Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Random sets to model uncertainty in remotely sensed objects

Remotely sensed images as a major data source to observe the earth have been extensively used in spatial-temporal analysis in environmental research. Information on the spatial distribution and spatial-temporal dynamics of natural landscapes recorded by series of images, however, usually bears various kinds of uncertainties. This thesis proposes a random set method to deepen our insight into the uncertainties that are inherent in these observations of natural phenomena from images. The general objective of this research is to develop different techniques based on random sets to represent image objects with indeterminate boundaries, quantify their extensional uncertainties, and address uncertainty modeling in a spatial temporal change analysis. The methods are applied to classifying wetland vegetation and monitoring wetland inundation in the Poyang Lake area in China. Main concepts and statistical characteristics of random sets are introduced in the context of geoinformation science in Chapter 2. They characterize the spatial distribution of a random set, including covering function, p-level sets, support set, core set, median set, mean set and variance. Chapter 3 represents extensional uncertainties of extracted image objects by random sets and quantifies their degree of extensional uncertainty by derived indices. The number of iterations to achieve a stable covering function and the sum of the variances are good indicators of boundary sharpness. The coefficient of variation has a positive relation with the degree of uncertainty. An asymmetry ratio reflects the uneven gradual changes along different directions where broad boundaries exist. Results show that several characteristics of extensional uncertainty of segmented objects can be quantified numerically and spatially by random sets. Chapter 4 addresses the accuracy assessment of segmented uncertain objects modeled by random sets. Results show that significant correlations exist between a covering function of random set model and actual vegetation coverage, and that their probability distributions
Searching and retrieving multi-levels annotated data

The annotation of recordings is related to many Linguistics subfields as Phonetics, Prosody, Gestures or Discourse. Corpora are annotated with detailed information at various linguistic levels thanks to annotation software. As large multimodal corpora become prevalent, new annotation and analysis requirements are emerging. This paper addresses the problem of exploring annotations in order to extract multimodal data in the linguistic field ranging from general linguistic to domain specific information. The answer choose to fulfill this purpose is a useroriented approach: the data can be extracted without any specific knowledge or skill. The paper exposes two ways to filter the annotations by a predicative approach: 1/ single filters, i.e. search in one tier depending of the data content, by the extraction of the time values and the duration; 2/ relation filters, i.e. search on annotations of a tier in time-relation with annotations of another one. This system is distributed in SPPAS software under the terms of a public license.
The Evolution of Trust and Cooperation in Diverse Groups

Diversity has often been portrayed as a 'double-edged sword' with potentially positive effects on group performance but negative effects on interpersonal relations. The inconsistent findings accumulated by contemporary diversity research raise the question of whether the evidence for the positive and negative effects of diversity can be reconciled and integrated. Recent work has conclusively argued that past research has focused too much on studying the 'main effects' of diversity and neglected to consider the influence of potential moderators that may explain some of the inconsistent findings on the relationship between team diversity and team outcomes. Diversity researchers have therefore called for more attention to moderating variables when developing process models of team diversity. The present work responds to these calls by investigating the effects of group diversity on important predictors of group performance, i.e. the level of behavioral trust and cooperation. Implications for group leaders, managers, and organizations wishing to manage diversity in groups effectively are discussed.
PREDICTING FACTORS AFFECTING INTENTION TO USE WEB 2.0 IN LEARNING: EVIDENCE FROM SCIENCE EDUCATION

Teachers’ intention to use technology is a major factor in its effective use in learning including in developing countries. This research empirically investigated on factors that influence Pre-Service Science Teachers’ (PSSTs) intention to use Web 2.0 in learning through Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in Indonesia. The goals of the research were to (a) report if the TAM is a valid and reliable model to explain PSSTs intention to use Web 2.0, and (b) inform the factors of PSSTs’ intention to use Web 2.0 in learning. Seven hundred and five PSSTs from five universities completed a 24-item online questionnaire based on the TAM constructs comprising perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, subjective norm, facilitating conditions, attitudes, and intention to use Web 2.0. Results obtained using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) informed that (a) facilitating condition and subjective norm significantly influenced perceived ease of use; (b) subjective norm significantly affected perceived usefulness; (c) both perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness was a significant factor predicting attitude; and (d) attitude, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness significantly influenced intention to use Web 2.0. Overall, the TAM is a valid model to help explain Indonesian PSSTs’ intention to use Web 2.0 in learning. Keywords: Web 2.0, technology acceptance model, pre-service science teachers.
The Interaction Effects of Leader and Follower Conscientiousness on Person-Supervisor Fit Perceptions and Follower Outcomes: A Cross-Level Moderated Indirect Effects Model

ABSTRACT The primary purpose of this study is to examine how the cross-level interaction between leader and follower conscientiousness influences person-supervisor (PS) fit perceptions, which in turn impact follower work attitudes and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). Based on a sample of 1,204 participants in 167 work teams, the results of our cross-level moderated indirect effects model show that highly conscientiousness followers whose leaders also have high levels of conscientiousness experience enhanced perceptions of PS fit which result in higher levels of job satisfaction and OCB and lower levels of intention to quit. The study suggests that high leader conscientiousness serves as a supportive situational cue that motivates followers to more fully express their conscientiousness and act in ways consistent with their conscientiousness.
System for face recognition under expression variations of neutral-sampled individuals using recognized expression warping and a virtual expression-face database

Abstract. The practical identification of individuals using facial recognition techniques requires the matching of faces with specific expressions to faces from a neutral face database. A method for facial recognition under varied expressions against neutral face samples of individuals via recognition of expression warping and the use of a virtual expression-face database is proposed. In this method, facial expressions are recognized and the input expression faces are classified into facial expression groups. To aid facial recognition, the virtual expression-face database is sorted into average facial-expression shapes and by coarse- and fine-featured facial textures. Wrinkle information is also employed in classification by using a process of masking to adjust input faces to match the expression-face database. We evaluate the performance of the proposed method using the CMU multi-PIE, Cohn–Kanade, and AR expression-face databases, and we find that it provides significantly improved results in terms of face recognition accuracy compared to conventional methods and is acceptable for facial recognition under expression variation.
Culture Change and Eating Patterns: A Study of Georgian Women

Introduction: Immigration and culture change have been thought to affect various aspects of psychological well-being, including eating behaviors. This study aimed to examine the association between immigration, acculturation strategies and eating patterns. Materials and Methods: Acculturation was conceptualized and measured by acculturation strategies of integration (maintaining original culture and adopting the new culture), assimilation (adopting the new culture and leaving behind the old), separation (sticking with the original culture only) and marginalization (maintaining/adopting neither culture). Eating patterns were conceptualized by dietary restriction, eating concern, shape concern, and weight concern. Links between demographic variables, acculturation strategies, and eating patterns were also examined. Five hundred and six Georgian women took part in the study: 253 living abroad (UK and USA) and 253 living in Georgia. Measures included East Asian Acculturation Measure (EAAM) for acculturation strategies (assimilation, integration, separation, and marginalization subscales) and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDEQ) for eating patterns (dietary restriction, eating concern, weight concern, shape concern subscales, and global score). Relevant demographic variables and Body Mass Index (BMI) were recorded. Results: Comparisons of immigrant and nonimmigrant groups using Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) with BMI as a covariate found a difference in dietary restriction only, with immigrants yielding higher mean score than non-immigrants. The global EDEQ scores of immigrant and nonimmigrant groups were almost identical though. Correlations between separation and marginalization and four EDEQ scores were statistically significant and positive, while correlations between integration and two EDEQ subscales were marginally significant and negative. Regression analysis showed that separation and marginalization strategies of acculturation were significantly linked with EDEQ eating concern, shape concern, weight concern, and global scores thereby representing predictors of elevated eating outcomes. Discussion: Findings suggested that moving to Western countries increased dietary restriction among Georgian women. Furthermore, while living abroad, the lack of integration in a host culture, as a common denominator of separation and marginalization strategies of acculturation, may predict elevated eating, shape, and weight concerns among women relocated over six years ago. Acculturation conditions may also be linked with integration or well-being outcomes.
Challenges of educational digital infrastructure in Africa: A tale of hope and disillusionment

Technology-based distance learning is becoming popular throughout the world. In Sub-Saharan Africa, advancements in communication technology more than two decades ago raised much hope since technology-based distance education was seen as a promising cost effective and cost-efficient answer to expansion of access to education. These high hopes in technology-based distance education have, however, turned into disillusionment because of the challenges relating to digital infrastructure affecting most of Sub-Saharan Africa. This article is a reflection on the challenges of digital infrastructure with respect to distance learning in Africa. The article makes some recommendations for practice and research. Key words: Technology-based learning, communication technology, digital divide.
Similar, but not the same: Comparing the game based approaches of Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) and Game Sense

The development and use of game based approaches (GBAs) across a range of global teaching and coaching settings has expanded significantly over the last two decades. And with each GBA underpinned by similar theories of learning, distinctions between each approach can often be blurred. Arguably, this can lead to teachers' and coaches' blended conceptualisations of different pedagogical approaches. Thus, although similar there is a need for teachers and coaches to recognise that not all GBAs are the same with each model or approach chosen impacting significantly upon learner experiences. Through analysis of literature and presentation of teaching/coaching lesson/session outlines, this paper presents similarities and differences of two game based instructional pedagogies - TGfU and Game Sense - and discusses the need for teachers and coaches to recognise and respond to the contextual differences of each when considering their use.
College Remediation Goes Back to High School: Evidence from a Statewide Program in Tennessee

Many U.S. students arrive on college campus lacking the skills expected for college-level work. As state leaders seek to increase postsecondary enrollment and completion, public colleges have sought to lessen the delays created by remedial course requirements. Tennessee has taken a novel approach by allowing students to complete their remediation requirements in high school. Using both a difference-in-differences and a regression discontinuity design, we evaluate the program’s impact on college enrollment and credit accumulation, finding that the program boosted enrollment in college-level math during the first year of college and allowed students to earn a modest 4.5 additional college credits by their second year. We also report the first causal evidence on remediation's impact on students' math skills, finding that the program did not improve students’ math achievement, nor boost students’ chances of passing college math. Our findings cast doubt on the effectiveness of the current model of remediation—whether in high school or college—in improving students’ math skills. They also suggest that the time cost of remediation—whether pre-requisite or co-requisite remediation—is not the primary barrier causing low degree completion for students with weak math preparation.
Error Control Based Energy Minimization for Cooperative Communication in WSN

As small-sized nodes are deployed in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), efficient energy utilization becomes a fundamental challenge. Poor channel conditions lead to retransmissions resulting in unnecessary energy usage. To optimize energy consumption and improve network lifetime, error-control strategies are commonly required to manage channel impairments such as noise and fading. Cooperative commu nication is also considered a candidate solution to address the effects of channel fading. Therefore, the energy efficiency of cooperative schemes when applied with Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ), Hybrid-ARQ (HARQ), and Forward Error Correction (FEC) is investigated in this work. Moreover, expressions for energy efficiency of Direct Transmission, Single Relay Cooperation, and Multi Relay Cooperation are derived. Our work focuses on achieving energy-optimal communication in WSNs. Through simulations, it is observed that error-control strategies with a cooperative scheme can significantly enhance system performance in terms of energy optimization.
Reducing the Emotionality of Auditory Hallucination Memories in Patients Suffering From Auditory Hallucinations

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy targets emotionally disturbing visual memories of traumatic life events, and may be deployed as an efficacious treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder. A key element of EMDR therapy is recalling an emotionally disturbing visual memory while simultaneously performing a dual task. Previous studies have shown that auditory emotional memories may also become less emotional as a consequence of dual tasking. This is potentially beneficial for psychotic patients suffering from disturbing emotional auditory memories of auditory hallucinations. The present study examined whether and to what extent emotionality of auditory hallucination memories could be reduced by dual tasking. The study also assessed whether a modality matching dual task (recall + auditory taxation) could be more effective than a cross modal dual task (recall + visual taxation). Thirty-six patients suffering from auditory hallucinations were asked to recall an emotionally disturbing auditory memory related to an auditory hallucination, to rate emotionality of the memory, and to recall it under three conditions: two active conditions, i.e., visual taxation (making eye-movements) or auditory taxation (counting aloud), and one control condition (staring at a non-moving dot) counterbalanced in order. Patients re-rated emotionality of the memory after each condition. Results show the memory emotionality of auditory hallucinations was reduced and the active conditions showed stronger effects than the control condition. No modality-specific effect was found: the active conditions had an equal effect.
Primary Health Care Nurses’ Experiences of Consultations With Internet-Informed Patients: Qualitative Study

Background Most people in modern societies now use the Internet to obtain health-related information. By giving patients knowledge, digital health information is considered to increase patient involvement and patient-centered interactions in health care. However, concerns are raised about the varying quality of health-related websites and low health literacy in the population. There is a gap in the current knowledge of nurses’ experiences with Internet-informed patients. Objective The objective of this study was to explore primary health care nurses’ experiences of consultations with patients who present health-related information from the Internet. Methods This is a qualitative study based on interviews with 9 primary health care nurses. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results are reported according to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines. Results The phenomenon of Internet-informed patients was considered to change the usual rules in health care, affecting attributes and actions of patients, patterns of interactions in consultations, and roles of nurses and patients. Three categories were identified: (1) Facing the downsides of Googling, (2) Patients as main actors, and (3) Nurse role challenged. Although the benefits of health-related Internet information were described, its negative consequences were emphasized overall. The problems were mainly ascribed to inaccurate Internet information and patients’ inability to effectively manage the information. Conclusions Our study suggests ambivalent attitudes among nurses toward health-related Internet information. In order to promote equitable care in the digital era, increased awareness in health care about useful strategies for overcoming the difficulties and embracing the benefits of conferring with Internet-informed patients seems to be a legitimate goal.
UX Work in Libraries: How (and Why) to Do It

The application of UX expertise is beneficial in all the areas and aspects of library services and products. All what a librarian needs is an understanding of those principles and some tools with which to practice them. The goal of this chapter, therefore, is to provide a guide for librarians, whether they are specifically in charge of UX work at their library or aspire to integrate UX into their work on other library services and products. This chapter provides some theoretical background on the traditional goal of library user satisfaction and introduces UX as an approach that benefits libraries and their users. It gives an overview of popular UX methodologies and describes real-life UX in libraries through the stories from three librarians in their respective institutions: the New York Public Library, New York University, and University of California, Riverside.
The NIST ATM Network Simulator -- Operation and Programming, Version 1.0 | NIST

An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network simulator has been developed to provide a means for researchers and network planners to analyze the behavior of ATM networks without the expense of building a real network. The simulator is a tool that gives the user an interactive modeling environment with a graphical user interface. With this tool the user may create different network topologies, control component parameters, measure network activity, and log data from simulation runs. Part 1 of this document is the user’s manual for the simulator; it includes instructions for creating network configurations, specifying component parameters, manipulating the display, logging and saving measurements, and postprocessing of data. Part 2 has been prepared as a guide for the user who wishes to modify the simulator software to accommodate network components not previously defined or to change the behavior of components already defined.
Model Testing for High-Dimensional Contingency Tables with Application in Genetics

In the paper it is supposed that random sequences is a finite-order Markov chain. The analysis of high order interactions in such sequences leads to large and sparse contingency tables. A special data presentation form and data transformation via multidimensional scaling enables us to apply generalized logit model and reduce the problem to the fitting nonparametric multinomial logistic regression with a few quantitative variables.
Turkish Adaptation of the Intentions Towards Infidelity Scale: Validity and Reliability Studies

Bu calismanin amaci Jones, Olderbak ve Figueredo (2011) tarafindan gelistirilen Aldatmaya Yonelik Niyet Olcegi’ni Turkce’ye uyarlamak ve olcegin gecerlik ve guvenirligine iliskin kanitlari incelemektir. Yedi maddelik olcek Turkce’ye cevrilmis ve Ingilizce’ye geri cevirisi yapilmistir. Maddelere iliskin ogrenci ve uzmanlardan gorus alinmistir. Elde edilen olcek Orta Dogu Teknik Universitesi Egitim Fakultesi’ne devam eden 291 (196 kiz, 95 erkek) gonullu lisans ogrencisine uygulanmistir. Yapi gecerligine iliskin dogrulayici faktor analizi sonuclari, olcegin orijinal olcekteki tek boyutlu yapisini dogrulamistir. Benzer olcekler gecerligi sonuclari ise, olcekten elde edilen puanlarin “uzlasilabilirlik” ve “oz disiplin” kisilik ozellikleri ve 6 farkli aldatma nedenleri olcumlerinin tumuyle iliskisinin anlamli oldugunu gostermistir. Sonuclar ayrica, cinsiyet farkinin anlamli duzeyde oldugunu ve olcek ile Kisisel Davranis Anketi puanlari arasinda anlamli duzeyde bir fark bulunmadigini ortaya cikarmistir. Olcegin ic tutarlik katsayisi . 82, test-tekrar test guvenirlik katsayisi ise . 85 olarak bulunmustur ve orijinal olceginkine benzer katsayilardir. Bu bulgulara dayanilarak, Aldatmaya Yonelik Niyet Olcegi’nin Turkce formunun, universite ogrencilerinin aldatma davranisi gosterme olasiligini olcmek amaciyla kullanilabilecek gecerli ve guvenilir bir olcme araci oldugu sonucuna varilmistir.
An alternative computational model for artificial intelligence

Stuart, Brian Louis. Ph.D., Purdue University, May 1992. An Alternative Computational Model for Artificial Intelligence. Major Professor: Chia-Hong Lee. One objective of artificial intelligence is to mimic the behavior of natural intelligences, and learning is one of the most inherently intelligent activities. Unfortunately, there has not been much success in emulating the low-level learning of classical conditioning and instrumental learning. A novel model of computation, called the cybernetic automaton, which possesses a number of desirable properties, is presented here. First there exists a learning theorem which states that cybernetic automaton learning is in some sense complete. Then through a series of experiments, it is shown that cybernetic automata exhibit many of the properties of classical conditioning and instrumental learning. Finally, the cybernetic automaton model can be implemented using networks of model neurons which are somewhat biologically plausible. Cybernetic automata represent a new and substantial step toward artificially emulating natural behavior.