Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Three Scales to Measure Competition-Related Motives in Sport

Sport-specific motive scales were developed for power, achievement, and fear-of failure. Pilot testing resulted in 80 Likert-type items for the three scales, which were administered to 764 males and 253 females. Subjects were junior high to college level athletes representing 17 sports and 22 schools or colleges. Item analysis further reduced the number of items to 40. Alpha reliabilities for the three scales ranged from . 76 to . 78, whereas test-retest reliabilities after 8 weeks were . 69 to . 75. Evidence of content, criterion-related, and construct validity was presented. All scales were found to be relatively free of social desirability bias. It was concluded that the use of the scales was justified when confined to the study of groups and for research purposes only.
TAES-COTS: Thorough Approach for Evaluation &amp; Selection of COTS Products

The selection of only the most suitable COTS software product is an indispensable task in commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) based software development (CBSD) that should be done circumspectly. The success of such a development depends on the evaluation & selection methodology being followed which is expected to separate the wheat from the chaff. Thorough approach for evaluation and selection of COTS products (TAES-COTS) proposed in this paper is an approach that evaluates COTS products based on progressive filtration. It is a five step approach that evaluates products against different criteria at three different stages. It evaluates COTS software based on both functional and non-functional requirements and assists the evaluators in choosing the optimal software product in times of uncertainty.
Future of Endemic Flora of Biodiversity Hotspots in India

India is one of the 12 mega biodiversity countries of the world, which represents 11% of world's flora in about 2.4% of global land mass. Approximately 28% of the total Indian flora and 33% of angiosperms occurring in India are endemic. Higher human population density in biodiversity hotspots in India puts undue pressure on these sensitive eco-regions. In the present study, we predict the future distribution of 637 endemic plant species from three biodiversity hotspots in India; Himalaya, Western Ghats, Indo-Burma, based on A1B scenario for year 2050 and 2080. We develop individual variable based models as well as mixed models in MaxEnt by combining ten least co-related bioclimatic variables, two disturbance variables and one physiography variable as predictor variables. The projected changes suggest that the endemic flora will be adversely impacted, even under such a moderate climate scenario. The future distribution is predicted to shift in northern and north-eastern direction in Himalaya and Indo-Burma, while in southern and south-western direction in Western Ghats, due to cooler climatic conditions in these regions. In the future distribution of endemic plants, we observe a significant shift and reduction in the distribution range compared to the present distribution. The model predicts a 23.99% range reduction and a 7.70% range expansion in future distribution by 2050, while a 41.34% range reduction and a 24.10% range expansion by 2080. Integration of disturbance and physiography variables along with bioclimatic variables in the models improved the prediction accuracy. Mixed models provide most accurate results for most of the combinations of climatic and non-climatic variables as compared to individual variable based models. We conclude that a) regions with cooler climates and higher moisture availability could serve as refugia for endemic plants in future climatic conditions; b) mixed models provide more accurate results, compared to single variable based models.
Money in Search Equilibrium, in Competitive Equilibrium, and in Competitive Search Equilibrium

We compare three pricing mechanisms for monetary economies: bargaining (search equilibrium); price taking (competitive equilibrium); and price posting (competitive search equilibrium). We do this in a framework that, in addition to considering different mechanisms, extends existing work on the microfoundations of money by allowing a general matching technology and endogenous entry. We study how the nature of equilibrium and effects of policy depend on the mechanism. Under bargaining, trades and entry are both inefficient, and inflation implies a first-order welfare loss. Under price taking, the Friedman rule solves the first inefficiency but not the second, and inflation can actually improve welfare. Under posting, the Friedman rule implies first best, and inflation reduces welfare but the effect is second order.
Evaluating and Improving the Performance and Scheduling of HPC Applications in Cloud

Cloud computing is emerging as a promising alternative to supercomputers for some high-performance computing (HPC) applications. With cloud as an additional deployment option, HPC users and providers are faced with the challenges of dealing with highly heterogeneous resources, where the variability spans across a wide range of processor configurations, interconnects, virtualization environments, and pricing models. In this paper, we take a holistic viewpoint to answer the question-why and whoshould choose cloud for HPC, for what applications, and how should cloud be used for HPC? To this end, we perform comprehensive performance and cost evaluation and analysis of running a set of HPC applications on a range of platforms, varying from supercomputers to clouds. Further, we improve performance of HPC applications in cloud by optimizing HPC applications' characteristics for cloud and cloud virtualization mechanisms for HPC. Finally, we present novel heuristics for online application-aware job scheduling in multi-platform environments. Experimental results and simulations using CloudSim show that current clouds cannot substitute supercomputers but can effectively complement them. Significant improvement in average turnaround time (up to 2X)and throughput (up to 6X) can be attained using our intelligent application-aware dynamic scheduling heuristics compared tosingle-platform or application-agnostic scheduling.
The relationship between self-directed learning and technology with entrepreneurial curriculum based on mediator role of students' attitudes (Case Study: The views of high school students of smart schools in Isfahan)

The purpose of this study was relationship between self-directed learning and technology-based entrepreneurship curriculum mediated with attitude. The research method is correlation. The population was all students of smart schools in Isfahan in the year of 1394-1395. Sampling method was multi-stage cluster which 372 students were chosen randomly. Three researcher-made questionnaires related to self-directed learning, information technology and technology-based entrepreneurship curriculum were used which their content validity was accepted and their Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were . /93, . /89 and . /87 respectively. Correlation and path analysis were used to analyze data. The results showed that self-directed learning and information technology and communication had significant and positive correlation with development of technology-based entrepreneurship curriculum and it was mediated by attitude of students. Also, attitude had a mediated effect.
Speaking Louder than Words with Pictures Across Languages

In this article, we investigate the possibility of cross-language communication using a synergy of words and pictures on mobile devices. Communicating with only pictures is in itself a very powerful strategy, but is limited in expressiveness. On the other hand, words can express everything you could wish to say, but they are cumbersome to work with on mobile devices, and need to be translated in order for their meaning to be understood. Automatic translations can contain errors that pervert the communication process, and this may undermine the users’ confidence when expressing themselves across language barriers. Our idea is to create a user interface for cross-language communication that uses pictures as the primary mode of input, and words to express the detailed meaning. This interface creates a visual process of communication that occurs on two heterogeneous channels that can support each other. We implemented this user interface as application on the Apple iPad tablet, and performed a set of experiments to determine its usefulness as a translation aid for travellers.
Enantioselective Actions of Bupivacaine and Ropivacaine on Coronary Vascular Resistance at Cardiotoxic Concentrations

The main concern with the use of the long-acting local anesthetics bupivacaine and ropivacaine is inadvertent IV injection, which exposes the heart to toxic drug concentrations. We tested the hypothesis that these chiral anesthetics exert enantioselective actions on coronary vascular tone, the regulation of which does not involve voltage-gated Na+ channels. Coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) was continuously measured in isolated hearts perfused via the aorta at a constant flow rate. This method provides a sensitive assay of coronary vascular resistance in the intact heart. In parallel experiments, we examined the effects of bupivacaine and ropivacaine on intracellular [Ca2+] in coronary endothelial cells. In addition, the effect of bupivacaine on mitochondrial membrane potential was assessed using isolated ventricular myocytes. Racemic bupivacaine and R(+)-bupivacaine produced similar dose-dependent decreases in CPP. However, S(-)-bupivacaine, S(-)-ropivacaine and R(+)-ropivacaine increased CPP. In contrast to adenosine triphosphate, neither racemic bupivacaine nor S(-)-ropivacaine changed endothelial intracellular [Ca2+], suggesting that these clinically used drugs do not modulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase. We also showed that the putative uncoupler bupivacaine did not depolarize mitochondria in intact ventricular myocytes. In conclusion, the long-acting local anesthetics have enantioselective actions on coronary resistance vessels. Racemic bupivacaine and R(+)-bupivacaine are coronary vasodilators, whereas S(-)-bupivacaine, S(-)-ropivacaine and, to a lesser extent, R(+)-ropivacaine all induce coronary vasoconstriction.
vConnect: Connect the real world to the virtual world

The Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) is a fully immersive Virtual Reality (VR) system. CAVE systems have been widely used in many applications, such as architectural and industrial design, medical training and surgical planning, museums and education. However, one limitation for most of the current CAVE systems is that they are separated from the real world. The user in the CAVE is not able to sense the real world around him or her. In this paper, we propose a vConnect architecture, which aims to establish real-time bidirectional information exchange between the virtual world and the real world. Furthermore, we propose finger interactions which enable the user in the CAVE to manipulate the information in a natural and intuitive way. We implemented a vHealth prototype, a CAVE-based real-time health monitoring system, through which we demonstrated that the user in the CAVE can visualize and manipulate the real-time physiological data of the patient who is being monitored, and interact with the patient.
ACHIEVING DEPENDABILITY VALUE FOR PIPELINES AND FACILITIES

In today’s competitive and changing environment, it is crucial that pipelines and associated facilities create and sustain value for their stakeholders. This value can only be achieved by incorporating dependability into the pipeline system, in whole or in part. Dependability characteristics address not just availability and reliability as the probability of successful performance, but also identify other potential risk exposures such as degradation and wear-out that advocate the need for maintenance and logistic support to sustain “problem free” pipeline and facility operation. Dependability engineering provides practical means and measurable targets for achieving value, which are then implemented by sound operational risk assessment practices. Dependability management is needed to present viable business success options on risk avoidance, prevention, and mitigation; and where applicable, provides cost-effective risk treatments to support pipeline operation and enhance facility management. Characterizing the value of dependability focuses on two key issues: (1) what is the value of dependability, and (2) what is required to achieve it. This paper establishes a unified approach for understanding the dependability principles and practices, and enunciates how dependability value can be ascertained and assured in real life situations. It presents a general framework and provides implementation guidelines for ensuring that dependability value can be achieved in practical application for pipelines and facilities.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Online semantic exploration of indoor maps

In this paper we propose a method to extract an abstracted floor plan from typical grid maps using Bayesian reasoning. The result of this procedure is a probabilistic generative model of the environment defined over abstract concepts. It is well suited for higher-level reasoning and communication purposes. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach through real-world experiments.
Indigenous-Environmental-Autonomy-in-Aotearoa-new-Zealand

British colonization of Aotearoa New Zealand diminished the influence of the tribal territory on Indigenous autonomy, identity and belonging. Yet land is still key to securing Indigenous futures. This paper explores the reassertion of Indigenous autonomy over the environment. A governmentality critique is used to explore efforts to embed indigeneity into environmental politics. As part of this critique three examples of Indigenous environmental autonomy are provided that show how Māori are asserting greater control over the tribal territory, particularly natural resources. I argue that resistance has been critical for the re-emergence of Māori autonomy over the environment, creating greater opportunities for assertions of local authority and the customary practice of kaitiakitanga (a Māori environmental ethic). Although there is still much to achieve in this space, Māori are now in a stronger position to resist ongoing colonization of the landscape and engage with the state around resource management of natural resources.
Compounds, competition, and incremental word identification in spoken Cantonese

ABSTRACT The majority of words in Cantonese are compounds, which seems likely to burden the process of identifying words in running speech. Cantonese is also a stress-timed language, which reduces the potential for durational contrasts to distinguish embedded constituents from self-standing words. The current study demonstrates the challenge of identifying words in spoken Cantonese. As a compound unfolds, listeners are more likely to consider an onset-embedded constituent as the intended word than the actual word they are hearing – a result that seems poorly adapted to the prevalence of compounds. However, the results also show these challenges are offset by sentence-based cues, such as those provided by noun classifiers. This occurs despite variability in classifier-noun pairings and the fact that adult speakers often show incomplete mastery of these pairings. Together the results demonstrate how even highly biased cases of lexical competition are overcome by sentence-level constraints that may be only moderate in strength.
Reduced Diffusion Tensor Fractional Anisotropy in the Left Arcuate Fasciculus of Patients with Aphasia Caused by Acute Cerebral Infarct.

Background Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a new technique that evaluates neural fiber integrity within the brain. We conducted DTI in patients exhibiting aphasia during the acute stage post-infarct and investigated the neural tracts responsible by comparison with DTI data from age-matched controls. Methods Fractional anisotropy (FA) maps were generated from diffusion tensor brain images obtained from aphasic patients 14-21 days following their first infarct. Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) analysis was then applied. In addition, regions of interest (ROIs) were set within the right and left arcuate fasciculus, and mean FA values were extracted from individual TBSS data. The ratios between FA values in the left and right hemispheres were compared with those of the control group. Results The study examined 10 aphasic patients and 21 age-matched controls. Brain maps from TBSS analysis revealed significantly reduced FA in the left arcuate fasciculus of the patient group compared with that in the control group. Further ROI analyses confirmed significantly lower left/right arcuate fasciculus FA ratios in aphasic patients versus controls (median [range]: 0.955 [0.739-1.023] vs. 1.006 [0.982-1.088]; P = 0.0001 by Wilcoxon rank sum test). Conclusions These results suggest that FA in the left arcuate fasciculus decreased in association with aphasia after cerebral infarct. Because patients in the acute stage have not yet experienced the neural recovery that occurs in the chronic stage, the findings indicate that the left arcuate fasciculus is a crucial neural structure in aphasia.
The Question of Root Infinitives in Early Child Greek

It is well known that children acquiring Germanic and Romance languages go through an early stage at which they produce declarative sentences with a Root Infinitive (cf. (1)) which would be ungrammatical in the adult language (Stern & Stern 1928, Weverink 1989, Pierce 1992, Wexler 1994). For languages outside of these language families, little work has been done on such Root Infinitives. In the present paper we investigate the status of Root Infinitives in Modern Greek, a language which lacks an infinitive form altogether. Comments University of Pennsylvania Institute for Research in Cognitive Science Technical Report No. IRCS-96-16. This technical report is available at ScholarlyCommons: https://repository.upenn. edu/ircs_reports/97 University of Pennsylvania 3401 Walnut Street, Suite 400A Philadelphia, PA 19104-6228
Last-Mile Restoration for Multiple Interdependent Infrastructures

This paper considers the restoration of multiple interdependent infrastructures after a man-made or natural disaster. Modern infrastructures feature complex cyclic interdependencies and require a holistic restoration process. This paper presents the first scalable approach for the last-mile restoration of the joint electrical power and gas infrastructures. It builds on an earlier three-stage decomposition for restoring the power network that decouples the restoration ordering and the routing aspects. The key contributions of the paper are (1) mixed-integer programming models for finding a minimal restoration set and a restoration ordering and (2) a randomized adaptive decomposition to obtain high-quality solutions within the required time constraints. The approach is validated on a large selection of benchmarks based on the United States infrastructures and state-of-the-art weather and fragility simulation tools. The results show significant improvements over current field practices.
2 Linking Tools

As Linked Open Data promises to enrich a user’s web experience in various ways like having computers read information that is shared by users or by being able to query resources on the web in an advanced way, research puts more and more effort into the development of linking tools. In this paper we summarize several linking tools regarding their most important aspects by applying a template to each of them. This includes a general description for each of the tools as well as technical aspects. To provide a comprehensive overview we also compare the tools using a table with important aspects. Furthermore we add additional information regarding linking techniques for completeness.
Literacy and Education

This short and accessible introduction to conceptions of literacy and their histories is a welcome and clarificatory addition to the literature. James Gee is a veteran scholar in this field, well-placed both to summarise influential approaches and to rehearse his own, feats he accomplishes here with his customary talent for making difficult ideas easy to grasp without condescending. As such, the book will be of use to a wide range of literacy educators young and old, and usefully mediates theories of discourse, identity, society, culture and mind which all too often never make it beyond the academy.
Study on the damping loss and the damping cost of duopoly strategy output-making damping equilibrium

The most fatal flaw of the classical Cournot oligopoly model as well as the related oligopoly output-making competition model is the supposition on the purpose of game players. It is thought that the only game goal is to make the maximum present profits. Based on this supposition, most game model structures are optimal structures. In this paper, some new suppositions of duopoly game are established, including the game goal supposition, the time-order supposition and bounded rationality and knowledge supposition. And a description game structure model which has strong universality to the realistic decision-making situations is also constructed. Based on this model, the damping equilibrium of the first decision-maker and the concepts of the damping loss and the total damping cost when the first decision-maker completely seizes the whole market have been put forward. At last, simulation examples for some important propositions and algorithms are given.
Pseudo random binary sequence on second order system

Pseudo random binary sequence (PRBS) signal was developed using MATLAB software and used as a forcing function in simulated second order system. The autocorrelation function (ACF) of the input signal and cross correlation function (CCF) between input and output signal were performed using MATLAB software and transfer function of the system was estimated from the correlograms. For verification of the simulation work, PRBS generator circuit was build using transistor-transistor logic and analyzed using Dynamic Signal Analyzer (DSA). PRBS is used as forcing function to an unknown system. The ACF of the input signal and CCF between input and output signal were performed using DSA and the transfer function model of the unknown system was estimated.
Propagation Model for Botnet Based on Conficker Monitoring

Conficker is a worm outbreak recently which form a large botnet and became a huge threat to the security of the internet. In this paper, the redirect technology of domain name was used to monitor the conficker. For it’s low killing rate and long-term period of propagation, we built a propagation model of botnet based on conficker monitoring. In the model, we take into account the geography, connectivity and other factors cause difference in propagation capacity of computer, and finally verified the validity of the model with the real monitoring data.
Long-Term Results of Endoscopic Dilatation for Tracheal and Subglottic Stenosis

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term results of endoscopic dilatation of airway stenosis and to evaluate predictive factors for favorable results. Methods Fifty-four patients with tracheal and subglottic stenosis who underwent endoscopic dilatation with at least 12 months follow-up were enrolled in this study. We evaluated predictive factors for final treatment outcome such as stenosis length, location, characteristics, procedure type, and the severity of stenosis. Results The final outcome of endoscopic dilatation showed a cure rate of 40.7%, improvement rate of 46.3%, and failure rate of 13.0%. Patients with mild stenosis or a shorter stenotic segment and those who underwent a touch-up procedure following tracheal resection with end-to-end anastomosis showed better outcomes. The cure rate of endoscopic dilatation for patients with shorter mild stenosis was 72.2%. Conclusion Endoscopic dilatation may be a primary treatment modality for patients with airway stenosis characterized by mild severity and a short stenotic segment.