Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How to Ask for Donations? Learning User-Specific Persuasive Dialogue Policies through Online Interactions

Persuasive conversations are more effective when they are custom-tailored for the intended audience. Current persuasive dialogue systems rely heavily on advice-giving or focus on different framing policies in a constrained and less dynamic/flexible manner. In this paper, we argue for a new approach, in which the system can identify optimal persuasive strategies in context and persuade users through online interactions. We study two main questions (1) can a reinforcement-learning-based dialogue framework learn to exercise user-specific communicative strategies for persuading users? (2) How can we leverage the crowd-sourcing platforms to collect data for training, and evaluating such frameworks for human-AI(/machine) conversations? We describe a prototype system that interacts with users with the goal of persuading them to donate to a charity and use experiments with crowd workers and analyses of our learned policies to document that our approach leads to learning context-sensitive persuasive strategies that focus on user’s reactions towards donation and contribute to increasing dialogue success.
Personalized Human-Robot Interaction with a Robot Bartender

The ability to personalize behaviors is essential for a robot to develop and maintain a long-lasting bond with a user in human-oriented applications, such as a service domain. Service robots must be capable of deducing what actions would be most desirable and best serve the needs and requirements of any interacting users. However, the personalization of a service robot in real-world human-robot interaction (HRI) requires the development of sophisticated mechanisms for identifying differences within the focused group of users, creating a relative user model representation, and finally, devising the varieties of the robot’s behaviors. In this work, we briefly present the multiple methodologies developed for an autonomous bartender robot to personalize its behaviors upon the customers’ moods, attention behaviors, purchasing preferences, personal preferences for interaction, and previous interaction strategies. We expect that the robot would need to serve and interact with multiple customers at the time, as it usually happens in human bartending scenarios. For this reason, our robot has been endowed with the ability to engage multiple users by alternating its attention between them, and personalizing enjoyable interactions through small talk (e.g., welcoming and conversing about topics of general interest related to recent news).
Flexible DNA isolation procedure for different tree species as a convenient lab routine

Abstract DNA isolation is a fundamental technique for all molecular biology laboratories. Depending on the plant species, DNA isolation can be challenging. In particular, adapted protocols rarely exist for tree species which are not used as standard model organisms. Here, we describe a flexible DNA isolation protocol that works for 59 tree species in a modular system. It is based on an ATMAB-containing extraction buffer to which proteinase K and/or boric acid are added, depending on the plant species. Subsequent purification steps include one or two precipitations with dichloromethane and, depending on the tree species, an optional sodium acetate precipitation. Using leaf material of a hybrid poplar clone from in vitro culture, it was determined that higher amounts of DNA could be isolated with this material than from field leaves. Starting from leaf material, DNA isolation for difficult cases was achieved with cambium or root tissue. This protocol was used to extract DNA for subsequent PCR amplification. Markers for cpDNA, mtDNA, and genomic DNA were used for standardized testing.
Resilient modulus of cohesive soils and the effect of freeze-thaw

Resilient modulus tests were performed on five cohesive soils sampled from the subgrades of in-service pavements. The stress at 1% strain in the unconfined compression test (S,, , , ) was found to be a good indicator of the resilient modulus (M,), and an empirical relationship between M, and S,, , was obtained. The proposed relationship itself is not affected by the changes in subgrade after construction and, therefore, is applicable to as-compacted and in-service subgrade conditions. Closed-system freeze-thaw tests were also performed and the effect of freeze-thaw on the resilient modulus was studied. There is a negligible effect of freeze-thaw, without ice lens formation, for soils having values of S,, , less than 8 psi (55 kPa), while the effect of freeze-thaw increases as the value of S,, , increases. For example, a soil with a value of S,, , greater than 15 psi (103 kPa) would exhibit more than 50% reduction in resilient modulus due to the effect of freeze-thaw. The resilient modulus of frozen cohesive soil is independent of the repeated deviator stress.
Robotic system for accurate minimally invasive laser osteotomy

Abstract Within my thesis, I worked on the challenges of robotics in developing a system that enables minimally invasive bone-cutting with a laser. Knee replacement surgery was the first target application. One of the main challenges was achieving high positioning accuracy of the laser while maintaining a form factor that allows minimally invasive insertion of the robotic device and minimally invasive device manipulation during large-area surface treatments.
Trends in Total Anglers’ Catches At the Croatian Section of the Sava River Basin

Abstract The aim of this research is to analyse trends of anglers’ total catches of the most important fish species caught by angling in different parts of the Sava River Basin in Croatia (Cyprinus carpio, Silurus glanis, Esox lucius and Sander lucioperca). In all investigated counties, with the exception of Vukovar-Sirmium, common carp is the dominant fish species, usually present in significantly higher quantities compared to the other three species. Only in Vukovar-Sirmium county, northern pike is the dominant species caught. In most counties there are no dramatic changes in the catches of these four fish species, apart from the usual oscillations. Due to high fishing pressure and possibly inflow of polluted water from the Bosna River, Vukovar-Sirmium county is also particularly characterised by the trend of declining catches of all four species. The significant negative correlation between the average catch and the respective value of the coefficient of variation (CV) was also found for all data.
Discursive Communities, Protest, Xenophobia, and Looting in South Africa: A Social Network Analysis

Abstract The article informs on a study that employed a digital ethnographic approach to analyse a network of human relationships and connections based on the physical and social phenomena of political protest and xenophobia, accompanied by looting and the destruction of property in South Africa. It examines how social media have been used to fuel violence, protest, xenophobic attacks, and the looting of shops, and for ordinary citizens to post videos or images of protest actions on the internet. This article uses the tenets of propaganda (the propaganda model) as a social media theory to analyse online activism in various forms, such as journalism and political protest for citizen mobilisation and participation. The article finds that participation in groups (reflected by hashtags) is determined by shared interests or grievances (mob psychology) and shaped by propaganda. It concludes that social media are tools or platforms that can be used for good or bad, echoing realities on the ground, such as poverty and social inequalities, as causes of political protest, xenophobia, and looting in South Africa. Political players and activists drive their own agendas by exploiting or emphasising the causes of poverty and social inequalities, thereby attracting followers who reaffirm their messages by tweeting and retweeting. The article concludes that social media are weaponised for protest, causing panic, anxiety, and discomfort that linger for an unspecified period until another outbreak.
Progression of Symptomatic Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: Association With Initial Tear Involvement and Work Level

Background: Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) often progress to full-thickness rotator cuff tears (FTRCTs). Thus, it is important to analyze the risk factors for tear progression to determine the proper timing of repair. Purpose: To identify the risk factors associated with progression of PTRCT. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Included were 89 patients diagnosed with PTRCT on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans who underwent nonoperative treatment at the authors’ institution between August 2012 and August 2019. Patient characteristics, shoulder stiffness (compared with the contralateral shoulder); work level (classified as high [heavy manual labor], medium [manual labor with less activity], and low [sedentary activity]); and radiological factors including initial tear size, acromion type (flat, curved, hooked, or heel-shaped), and initial tear involvement (as a percentage of the rotator cuff tendon footprint length) were analyzed to assess their association with tear progression, defined as >20% increase in tear involvement. Results: The mean MRI follow-up period was 22.3 ± 17.2 months (median, 16.1 months; range, 6.4-89.5 months), and tear progression was observed in 12 patients (13.5%). In these 12 patients, tear involvement increased by 60% of the rotator cuff footprint, while mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP) tear sizes progressed by 1.1 and 1.8 mm, respectively. Univariate regression analysis showed that shoulder stiffness (P = .031), work level (P = .001), initial tear involvement (P < .001), ML and AP tear sizes (P < .001 and P = .005, respectively), and acromion type (P = .003) were significantly associated with tear progression. Multivariate regression analysis showed that initial tear involvement (odds ratio [OR], 1.053; 95% CI, 1.006-1.102; P = .026) and high work level (OR, 15.831; 95% CI, 1.150-217.856; P = .039) were independent risk factors for tear progression. The cutoff value for initial tear involvement was 47.5% (sensitivity, 81.8%; specificity, 85.7%). Conclusion: Tear progression was observed in 14% of patients with PTRCT in this study. To predict tear progression, evaluating the tear involvement during initial MRI is essential. The risk of tear progression increased with initial tear involvement >47.5% and a heavy work level.
Stubbed microstrip-line fed broadband circularly polarized square slot antenna for WiMAX Applications

ABSTRACT A compact circularly polarized (CP) square slot antenna fed by a microstrip line is proposed. This design comprises a square slot on the top of the substrate and a stubbed microstrip line on the back of the substrate. The results indicate the 45.61% impedance bandwidth (2.86 to 4.55 GHz) and 32.74% axial ratio bandwidth (3.27 to 4.55 GHz) with 3.94dBi peak gain over the entire CP band. Furthermore, an attempt has been made to obtain the unidirectional radiation patterns with almost twice peak gain by employing a metallic reflector at a distance of quarter wavelength beneath the ground plane of proposed antenna.
Influence of Patellofemoral Anatomy on Outcomes of Isolated Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction for Recurrent Patellar Instability

Background: Patella alta and elevated tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance can predispose patients to lateral patellar dislocations and recurrent instability. Their influence on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is less clear. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that neither moderately increased TT-TG distance nor patella alta would negatively affect PROs after isolated MPFL reconstruction in patients with relatively normal patellar tracking (no large J-sign). Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We identified patients who underwent isolated MPFL reconstruction at a single institution between 2008 and 2016. The decision to perform an isolated MPFL reconstruction was at the discretion of the operating surgeon but was not performed in the setting of a large J-sign. Patient characteristics and surgical details were collected, and patients completed the Norwich Patellar Instability Score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and Marx activity score. Patellar height (Caton-Deschamps Index [CDI]) was assessed on preoperative lateral radiographs, and TT-TG distance was measured on preoperative axial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Patients were grouped based on CDI and TT-TG distance, and outcomes were compared. Linear regression modeling was performed to determine whether patella alta or elevated TT-TG distance was associated with poorer PRO scores. Results: Of 165 knees in 152 patients who underwent isolated MPFL reconstruction, 115 patients (125 knees; 76%) with minimum 1-year follow-up were contacted at a mean of 5.2 years after surgery. Recurrent dislocation occurred in 5 of 125 knees (4%). Preoperative radiographs were available in 111 knees (89%), and preoperative MRI scans were available in 89 knees (71%). Mean CDI was 1.13, and 35% had a CDI ≥1.20. Mean TT-TG distance was 17.5 mm, and 26% had a TT-TG distance >20 mm. After adjusting for patient age, sex, body mass index, and graft choice, we observed that neither patella alta nor elevated TT-TG distance were associated with poorer PROs. Conclusion: Isolated MPFL reconstruction in the setting of moderately elevated TT-TG distance or patella alta was not associated with worse PROs in this cohort with relatively normal patellar tracking (no large J-sign).
Can Remittance Inflow Fosters Economic Growth? What Matters? Evidence from Sub-Sahara African Countries

Abstract This study investigates the impact of remittance inflow on the economic growth of sub-Saharan African countries by considering the role of financial sector development, institutional quality, and economic freedom. The study includes 26 sub-Sahara African countries over the period 2010–2019. By employing the two-step system GMM, the finding shows remittance alone hurts economic growth. When remittance interacts with financial sector development, institutional quality, and economic growth, the coefficient of the interaction term is positive. The study concludes that a well-developed financial sector, better institutional quality, and economic freedom mitigates the negative impact of remittance inflow on economic growth.
Heavy flavor and dark sector

We consider some contributions to rare processes in B meson decays from a Dark Sector containing 2 light unstable scalars, with large couplings to each other and small mixings with Standard Model Higgs scalars. We show that existing constraints allow for an exotic contribution to high multiplicity nal states with a branching fraction as large as O(10 4 ), and that exotic particles could appear as narrow resonances or long lived particles which are mainly found in high multiplicity nal states from B decays. 25%) component of our Universe. We know very little about DM: most of it is cold (from structure formation) and it interacts very weakly with itself (halo formation, bullet cluster) and with baryonic matter (direct detection, bullet cluster). The weakness of interaction between DM and SM particles justies a separation of these two sectors. We will call the sector containing DM the Dark Sector (DS). Although we know very little about dark matter, we know even less about the dark sector. The principle of Occam's Razor drives us towards the simplest theories of the DS with no additional particle content beyond what is necessary to explain the DM density of our Universe. However, this directly contradicts the nature of the Standard Model { the degrees of freedom of the Standard Model far outnumber the degrees of freedom that participate in forming the 5% of the Universe populated by baryonic matter. We conclude that minimalism is not a valid principle for particle physics. In this paper, we abandon minimalism and propose there are other
Datafication and the practice of intelligence production

Datafication of social life affects what society regards as knowledge. Jasanoff’s regimes of sight framework provides three ideal-type models of authorised knowing in environmental data practice. This paper applies Jasanoff's framework for analysing intelligence practice through an exploratory empirical study of crime and intelligence practitioners in a selection of police services in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. The paper argues that the ‘view from somewhere’ (VFS) captures the essence of existing police intelligence practices in the four countries but the ‘view from nowhere’ (VFN) is emerging as a possible future for police intelligence – an approach promoted by technology companies and supported mainly by police leaders and managers. The paper investigates the challenges and limits of a shift by police from VFS to VFN in the production of intelligence; the challenges are primarily political, which threaten the dominance of police contextual knowledge over ‘scientific’ knowledge. These political challenges also have symbolic and material implications. The paper concludes that, because of these challenges, a complete shift from VFS to VFN is not likely to happen. At best the two models might co-exist with the latter subordinate to the imperatives of the former, resulting in further tension between sworn officers and civilians, organisational inertia, as well as technologies that may be under-utilised or abandoned.
Mechanistic insight on the water exchange mechanism of [Zn(tren)H2O]2+ and related complexes from a DFT study

Abstract The mechanisms for water exchange on [Zn(L)H2O]2+⋅H2O (L = tren: tris(2-aminoethyl)amine, trep: tris(2-phosphinoethyl)phosphine, and tres: tris(2-arsinoethyl)arsine) were studied using density functional theory (B3LYP/6-311 + G**) and evaluated by MP2 and B3LYP(PCM) energy calculations. The activation barriers for the water exchange reaction on [Zn(L)H2O]2+⋅H2O (L = tren, trep and tres) are (B3LYP/6-311 + G**) 9.9, 10.13 and 11.23 kcal mol−1, respectively. Topological analyses of the investigated ground state complexes were performed. The energy and structural data support an associative interchange (Ia) water exchange pathway. Graphical Abstract
Review of training-free event-related potential classification approaches in the World Robot Contest 2021

Recently, rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP), as a new event- related potential (ERP) paradigm, has become one of the most popular forms in electroencephalogram signal processing technologies. Several improvement approaches have been proposed to improve the performance of RSVP analysis. In brain–computer interface systems based on RSVP, the family of approaches that do not depend on training specific parameters is essential. The participating teams proposed several effective training-free frameworks of algorithms in the ERP competition of the BCI Controlled Robot Contest in World Robot Contest 2021. This paper discusses the effectiveness of various approaches in improving the performance of the system without requiring training and suggests how to apply these approaches in a practical system. First, appropriate preprocessing techniques will greatly improve the results. Then, the non-deep learning algorithm may be more stable than the deep learning approach. Furthermore, ensemble learning can make the model more stable and robust.
What do we know about corporate social responsibility and stakeholders physical activity? A Public Health Perspective

In the past decade and in the context of sustainable development, business organizations have been expected to partner with governments and others to address societal problems, including those pertinent to population health. Accordingly, through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies and policies, companies should collaborate in health promotion efforts to modify the effects of the health determinants (including those concerning behavior change) affecting internal and external stakeholders. Although CSR strategies and policies are linked to stakeholder health and wellbeing (e.g. employee satisfaction), little is known of how these strategies affect physical activity. Thus, this perspective paper aims to contribute to the discussion of the topic by investigating what scientific evidence exists regarding the relationship between CSR and physical activity. So far there are indications that some business are implementing CSR activities targeting internal (e.g. employees) and external (e.g. consumers) stakeholders, especially in developed countries. Furthermore, among external stakeholders, CSR activities with a physical activity component targeted children, youth, the disabled, the under-privileged, and the elderly. However, there is still very little empirical evidence available using appropriate quantitative and qualitative designs. Public health and health science researchers in general should strive to advance our understanding of how CSR affects population health behavior, paving the way to develop frameworks for resilient, ethical, and sustainable health promotion.
Planning for student-driven discussions: A revelatory case of curricular sensemaking for epistemic agency

ABSTRACT Background Teachers need to make sense of curricular materials and design instruction to ensure students will be positioned to pursue their own arc of inquiry in curriculum enactment. Whole-group discussions are crucial opportunities for curricular sensemaking, yet planning and enactment can be challenging. Methods We used a single, revelatory case study approach with one focal teacher to research curricular sensemaking for epistemic agency in storyline materials. We identified episodes of pedagogical reasoning for epistemic agency in the teacher’s pre- and post-interview responses and participation in discussion planning cycles (DPCs). This analysis revealed the recurrent sources of tension and ambiguity that the teacher grappled with concerning epistemic agency. Findings The teacher made sense of two key sources of tension: curricular coherence and student coherence-seeking; equitable participation and incremental building of ideas; and one source of ambiguity: uniform or variable form(s) of epistemic agency in different discussion types. The teacher grappled with these tensions and ambiguity and learned to leverage them to position students with epistemic agency in their learning. Contribution The teacher engaged in curricular sensemaking for epistemic agency. This form of sensemaking involves the teacher’s efforts to engage with students’ emergent ideas and participation in their use of curricular materials.
Convolution neural network based particle filtering for remaining useful life prediction of rolling bearing

Aiming at the problem of remaining useful life prediction of rolling bearing in aero engine, a data-driven prediction method based on deep learning and particle filter is proposed. Initially, only the vibration data of rolling bearing in normal stage are trained by the deep convolution neural network. According to the feature distance between normal and degraded samples, the evolution features during the whole lifetime are extracted adaptively, and the health index of rolling bearing is constructed. Then, the alarm and failure threshold are determined by unsupervised clustering algorithm. Combined with the extracted feature, remaining useful life of rolling bearing is tracked and predicted by particle filter algorithm based on four parameter exponential model. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by three groups of whole lifetime test data of rolling bearings. Results show that the degradation feature extracted by deep learning method has higher prediction accuracy of 2.19%, 0.93%, and 1.43% respectively than RMS values, and has more stable performance and less influenced by the number of particles or resampling methods, which can better reflect the evolution trend of rolling bearing than the traditional feature.