Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reversal effects in charitable behaviors across cultures: The role of sentence voice

Income per capita was previously found to be sometimes negatively, and sometimes positively, associated with helping across cultures. These opposite effects may result from a type of reversal of helping across the perceived contexts of cultures. The possibility in a language to highlight actors? responsibility in events through antipassive sentences (cf. ? I will help? ) predicted higher, and the possibility to decrease the responsibility through passive sentences (? The needy will be helped? ) predicted lower levels of charitable behaviors in countries with lower levels of power distance and uncertainty avoidance, and higher levels of income, a set of societal characteristics, which were previously found to positively impact helping. The results highlight the role of sentence voice presumably linked with perceived autonomy in contexts of helping across cultures, ultimately reversing the cultural effects on charitable behaviors.
Supporting transgender students in SD#79: finding belonging in a school community

Youth that identify as transgender or gender variant are reported to have a harder time finding belonging in a school community. This study explored the experiences of these youth in several schools on Vancouver Island. Qualitative data collection was done through anonymous surveys, one-on-one interviews with youth, as well as through the collection of student-created art. Data analysis revealed four main areas where schools and school districts could further support transgender and gender variant youth: the creating of gender-neutral change rooms/locker rooms, gender-neutral washrooms, teachers using the students chosen pronoun and chosen name, creating an ideal gender-neutral place as a place for transgender and gender variant youth to have a safe space to simply “be”. This study suggests that creating a sense of belonging where transgender and gender variant youth can feel accepted and welcomed is an important factor in these students staying in school, as well as creating and maintaining student wellbeing. TRANSGENDER STUDENTS IN SD79 iii
Humor, Comedy, and Consumer Behavior

Consumers regularly experience humor while buying and using products, procuring services, and engaging in various consumption experiences, whether watching a movie or dining with colleagues. Despite an expansive literature on how humor influences advertisers’ communication goals, far less is known about how humor appreciation and comedy production influence the likelihood of attaining various consumption goals, from experiencing pleasure and making better decisions to staying healthy and building relationships. Drawing on a wide range of findings from multiple disciplines, we develop a framework for understanding and investigating the different ways in which experiencing and creating laughter and amusement help — and sometimes hurt — consumers reach their goals. The framework provides key insights into the nuanced role of humor and comedy in consumer welfare.
Quality of service and system design

Quality of Service (QoS) of the implementation of an application can be defined as a function of the properties of the application and its implementation as observed by the user and/or the environment. Typical application and implementation properties include latency, throughput, jitter and the level of resolution. Many of the current and pending most popular applications, such as multimedia, wireless sensing and communications, security and PEBBs, have intrinsic relevant QoS components. Recently quality of service attracted a great of deal of attention in a number of research and development communities, and in particular in the network and multimedia literature. However, until now synthesis and CAD research did not addressed how to design systems with quantitative QoS requirements. Our goal in this paper is to outline foundations and framework in which QoS system design trade-offs and optimization can be addressed. We first identify and state in synthesis-usable way two currently most popular approaches to Quality of Service treatment: Q-RAM and DS-curve (demand/service). We discuss advantages and limitations of the two approaches. Next, we show how these two approaches can be combined in a new more comprehensive QoS framework. We also explain and illustrate using examples interaction between QoS and synthesis and compilation tasks. We conclude by identifying and discussing the future directions related to synthesis of QoS-sensitive systems.
Genetic Background Drives Transcriptional Variation in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Human iPS cells have been generated using a diverse range of tissues from a variety of donors using different reprogramming vectors. However, these cell lines are heterogeneous, which presents a limitation for their use in disease modeling and personalized medicine. To explore the basis of this heterogeneity we generated 25 iPS cell lines under normalised conditions from the same set of somatic tissues across a number of donors. RNA-seq data sets from each cell line were compared to identify the majority contributors to transcriptional heterogeneity. We found that genetic differences between individual donors were the major cause of transcriptional variation between lines. In contrast, residual signatures from the somatic cell of origin, so called epigenetic memory, contributed relatively little to transcriptional variation. Thus, underlying genetic background variation is responsible for most heterogeneity between human iPS cell lines. We conclude that epigenetic effects in hIPSCs are minimal, and that hIPSCs are a stable, robust and powerful platform for large-scale studies of the function of genetic differences between individuals. Our data also suggest that future studies using hIPSCs as a model system should focus most effort on collection of large numbers of donors, rather than generating large numbers of lines from the same donor.
Resource allocation of OFDMA based cognitive radio systems under partial channel state information and raw sensing information

1 Cognitive radio is an emerging research topic aiming to improve spectrum usage. This paper deals with resource allocation problem in OFDMA cognitive radio systems. Previous research that has dealt with this problem assume perfect knowledge of the channel state information (CSI) and few works consider the quality of the spectrum sensing in the resource allocation issue. The proposed approach combines both partial CSI and raw sensing information (RSI), in order to offer a better compromise between the throughput and the quality of service (QoS) of the secondary system. The proposed algorithm is a sub-optimal low complex algorithm based on two steps. Simulations were drawn to evaluate the performance of this algorithm in terms of achievable data rate, power consumption, generated interference and QoS of the secondary users.
Equity and Time to Sale in the Real Estate Market

Recent research has proposed a pro-cyclical link between sales volume and prices in the real estate market through changes in the equity of existing homeowners. This article uses data from the Boston condominium market to show that owners with high loan-to-value ratios take longer to sell their properties than owners with low loan-to- value ratios. Properties with high loan-to-value ratios are listed at higher asking prices; when sold, they receive higher prices than units with less debt. Together, these results are consistent with a search model in which owners 'constrained' by large amounts of debt set a higher reservation price than 'unconstrained' owners, accepting a lower probability of sale in exchange for a higher final sales price.
Efficient and Accurate Label Propagation on Dynamic Graphs and Label Sets

—Many web-based application areas must infer label distributions starting from a small set of sparse, noisy labels. Previous work has shown that graph-based propagation can be very effective at finding the best label distribution across nodes, starting from partial information and a weighted-connection graph. In their work on video recommendations, Baluja et al. showed high-quality results using Adsorption , a normalized propagation process. An important step in the original formulation of Adsorption was re-normalization of the label vectors associated with each node, between every propagation step. That interleaved normalization forced computation of all label distributions, in synchrony, in order to allow the normalization to be correctly determined. Interleaved normalization also prevented use of standard linear-algebra methods, like stabilized bi-conjugate gradient descent ( BiCGStab ) and Gaussian elimination. We show how to replace the interleaved normalization with a single pre-normalization, done once before the main propagation process starts, allowing use of selective label computation (label slicing) as well as large-matrix-solution methods. As a result, much larger graphs and label sets can be handled than in the original formulation and more accurate solutions can be found in fewer propagation steps. We further extend that work to handle graphs that change and expand over time. We report results from using pre-normalized Adsorption in topic labeling for web domains, using label slicing and BiCGStab. We also report results from using incremental updates on changing co-author network data. Finally, we discuss two options for handling mixed-sign (positive and negative) graphs and labels.
Invariant set-based robust softly switched model predictive control

Abstract It is common that an efficient constrained plant operation under full range of disturbance inputs requires meeting different sets of control objectives. This calls for application of multiple model predictive controllers each of them being best fit into specific operating conditions. It is inevitable then to switch between the controllers during the plant operation. A simple immediate hard switching may introduce unwanted transients and also it may not achieve robustly feasible controller operation. A soft switching strategy distributes the switching process over a certain time period and consequently it smoothes the transient processes and achieves the robust feasibility. The softly switched model predictive control scheme based on the invariant set theory is proposed for the additive set bounded and polytopic models of uncertainty. Simulation examples are given.
Design of a Passive Self-Regulating Gravity Compensator for Variable Payloads

Most passive gravity balancing mechanisms (GBMs) require manual adjustment or actuators to alter its parameters for different payloads. The few balancers that passively self-regulate employ regulation at the end-effector, which makes the end-effector bulky. Additionally, there is a lack of systematic approach to design such compensators. Hence, this paper provides a review of current work which serves as the basis for a systematic design approach to solve the problem. Unlike previous designs, an independent self-regulating mechanism is mounted onto the proximal link of the GBM achieving better safety, larger range of motion, and loading at intermediate angles. The GBM is designed using design tools like functional modeling and morphological analysis with existing literature. This approach reveals design considerations of current GBMs and areas for innovation. Design approaches from the literature are organized and serve as a reference for innovation. A prototype is developed, and experiments are performed to illustrate the capability.
Preliminary Engineering Implementation on Multisensory Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) for Oil Spills Surveillance

This paper proposed an initial engineering realization of an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) with multisensory system for oil spills monitoring and detection in seawater. It covers hardware and software designs to tackle the purposes. Four environmental sensors, i.e. temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity (EC), and oxygen reduction potential (ORP), were attached on the ROV to monitor water quality parameters. Data from these sensors were transfered wirelessly to a ground segment to be analyzed. The ROV was also equipped with an HD camera for video imagery, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor to monitor the ROV’s attitude, two LED flashlights to give extra lumens during underwater operation, and a customized 3D printed gripper. The ROV was actuated with three brushless DC motors with silicone-based coating. The software design was a binary difference image processing under MATLAB environment to identify oil spills based on video captures from the camera. Experiments for the water quality parameter monitoring and image processing have been carried out under seawater, oil contaminated seawater, and gaseous seawater samples, to show the performance of the designed hardware and software.
A Comprehensive Review of the 1H-MRS Metabolite Spectrum in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Neuroimaging studies of neuropsychiatric behavior biomarkers across spectrum disorders are typically based on diagnosis, thus failing to account for the heterogeneity of multi-dimensional spectrum disorders such as autism (ASD). Control group trait phenotypes are also seldom reported. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) measures the abundance of neurochemicals such as neurotransmitters and metabolites and hence can probe disorder phenotypes at clinical and sub-clinical levels. This detailed review summarizes and critiques the current 1H-MRS research in ASD. The literature reports reduced N-acetylaspartate (NAA), glutamate and glutamine (Glx), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), creatine and choline, and increased glutamate for children with ASD. Adult studies are few and results are inconclusive. Overall, the literature has several limitations arising from differences in 1H-MRS methodology and sample demographics. We argue that more consistent methods and greater emphasis on phenotype studies will advance understanding of underlying cortical metabolite disturbance in ASD, and the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of ASD and other multi-dimensional psychiatric disorders.
Test Samples for Optimizing STORM Super-Resolution Microscopy

STORM is a recently developed super-resolution microscopy technique with up to 10 times better resolution than standard fluorescence microscopy techniques. However, as the image is acquired in a very different way than normal, by building up an image molecule-by-molecule, there are some significant challenges for users in trying to optimize their image acquisition. In order to aid this process and gain more insight into how STORM works we present the preparation of 3 test samples and the methodology of acquiring and processing STORM super-resolution images with typical resolutions of between 30-50 nm. By combining the test samples with the use of the freely available rainSTORM processing software it is possible to obtain a great deal of information about image quality and resolution. Using these metrics it is then possible to optimize the imaging procedure from the optics, to sample preparation, dye choice, buffer conditions, and image acquisition settings. We also show examples of some common problems that result in poor image quality, such as lateral drift, where the sample moves during image acquisition and density related problems resulting in the 'mislocalization' phenomenon.
An extended model to support detailed GPGPU reliability analysis

General Purpose Graphics Processing Units (GPGPUs) have been used in the last decades as accelerators in high demanding data processing applications, such as multimedia processing and high-performance computing. Nowadays, these devices are becoming popular even in safety-critical applications, such as autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles. However, these devices can suffer from the effects of transient faults, such as those produced by radiation effects. These effects can be represented in the system as Single Event Upsets (SEUs) and are able to generate intolerable application misbehaviors in safety critical environments. In this work, we extended the capabilities of an open-source VHDL GPGPU model (FlexGrip) in order to study and analyze in a much more detailed manner the effects of SEUs in some critical modules within a GPGPU. Simulation results showed that scheduler controller has different levels of SEU sensibility depending on the affected location. Moreover, a reduced number of execution units, in the GPGPU can decrease the system reliability.
Profiling Thread Performance

In this paper we show, how the performance of a program is affected with the number of threads as the system parameters are varied. We discuss the choice of these parameters and analyze the nonlinearity of performance drop. We present two approaches to train the model. The model was built upon two programs written using pthreads and simulated in the multi2sim environment.
Cervical cancer screening and psychosocial barriers perceived by patients. A systematic review

Aim of the study This study aimed at integrating research discussing the role of perceived psychosocial barriers in cervical cancer screening (CCS) uptake. In particular, we analyzed the evidence for the associations between CCS uptake and perceived psychosocial barriers and frequency of psychosocial barriers identified by women. Material and methods A systematic search of peer-reviewed papers published until 2011 in 8 databases yielded 48 original studies, analyzing data obtained from 155 954 women. The majority of studies (k = 43) applied correlational design, while 5 had experimental design. Results Experimental research indicated a positive effect of 75% of psychosocial interventions targeting barriers. The interventions resulted in a significant increase of CCS uptake. Overall 100% of correlational studies indicated that perceiving lower levels of barriers significantly predicted higher CCS uptake. 53 psychosocial barriers were listed in at least 2 original correlational studies: 9.5% of barriers were related to CCS facilities/environment, 67.9% dealt with personal characteristics of the patient, and 22.6% addressed social factors. As many as 35.9% of perceived barriers referred to negative emotions related to CCS examination procedures and collecting CCS results, whereas 25.7% of barriers referred to prior contacts with health professionals. Conclusions Leaflets or discussion on psychosocial barriers between patients and health professionals involved in CCS might increase CCS uptake and thus reduce cervical cancer mortality rates. Communication skills training for health professionals conducting CCS might focus on the most frequently reported barriers, referring to emotions related to CCS examination and collecting CCS results.
Optimal DG and capacitor allocation along with network reconfiguration using Swarm robotics search & rescue algorithm

In this paper, a multi objective optimization method based on the swarm robotics search and rescue (SRSR) algorithm is provided to simultaneously determination of optimal capacity and location of DG units and capacitor banks along with network reconfiguration in the distribution system. Also the load uncertainty is considered in the proposed investigation based on triangular fuzzy method. The objective function considers six performance indexes including active losses, reactive losses, voltage deviation, voltage stability index, section loadability and index of balancing current of sections. Each of these indicators is weighed based on their importance and their composition forms in the objective function of the optimization problem. The proposed method has been studied and evaluated on IEEE 33 bus system, also the convergence and efficiency of the proposed SRSR approach is compared with two well-known genetic (GA) and cuckoo search (CS) algorithms. The obtained simulation results indicate the capability of the presented SRSR algorithm in determining the optimal capacity and location of the DG sources and capacitor banks in different operating conditions, and illuminate the improvement of system performance indexes, especially the reduction of active losses in the network.
Circulation Generation and Vortex Ring Formation by Conic Nozzles

Vortex rings are one of the fundamental flow structures in nature. In this paper, the generation of circulation and vortex rings by a vortex generator with a static converging conic nozzle exit is studied numerically. Conic nozzles can manipulate circulation and other flow invariants by accelerating the flow, increasing the Reynolds number, and by establishing a two-dimensional flow at the exit. The increase in the circulation efflux is accompanied by an increase in the vortex circulation. A novel normalization method is suggested to differentiate between two contributions to the circulation generation: a one-dimensional slug-type flow contribution and an inherently two-dimensional flow contribution. The one-dimensional contribution to the circulation increases with the square of the centerline exit velocity, while the two-dimensional contribution increases linearly with the decrease in the exit diameter. The two-dimensional flow contribution to the circulation production is not limited to the impulsive initiation of the flow only (as in straight tube vortex generators), but it persists during the entire ejection. The two-dimensional contribution can reach as much as 44% of the total circulation (in the case of an orifice). The present study offers evidences on the importance of the vortex generator geometry, and in particular, the exit configuration on the emerging flow, circulation generation, and vortex ring formation. It is shown that both total and vortex ring circulations can be controlled to some extent by the shape of the exit nozzle.
Biological Crystallography Crystallization and Atomic Resolution X-ray Diffraction of the Catalytic Domain of the Large Sialidase, Nani, from Clostridium Perfringens

Sialidases catalyse the removal of terminal sialic acids from a range of glycoproteins, glycolipids and oligosaccharides. They have been found in bacteria, viruses and parasites, where they play important roles in pathogenesis and/or microbial nutrition, and in mammalian cells, where they modulate cell-surface glycosylation associated with a range of cellular activities. Clostridium perfringens, a causative agent of gas gangrene and peritonitis in humans, possesses three sialidases: nanH, nanI and nanJ, with molecular weights of 42, 77 and 129 kDa, respectively. The two larger enzymes are secreted by the bacterium and are involved in the pathogenesis and nutrition of Clostridium. As part of a study to examine the structures of all three enzymes, crystallization of the 77 kDa nanI isoenzyme was attempted. The expressed full-length protein was found to degrade easily; a stable 50 kDa catalytic domain was therefore subcloned. This domain was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and produced crystals belonging to space group P2 1 2 1 2 1 , with unit-cell parameters a = 96.98, b = 69.41, c = 72.69 A Ê and one monomer per asymmetric unit. The crystals diffract to at least 0.92 A Ê. A molecular-replacement solution was obtained using the catalytic domain of the sialidase from the leech Macrobdella decora.
Well-measuring programs

Any program that measures quantities from its physical environment must compute using correct and consistent units of measurement. Such a program is described as well-measuring. In many systems, particularly embedded control software, paying inadequate attention to units of measurement can result in catastrophe. Unfortunately, current programming languages and tools provide little aid to the programmer attempting to establish or verify the well-measuring property. We present a program analysis technique for inferring and checking the units used within a program. The technique combines traditional Hindley-Milner-style type inference with the use of static single assignment (SSA) form to enable analysis of imperative programs.