer group contexts by first modifying a group-experience survey to be cancer-specific (Group Experience Questionnaire (GEQ)). Hypothesizing that therapist-led (TL) would differ from non-therapist-led (NTL), we explored the GEQ’s multiple dimensions. A total of 292 patients attending three types of groups completed it: 2 TL groups differing in therapy style ((1) Supportive-Expressive (SET); (2) The Wellness Community (TWC/CSC)); (3) a NTL group. Participants rated the importance of “Expressing True Feelings” and “Discussing Sexual Concerns” higher in TL than NTL groups and “Discussing Sexual Concerns” higher in SET than other groups. They rated “Developing a New Attitude” higher in TWC/CSC compared to NTL. In addition, we depict the constellation of group qualities using radar-charts to assist visualization. These charts facilitate a quick look at a therapy model’s strengths and weaknesses. Using a measure like the GEQ and this visualization technique could enable health-service decision making about choice of therapy model to offer.