Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Influence of the Threatening Transitional Context on Israeli Jews' Reactions to Al Aqsa Intifada

Analysis of the relations between Israeli Jews and Palestinians in the context of the Al Aqsa Intifada highlights a sad paradox. Even at the climax of the present violent confrontations, in 2002, the majority of people in both societies were ready for far-reaching compromises to peacefully resolve their conflict. A national survey in November 2002 indicated that about 70% of both Palestinians and Israelis were ready to undertake a settlement involving the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, if the violence would cease (Kull, Ramsay, Warf, & Wolford, 2002). At the same time, however, a majority on both sides carried extremely negative stereotypes of the rival and revealed fear and a deep mistrust, all of which prevented any possible negotiation and resolution. In addition, the majority in both societies supported violent acts against the rival, which only deepen mutual delegitimization and mistrust (Kull et al., 2002). These paradoxical views continue to be dominant in later years, until 2007. This chapter is an attempt to explain this sad paradox from the point of view of only one society, namely, Israeli Jewish society. The first part of the paradox, Israeli Jews' readiness to make substantial compromises, was well analyzed and explained in Oren's (2005) wide-scope study. She describes the changes that Israeli Jewish society went through after 1967 in terms of ethos of conflict, including the readiness to withdraw from the territories occupied in the 1967 war and to approve of the establishment of a Palestinian state as part of 148 Daniel Bar-Tal and Keren Sharvit a two-state solution. Her analysis of change was based on the effects of major events such as the 1973 Yom Kippur war, the historical visit of Egypt's President Anwar Sadat to Jerusalem in 1977, the 1979 peace treaty with Egypt, the Lebanon war of 1982, etc. All these events greatly moved Israeli public opinion toward compromising attitudes. 1 To illuminate the second part of the paradox, we will try to explain the described negative reactions of Israeli Jewish society toward the Palestinians that has intensified dramatically since fall 2000 and serve as major obstacles to peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The explanation will be based on the conception of transitional context that will be described first (see details of the theory in Bar-Tal & Sharvit, 2007). Concepts Transitional context consists of the physical, social, political, economic, military, and psychological conditions, temporary …
Racionalidad ilimitada y provisión voluntaria de bienes públicos: Imposibilidad de alcanzar soluciones endógenas/Unbounded Rationality and the Voluntary Provision of Public Goods: Impossibility to reach endogenous solutions

Este articulo revisa las condiciones a cumplir para alcanzar soluciones endogenas dirigidas a lograr niveles superiores de provision voluntaria del bien publico que nos alejen del suboptimo inicial en un marco de racionalidad ilimitada. Partiendo del modelo original de Cornes y Sandler, se describen las limitaciones de los supuestos de cooperacion individual convencionales sobre los que aquel se estructura. A continuacion, se establece un marco dinamico temporal en el que los individuos interaccionan para alcanzar el nivel de cooperacion necesaria para resolver este problema de accion colectiva. Finalmente, la violacion de la condicion samuelsoniana -optima- de equilibrio refuerza la idea de que solo la solucion exogena convencional basada en la coaccion resuelve el problema a la suboptimalidad inicial, dentro del marco de racionalidad ilimitada. The aim of this paper is to analyze the conditions to be fulfilled in order to reach endogenous solutions that lead us to a higher than the initial suboptimum level of provision of public goods in an unbounded rationality framework. Cornes and Sandler’s original model is the starting point where the limitations of the conventional individual cooperation are described. Secondly, a dynamic framework is introduced in which individuals interact in order to reach the level of cooperation that solves this problem of collective action. Finally, violating the Samuelson condition for an optimum equilibrium leads us to state that in this framework, only the conventional exogenous coercive solution solves the problem of initial suboptimality.
Evidence for increased latent heat transport during the Cretaceous (Albian) greenhouse warming

Quantitative estimates of increased heat transfer by atmospheric H2O vapor during the Albian greenhouse warming suggest that the intensified hydrologic cycle played a greater role in warming high latitudes than at present and thus represents a viable alternative to oceanic heat transport. Sphaerosiderite d 18 O values in paleosols of the North American Cretaceous Western Interior Basin are a proxy for meteoric d 18 O values, and massbalance modeling results suggest that Albian precipitation rates exceeded modern rates at both mid and high latitudes. Comparison of modeled Albian and modern precipitation minus evaporation values suggests amplification of the Albian moisture deficit in the tropics and moisture surplus in the mid to high latitudes. The tropical moisture deficit represents an average heat loss of ;75 W/m 2 at 108N paleolatitude (at present, 21 W/m 2 ). The increased precipitation at higher latitudes implies an average heat gain of ;83 W/ m 2 at 458N (at present, 23 W/m 2 ) and of 19 W/m 2 at 758N (at present, 4 W/m 2 ). These estimates of increased poleward heat transfer by H2O vapor during the Albian may help to explain the reduced equator-to-pole temperature gradients.
The domestic dog : its evolution, behaviour, and interactions with people

1. Introduction James Serpell Part I. Domestication and Evolution: 2. Origins of the dog: domestication and early history Juliet Clutton-Brock 3. Evolution of working dogs Raymond Coppinger, and Richard Schneider Part II. Behaviour and Behaviour Problems: 4. Genetic aspects of dog behaviour with particular reference to working ability M. B. Willis 5. Analysing breed and gender differences in behaviour Benjamin L. Hart 6. Early experience and the development of behaviour James Serpell, and J. A. Jagoe 7. Feeding behaviour of domestic dogs and the role of experience Chris Thorne 8. Social and communication behaviour of companion dogs John W. S. Bradshaw, and Helen M. R. Nott 9. The ethology and epidemiology of canine aggression Randall Lockwood 10. Canine behavioural therapy Roger A. Mugford 11. Effects of owner personality and attitudes on dog behaviour Valerie O'Farrell Part III. Human-Dog Interactions: 12. Dogs as human companions: a review of the relationshipLynette A. Hart 13. The welfare of dogs in human care Robert Hubrecht 14. Variation in dog society: between resource dispersion and social flux? D. W. Macdonald, and G. M. Carr 15. Population biology and ecology of feral dogs in central Italy L. Boitani, F. Francisci, P. Ciucci, and G. Andreoli 16. From paragon to pariah: some reflections on human attitudes to dogs James Serpell 17. The hair of the dog James Serpell Index.
Mean Shift-Based Edge Detection for Color Image

Edge detection is an important process in low level image processing. With the advent of powerful computers, it is now possible to move to the more computationally intensive realm of color image understanding. There are many benefits in doing so including the increased amount of information for object location and processing. However, many proposed methods for color edge detection are computational expensive and are not very robust to the image noise. In this paper, a new method based on mean shift algorithm to detect edge in color images is presented. The gradient-ascent mean shift localizes edges accurately in the presence of noise and provides a good computational performance, being based on local operators. Experimental results show the effectiveness and robustness of propose method
Kiwifruit and guar gum modulation of postprandial blood glucose and its cognitive effects : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University

Glucose is the main source of energy for the brain, and blood glucose levels have been shown to have a significant impact on cognitive performance. This thesis research examined the effects of kiwifruit and guar gum (a soluble fiber) on the postprandial blood glucose response, and to what extent glucose manipulation can influence cognitive performance. Twenty healthy participants took part in a within subjects trial, with each individual consuming one of four breakfast diets per week (Weet-Bix, Weet-Bix + Kiwifruit, Weet-Bix + Guar Gum, and WeetBix + Kiwifruit + Guar gum). Each breakfast was separated by at least a 1-week washout period. It has been shown that kiwifruit and its interaction with guar gum decreases blood glucose peaks during the postprandial phase, and maintains a glucose level above fasting baseline measures over a 3-hour time period. In the present study there were no main effects of Breakfast Type across the cognitive tasks, or for interactions between Breakfast Type and Testing Time. However, there was a significant effect for time for each task, collapsed across each breakfast. (Time refers to the three points the cognitive tests were administered, one pre-breakfast, and two post-breakfast at 90 and 180 mins). Trends in the blood glucose response data indicated that when blood glucose levels were controlled and maintained (by the kiwifruit and guar gum), performance on some cognitive tasks improved and was largely sustained across the 3-hour time period, although the effects of practice could not be ruled out.
What Twin Studies Have Taught Us About Myopia

AbstractMyopia has become epidemic, particularly in East Asia, and is a major cause of visual impairment worldwide. Twin studies are an important resource to investigate the genetics and the gene-environment interaction in myopia. This article aims to provide an overview of major findings regarding myopia from different types of twin studies, from the heritability of myopia-related traits to novel findings of genome-wide association studies. In the postgenomic era, twin studies will continue to serve as a unique method in the investigation of gene-environment interaction.
Taxonomic Reliability of DNA Sequences in Public Sequence Databases: A Fungal Perspective

Background DNA sequences are increasingly seen as one of the primary information sources for species identification in many organism groups. Such approaches, popularly known as barcoding, are underpinned by the assumption that the reference databases used for comparison are sufficiently complete and feature correctly and informatively annotated entries. Methodology/Principal Findings The present study uses a large set of fungal DNA sequences from the inclusive International Nucleotide Sequence Database to show that the taxon sampling of fungi is far from complete, that about 20% of the entries may be incorrectly identified to species level, and that the majority of entries lack descriptive and up-to-date annotations. Conclusions The problems with taxonomic reliability and insufficient annotations in public DNA repositories form a tangible obstacle to sequence-based species identification, and it is manifest that the greatest challenges to biological barcoding will be of taxonomical, rather than technical, nature.
Conductor gestures influence evaluations of ensemble performance

Previous research has found that listener evaluations of ensemble performances vary depending on the expressivity of the conductor’s gestures, even when performances are otherwise identical. It was the purpose of the present study to test whether this effect of visual information was evident in the evaluation of specific aspects of ensemble performance: articulation and dynamics. We constructed a set of 32 music performances that combined auditory and visual information and were designed to feature a high degree of contrast along one of two target characteristics: articulation and dynamics. We paired each of four music excerpts recorded by a chamber ensemble in both a high- and low-contrast condition with video of four conductors demonstrating high- and low-contrast gesture specifically appropriate to either articulation or dynamics. Using one of two equivalent test forms, college music majors and non-majors (N = 285) viewed sixteen 30 s performances and evaluated the quality of the ensemble’s articulation, dynamics, technique, and tempo along with overall expressivity. Results showed significantly higher evaluations for performances featuring high rather than low conducting expressivity regardless of the ensemble’s performance quality. Evaluations for both articulation and dynamics were strongly and positively correlated with evaluations of overall ensemble expressivity.
Read, watch, listen: a commentary on eye tracking and moving images

Eye tracking is a research tool that has great potential for advancing our understanding of how we watch movies. Questions such as how differences in the movie influences where we look and how individual differences between viewers alters what we see can be operationalised and empirically tested using a variety of eye tracking measures. This special issue collects together an inspiring interdisciplinary range of opinions on what eye tracking can (and cannot) bring to film and television studies and practice. In this article I will reflect on each of these contributions with specific focus on three aspects: how subtitling and digital effects can reinvigorate visual attention, how audio can guide and alter our visual experience of film, and how methodological, theoretical and statistical considerations are paramount when trying to derive conclusions from eyetracking data.
Crowdsourcing and the Semantic Web: A Research Manifesto

Our goal with this research manifesto is to define a roadmap to guide the evolution of the new research field that is emerging at the intersection between crowdsourcing and the Semantic Web. We analyze the confluence of these two disciplines by exploring their relationship. First, we focus on how the application of crowdsourcing techniques can enhance the machine-driven execution of Semantic Web tasks. Second, we look at the ways in which machine-processable semantics can benefit the design and management of crowdsourcing projects. As a result, we are able to describe a list of successful or promising scenarios for both perspectives, identify scientific and technological challenges, and compile a set of recommendations to realize these scenarios effectively. This research manifesto is an outcome of the Dagstuhl Seminar 14282: Crowdsourcing and the Semantic Web.
Book Reviews: Papers in Laboratory Phonology I: Between the Grammar and Physics of Speech

Papers in Laboratory Phonology I, edited by John Kingston and Mary E. Beckman, contains 27 revised versions of papers and commentaries presented at the First Conference in Laboratory Phonology, held in June 1987. The editors lead off with an excellent introduction, including discussion of the motivation for the conference, explanation of its multi-disciplinary nature, and summarizations of the contributions, showing their relations both to one another and to the structure of the conference as a whole. From the point of view of many researchers in general natural language processing, much of the background assumed and many of the questions addressed are likely to seem somewhat arcane. Nevertheless, the book is valuable on two counts: first, as an (admittedly sophisticated) overview of current practical and theoretical concerns in phonetics and phonology; and second, as an exemplary effort to integrate perspectives from radically differing "scientific subcultures" (i.e., phonetics and phonology). Traditionally, phonology has concerned itself with symbolic representations of cognitive primitives and processes that are manipulated by native speakers and hearers in conjunction with grammatical systems, while phonetics has devoted itself to instrumental analysis of the articulatory organs and the speech signal. The conference and this book are landmark efforts in attempting to reconcile these intellectual streams and lay the foundations for a unified theory of speech production and perception. As neighboring subdisciplines in all areas of NLP bring themselves into ever greater proximity by virtue of their own progress, general and methodological issues such as those addressed in this work become ever more pressing, and will require constant attention and evaluation.
Diversity Among Memory B Cells: Origin, Consequences, and Utility

Immunological memory is the residuum of a successful immune response that in the B cell lineage comprises long-lived plasma cells and long-lived memory B cells. It is apparent that distinct classes of memory B cells exist, distinguishable by, among other things, immunoglobulin isotype, location, and passage through the germinal center. Some of this variation is due to the nature of the antigen, and some appears to be inherent to the process of forming memory. Here, we consider the heterogeneity in development and phenotype of memory B cells and whether particular functions are partitioned into distinct subsets. We consider also how understanding the details of generating memory may provide opportunities to develop better, functionally targeted vaccines.
Fat Emulsion Infusion Potentiates Coagulation Activation during Human Endotoxemia

Summary Intravenous fat emulsions are frequently given to malnourished patients who are prone to suffer from infectious complications. As injection of low dose endotoxin represents a model to study the human response to acute infection, we sought to determine the effect of lipid emulsion infusion on endotoxin-induced activation of the hemostatic mechanism in man. Ten healthy men received a bolus intravenous injection of endotoxin (lot EC-5; 20 U/kg) midway through a 4-h infusion (125 ml/h) of either dextrose 5% (n = 5) or Intralipid 20% (n = 5). Lipid infusion potentiated endotoxin-induced coagulation activation, as indicated by higher plasma levels of the prothrombin fragment FI + 2 and of thrombin-antithrombin III complexes (both p <0.05 for the difference between groups). However, lipid infusion did not influence the fibrinolytic response to intravenous endotoxin, as reflected by similar increases in the levels of tissue-type plasminogen activator and plas-min-α2-antiplasmin complexes in both groups. Endotoxin-induced appearance of plasminogen activator inhibitor type I was enhanced by lipid infusion (p <0.05). These data suggest that fat emulsion infusion may enhance the tendency towards thrombotic complications in patients with infections.
3D face registration on simulated annealing algorithm

Face registration is a critical step for 3D face recognition. This paper studies face registration based on a simulated annealing algorithm using the depth information of a 3D face. In our method, the annealing algorithm is adopted to select the appropriate fitness-function - MLESAC and SIM. A simple algorithm which involves three steps is proposed to perform the critical step of 3D face recognition. Simulation results show that the simulated annealing algorithm can escape from local optimal solutions, and converge to the global optimal solution quickly. Furthermore, MLESAC and SIM helps to control the registration process effectively, and improve the accuracy of recognition.
The neurological organization of pathways between the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and visual cortex in old world and new world primates

Pathways between the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) and visual cortex in Old World (Macaca, Papio, Erythrocebus, Cercopithecus) and New World (Saimiri, Cebus) primates were studied after injections of horseradish peroxidase and H3 or S35 amino acids into the dLGN or visual cortex. Trans‐synaptic autoradiography was also used to study these pathways after an injection of H3 proline‐fucose into one eye. The subsequent autoradiographs of visual cortex showed that Old World primates have separate eye inputs (ocular dominance columns) in striate cortex, whereas New World monkeys have overlapping or non‐separated eye inputs. In both primate groups the geniculocortical input to layer IVA formed a pattern which resembled a honeycomb in tangential sections, unlike the solidly labeled layer IVC. Also common to the two primate groups was a projection from dLGN to layer VI. There was no dLGN projection to any prestriate area in any of the primates. However, after an injection limited to the prestriate cortex of Macaca, light autoradiographic labeling was seen in the interlaminar zones and the magnocellular and S laminae, demonstrating a prestriate‐dLGN pathway.
Age related variation of salivary testosterone values in healthy Japanese males

Objective. We examined age associated variation in salivary testosterone values among Japanese males as well as anthropometric measurements. Methods. Salivary samples were collected in pretreated sodium azide treated tubes. The first series: 15–79-year-old males (n = 99); two morning and two evening samples were collected at home for two days. The second series: 90-year-old males (n = 29); one morning sample was collected. Testosterone values were determined using an iodine125-based radioimmunoassay kit modified for saliva. Results. Results show 1) a significant decrease in salivary testosterone values from 20s to 40s and older, 2) no significant decline after 40 through 90 years old, 3) no significant age-related differences in the degree of intraindividual diurnal fluctuation across age groups of 40–70s, and 4) higher BMI is associated with the lower salivary testosterone among 40–70s. Conclusions. These results suggest that neither a constant decrease of salivary testosterone values or markedly reduced intraindividual fluctations are universal aspects of aging. Older males may maintain relatively high testosterone levels compared to younger men and a relatively ‘robust’ neuroendocrinological system.
Early Environmental Factors, Ethnicity, and Adult Cognitive Test Performance

This study was conducted to better understand cross-cultural variation in neuropsychological test performance by exploring the relationship between early environmental factors and adult neuropsychological functioning in African Americans (AA) and Caucasians (CA). Cognitive testing data and detailed retrospective early environmental histories were obtained from 100 neurologically healthy adults (75 AA, 25 CA). Results indicate that: (a) consistent with previous research, the two ethnic groups differed significantly on their cognitive test performance; (b) early environmental factors were significantly related to performance on cognitive tests; (c) the two ethnic groups demonstrated slight, but significant, differences in their early environmental histories; but (d) covarying early environmental factors did not substantially reduce the group performance in cognitive test performance. The failure of reported environmental factors to account for more of the ethnic disparity in test performance may have resulted from the inherent weakness of the retrospective assessment method (i.e., lack of precision or objectivity in participants' recollections of their early environments). These results highlight the remaining need for ethnicity specific normative data until cross-cultural variation in neuropsychological test performance is better understood.