Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systemic Effects of Televised Candidates' Debates

Almost an entire generation of election survey data was pooled together from the United States and Canada to assess the systemic effects of televised debates. Four questions were posed: (1) Is there a general tendency for evaluations of candidates to improve or deteriorate after a debate? (2) Do evaluations of one candidate negatively correlate with changes in evaluations of opponents? (3) Do debates disadvantage incumbents? (4) Do debates advantage less popular candidates? Using “feeling thermometer” items to measure voter evaluations, four patterns are revealed. First, candidates generally gain points.The supposed mudslinging that characterizes a debate appears not to feed into any notion of cynicism. Instead, voters appear to gain an appreciation for the debaters. Second, a candidate's gain is not earned at the expense of those deemed to have “lost” the match. Third, a debate does not disadvantage an incumbent. A candidate with a record to defend stands about as much chance of benefiting from a debate as a challenger.And fourth, any evaluation gaps before a debate become narrower following a debate. This final effect, which is particularly true of American presidential debates, may reflect a debate's ability to raise awareness of less popular candidates.
The Elephant Man (David Lynch, EMI Films, 1980): An Analysis from a Disabled Perspective

ABSTRACT A paper that uses Foucault's ideas on normalisation and medicalisation to discuss David Lynch's The Elephant Man as a movie that dehumanises and objectifies its subject rather than one that represents abnormality/disability as human or valid in itself, as it is often claimed for the film. I analyse the methods by which the film inadvertently portrays the historical process of medicalisation and reinforces its ideology of normality as ‘common sense’ and abnormality as inhuman and ‘unbearable’ due to its pathological state rather than social construction; with the ‘Freak’/abnormality (as carnivalesque) also being examined. I consequently analyse the ambiguities of the film to show its hidden agenda (through unconscious acceptance) of placing abnormality further and further into the realms of the Other, with eugenic overtones.
Unsupervised Prediction Aggregation

Consider the scenario where votes from multiple experts utilizing different data modalities or modeling assumptions are available for a given prediction task. The task of combining these signals with the goal of obtaining a better prediction is ubiquitous in Information Retrieval (IR), Natural Language Processing (NLP) and many other areas. In IR, for instance, meta-search aims to combine the outputs of multiple search engines to produce a better ranking. In NLP, aggregation of the outputs of computer systems generating natural language translations [7], syntactic dependency parses [8], identifying intended meanings of words [1], and others has received considerable recent attention. Most existing learning approaches to aggregation address the supervised setting. However, for complex prediction tasks such as these, data annotation is a very labor intensive and time consuming process.
Electroencephalography Analysis Using Neural Network and Support Vector Machine during Sleep

The purpose of this paper is to analyze sleep stages accurately using fast and simple classifiers based on the frequency domain of electroencephalography(EEG) signal. To compare and evaluate system performance, the rules of Rechtschaffen and Kales(R&K rule) were used. Parameters were extracted from preprocessing process of EEG signal as feature vectors of each sleep stage analysis system through representatives of back propagation algorithm and support vector machine (SVM). As a result, SVM showed better performance as pattern recognition system for classification of sleep stages. It was found that easier analysis of sleep stage was possible using such simple system. Since accurate estimation of sleep state is possible through combination of algorithms, we could see the potential for the classifier to be used for sleep analysis system.
Circular motion geometry using minimal data

Circular motion or single axis motion is widely used in computer vision and graphics for 3D model acquisition. This paper describes a new and simple method for recovering the geometry of uncalibrated circular motion from a minimal set of only two points in four images. This problem has been previously solved using nonminimal data either by computing the fundamental matrix and trifocal tensor in three images or by fitting conics to tracked points in five or more images. It is first established that two sets of tracked points in different images under circular motion for two distinct space points are related by a homography. Then, we compute a plane homography from a minimal two points in four images. After that, we show that the unique pair of complex conjugate eigenvectors of this homography are the image of the circular points of the parallel planes of the circular motion. Subsequently, all other motion and structure parameters are computed from this homography in a straightforward manner. The experiments on real image sequences demonstrate the simplicity, accuracy, and robustness of the new method.
Profiling Online Social Behaviors for Compromised Account Detection

Account compromization is a serious threat to users of online social networks (OSNs). While relentless spammers exploit the established trust relationships between account owners and their friends to efficiently spread malicious spam, timely detection of compromised accounts is quite challenging due to the well established trust relationship between the service providers, account owners, and their friends. In this paper, we study the social behaviors of OSN users, i.e., their usage of OSN services, and the application of which in detecting the compromised accounts. In particular, we propose a set of social behavioral features that can effectively characterize the user social activities on OSNs. We validate the efficacy of these behavioral features by collecting and analyzing real user clickstreams to an OSN website. Based on our measurement study, we devise individual user's social behavioral profile by combining its respective behavioral feature metrics. A social behavioral profile accurately reflects a user's OSN activity patterns. While an authentic owner conforms to its account's social behavioral profile involuntarily, it is hard and costly for impostors to feign. We evaluate the capability of the social behavioral profiles in distinguishing different OSN users, and our experimental results show the social behavioral profiles can accurately differentiate individual OSN users and detect compromised accounts.
Built-in redundancy analysis for memory yield improvement

With the advance of VLSI technology, the capacity and density of memories is rapidly growing. The yield improvement and testing issues have become the most critical challenges for memory manufacturing. Conventionally, redundancies are applied so that the faulty cells can be repairable. Redundancy analysis using external memory testers is becoming inefficient as the chip density continues to grow, especially for the system chip with large embedded memories. This paper presents three redundancy analysis algorithms which can be implemented on-chip. Among them, two are based on the local-bitmap idea: the local repair-most approach is efficient for a general spare architecture, and the local optimization approach has the best repair rate. The essential spare pivoting technique is proposed to reduce the control complexity. Furthermore, a simulator has been developed for evaluating the repair efficiency of different algorithms. It is also used for determining certain important parameters in redundancy design. The redundancy analysis circuit can easily be integrated with the built-in self-test circuit.
Normative Data for an Australian Clinical Sample on the Home Situations Questionnaire — Modified Version (HSQ-M)

Abstract An extension of the Home Situations Questionnaire is described (HSQ-M), and normative data for an Australian clinical sample are reported. Reports were obtained from both female (339) and male (143) informants on 403 children aged between 3 and 12 (287 boys, 116 girls) from nine centres in Sydney. Clinicians from these centres predicted the likely findings on the HSQ-M, and their expectations were not wholly supported by the data. Boys were reported to have more problem situations than girls by fathers but not by mothers, and boys were reported as having greater situation severity than girls by mothers but not by fathers. While these differences were statistically significant, they were not clinically significant. Contrary to expectations, fathers reported similar levels of home situation difficulty to mothers. The data provide useful information for targeting situations that would meet the need of parents in parenting groups, and for supplementing the assessment tools used by clinicians working with families.
New challenges in the study of career

To address the implications for career of today’s changes in the organisation of work and labour markets, managers and counsellors need appropriate concepts, theories and methodologies. Career scholars may no longer be well placed to help. The paper notes how the range of perspectives they bring to their understanding of career fragments the field of study. Moreover, the dominant assumptions and approaches in the field are inappropriate to deal with what is taking place in it, and are being challenged by developments in the “new sciences”. The paper suggests that, to respond to these challenges, career scholars of all kinds need to engage in dialogue as they examine their assumptions and conceptualisations, and develop new research approaches. Practitioners must engage with these changes as researchers, exploring new qualitative methods, and individuals need support from their managers as they construct new identities.
Concurrent Dual Contrast for Cellular Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Gadolinium Oxide and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Rationale and Objectives. Concurrent visualization of differential targets in cellular and molecular imaging is valuable for resolving processes spatially and temporally, as in monitoring different cell subtypes. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate concurrent, dual (positive and negative) contrast visualization on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of two colocalized cell populations labeled with Gadolinium “Gd” oxide and iron “Fe” oxide nanoparticles. Materials and Methods. Human aortic endothelial cells (EC) and smooth muscle cells (SMC) were labeled with various concentrations of Gd oxide and Fe oxide, respectively. MRI on single- or mixed-cell samples was performed at 7 tesla. Proper cell phenotype expressions, cell uptake of contrast agents, and the effect of labeling on cell viability and proliferation were also determined. Results. Both contrast agents were efficiently taken up by cells, with viability and proliferation largely unaffected. On MRI, the positive contrast associated with Gd oxide-labeled EC and negative contrast associated with Fe oxide-labeled SMC discriminated the presence of each cell type, whether it existed alone or colocalized in a mixed-cell sample. Conclusion. It is feasible to use Gd oxide and Fe oxide for dual contrast and concurrent discrimination of two colocalized cell populations on MRI at 7 tesla.
CD 4-Independent Protective Cytotoxic T Cells Induced in Early Life by a Non-Replicative Delivery System Based on Virus-like Particles

The relative immaturity of the neonatal immune system limits CD4 Th1 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses, and represents a significant challenge for the development of vaccines against intracellular pathogens. In this report, we demonstrate the ability of a non-replicative delivery system based on parvovirus-like particles (VLP) to induce CTL responses in the neonatal period. A single immunization of 1-week-old BALB/c mice with recombinant VLP carrying a CD8 T cell determinant from lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (VLP-LCMV) induced antigen-specific CD8 cytotoxic T cells that were similar to those elicited by adult immunization, as assessed by cytotoxic activity, interferon (IFN)secretion, cytotoxic precursor cell frequencies, in vitro avidity for antigen and protective activity against viral challenge. These CTL responses are elicited within 2 weeks of a single immunization, in the absence of adjuvant and independently of the presence and help ate va oxic T
Localization Algorithm using Expected Hop Progress in Wireless Sensor Networks

In this paper, we propose a novel localization algorithm using expected hop progress (LAEP) to predict the positions of sensor nodes in WSNs. Our algorithm is based on a hop progress analytical model for a given network topology. By deriving relationship between node connectivity and expected-hop progress from the model, the distance between any two nodes can be accurately computed. As the distance estimation is a key issue in positioning system of WSNs, our expected-hop progress based localization algorithm also achieves reasonable performance in anchor-based WSNs with very few anchors. In addition, we considered the impact of deterministic anchor placement on the algorithm performance when the sensors are random deployed. Both grid and triangular placement of anchor nodes have been examined in this paper. Simulation results are seen to be in good agreement with the theoretical analysis and substantiate the validity of our proposed scheme LAEP
Neutron Capture in Low-Mass Asymptotic Giant Branch Stars: Cross Sections and Abundance Signatures

Recently improved information on the stellar (n, γ) cross sections of neutron magic nuclei at N = 82, and in particular of 142Nd, turn out to represent a sensitive test for models of s-process nucleosynthesis. While these data were found to be incompatible with the classical approach based on an exponential distribution of neutron exposures, they provide significantly better agreement between the solar abundance distribution of s nuclei and the predictions of models for low-mass asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. The origin of this phenomenon is identified as lying in the high neutron exposures at low neutron density obtained between thermal pulses when 13C burns radiatively in a narrow layer of a few 10-4 M☉. This effect is studied in some detail, and the influence of the currently available nuclear physics data is discussed with respect to specific further questions. In this context, particular attention is paid to a consistent description of s-process branchings in the region of the rare earth elements. It is shown that, in certain cases, the nuclear data are sufficiently accurate that the resulting abundance uncertainties can be completely attributed to stellar modeling. Thus, the s-process becomes important for testing the role of different stellar masses and metallicities as well as for constraining the assumptions used in describing the low neutron density provided by the 13C source.
Coisotropic D-branes on AdS4 x CP3 and massive deformations

We scan for massive type IIA SU(3)-structure compactifications of the type AdS4 x CP3 with internal symmetry group SO(4). This group acts on CP3 with cohomogeneity one, so that one would expect new non-homogeneous solutions. We find however that all such solutions enhance their symmetry group to Sp(2) and form, in fact, the homogeneous family first described in arXiv:0712.1396. This is in accordance with arXiv:0901.0969, which argues from the CFT-side that although new vacua with SO(4) symmetry group and N=2 supersymmetry should exist, they fall outside our ansatz of strict SU(3)-structure, and instead have genuine SU(3)x SU(3)-structure. We do find that the SO(4)-invariant description, which singles out one preferential direction in the internal space, is well-adapted for describing the embedding of AdS4-filling supersymmetric D8-branes on both the original ABJM configuration as its massive Sp(2)-symmetric deformations.Supersymmetry requires these D-branes to be of the coisotropic type, which means in particular that their world-volume gauge field must be non-trivial.
Chronic Pain Management and Being Vulnerable in Older People: A Qualitative Study

Background: With respect to high prevalence of chronic pain in the elderly, identifying factors influencing on its management process is very important. Objectives: The present study aimed to understand this management process and its setbacks in the elderly. Materials and Methods: The grounded theory approach using unstructured interviews and observation of participants were the main methods for data collection. Study participants consisted of 30 old people with chronic pain, 3 relatives, and 29 health care providers selected with purposive and theoretical sampling methods in Ahvaz. Sampling was continued until data saturation reached. Data analysis was performed concurrently with data gathering based on Strauss and Corbin’s proposed method. Data rigor (trustworthiness) was confirmed by Lincoln and Gubba’s approach. Results: Vulnerability was one of major themes extracted as parts of a Grounded Theory study results, which composed of three categories: functional impairment, disability, and limitations. Many participants had functional impairment in their mood and emotional, social, and psychological aspects and encountered a series of disabilities for doing their daily activities. Moreover, they had limitations in physical as well as environmental aspects, all of them influenced their pain management. Conclusions: Chronic pain in the elderly has often been assessed and treated inadequately; therefore, attention to their problems and limitations may be useful in developing a comprehensive caring program and managing effectively their chronic pain.
A No 44 , April 2008 Evolutionary algorithms in nonlinear model identification

Evolutionary algorithms are optimization methods wh ich basic idea lies in biological evolution. They suit well for large and complex opt imization problems. In this study, genetic algorith ms and differential evolution are used for identifying the parameters of the nonlinear fuel cell model. D ifferent versions of the algorithms are used to compare the methods and their available operators. The problem with the studied algorithms is the parameters that regul ate the development of the population. In this repo t, some suitable methodology is proposed for defining appropriate tuning parameters for the used algorith ms. The results show that the used methods suit well fo r nonlinear parameter identification but that diffe rential evolution performs a bit better on average. The res ults also show that the studied identification prob lem has a lot of local minima that are very close to each o t er and thus the optimization problem is very challenging.
Retesting of Liquefaction and Nonliquefaction Case Histories from the 1976 Tangshan Earthquake

A field investigation was performed to retest liquefaction and nonliquefaction sites from the 1976 Tangshan earthquake in China. These sites were carefully investigated in 1978 and 1979 by using standard penetration test (SPT) and cone penetration test (CPT) equipment; however, the CPT measurements are obsolete because of the now nonstandard cone that was used at the time. In 2007, a modern cone was mobilized to retest 18 selected sites that are particularly important because of the intense ground shaking they sustained despite their high fines content and/or because the site did not liquefy. Of the sites reinvestigated and carefully reprocessed, 13 were considered accurate representative case histories. Two of the sites that were originally investigated for liquefaction have been reinvestigated for cyclic failure of fine-grained soil and removed from consideration for liquefaction triggering. The most important outcome of these field investigations was the collection of more accurate data for three nonliquefaction sites that experienced intense ground shaking. Data for these three case histories is now included in an area of the liquefaction triggering database that was poorly populated and will help constrain the upper bound of future liquefaction triggering curves.
FDG-PET in patients with colorectal liver metastases.

Positron emission tomography (PET) using [F-18]-2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) has emerged as a promising diagnostic modality in recurrent colorectal cancer. Data in the literature show that the addition of FDG-PET changes patient management in up to 30% of patients with potentially resectable liver metastases, mainly by detecting previously unknown extrahepatic disease. Furthermore, FDG-PET is useful in the follow-up of patients who underwent surgical procedures of the liver, since it is sensitive in detecting residual or relapse malignancy in scarred liver tissue following both resection and local ablative techniques. For follow-up during systemic therapy, early FDG-PET appears predictive for response to therapy. FDG-PET, Computerized Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging are complimentary techniques in staging and restaging patients with advanced colorectal cancer. A combination of FDG-PET and CT scanning characteristics seems promising, and integrated PET/CT is becoming more widely available, although the exact clinical value and efficacy is not yet fully established. In addition, assessment of these modalities in joint reading sessions with radiologist, nuclear medicine physician, medical and surgical oncologists significantly impacts upon patient management. This review evaluates the potential of FDG-PET and combined PET/CT in patients with colorectal liver metastases and discusses potential future possibilities.
Who Learns What from Whom: A Review of the Policy Transfer Literature

It has always existed but there can be no doubt that the rapid growth in communications of all types since the Second World War has accelerated the process. Not surprisingly, the increase in policy transfer has led to the development of interest in the topic among students of comparative politics and public policy. This article reviews this literature which is of two types. First, there are studies which do not use the concept but which often throw considerable light on policy transfer. Second, there is a growing body of material dealing specifically with the process. Both types of study are now common. As an example, the June 1994 edition of Political Studies included two articles dealing with the issues discussed here. Walsh’s examination of exchange rate policy in France and Germany is a good representative of the first type of study. He does not discuss transfer, but shows how international capital flows gave rise to tensions in the European Monetary System which, in turn, led to policy convergence. In contrast, Coleman’s analysis of policy convergence in banking directly addressed the question of how international economic changes affect policy goals, policy content, policy instruments and policy style. The aim of this article is to present a critical review of the literature on policy transfer in order to both introduce the topic to a wider audience and contribute to its development. Our review is both narrower and broader than the major existing review by Bennett. * Bennett’s approach is broader in that he concentrates upon the general pattern of convergence between the policies adopted by nations. In contrast, our focus is more narrowly upon the transfer of specific policies as a result of strategic decisions taken by actors inside and outside government. At the same time however, our approach is broader, particularly because we: