Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analyzing Debaters’ Persuasiveness on Change My View Master’s Thesis

Existing work on persuasion analysis in online discussions concentrates on the comments of each discussion individually, disregarding debater-level analysis over the course of multiple discussions. In this thesis, we propose to quantify the persuasion of debaters in the online discussion forum: ‘Change My View’. Accordingly, we first group debaters based on their effectiveness in persuasion. Then, we analyze their argumentative text content based on its lexical, syntactical, semantic, and pragmatic attributes. These attributes are exploited to find diverse insights about debaters’ effective persuasive strategies. We also model the evolution of the persuasion strategies of debaters as they gain experience. Besides, we extend existing studies on modeling persuasiveness in CMV by proposing a classification task for debater’s persuasion effectiveness. Based on various features at the lexical, syntactical, semantic, and pragmatic levels, we implement a new approach and evaluate it against a strong baseline.
Effects of CNTs in polymer nanocomposite pillars fabricated through Two-Photon Polymerization

Effects of CNTs in polymer nanocomposite pillars fabricated through Two-Photon Polymerization Amanda Daokoon Inthavong Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Prof. Eleftheria Roumeli Department of Material Science and Engineering In recent decades, advancements in the synthesis and manufacturing of carbon nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have made such materials excellent candidates for reinforcing polymers, providing substantial contributions to the field of polymer nanocomposites. CNTs have been widely used in areas such as electronic devices, automotive, and the aerospace sectors to name a few. They offer excellent electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties making it a strong candidate as a nanofiller for polymer composites. Combining this material with the emergence of direct laser writing using 2-photon polymerization (2PP), we can now begin studying and understanding nanostructured nanocomposites. 2PP enables us the design freedom to create niche structures and provide theoretically unlimited component complexity. Therefore, opening the area of nano-architected materials.
Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University Graph based optimization for multiagent cooperation Graph based optimization for multiagent cooperation

We address the problem of solving math programs defined over a graph where nodes represent agents and edges represent interaction among agents. The objective and constraint functions of this program model the task agent team must perform and the domain constraints. In this multiagent setting, no single agent observes the complete objective and all the constraints of the program. Thus, we develop a distributed message-passing approach to solve this optimization problem. We focus on the class of graph structured linear and quadratic programs (LPs/QPs) which can model important multiagent coordination frameworks such as distributed constraint optimization (DCOP). For DCOPs, our framework models functional constraints among agents (e.g. resource, network flow constraints) in a much more tractable fashion than previous approaches. Our iterative approach has several desirable properties—it is guaranteed to find the optimal solution for LPs, converges for general cyclic graphs, and is memory efficient making it suitable for resource limited agents, and has anytime property. Empirically, our approach provides solid empirical results on several standard benchmark problems when compared against previous approaches.
PySQIF, a Statistical Analysis Tool for Bi-SQUID Magnetometers

Superconductor loops with Josephson junctions such as SQUIDs and Bi-SQUID have unique properties that can be used as quantum accurate magnetometers, amplifiers, and many more applications. However, due to quantum interference between junctions and their nonlinear nature, their interaction with magnetic fields is hard to analyze. In this work, we introduce an open-source library titled PySQIF that determines the voltage response of the SQUIDs and Bi-SQUIDs in the presence of the external magnetic flux and can determine the design parameter margins by a statistical approach. This library was used to design and fabricate a Bi-SQUID magnetometer.
Turbulence and Accretion: A High-resolution Study of the B5 Filaments

High-resolution observations of the Perseus B5 “core” have previously revealed that this subsonic region actually consists of several filaments that are likely in the process of forming a quadruple stellar system. Since subsonic filaments are thought to be produced at the ∼0.1 pc sonic scale by turbulent compression, a detailed kinematic study is crucial to test such a scenario in the context of core and star formation. Here we present a detailed kinematic follow-up study of the B5 filaments at a 0.009 pc resolution using the VLA and GBT combined observations fitted with multicomponent spectral models. Using precisely identified filament spines, we find a remarkable resemblance between the averaged width profiles of each filament and Plummer-like functions, with filaments possessing FWHM widths of ∼0.03 pc. The velocity dispersion profiles of the filaments also show decreasing trends toward the filament spines. Moreover, the velocity gradient field in B5 appears to be locally well ordered (∼0.04 pc) but globally complex, with kinematic behaviors suggestive of inhomogeneous turbulent accretion onto filaments and longitudinal flows toward a local overdensity along one of the filaments.
The Polynomial Eigenvalue Problem

In this thesis, we consider polynomial eigenvalue problems. We extend results on eigenvalue and eigenvector condition numbers of matrix polynomials to condition numbers with perturbations measured with a weighted Frobenius norm. We derive an explicit expression for the backward error of an approximate eigenpair of a matrix polynomial written in homogeneous form. We consider structured eigenvalue condition numbers for which perturbations have a certain structure such as symmetry, Hermitian or sparsity. We also obtain explicit and/or computable expressions for the structured backward error of an eigenpair. We present a robust implementation of the HZ (or HR) algorithm for symmetric generalized eigenvalue problems. This algorithm has the advantage of preserving pseudosymmetric tridiagonal forms. It has been criticized for its numerical instability. We propose an implementation of the HZ algorithm that allows stability in most cases and comparable results with other classical algorithms for ill conditioned problems. The HZ algorithm is based on the HR factorization, an extension of the QR factorization in which the H factor is hyperbolic. This yields us to the sensitivity analysis of hyperbolic factorizations.
Abrupt climate change and millennial-scale cycles: an astronomical 1 mechanism 2

Contributing to the poor understanding of abrupt climate change is the lack of a known mechanism for a ~1470-yr 7 quasi-periodicity, leading to debates as to its existence. This oscillation is associated with the controversial Bond cycle, which 8 has been by some as stochastic resonance, and is a harmonic resonating with Heinrich, Dansgaard-Oeschger ice-rafting debris 9 events, as well as millennial-scale ENSO events in the Pacific. Suggestions of a solar link to the Bond cycle were made but 10 there is no known solar periodicity of this length. Here, statistically-significant results of a comparison between TSI 11 reconstructions based on Antarctic 10 Be data and the modelled interaction of the solar and lunar cycles that produce a 1470-yr 12 cycle are presented. These results confirm the cycle’s existence, its astronomical mechanism, and the major lunar role in the 13 timing of all these ice-rafting debris events. The associated data show that the occurrence of Bond events coincides with 14 maximum gravitational forcing and peak TSI, both associated with minimum Sun-Earth distance that are influenced by both 15 the perihelion and the Moon. These findings are consistent with previous suggestions by Bond and other researchers that 16 amplified gravitational and solar forcing may be involved. The results also indicate that the Moon’s gravitation influences 17 patterns of cosmogenic isotopes at millennial time-scales. statistically-significant, strong, positive correlation (r=0.88, 527 p=0); and that there is no difference between this model and previous TSI reconstruction based on 10 Be from the South Pole 528 (X 2 =0.04; X 2c = 168.61, df=140 and α=0.05) . These results provide a new and important understanding of the physics of 529 climate change and radiochronological dating used by a variety of sciences.
Efﬁcient Data Integrity Checking for Untrusted

—Unauthorized changes on database contents can result in signiﬁcant losses for organizations and individuals. This brings the need for mechanisms capable of assuring the integrity of stored data. Existing solutions either make use of costly cryptographic functions, with great impact on performance, or require the modiﬁcation of the database engine. Modifying the database engine may be infeasible in real world environments, especially for systems already deployed. In this paper, we propose a technique that uses low cost cryptographic functions and is independent of the database engine. Our approach allows for the detection of malicious data update, insertion and deletion operations. This is achieved by the insertion of a small amount of protection data in the database. The protection data is calculated by the data owner using Message Authentication Codes. In addition, our experiments have shown that the overhead of calculating and storing the protection data is lower than previous work
F UZZ B OMB : Autonomous Cyber Vulnerability Detection and Repair

—Beginning just over one year ago, Smart Information Flow Technologies (SIFT) and the University of Minnesota teamed up to create a fully autonomous Cyber Reasoning System (CRS) to compete in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Cyber Grand Challenge (CGC). Starting from our prior work on autonomous cyber defense and symbolic analysis of binary programs, we developed numerous new components to create F UZZ B OMB . In this paper, we outline several of the major advances we developed for F UZZ B OMB , and review its performance in the ﬁrst phase of the CGC competition.
The Optical Field Angle Distortion Calibration of HST Fine Guidance Sensors 1R and 3

To date five OFAD(Optical Field Angle D istortion) calibrations have been performed with a star field in M35, four on FGS 3 and one on FGS 1, all an- alyzed by the Astrometry Science Team. We have recently completed the FGS 1R OFADcalibration. The ongoing Long Term Stability Tests have also been analyzed and incorporated into these calibrations, which are time-dependent due to on-orbit changes in the FGS. Descriptions of these tests and the results of our OFAD mod- eling are given. Because all OFADcalibrations use the same star field, we calibrate FGS 1 and FGS 3 simultaneously. This increases the precision of our input cata- log, particularly in regards to proper motion, resulting in an improvement in both the FGS 1 and FGS 3 calibrations. Residuals to our OFADmodeling indicate that FGS 1 will provide astrometry superior to FGS 3 by ∼ 20%. Past and future FGS astrometric science supported by these calibrations is briefly reviewed.
Retesting the Export-Led Growth Hypothesis: A Panel Data Analysis

The export led-growth hypothesis is one of the widely researched areas in the field of international economics. However, there is an ongoing debate as to whether it is export that causes economic growth or vice versa; with past and current research showing mixed findings. This paper retested the export-led growth hypothesis using panel data for ten selected ECOWAS member countries from 2000 to 2017. We used panel autoregressive distributed lags/pooled mean group (ARDL/PMG) approach as well as the panel causality test to determine the directional relationships of the macroeconomic variables used. We further disaggregated export into three (merchandise export, services export and total export) and controlled for other growth-relevant variables. From the panel ARDL/PMG estimation, we found that merchandise export positively influences economic growth in both the short and long runs; while services export and total export positively impact economic growth only in the long run. Using the pairwise granger causality test, we found a long run causal relationship flowing from services and total exports to economic growth respectively. However, we also found a bidirectional relationship between merchandise export and economic growth. Given the findings, this study found support for the export-led growth hypothesis in ECOWAS. Policy wise, efforts to improve the region’s economy should be channeled through export promotion strategies.
PII: S1010-7940(01)00598-X

Objectives: There is an increasing use of arterial conduits for coronary artery bypass grafting, and the radial artery is commonly used as the third graft. The major drawback of the radial artery is its proclivity to spasm. Both papaverine and phenoxybenzamine have been recommended as topical vasodilators in clinical practice. We compared the ef®cacy of both drugs to prevent radial artery spasm and their ability to preserve endothelial function. Methods: The ability of both drugs to prevent alpha-adrenoreceptor mediated constriction was tested in vitro in an organ bath in radial artery segments obtained from 20 patients. Vessel viability was determined by potassium (K) constriction, and endothelial function was assessed by observing endothelium-dependent relaxation by a synthetic analogue of acetylcholine, carbachol. Results: Papaverine consistently abolished and prevented spasm for up to a maximum of 30 min in all segments. In contrast, phenoxybenzamine consistently abolished and prevented radial artery spasm in all segments for at least 6 h. Whereas papaverine damaged the endothelium of 70% of vessels, there was no evidence of endothelial damage in any arterial segments after exposure to phenoxybenzamine. Conclusions: Phenoxybenzamine more effectively prevents alpha-adrenoreceptor mediated spasm of the human radial artery than papaverine. It is also less harmful to the endothelium. q 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Comparison of different urban areas with respect to thermal comfort conditions in Budapest (Hungary)

– In spite of the fact that the evaluation of the thermal conditions in the urban areas is extremely important and timely, in Budapest (capital of Hungary) very few studies were performed in this direction until now. The aim of this paper is to analyze the differences and changes of the thermal comfort conditions in the last half century (1961–2010) by comparing measurements of two meteorological stations located in different environments of Budapest: one in the central urban area (Local Climate Zone 2 – ‘compact midrise’) and the other in the suburbs (between Local Climate Zones 6 – ‘open lowrise’ and A – ‘dense trees’). The thermal comfort was characterized by a widely used human bioclimatological comfort index, the Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) for four characteristic times of the day in the examined period. Then the thermal comfort differences between the stations according to two climatic normal periods (1961–1990 and 1981–2010), and the tendencies detected among the periods were also under investigation. For the last decade, 2001–2010, hourly-resolution investigations were carried out. The results indicate that the central area is affected by a higher degree of hot stress and less cold stress. Additionally, the warm stress has become more frequent, however, the cold heat load decreased in both examined area at each time.
remote The Consistency of SSM / I vs. SSMIS and the Inﬂuence on Snow Cover Detection and Snow Depth Estimation over China

: The long-term variations in snow depth are important in hydrological, meteorological, and ecological implications and climatological studies. The series of Special Sensor Microwave / Imager (SSM / I) and Special Sensor Microwave Imager Sounder (SSMIS) instruments onboard the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) platforms has provided a consistent 30 + year data record of global observations that is well-suited for the estimation of snow cover, snow depth, and snow water equivalent (SWE). To maximize the use of this continuous microwave observation dataset in long-term snow analysis and obtain an objective result, consistency among the SSM / I and SSMIS sensors is required. In this paper, we evaluated the consistency between the SSM / I and SSMIS concerning the observed brightness temperature (Tb) and the retrieved snow cover area and snow depth from January 2007 to December 2008, where the F13 SSM / I and the F17 SSMIS overlapped. Results showed that Tb bias at 19 GHz spans from − 2 to − 3 K in snow winter seasons, and from − 4 to − 5 K in non-snow seasons. There is a slight Tb bias at 37 GHz from − 2 to 2 K, regardless of season. For 85 (91) GHz, the bias presents some uncertainty from the scattering e ﬀ ect of the snowpack and atmospheric emission. The overall consistency between SSM / I and SSMIS with respect to snow cover detection is between 80% and 100%, which will result in a maximum snow cover area di ﬀ erence of 25 × 10 4 km 2 in China. The inconsistency in Tb between SSM / I and SSMIS can result in a − 2 and − 0.67 cm snow depth bias for the dual-channel and multichannel algorithms, respectively. SSMIS tends to yield lower snow depth estimates than SSM / I. Moreover, there are notable bias di ﬀ erences between SSM / I- and SSMIS-estimated snow depths in the tundra and taiga snow classes. Our results indicate the importance of considering the Tb bias in microwave snow cover detection and snow depth retrieval and point out that, due to the sensitivity of bias to seasons, it is better to do the intercalibration with a focus on snow-covered winter seasons. Otherwise, the bias in summer will disturb the calibration coe ﬃ cients and introduce more error into the snow retrievals if the seasonal di ﬀ erence is not carefully evaluated and separated.
The Effectiveness of Government Higher Education Expenditure on Gross Enrollment Ratio in India

This paper tries to synthesize the knowledge between public spending and enrolment into higher education. It has been well recognized that education has the positive relationship with the economic development. This study emphasizes on the relevancy of public expenditure on higher education. The evaluation of pooled/panel data of 28 Indian States (except Telangana) of the period 2001-02 to 2011-12 of dependent variable Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education and explanatory variables such as GER at school level, per-capita expenditure on primary, secondary and higher education, expenditure on social services other then education and drop-out at school level attempts to demonstrate the effectiveness of these variables on GER at higher education. The utilization of OLS and Hausman random effect presented the result to analyze the effectiveness of explanatory variables. This study based on the secondary data, analysis of budget expenditure on education of MHRD and reports such as AISHE and UGC reports are the relevant sources for this study.
Locating Product Information from the Web using Simhash Fingerprints i

-We considerthe problem of creating efficient search schemes that are specialized for product information; this is a very important issue given the explosive growth of commercial websites and Internet-based services. We share the observation in PEWeb [24], that products are almost always displayed in range of similar-look info pieces showing features and prices for customers to choose and so, the webpage DOM tree would have similar subtrees in the parts corresponding to the product show areas. We propose to use a special hash function, namely Simhash [18], for identifying the product regions. Our basic idea is that sub-trees (in the webpage DOM tree) with similar structures would have similar Simhash fingerprints (separated just by a few bits). To eliminate possible miscalls in the first phase using Simhash, we also combine with a decision tree approach which gives us more flexibility especially with product websites developed by Vietnamese companies which prefer certain display formats not very popular worldwide. Compared to PEWeb, our scheme can be more refined and flexible where we have more options to adjust the scheme. This improvement in preciseness is strongly supported by experimental results.
Assessing Collaborative, Project-based Learning Models in Introductory Science Courses

Collaborative, project-based learning models have been shown to benefit student learning and engagement in the STEM disciplines. This case study evaluates the use of highly collaborative project- and problem-based learning models in introductory courses in the geosciences and biology. In the geosciences, we developed project-based modules with a strong local focus. Student teams worked on three project-based laboratories dealing with the local geology/geomorphology, water quality of a local stream, and local flooding issues. These replaced traditionally taught laboratories on topographic maps and rivers and streams. Student teams presented project results in lieu of taking a traditional laboratory practical. In biology, we designed a collaborative learning model that incorporated three problem-based learning modules into a first-semester introductory biology course. Students were assigned topics in evolution, cell biology and genetics to research independently during the course of the semester, with each module culminating in a brief presentation on the topic. Modules were designed to mirror concepts being covered in the lecture. Preliminary results suggest that student performance and attitudes towards course material benefitted from this learning model. The authors consider outcomes, benefits, and challenges to students and instructors.
Achieving successful community engagement

Background: Community engagement is increasingly seen as crucial to achieving high quality, efficient and collaborative care. However, organisations are still searching for the best and most effective ways to engage citizens in the shaping of health and care services. This review highlights the barriers and enablers for engaging communities in the planning, designing, governing, and/or delivering of health and care services on the macro or meso level. It provides policymakers and professionals with evidence-based guiding principles to implement their own effective community engagement (CE) strategies. Methods: A Rapid Realist Review was conducted to investigate how interventions interact with contexts and mechanisms to influence the effectiveness of CE. A local reference panel, consisting of health and care professionals and experts, assisted in the development of the research questions and search strategy. The panel ’ s input helped to refine the review ’ s findings. A systematic search of the peer-reviewed literature was conducted. Results: Eight action-oriented guiding principles were identified: Ensure staff supportive and facilitative leadership to citizens based on transparency; and Conclusions: An especially important thread throughout the CE literature is the influence of power imbalances and organisations ’ willingness, or not, to address such imbalances. The literature suggests that ‘ meaningful participation ’ of citizens can only be achieved if organisational processes are adapted to ensure that they are inclusive, accessible and supportive of citizens.