Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extensions of the Subjective Expected Utility Model

The subjective expected utility (SEU) model rests on very strong assumptions about the consistency of decision making across a wide range of situations. The descriptive validity of these assumptions has been extensively challenged by behavioral psychologists during the last few decades, and the normative validity of the assumptions has also been reappraised by many statisticians, philosophers, and economists, motivating the development of more general utility theories and decision models. These generalized models are characterized by features such as imprecise probabilities, nonlinearly weighted probabilities, source-dependent risk attitudes, and state-dependent utilities, permitting the pattern of the decision maker’s behavior to change with the decision context and to perhaps satisfy the usual SEU assumptions only locally. Recent research in the emerging field of neuroeconomics sheds light on the physiological basis of decision making, the nature of preferences and beliefs, and interpersonal differences in decision competence. These findings do not necessarily invalidate the use of SEU-based decision analysis tools, but they suggest that care needs to be taken to structure preferences and to assess beliefs and risk attitudes in a manner that is appropriate for the decision and also for the decision maker.
Improving EEG-Based Emotion Classification Using Conditional Transfer Learning

To overcome the individual differences, an accurate electroencephalogram (EEG)-based emotion-classification system requires a considerable amount of ecological calibration data for each individual, which is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Transfer learning (TL) has drawn increasing attention in the field of EEG signal mining in recent years. The TL leverages existing data collected from other people to build a model for a new individual with little calibration data. However, brute-force transfer to an individual (i.e., blindly leveraged the labeled data from others) may lead to a negative transfer that degrades performance rather than improving it. This study thus proposed a conditional TL (cTL) framework to facilitate a positive transfer (improving subject-specific performance without increasing the labeled data) for each individual. The cTL first assesses an individual’s transferability for positive transfer and then selectively leverages the data from others with comparable feature spaces. The empirical results showed that among 26 individuals, the proposed cTL framework identified 16 and 14 transferable individuals who could benefit from the data from others for emotion valence and arousal classification, respectively. These transferable individuals could then leverage the data from 18 and 12 individuals who had similar EEG signatures to attain maximal TL improvements in valence- and arousal-classification accuracy. The cTL improved the overall classification performance of 26 individuals by ~15% for valence categorization and ~12% for arousal counterpart, as compared to their default performance based solely on the subject-specific data. This study evidently demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed cTL framework for improving an individual’s default emotion-classification performance given a data repository. The cTL framework may shed light on the development of a robust emotion-classification model using fewer labeled subject-specific data toward a real-life affective brain-computer interface (ABCI).
Modeling the optimal behavior of PEV parking lots in energy and reserve market

New technologies such as Plug-in Electric Vehicles or PEVs bring new trends in areas where multi entities interact. One of these areas is the facilities in cities for better manipulation of technologies. Encouraging the utilization of PEVs necessitates the provision of charging stations. In this regard, PEV Parking Lots (PLs) can be a great help as they can solve both urban and electrical problem of PEVs. On the other hand, gathering numerous PEVs in one point like PLs provides the system operator with the opportunity of PEVs batteries that can be used as potential storages. Therefore, in this paper, the optimum behavior of PEV PLs is modeled while they contribute their batteries' capacity in both energy and reserve market. The charging schedule of PLs with various numbers of stations has been reported as well as their share in the market as an energy source during peak hours.
Layered analysis of irregular facades via symmetry maximization

We present an algorithm for hierarchical and layered analysis of irregular facades, seeking a high-level understanding of facade structures. By introducing layering into the analysis, we no longer view a facade as a flat structure, but allow it to be structurally separated into depth layers, enabling more compact and natural interpretations of building facades. Computationally, we perform a symmetry-driven search for an optimal hierarchical decomposition defined by split and layering operations applied to an input facade. The objective is symmetry maximization, i.e., to maximize the sum of symmetry of the substructures resulting from recursive decomposition. To this end, we propose a novel integral symmetry measure, which behaves well at both ends of the symmetry spectrum by accounting for all partial symmetries in a discrete structure. Our analysis results in a structural representation, which can be utilized for structural editing and exploration of building facades.
Synthesis and turnover of mitochondrial ribonucleic acid in HeLa cells: the mature ribosomal and messenger ribonucleic acid species are metabolically unstable

The synthesis rates and half-lives of the individual mitochondrial ribosomal ribonucleic acid (RNA) and polyadenylic acid-containing RNA species in HeLa cells have been determined by analyzing their kinetics of labeling with [5-3H]-uridine and the changes in specific activity of the mitochondrial nucleotide precursor pools. In one experiment, a novel method for determining the nucleotide precursor pool specific activities, using nascent RNA chains, has been utilized. All mitochondrial RNA species analyzed were found to be metabolically unstable, with half-lives of 2.5 to 3.5 h for the two ribosomal RNA components and between 25 and 90 min for the various putative messenger RNAs. A cordycepin "chase" experiment yielded half-life values for the messenger RNA species which were, in general, larger by a factor of 1.5 to 2.5 than those estimated in the labeling kinetics experiments. On the basis of previous observations, a model is proposed whereby the rate of mitochondrial RNA decay is under feedback control by some mechanism linked to RNA synthesis or processing. A short half-life was determined for five large polyadenylated RNAs, which are probably precursors of mature species. A rate of synthesis of one to two molecules per minute per cell was estimated for the various H-strand-coded messenger RNA species, and a rate of synthesis 50 to 100 times higher was estimated for the ribosomal RNA species. These data indicate that the major portion of the H-strand in each mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid molecule is transcribed very infrequently, possibly as rarely as once or twice per cell generation. Furthermore, these results are consistent with a previously proposed model of H-strand transcription in the form of a single polycistronic molecule.
Prdm Proto-Oncogene Transcription Factor Family Expression and Interaction with the Notch-Hes Pathway in Mouse Neurogenesis

Background Establishment and maintenance of a functional central nervous system (CNS) requires a highly orchestrated process of neural progenitor cell proliferation, cell cycle exit, and differentiation. An evolutionary conserved program consisting of Notch signalling mediated by basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) transcription factor activity is necessary for both the maintenance of neural progenitor cell character and the progression of neurogenesis; however, additional players in mammalian CNS neural specification remain largely unknown. In Drosophila we recently characterized Hamlet, a transcription factor that mediates Notch signalling and neural cell fate. Methodology/Principal Findings Hamlet is a member of the Prdm (PRDI-BF1 and RIZ homology domain containing) proto-oncogene transcription factor family, and in this study we report that multiple genes in the Prdm family (Prdm6, 8, 12, 13 and 16) are expressed in the developing mouse CNS in a spatially and temporally restricted manner. In developing spinal cord Prdm8, 12 and 13 are expressed in precise neuronal progenitor zones suggesting that they may specify discrete neuronal subtypes. In developing telencephalon Prdm12 and 16 are expressed in the ventricular zone in a lateral to medial graded manner, and Prdm8 is expressed in a complementary domain in postmitotic neurons. In postnatal brain Prdm8 additionally shows restricted expression in cortical layers 2/3 and 4, the hippocampus, and the amygdala. To further elucidate roles of Prdm8 and 16 in the developing telencephalon we analyzed the relationship between these factors and the bHLH Hes (Hairy and enhancer of split homolog) effectors of Notch signalling. In Hes null telencephalon neural differentiation is enhanced, Prdm8 expression is upregulated, and Prdm16 expression is downregulated; conversely in utero electroporation of Hes1 into the developing telencephalon upregulates Prdm16 expression. Conclusions/Significance Our data demonstrate that Prdm genes are regulated by the Notch-Hes pathway and represent strong candidates to control neural class specification and the sequential progression of mammalian CNS neurogenesis.
Wrapping and reasoning on relational databases with Cross

One of the challenges of the Semantic Web is to integrate the huge amount of information already available on the standard Web, usually stored in relational databases. In this paper, we propose a formalization of a logic model of relational databases, and a transformation of that model into OWL, a Semantic Web language. This transformation is implemented in Cross, as an open-source prototype. We prove a relation between the notion of legal database state and the consistency of the corresponding OWL knowledge base. We then show how that transformation can prove useful to enhance databases, and integrate them in the Semantic Web.
Emotional Distress and Posttraumatic Stress in Children Surviving The 2004 Tsunami

The Akkaraipettai village of the Nagapatinam district of Tamilnadu, India, was one of the areas most affected by the tsunami that hit the Indian Ocean on December 26, 2004. This study was conducted to assess the psychological effect of the tsunami on adolescents. The impact of the trauma was both measured and examined from a cultural perspective. The Impact of Event Scale, (IES), the Children's Revised Impact of Event Scale, (CRIES), and the Pediatric Emotional Distress Scale (PEDS) were administered to 130 subjects (69 boys and 61 girls). Results showed that the children measured high on posttraumatic stress and all three factors of the PEDS. Further, a sex difference was recorded, with females exhibiting more likelihood of trauma than males. Loss of family members significantly determined all of the factors of the IES and CRIES except intrusion.
Effects of Blood Pressure and Sex on the Change of Wave Reflection: Evidence from Gaussian Fitting Method for Radial Artery Pressure Waveform

An early return of the reflected component in the arterial pulse has been recognized as an important indicator of cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to determine the effects of blood pressure and sex factor on the change of wave reflection using Gaussian fitting method. One hundred and ninety subjects were enrolled. They were classified into four blood pressure categories based on the systolic blood pressures (i.e., ≤110, 111–120, 121–130 and ≥131 mmHg). Each blood pressure category was also stratified for sex factor. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and radial artery pressure waveforms (RAPW) signals were recorded for each subject. Ten consecutive pulse episodes from the RAPW signal were extracted and normalized. Each normalized pulse episode was fitted by three Gaussian functions. Both the peak position and peak height of the first and second Gaussian functions, as well as the peak position interval and peak height ratio, were used as the evaluation indices of wave reflection. Two-way ANOVA results showed that with the increased blood pressure, the peak position of the second Gaussian significantly shorten (P<0.01), the peak height of the first Gaussian significantly decreased (P<0.01) and the peak height of the second Gaussian significantly increased (P<0.01), inducing the significantly decreased peak position interval and significantly increased peak height ratio (both P<0.01). Sex factor had no significant effect on all evaluation indices (all P>0.05). Moreover, the interaction between sex and blood pressure factors also had no significant effect on all evaluation indices (all P>0.05). These results showed that blood pressure has significant effect on the change of wave reflection when using the recently developed Gaussian fitting method, whereas sex has no significant effect. The results also suggested that the Gaussian fitting method could be used as a new approach for assessing the arterial wave reflection.
Adaptive wavelet denoising system for speech enhancement

This paper presents a novel adaptive wavelet denoising system for speech enhancement. The procedures of the standard wavelet thresholding are improved by optimizing the adaptive algorithms. The combination of the quantile based noise estimate and the posterior SNR based threshold adjuster serves to balance the effects of noise removal and speech preservation. In order to improve the final perceptual quality, a musical noise suppression algorithm and a TEO based silent segment smoothing module are also incorporated into the system. Simulation experiments are designed to demonstrate the capability of the proposed system.
An investigation into the effect of the type IV phosphodiesterase inhibitor rolipram in the modulation of glutamate release from rat prefrontocortical nerve terminals

The present study was conducted to explore the influence of rolipram, a specific inhibitor of the phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) isoform, on glutamate release in the rat prefrontal cortex, using isolated nerve terminal (synaptosome) preparation. In prefrontocortical nerve terminals, rolipram potentiated the Ca2+‐dependent release of glutamate evoked by 4‐aminopyridine (4AP) in a concentration‐dependent manner. This potentiation of release was occluded by the activation of PKA by Sp‐cAMP or β‐adrenergic receptor agonist and prevented by the inhibition of PKA by Rp‐cAMP or KT5720, indicating a PKA‐mediated mechanism. The rolipram‐mediated potentiation of glutamate release is associated with an increase both in the 4AP‐evoked depolarization of the synaptosomal plasma membrane potential and in 4AP‐evoked Ca2+ influx into synaptosomes. Moreover, Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin‐induced glutamate release was also facilitated by rolipram. These results concluded that phosphodiesterase 4 inhibited by rolipram produces an increase in PKA activation, which subsequently enhances the voltage‐dependent Ca2+ influx by increasing terminal excitability as well as the vesicular release machinery to cause an increase in evoked glutamate release from rat prefrontocortical nerve terminals. Synapse 59:41–50, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY RESEARCH DEGREE PROPOSAL

Note: Please note that the information given in this form will only be used for processing this application. A typical PhD proposal will be somewhere between three and four thousand words (excluding references and appendices). While we do not insist on a definite layout, applicants are encouraged to keep the following in mind: i.e. about 13 pages with 1.5 spacing and leaving enough margin for comments. The theory of consumer demand has been a central topic in Economics for many years (Edgerton et al., 1996). Much effort has been exerted in bridging the gap between the pure theory of consumer behaviour and its empirical implementations. The formalised theory of consumer demand has stimulated the developments and applications of econometric methodologies. Not only has the rapid expansion of international tourism led to increasing contribution to national and global economies, it has also motivated growing interests in tourism demand analysis among academics and business practitioners. Tourism demand studies are of particularly importance for the countries/regions where tourism plays a key role, such as Hong Kong. However, those latest developments in econometric methodologies have been rarely applied to the tourism context. The limitations of the traditional methodologies employed in previous tourism demand analyses may have biased the empirical results, and more seriously, led to misleading policies. This study, therefore, aims to overcome this problem by introducing a theoretically sound and technically effective framework in tourism demand analysis.
Clothing and the Social Organization of Gender Perception: A Developmental Approach

Young girls' symbolic associations of clothing styles with behaviors and personality traits were studied in relation to developmental factors. The Measure of Attitudes Toward Clothing for Play (MACP) was used to examine how and why four different clothing styles were matched with play activities in Study 1 and traits in Study 2. Ninety-five girls, aged 2 through 10 years in the initial testing, served as subjects for Study 1; 43 of these girls participated in the longitudinal and trait components of the study four years later. Both the cross-sectional and the longitudinal data from Study 1 revealed an increased tendency with age to associate unisexual styles with physically active and aggressive play behaviors. In contrast, girls of all ages, but especially the older ones, tended to associate the frilliest clothing style with doll play. Data from Study 2 revealed a trend for traits related to interpersonal attraction (e.g., concern with appearance and popularity) to be matched with the frilliest dress, while traits related to aggression, strength, and bravery were associated with the most unisexual style (jeans). Additional data suggested that, by middle childhood, females have not only the cognitive flexibility to develop compromise choices but also the ability to interpret clothing imagery using contextual qualifications. The data are discussed in light of a framework exploring gender and clothing imagery, taking into account symbolic, cognitive, and cultural considerations.
The four faces of organizational culture

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast four different views of organizational culture. Specifically, it will compare the human relations view of culture with three more “modern” perspectives to determine whether the meaning and the research methods associated with this phenomenon has shifted over time.Design/methodology/approach – Each face of organizational culture research (human relations; software of the mind; process consultation; and appreciative inquiry) are described and critiqued. Methods utilized by researchers in their respective eras are compared and contrasted.Findings – In comparing the human relations approach to defining and researching organizational culture with the three more modern faces, one thing has become apparent: the meaning of culture, over time, has changed. It has become less a permanent, manifested phenomena, and more of a manipulable asset. It is assumed that cultures can be molded quickly and easily into whatever the organizations need. Additionally,.
Efficacy of local use of probiotics as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in chronic periodontitis and halitosis: A randomized controlled trial

Objective: Periodontitis is known to have multifactorial etiology, involving interplay between environmental, host and microbial factors. The current treatment approaches are aimed at reducing the pathogenic microorganisms. Administration of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) has emerged as a promising concept in the prevention and treatment of periodontitis. Thus, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of the local use of probiotics as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of patients with chronic periodontitis and halitosis. Methods: This is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial involving 32 systemically healthy chronic periodontitis patients. After SRP, the subjects were randomly assigned into the test and control groups. Test group (SRP + probiotics) received subgingival delivery of probiotics and probiotic mouthwash, and control group (SRP + placebo) received subgingival delivery of placebo and placebo mouthwash for 15 days. Plaque index (PI), modified gingival index (MGI), and bleeding index (BI) were assessed at baseline, 1 and 3 months thereafter, whereas probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level were assessed at baseline and after 3 months. Microbial assessment using N-benzoyl-DL-arginine-naphthylamide (BANA) and halitosis assessment using organoleptic scores (ORG) was done at baseline, 1 and 3 months. Findings: All the clinical and microbiological parameters were significantly reduced in both groups at the end of the study. Inter-group comparison of PD reduction (PDR) and clinical attachment gain (CAG) revealed no statistical significance except for PDR in moderate pockets for the test group. Test group has shown statistically significant improvement in PI, MGI, and BI at 3 months compared to control group. Inter-group comparison revealed a significant reduction in BANA in test group at 1 month. ORG were significantly reduced in test group when compared to control group. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, the present investigation showed that the adjunctive use of probiotics offers clinical benefit in terms of pocket depth reduction in moderate pockets and reduced oral malodor parameters.
Burnout and Personality

Using multiple theoretical perspectives (stress, conservation of resources, and deviance), we investigated the relationship between burnout and personality. Burnout is measured with the Maslach Burnout Inventory (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishments), and personality is captured with the Mini-Marker Inventory (extroversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, openness to experience, and emotional stability). Regression analyses controlling for demographic characteristics, based on 265 instructors of a large state university, indicated that emotional exhaustion is negatively related to extroversion and emotional stability and positively related to openness to experience. Depersonalization is negatively related to agreeableness and emotional stability. Personal accomplishments are positively related to extroversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and emotional stability. Implications of the results are discussed.