Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Work Setting and Employee Behaviour

It is argued that the behaviour of organizational members is influenced to a large extent by characteristics of their work settings. Furthermore, since individuals must change their behaviour in order for organizational improvement to occur, planned organizational change can be viewed as an attempt to change organizational work setting characteristics such that individuals will adopt new, desirable behaviours. Based on these premisses, explores the relationship between organizational work settings and behaviour. In particular, three work setting features that are often the target of intervention activity – goals, managerial behaviour, and job designs – are examined regarding their relationships with a set of employee behaviours relevant to planned organizational change and, potentially, organizational performance. Only goals demonstrate a significant relationship with the frequency of these behaviours. Furthermore, the three work setting variables do not appear to have an interactive effect on behaviour.
WebFML: synthesizing feature models everywhere

Feature Models (FMs) are the de-facto standard for documenting, model checking, and reasoning about the configurations of a software system. This paper introduces WebFML a comprehensive environment for synthesizing FMs from various kinds of artefacts (e.g. propositional formula, dependency graph, FMs or product comparison matrices). A key feature of WebFML is an interactive support (through ranking lists, clusters, and logical heuristics) for choosing a sound and meaningful hierarchy. WebFML opens avenues for numerous practical applications (e.g., merging multiple product lines, slicing a configuration process, reverse engineering configurable systems).
An Effective Treatment of Dark Lip by Frequency‐Doubled Q‐Switched Nd:YAG Laser

BACKGROUND Dark lip is a common cosmetic problem in Southeast Asia. There is no known effective treatment. OBJECTIVE To propose an effective method for treating dark lips of varying causes with frequency-doubled Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. METHODS Seventy patients with dark lip, of which 22 were congenital, 24 acquired, and 24 of uncertain cause, were treated by frequency-doubled Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at a fluence of 2–3.5 J/cm2 (mode 2.5 J/cm2) after application of topical anesthesia. The endpoint of treatment was complete clearance of the pigment. Follow-up time was 24–36 months (mean 29 months). RESULTS All patients attained complete clearance of the lesion after an average of 2.5 treatments in the congenital group, 2.2 treatments in the acquired group, and 1.8 treatments in the group with uncertain etiology. The mean (±SD) number of treatments required by the whole group was 2.1 ± 1.4. Recurrence was observed in one case of congenital origin 3 months after the last treatment. In the remaining cases, results persisted up to the time of follow-up. Herpes simplex reactivation was noted in one case 3 days after treatment. There was no dyschromia, scar formation, or change of skin texture. CONCLUSION Dark lip can be effectively treated by frequency-doubled Q-switched Nd:YAG laser without major adverse effects.
A Web Survey on the Use of Active Learning to Support Annotation of Text Data

As supervised machine learning methods for addressing tasks in natural language processing (NLP) prove increasingly viable, the focus of attention is naturally shifted towards the creation of training data. The manual annotation of corpora is a tedious and time consuming process. To obtain high-quality annotated data constitutes a bottleneck in machine learning for NLP today. Active learning is one way of easing the burden of annotation. This paper presents a first probe into the NLP research community concerning the nature of the annotation projects undertaken in general, and the use of active learning as annotation support in particular.
Learning Markov Logic Networks via Functional Gradient Boosting

Recent years have seen a surge of interest in Statistical Relational Learning (SRL) models that combine logic with probabilities. One prominent example is Markov Logic Networks (MLNs). While MLNs are indeed highly expressive, this expressiveness comes at a cost. Learning MLNs is a hard problem and therefore has attracted much interest in the SRL community. Current methods for learning MLNs follow a two-step approach: first, perform a search through the space of possible clauses and then learn appropriate weights for these clauses. We propose to take a different approach, namely to learn both the weights and the structure of the MLN simultaneously. Our approach is based on functional gradient boosting where the problem of learning MLNs is turned into a series of relational functional approximation problems. We use two kinds of representations for the gradients: clause-based and tree-based. Our experimental evaluation on several benchmark data sets demonstrates that our new approach can learn MLNs as good or better than those found with state-of-the-art methods, but often in a fraction of the time.
THE PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE. A DELINEATION OF ITS SCOPE AND BOUNDARIES

There is currently going on in our institutions of higher learning a worrisome conflation of the philosophy of science with some other areas of research especially the history of science, the sociology of science and science education. There are a number of reasons for this anomaly. The most pathetic is the conflation done because of lucre: the sordid material or pecuniary gain to be made from doing so. Sometimes the conflation arises from the confusion of a task of the philosophy of science to foster the unity of the sciences. Practitioners of such other sciences often tend to conflate the philosophy of science and the science. Sometimes the conflation arises from confusing the philosophy of science with its essential tool, the history of science. Historians of science often conflate philosophy of science and history of science. I suspect, however, that the more serious reason for most of the conflations is ignorance of the philosophy of science as a discipline on its own right. Whatever the reason for the conflation, this paper as the theme states, has the objective to delineate the scope and boundary of the philosophy of science and this implies establishing the objects, methodology and definition of the philosophy of science. This paper fills the need to present the philosophy of science as a distinct discipline, standing on its own rights, which does not need to be fused with any other discipline.
Basic Service Delivery A Quantitative Survey Approach

This paper introduces a new quantitative approach to evaluating the delivery of public services. The paper combines a general discussion of the main features, strengths, limitations, and potential uses of tracing studies and Quantitative Service Delivery Surveys (QSDSs) with insights from past and ongoing applications of these tools. The paper is intended to stimulate discussion and to serve as a guide to those who want to do work in this field. The second part of the paper contains an empirical application of the QSDS approach to evaluate costs, quality, and incentives in the primary health care system. The emphasis is on the process of survey design and implementation. The paper warns that unless carefully planned, surveys of service delivery can easily fall prey to the very same problems, which they set out to measure. The key lesson to draw from this paper is that QSDSs and tracing studies require considerable time, commitment, and adequate funding, as well as careful consensus-building among in-country stakeholders.
A MALLEABLE DEVICE WITH APPLICATIONS TO SONIFICATION-BASED DATA EXPLORATION

This article introduces a novel human computer interaction device, developed in the scope of a Master’s Thesis. The device allows continuous localized interaction by providing a malleable interaction surface. Diverse multi-finger as well as multi-handed manipulations can be applied. Furthermore, the device acts as a tangible user interface object, integrated into a tangible computing framework called tDesk. Software to convert the malleable element’s shape into an internal surface representation has been developed. Malleable interactions are applied to a new Modelbased Sonification approach for exploratory data analysis. Highdimensional data are acoustically explored via their informative interaction sound in result to the user’s excitation.
Relay power allocation schemes for multiuser cooperative communication

This paper investigates the power allocation algorithms based on convex theory for multiuser multi-relay amplify-and-forward (AAF) wireless cooperative network. In this system, there are multiple single-antenna users to communicate with one destination with the help of multiple relay nodes at the same time. In order to guarantee the quality-of-service (QoS) for all the users and reduce the power consumption, we propose two relay power allocation strategies, one is to minimize the total relay transmission power and the other is to maximize the minimum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) among all the users. Simulation results and analysis demonstrate the efficiency and fairness of our proposed strategies.
Stat-Tool : An Extensible and Distributed Object-OrientedStatistical Tool for Discrete Event

In this paper, we describe Stat-Tool, a new object-oriented framework for statistical analysis. Stat-Tool can be seen as an independent stream-processor, dynamically performing analyses on sample-streams. This client/stream-processor architecture allows to easily extend the tool (adding a new statistical capability simply consists in developing and registering a separate module) and to clearly dissociate the statistical code from the simulation code. In order to cope with today's simulations, Stat-Tool can dynamically distribute the analyses on heterogeneous computers. Performances are further increased with buuering and mapping techniques. Stat-Tool is implemented as a C or C++ library, and comes in 2 versions: one for local execution only and the distributed one. The distributed version uses PVM3 for communication.
ABC of transfusion. Human albumin solutions.

*In 20% albumin, the sodium content/g albumin is about a quarter of that in the other products. Human albumin solutions were developed in the United States during the second world war to provide an alternative to blood or dried plasma for resuscitating military casualties. The method by which comparatively pure albumin solutions were produced from large quantities of pooled donor plasma by cold ethanol fractionation is still the basis for the production of almost all albumin products for clinical use. Albumin solutions contain no bactericide or antibiotic. The final product is sterilised by filtration and then heated for 10 hours at 59 5-60 5°C to inactivate any contaminating viruses. Before issue the bottles are held for at least two weeks at 30-32°C and examined for evidence of bacterial contamination. The rigorous application of these standards has contributed to the excellent safety record of albumin products. Albumin solutions (stabilised plasma protein solution and plasma protein fraction) are available from the National Blood Transfusion Services, which have two manufacturing plants in the United Kingdom, and from commercial suppliers.
Fibrillin-2, tenascin-C, matrilin-2, and matrilin-4 are strongly expressed in the epithelium of human granular and lattice type I corneal dystrophies

Purpose To determine the extracellular matrix proteins involved in the formation of human granular and lattice type I corneal stromal dystrophies, the expression patterns of fibrillin-2, tenascin-C, matrilin-2, and matrilin-4 were compared in human corneal stromal dystrophy samples. Methods Ten cases of granular dystrophy, 7 cases of lattice dystrophy, and 6 normal corneal buttons collected during corneal transplantation were examined for their expression patterns of fibrillin-2, tenascin-C, matrilin-2, and matrilin-4 by immunohistochemistry. Results Highly elevated fibrillin-2, tenascin-C, matrilin-2, and matrilin-4 were observed in the epithelial layer of both granular and lattice type I dystrophies. Fibrillin-2, tenascin-C, and matrilin-4 in the granular dystrophy and all antibodies in the lattice dystrophy showed statistically significant staining in the corneal stroma (p<0.05). Interestingly, fibrillin-2, matrilin-2, and matrilin-4 stained significantly in amyloid plaques of lattice type 1 dystrophy. Conclusions Fibrillin-2, tenascin-C, matrilin-2, and matrilin-4 may be markers of the pathogenesis of either granular or lattice type I corneal dystrophy, as revealed by immunohistochemical analysis. Each molecule seems to be involved in the regeneration and reorganization of the corneal matrix in granular and lattice type I dystrophies.
Examining day centre provision for older people in the UK using the Equality Act 2010: findings of a scoping review.

This article reports the findings from a literature review of day care services undertaken during March-June 2012 and repeated in May 2013. The databases searched included AgeInfo, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, Social Care Online, Web of Science and the publication platform Ingenta Connect as well as specialist older people's sites. It discusses these findings in the context of services for older people in the UK, defined as those aged 65 years and over. The aim of the scoping review was to identify what is known about how day services (here confined to congregate day care or day centres) will meet the challenges posed by the Equality Act 2010 in supporting different user groups, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender older people or older people from minority ethnic groups. The review found that research on all aspects of day services was limited and that information about older people using such services was often provided context-free. It concludes that those funding or evaluating day services' support to diverse groups of older people need to urgently address matters such as differential access and differential views about specific services.
Efficient rank minimization to tighten semidefinite programming for unconstrained binary quadratic optimization

We propose a method for low-rank semidefinite programming in application to the semidefinite relaxation of unconstrained binary quadratic problems. The method improves an existing solution of the semidefinite programming relaxation to achieve a lower rank solution. This procedure is computationally efficient as it does not require projecting on the cone of positive-semidefinite matrices. Its performance in terms of objective improvement and rank reduction is tested over multiple graphs of large-scale Gset graph collection and over binary optimization problems from the Biq Mac collection.
Combined smart-charging and frequency regulation for fleets of plug-in electric vehicles

In this paper, a co-optimization of smart-charging and frequency regulation for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle aggregator is proposed. To this end, a day-ahead charging scheduling algorithm that minimizes costs and avoids network overloading while leaving enough flexibility to provide regulation is described. Then, a decentralized approach for the real-time dispatch of the regulation signal is introduced, based on the broadcast of a probability signal. The results show that the aggregated vehicle fleet can contribute significantly to regulation reserves with high response accuracy.
Energy-Efficient Web Server Load Balancing

Rising energy costs and negative environmental impact resulting from the generation of electricity, particularly when relying on fossil fuels, increase the need for energy-efficient computing. In addition to the optimization of hardware devices, the use of sophisticated software solutions for reducing energy consumption is an important area of current research. Distributing the load among servers for performance optimization is a well-researched area. There is a large potential to reduce energy consumption with similar techniques. In this paper, we examine the application of energy-efficient load-balancing (or unbalancing) strategies for web server requests sent to a web server farm. Single requests usually lead to small fractions of performance need. They are quite suited for strategies relying on the assumption of a fully divisible load. We show that we are able to reduce the power consumption continuously for replays of Wikipedia access traces. Eventually, we are able to reduce the energy consumption in web server farms, significantly.
Towards a vitalist holism: Deleuze's Theory of Assemblage

In this paper, we propose and evaluate an epistemology of systems thinking in relation to the vitalism of social systems and to develop systems approach for understanding the vitalist holism by construing the emergence and reproduction of social and organizational systems of the ‘civilizing process’ as non-linear and rhizomic events. We present and appreciate Deleuze’s theory of an assemblage in order to explore social and organizational complexities as researchers rethink the value of ‘systems thinking’ through the unfolding process of problematization in terms of virtualities and actualities. It allows participants to be ‘critical thinkers’ on the given situations. To be critical thinkers, what is important for the process of action learning and research is not so on what is true of ‘scientific knowledge’ being appreciated, but it is on our thought and learning to what the ‘practical and discursive knowledge’ produces in particular, contingent contexts. In this sense, we reappreciate the value of Deleuze theory of assemblage theory towards understanding of the ‘vitalism’ of social systems, which are evolved from the continuity and transformation of the relationships between life and (non) living bodies.
Experiments on incorporating syntactic processing of user queries into a document retrieval strategy

Traditional information has relied on the extensive use of statistical parameters in the implementation of retrieval strategies. This paper sets out to investigate whether linguistic processes can be used as part of a document retrieval strategy. This is done by predefining a level of syntactic analysis of user queries only, to be used as part of the retrieval process. A large series of experiments on an experimental test collection are reported which use a parser for noun phrases as part of the retrieval strategy. The results obtained from the experiments do yield improvements in the level of retrieval effectiveness and given the crude linguistic process used and the way it was used on queries and not on document texts, suggests that the approach of using linguistic processing in retrieval, is valid.
Inhibition by Drebrin of the Actin‐Bundling Activity of Brain Fascin, a Protein Localized in Filopodia of Growth Cones

Abstract: The purification of drebrin, an actin‐binding protein that is specifically expressed in embryonic rat brain, was described previously. During the purification of drebrin, we found that an actin‐binding protein of 54 kDa was also expressed at high levels in embryonic brain, and this protein was identified by immunoblotting as fascin. To explore the roles of fascin in brain development, we purified fascin from brains of infant rats and characterized it. We found that the actin‐binding activity of fascin was strongly inhibited by drebrin. Fascin caused formation of actin bundles, a process that was inhibited in the presence of drebrin, as confirmed by electron microscopy and a low‐speed centrifugation assay. In PC12 cells, fascin was localized in the filopodia of growth cones, whereas drebrin was localized in the basal region of growth cones. Our results suggest that fascin might play an important role in the organization of actin in filopodia and that this organization might be regulated by drebrin.
Using Language in Social Activities at Home. A Study of Interaction between Caregivers and Children with and without Disabilities

Doctoral dissertation in g eneral linguistics at Göteborg University, Sweden, 2006 Title: Using Language in Social Activities at Home: A Study of Interaction between Caregivers and Children with and without Disabilities. Author: Ulrika Ferm. Language: English. Department: Department of Linguistics, Göteborg University, Box 200, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden. Series: Gothenburg Monographs in Linguistics 31. ISBN 91-975752-4-0. The study examines interactions between young school age children with and without disabilities and their caregivers in social activities at home. The purpose of the study is to investigate the relationship between activities and interaction in dyads of caregivers and children with severe restrictions in speech and motor functions, to study the dyads' use of communication aids and to reflect upon possibilities for development of the children's language, cognition and self-identity. Two focus dyads including children with severe impairments and caregivers and two comparison dyads including children without impairments and caregivers participate in the study. The material comprises 38 video recordings of focus and comparison dyads interacting in five activity types, mealtime, game, drawing, teeth brushing and story reading. Different sub-sets of data are involved in four sub-studies that explore how the dyads handle activities, communicate and fulfill different interaction goals. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are used. The communication of the focus dyads is mostly unaided and is in all respects, except concerning the fulfillment of goals relating to immediate needs and intimacy, more restricted than communication in the comparison dyads. There is cooperation and success within the focus dyads with respect to the perceptually salient, but communication rarely extends beyond the here and now. In this regard, use of Blissymbolics makes a difference. In particular, the focus dyads are disadvantaged in relation to the activities (mealtime, drawing and teeth brushing) that offer the comparison dyads the best opportunities to engage in extended discourse. The focus children function within developmental zones that do not match their cognitive capabilities. Focus caregivers guide their children concerning existing functions but offer little guidance towards more challenging communication. Focus children, in contrast to comparison children, have few means to guide their own participation. Use of Blissymbolics enables communication that may not be possible using natural communication modes only. However, in some activities it may not be relevant to use a communication aid. The present analyses suggest that apart from integrating communication aids with naturally occurring activities, dyads like the present focus dyads need to construct activities that primarily focus on communication.
Narcissism : exploring narcissism, age, fragility of self-esteem, and verbal aggression in Irish university students

The study aimed to explore the relationship between Age, Narcissism, Verbal Aggression, and the Fragility of Self-Esteem in Irish university students. Studies suggest that narcissism is a growing social issue and is related to aggression. A mixed quasi-experimental design was used to create mild frustration in the experimental group based on a difficult timed task. Questionnaires were used as standardised measure of the variables and a exploratory qualitative measure was used. The analysis found that narcissism was a significant predictor of verbal Aggression. The self-esteem of the participants was significantly altered by the task but not in the manner assumed. The findings support the current research on this subject and the population sample could explain the more inconsistent results.