Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Temporal factors in mental work: Effects of interrupted activities

Although interruptions are daily occurring events for most working people, little research has been done on the impacts of interruptions on workers and their performance. This study examines the e Vects of interruptions on task performance and its regulation, as well as on workers’ psychological and psychophysiological state. Two parallel experiments were carried out in the Netherlands and in Russia, using a common conceptual framework and overlapping designs. Employees with relevant work experience carried out realistic text editing tasks in a simulated o Yce environment, while the frequency and complexity of interruptions were experimentally manipulated. It was hypothesized that interruptions: (i) would cause a deterioration of performance; (ii) evoke strategies to partially compensate for this deterioration; (iii) aVect subjects’ emotions and well-being negatively; and (iv) raise the level of eVort and activation. It was also hypothesized that greater frequency and complexity of interruptions would enhance the expected e Vects. The hypotheses are only partially cone rmed. The results show that, contrary to what was expected, interruptions cause people to perform the main task faster while maintaining the level of quality. Participants develop strategies enabling them to deal e Vectively with the interruptions, while actually over-compensating the potential performance decline. Interruptions do have a negative impact on emotion and well-being, and lead to an increase of e Vort expenditure, although not to an increase in activation. Thus the improved performance is achieved at the expense of higher psychological costs. Greater complexity evoked more favourable responses among the Dutch participants and more unfavourable ones among the Russian participants. These diVerences are interpreted in terms of the participants’ professional background. The research demonstrates that the e Vects of interruptions reach beyond the execution of additional tasks and the change of work strategies. Interruptions appear to have an after-e Vect, ine uencing the workers’ subsequent readiness to perform. Detailed analysis of the activity in the interruption interval, focusing on
Learner Empowerment and Teacher Evaluations as Functions of Teacher Power Use in the College Classroom

This study tested two theoretical models of learner empowerment as a potential mediator of teacher power use and students’ ratings of instruction. Participants included 1,416 undergraduate students from four different institutions in the United States. Results of structural equation modeling provided more support for the partial mediation model than for the full mediation model, though in the final structural model, learner empowerment failed to mediate the influence of teacher power use on students’ ratings of instruction. Instead, referent, reward, and legitimate power accounted for 66% of the variance in learner empowerment, while referent, expert, and coercive power accounted for 80% of the variance in teacher evaluations. Referent power emerged as the only form of power that predicted both empowerment and evaluations.
Evolução da escolaridade esperada no Brasil ao longo do século XX

This work presents two procedures to calculate the number of years of schooling afforded by the Brazilian education system. One of the procedures is based on the rates of completion at fundamental, secondary and higher education. This procedure, which relies on knowledge of the population distribution across several age groups and on the number of graduates at each education level, was used in the estimates related to the period before 1962. The other procedure is based on the number of years of schooling declared by the adult population, made available by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), and was employed to estimate the number of years of schooling achieved by the education system in earlier periods. The good agreement between the results obtained with the two methods for the period between 1962 and 1999 demonstrates that they are consistent. The combination of the two procedures can give the results for a period of around 90 years, starting in the mid-1920s. The uncertainties of the results estimated both from fluctuations in the data used and from the numerical approximations made, are around 3%. Some of the details of the calculations are presented at the end of the work, in appendixes. The variations in the number of years of schooling, when larger than the uncertainties estimated, are associated to political, social or educational events that characterize the historical period analyzed.
Gps in Cyberspace: The Sociology of a ‘Virtual Community’

It has been argued that on-line networked communication can enable the establishment of ‘virtual communities’. Empirical data from an electronic discussion group for general medical practitioners (GPs) are used to evaluate these claims, and to explore the similarities and discrepancies between on-line and face-to-face interactions. A distinct social order for this ‘community’ is reported, and the strategies to establish this order in a textual environment are discussed. Participants went through a cycle of integration into membership, and some generated distinctive virtual identities or personae. The notion of a ‘virtual community’ is critically discussed. Participants interacted as if they were part of a community, but it is suggested that the interactions on the list are best understood as extensions of the wider social relations of general practice. The study of virtual communities may thus have relevance for wider issues of social inclusion and citizenship. The paper also includes reflections on ‘cyberethnography’, and suggestions for further research are offered.
Gluing Techniques in Calibrated Geometry

of the Dissertation Gluing Techniques in Calibrated Geometry by Yongsheng Zhang Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics Stony Brook University 2013 This thesis is concerned with the question: given a submanifold (perhaps with singularities), when is it possible to change the metric in some specific way so that the submanifold becomes homologically mass-minimizing? We studied this question for “horizontal” change of metrics and conformal change of metrics for both compact and non-compact submanifolds. We also explored cases with singularities or boundaries. The main idea is to use the theory of calibrated geometry and gluing techniques. As a special case, we confirm that any given oriented compact
The Juggling Act

This article examines how parents supported their children’s education while transitioning from welfare to work. Interviews with parents, elementary school educators, and staff at a community-based organization were conducted in an urban Tennessee community. Navigating work and parenting responsibilities was particularly challenging when children had complex needs and when parent schedules offered limited flexibility. Work and training-based knowledge, experiences, and social networks informed parent involvement beliefs and practices when a parent saw parallels between a child’s education and their job or training. This study offers implications for federal welfare and education reauthorization debates and partnerships between schools and welfare assistance programs.
Cross-View Action Recognition via a Transferable Dictionary Pair

Discriminative appearance features are effective for recognizing actions in a fixed view, but generalize poorly to changes in viewpoint. We present a method for viewinvariant action recognition based on sparse representations using a transferable dictionary pair. A transferable dictionary pair consists of two dictionaries that correspond to the source and target views respectively. The two dictionaries are learned simultaneously from pairs of videos taken at different views and aim to encourage each video in the pair to have the same sparse representation. Thus, the transferable dictionary pair links features between the two views that are useful for action recognition. Both unsupervised and supervised algorithms are presented for learning transferable dictionary pairs. Using the sparse representation as features, a classifier built in the source view can be directly transferred to the target view. We extend our approach to transferring an action model learned from multiple source views to one target view. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach on the multi-view IXMAS data set. Our results compare favorably to the the state of the art.
An optimized method of seamline detection based on A* algorithm

In this paper, an optimized method of seamline detection based on A* algorithm for orthoimage mosaicking is proposed. The difference image is generated according to the difference of grey values of the homonymous image points in the overlap region and optimized using morphological method. The seamline is detected based on the optimized A* algorithm and pyramid strategy. The method guarantees the quality of the seamline and improves the efficiency at the same time. Experimental results indicate that the seamline which is detected based on the presented method is efficient and valid to avoid crossing the non-ground areas such as buildings, ensuring the integrity of objects.
Endovascular balloon angioplasty versus stenting in patients with Takayasu arteritis

Background: Symptomatic or significant vascular lesions of Takayasu arteritis (TA) need interventions. Although percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with balloon is a less invasive and safe method, stent implantation in TA can be an alternative option. However, superiority between balloon angioplasty and stenting in TA is not conclusive. Methods: A meta-analysis comparing balloon angioplasty and stenting outcomes was performed using the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. Results: A total of 7 studies on 266 patients and 316 lesions were included. Balloon angioplasty was performed in 186 lesions and stenting in 130 lesions. There were no significant differences in the incidence of both restenosis and other complications between balloon angioplasty and stenting [odds ratio (OR) = 2.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.66–8.66, P = . 18; OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 0.49–6.65, P = . 38, respectively]. In the renal arteries, the risk of restenosis in stenting was significantly higher than that in balloon angioplasty (OR = 4.40, 95% CI = 2.14–9.02, P < .001). The clinical efficacy of improving renal hypertension between balloon angioplasty and stenting at the renal artery lesions was similar (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.28–1.51, P = .31); however, acute vascular complications were significantly fewer in stenting than in balloon angioplasty (OR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.02–0.29, P < .001). Conclusion: This meta-analysis found that balloon angioplasty can yield better results in renal artery interventions than stenting. Nonetheless, it is desirable to avoid vessel dissections during balloon angioplasty, which can eventually require stent implantations.
Proteomic analysis of protein S‐nitrosylation

Nitric oxide (NO) produces covalent PTMs of specific cysteine residues, a process known as S‐nitrosylation. This route is dynamically regulated and is one of the major NO signalling pathways known to have strong and dynamic interactions with redox signalling. In agreement with this scenario, binding of NO to key cysteine groups can be linked to a broad range of physiological and pathological cellular events, such as smooth muscle relaxation, neurotransmission and neurodegeneration. The characterization of S‐nitrosylated residues and the functional relevance of this protein modification are both essential information needed to understand the action of NO in living organisms. In this review, we focus on recent advances in this field and on state‐of‐the‐art proteomic approaches which are aimed at characterizing the S‐nitrosylome in different biological backgrounds.
Tracking Epidemics with State-space SEIR and Google Flu Trends

In this paper we use Google Flu Trends data together with a sequential surveillance model based on the state-space methodology, to track the evolution of an epidemic process over time. We embed a classical mathematical epidemiology model (a susceptible-exposed-infectedrecovered (SEIR) model) within the state-space framework, thereby allowing the SEIR dynamics to change through time. The implementation of this model is based on a particle ltering algorithm, which learns about the epidemic process sequentially through time, and provides updated estimated odds of a pandemic with each new surveillance data point. We show how our approach, in combination with sequential Bayes factors, can serve as an on-line diagnostic tool for inuenza pandemic. We take a close look at the Google Flu Trends data describing the spread of u in the US during 2003-2009, in New Zealand during 2006-2009, and in nine separate US states chosen to represent a wide range of health care and emergency system strengths and weaknesses.
Mapping the Terrain

Opportunities for K-12 students to choose virtual and blended learning experiences continue to grow. All 50 states including Washington, D.C., now offer some virtual experience in K-12 education. Of these, 40 states have state virtual schools or state-led online learning initiatives. In addition, federal and state support for this type of learning continues to expand. Field experiences are beginning to be available for virtual school teachers; however, little information is available on field experiences for pre-service administrators in virtual K-12 settings. This study provides a status report on the state of school administrator preparation for K-12 online and blended learning programs in the United States. This research was conducted by surveying initial certification Educational Leadership programs regarding the extent that pre-service administrators are exposed to K-12 online learning environments. Results indicate that very few Educational Leadership programs provide any administrator preparation for leading a K-12 virtual school or teachers of online courses. Important ramifications exist for Educational Leadership programs preparing educators to lead fully online and blended learning programs.
Visible Acts of Meaning

The authors propose that dialogue in face-to-face interaction is both audible and visible; language use in this setting includes visible acts of meaning such as facial displays and hand gestures. Several criteria distinguish these from other nonverbal acts: (a) They are sensitive to a sender-receiver relationship in that they are less likely to occur when an addressee will not see them, (b) they are analogically encoded symbols, (c) their meaning can be explicated or demonstrated in context, and (d) they are fully integrated with the accompanying words, although they may be redundant or nonredundant with these words. For these particular acts, the authors eschew the term nonverbal communication because it is a negative definition based solely on physical source. Instead, they propose an integrated message model in which the moment-by-moment audible and visible communicative acts are treated as a unified whole.
Service sector in terms of changing environment Spatial planning and sustainable tourism as basis for developing competitive tourist destinations

It becomes evident that the increase and expansion of tourism markets, also the creation of larger and more numerous tourist destinations, or the growth of the overall tourism industry which is expected to advance in the coming decades as never before, will cause enormous effects on the economy, cultural identity, as well as on the physical environment. It is required on a global level, to adequately distribute the development of tourism resorts and destinations, as well as to deal with the dangers that can arise and are related to overcrowding which can cause unsustainable development of the most visited and most attractive tourism places. The aim of the paper is to present the importance of the contemporary changes in tourism which requires adaptation of all participants in the creation of the tourism offer in given destinations. The destinations start to be considered as complex wholes with an aim to ensure competitiveness on the tourism market. Sustainable tourism has become a separate category of selective tourism offer. Destinations become to be a set of joint tourism products and services, which implies the active participation of all stakeholders. New concepts for achieving competitiveness have been developed such as: development of sustainable destinations, destination management planning and implementation of integrated quality management. © 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality
Specific interaction of IHF with RIBs, a class of bacterial repetitive DNA elements located at the 3′ end of transcription units.

The prokaryotic REP (repetitive extragenic palindromes) or PU (palindromic units) sequences are often associated with other repetitive elements, forming arrangements which have been called ‘BIMEs’ (bacterial interspersed mosaic elements). It is estimated that the Escherichia coli chromosome carries approximately 300‐500 BIMEs, whose biological role is at present unknown. We have identified a family of BIMEs consisting of two converging REP sequences flanking a 35 bp conserved segment which carries a static DNA bend and a binding site for IHF, the integration host factor of E.coli. We estimate that the E.coli genome harbors approximately 100 copies of this module, which we name ‘RIB’ (reiterative ihf BIME). We have analyzed by gel retardation and by footprinting the in vitro interaction of IHF with individual RIBs, and shown that the protein binds strongly and specifically to their center. We have also demonstrated binding of IHF to the chromosomal population of RIBs, using a new approach which combines two‐dimensional bandshift and Southern blotting. RIB elements are at the end of transcription units, and thus define a new class of ihf sites. Possible implications for genome structure and DNA topology are discussed.
A Skeleton/Cage Hybrid Paradigm for Digital Animation

Digital animators require simple tools and techniques that allow them to create computer animations in an easy, fast and intuitive way. To perform this kind of task, several methods are available, like cagebased or skeleton-based skinning. Cages and skeletons allow animators to define mesh deformation in order to obtain a character pose. Both of them have different pros and cons, and different expressive power. We aim to create a new skinning technique using a skeleton/cage hybrid paradigm that merges together the expressive power of both of them, reducing the complexity of pose definition and making the animation pipeline more simple, intuitive and straightforward.
Plasma disappearance, urine excretion, and tissue distribution of ribavirin in rats and rhesus monkeys

Ribavirin has been shown to have broad-spectrum antiviral. To study its tissue distribution and disappearance rate, a single dose of 10 mg/kg which contained 10 microCi of [14C]ribavirin was injected intravenously into rhesus monkeys and intramuscularly into monkeys and rats. Except for peak plasma concentrations and the initial phases of the plasma disappearance and urine excretion curves, no significant difference was observed between plasma, tissue, or urine values for intramuscularly or intravenously injected monkeys. Plasma disappearance curves were triphasic; plasma concentrations of ribavirin were similar for both monkeys and rats. Rats excreted ribavirin in the urine more rapidly and to a greater extent (82% excreted in 24 h) than did monkeys (60% excreted in 72 h). In the rat, only 3% of the injected [14C]ribavirin was detected in expired CO2. Therefore, for both species, urine was the major route for the elimination of labeled ribavirin and its metabolites from the body. In monkeys, the amount of parent drug in blood cells increased through 48 h and remained stable for 72 h, whereas in rats, ribavirin decreased at a rate similar to the plasma disappearance curve. Concentrations of ribavirin at 8 h were consistently higher in monkeys than in rats for all tissues except the brain. Thus, these differences in blood cellular components and organ content and in urine excretion suggested that there was greater tissue retention of ribavirin in monkeys than in rats.
Luminosity Profiles of Resolved Young Massive Clusters

Young massive clusters (YMCs) differ markedly from old globular clusters in featuring extended, rather than tidally truncated, envelopes. Their projected- luminosity profiles are well fit by Elson-Fall-Freeman (EFF) models with core radii of 0.3 pc < r_c < 8 pc and power-law envelopes of negative exponent 2 < gamma < 3.8. These envelopes form within the first few 10^6 yr and last ~10^8 to 10^9.5 yr, depending on the environment. Many young massive clusters show clumpy substructure that may accelerate their initial relaxation. The cores of Magellanic-Cloud clusters show universal expansion from r_c < 1 pc at birth to r_c = 2 - 3 pc after 10^8 yr, but then seem to evolve along two bifurcating branches in a r_c-log(age) diagram. The lower branch can be explained by mass-loss driven core expansion during the first 10^9 yr, followed by slow core contraction and the onset of core collapse due to evaporation. The upper branch, which shows continued core expansion proportional to logarithmic age, remains unexplained. There is strong evidence for rapid mass segregation in young clusters, yet little evidence for top-heavy IMFs or primordial mass segregation. Finally, YMCs show similar structure throughout the Local Group and as far away as we can resolve them (<~20 Mpc).
The Effect of Consciousness-Raising Tasks on Iranian Elementary EFL Learners' Syntax Acquisition

This study was carried out to examine the effect of consciousness-raising tasks on the syntax acquisition of Iranian elementary EFL learners. To this end, a Cambridge Key English Test (KET) was administered to 85 elementary level learners at a Language Institute in Tehran, Iran. From among these learners, 60 homogeneous subjects were selected and divided into control group and experimental group. Before starting the treatment, a pretest was administered to both groups and t-test results showed no significant difference in their information about the grammatical structures under study. Then, the control group learned these structures traditionally whereas the experimental group worked on a sequence of consciousness-raising tasks. At the end, all subjects in both groups were post tested to check the progress they made after receiving the treatment. The results of the analysis of data showed that the experimental group outperformed the control group on the posttest.
Independent perfect domination sets in Cayley graphs

In this paper, we show that a Cayley graph for an abelian group has an independent perfect domination set if and only if it is a covering graph of a complete graph. As an application, we show that the hypercube Qn has an independent perfect domination set if and only if Qn is a regular covering of the complete graph Kn+1 if and only if n = 2m − 1 for some natural number m. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Graph Theory 37: 213–219, 2001
Social proximity in Swedish mother-daughter and mother-son interactions in infancy

This study investigated free play interactions between 20 Swedish mothers and their infants (11 boys and nine girls) at 9 and 14 months of age. Higher degrees of social proximity within mother-daughters dyads were found, as compared to mother-son dyads. Mothers with daughters also displayed more physical contact at 9 months and scored higher on maternal sensitivity at 14 months, as compared to mothers of boys. Higher degrees of social promixity (combined infant and mother scores) were found at 14 months of age, as compared to 9 months. These findings suggest that despite the high level of gender equality promoted in Swedish society, Swedish mothers treat girls differently from boys.