Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Political Limits to Interorganizational Consensus and Change

When efforts at collaborative problem solving take place in interorganizational settings, political issues arise with respect to the distribution ofpower among various organizations with a stake in the matters being considered. This article discusses the efforts of the National Coal Policy Project (NCPP), a collaborative change effort by representatives of environmental groups andfirms mining and using coal, to achieve a consensus on national coal policy in a nonadversarial, nontraditional setting. The authors 'study of the NCPPexplores three political issues: the role of power in the selection of participants in the NCPP negotiations, the role of power in each stakeholder's decision as to whether or not to participate in the project, and the power of the NCPP participants to have the project recommendations implemented. The authors conclude that successful implementation depends upon the perceived legitimacy of the project and those selecting its participants, and on the ability to include all key stakeholders. This study has implicationsfor planned change in both interorganizational and intraorganizational settings.
A Decision-Directed Channel Estimator for OFDM-Based Bursty Vehicular Communication

We consider bursty orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) signal transmission, where each signal burst (or packet) consists of a preamble followed by data symbols which may contain few pilots. Channel estimation in vehicular environments for such signals is a challenging issue, as evidenced by related studies for the IEEE 802.11p standard. Existing channel estimation methods often yield deficient performance or require relatively high latency to achieve better performance, unless additional pilots are introduced. We propose a technique that addresses this problem. The primary aspect of the design is to exploit the temporal correlation in channel responses over close-by OFDM symbols in a decision-oriented manner. A secondary aspect is to take advantage of any available pilots in the data symbols in a frequency-domain filtering built on the temporal processing results. Regarding the performance of the proposed method, we first analyze the proposed temporal processing technique under some simplistic channel conditions both for insight and for verification. Further simulation results based on the IEEE 802.11p specifications under a measurement-based fading multipath vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) channel model show the superiority of the proposed method.
Second language learning as a mediated process

This article reviews the research carried out over approximately the past five years on second language learning as a mediated process. Lantolf and Pavlenko (1995) surveyed twenty-five studies carried out from the early 1980s to the mid 1990s on mediated second language (L2) learning. Since the publication of their article only five years ago, more than forty new studies have appeared on mediated learning. As this research has become more robust, it has explored some of the original topics in greater depth and importantly, it has moved into new areas not previously studied. For example, current work continues to seek to better understand how L2 learning is mediated in the Zone of Proximal Development, a topic of earlier work, but it is now looking more closely at peer rather than expert-novice scaffolding in the ZPD. Research is also studying how experts scaffold novices in concrete classroom situations where concern is not with the ZPD itself, as was the case with the original work, but with how individuals, unaware of such a construct, go about providing and appropriating help in order to learn.While some of the earlier research focused on the role of private speech in carrying out tasks in a second language, more recent research is concerned with the role of private speech in appropriating a second language. A new area of interest that has opened up within the past two or three years deals with the processes through which language mediates the formation of new identities among L2 learners.
Efficient bridging fault simulation of sequential circuits based on multi-valued logics

We present the concept of a multi-valued logic simulator for bridging faults in sequential circuits. Different models for the handling of intermediate values in flip flops on the digital design level can be integrated and result in an expected realistic behavior area for bridging faults. Several experimental results are given to underline properties and advantages of the simulation technique.
Initial Report on Differential Expression of Sprouty Proteins 1 and 2 in Human Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines

Sprouty (Spry) proteins, modulators of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathways, have been shown to be deregulated in a variety of pathological conditions including cancer. In the present study we investigated the expression of Spry1 and Spry2 isoforms in a panel of human ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro. Our western blot analysis showed nonuniform patterns of Spry expression in the cancer cells, none of which conformed to the pattern observed in the normal ovarian epithelial cells employed as the control. Among the seven cancer cell lines studied, Spry1 was expressed lower in four cell lines and higher in one as compared with the control. As for Spry2, four cell lines showed lower and two exhibited higher expression. Results from RT-PCR assay raised the possibility that Spry protein levels may not necessarily correspond with its expression at mRNA level. Our immunostaining study revealed that Spry2 was predominantly distributed within the whole cytoplasm in vesicular structures whereas Spry1 was found in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. This might provide clues to further investigation of Spry mode of action and/or function. Collectively, our study unveiled the differential expression of Spry1 and Spry2 proteins in various ovarian cancer cell lines.
Cognitive Therapy for Personality Disorders: A Guide for Clinicians (2nd edn.) Edited by Kate Davidson London: Routledge, 2008. pp. 193. £24.99 (pb). ISBN: 978-0-415-41558-3.

In this brief but readable text, Davidson provides a succinct summary of the theories and best practice approach to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with clients diagnosed with personality disorders. She then cleverly translates psychological theory and the latest research findings into clear clinical suggestions. Davidson’s expertise is bolstered by her client-centred, non-judgemental and optimistic approach in working with this often challenging client group. Davidson begins with a broad overview of the classification, assessment, prevalence and established treatment efficacy for the DSM-IV personality disorders. A brief treatment of current contentious issues is provided, as is information regarding co-morbidity and suicidality. To the benefit of UK-based clinicians, many of the statistics and studies Davidson cites relate to the UK population. She provides a review of the prevailing cognitive theories for understanding personality disorder, contextualizing her practical suggestions. Importantly, Davidson clearly elucidates the strings that tie each of these models together; namely an understanding of developmental psychology, attachment and the impact of stressful environments and social deprivation. To support her succinct coverage of these complex ideas, Davidson provides helpful links to resources that describe the various theories and their associated treatment strategies in greater depth. As such, this first section functions as a quick reference guide to the current evidence and CBT-based theory informing therapy for those with personality disorders. From this empirical and theoretical base, Davidson quickly moves into detailing the process of adapting CBT in the therapy room for clients with personality disorders. This is where her work comes into its own. Davidson elaborates on theoretical pointers with a generous helping of clinical examples, increasing the ease with which clinicians may apply this information to their learning and current caseload. This also serves to highlight her extensive clinical expertise and of course build readers’ confidence in her knowledge and their own ability to apply these strategies. Davidson’s outline of structural aspects of therapy is particularly useful. Further chapters provide detailed guidance on each phase of therapy, from initial assessment, to developing a collaborative case formulation, to identifying and modifying unhelpful core beliefs, to ending strategies. Suggestions are offered on standardized measures of global progress in therapy, as well as ideas for specific measures of change in individual problem behaviours. Advice is also provided on stylistic strategies for clinicians to maintain a strong alliance and ensure a collaborative stance in therapy. Several resources are provided for use in therapy sessions, including Davidson’s Acts of Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory and a handout on core beliefs for literate clients. Essentially, Davidson’s work is a toolkit for the clinician.
Association between Carotid Intima Media Thickness and Heart Rate Variability in Adults at Increased Cardiovascular Risk

Background: Atherosclerotic carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) may be associated with alterations in the sensitivity of carotid baroreceptors. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between carotid IMT and the autonomic modulation of heart rate variability (HRV). Methods: A total of 101 subjects were enrolled in this prospective observational study. The carotid IMT was determined by duplex ultrasonography. The cardiac autonomic function was determined through HRV measures during the Deep Breathing Test. Linear regression models, adjusted for demographics, comorbidities, body mass index, waist-hip-ratio, and left ventricular ejection fraction were used to evaluate the association between HRV parameters and carotid IMT. Results: Participants had a mean age of 60.4 ± 13.4 years and an estimated 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score (using the Pooled Cohort Equations) of 16.4 ± 17. The mean carotid media thickness was highest (0.90 ± 0.19 mm) in the first quartile of the standard deviation of all RR intervals (SDNN) (19.7 ± 5.1 ms) and progressively declined in each subsequent quartile to 0.82 ± 0.21 mm, 0.81 ± 0.16 mm, and 0.68 ± 0.19 in quartiles 2 (36.5 ± 5.9 ms), 3 (57.7 ± 6.2 ms) and 4 (100.9 ± 22.2 ms), respectively. In multivariable adjusted models, there was a statistical significant association between SDNN and carotid IMT (OR −0.002; 95%CI −0.003 to −0.001, p = 0.005). The same significant association was found between carotid IMT and other measures of HRV, including coefficient of variation of RR intervals (CV) and dispersion of points along the line of identity (SD2). Conclusions: In a cohort of individuals at increased cardiovascular risk, carotid IMT as a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis was associated with alterations of HRV indicating an impaired cardiac autonomic control, independently of other cardiovascular risk factors.
Themed Issue on Gender and Individualisation

There are many debates about individualisation. In this section of the journal we are most concerned to probe the nature of the concept itself and how it is gendered, and the extent to which ideas about individualisation are underpinning the extensive restructuring of social provision that has been going on in welfare states during the last decade. As a set of processes, individualisation has major implications for family formation, labour supply and gender equality. There is some evidence that policymakers' assumptions about the progress of individualisation are outrunning changes in behaviour on the part of both men and women, with particularly serious implications for women. There is also some evidence that other policy developments may lag behind women's aspirations for greater autonomy or impede their efforts to achieve greater economic independence.
Team self-regulation and meeting deadlines in project teams: Antecedents and effects of temporal consensus

In a longitudinal study among 48 project teams, we investigated how temporal consensus (i.e., the extent to which team members have a shared understanding of the temporal aspects of their collective task) affects the ability of teams to establish coordinated action and meet deadlines. In addition, we examined temporal planning, temporal reminders, and temporal reflexivity as antecedents of temporal consensus. Our findings indicate that temporal consensus facilitates meeting deadlines through improved coordinated action. Furthermore, the development of temporal consensus is promoted by temporal planning in early project stages and by an increase in the exchange of temporal reminders in later project stages. Temporal reflexivity does not contribute to temporal consensus. Rather, our findings suggest that teams engage in reflexivity because they disagree about time.
A minimalist approach to path following among unknown obstacles

The article proposes a feedback control system for path following in presence of obstacles that is an extension of previous work and is made of two components: (i) a sensor-based, real-time model that generates and periodically updates the path on-line in order to avoid both known and unforeseen obstacles, and (ii) a feedback-control model that is capable of driving a unicycle vehicle along the collision free path. The system has some unique characteristics, among which it requires very few computational resources as a consequence of its extreme simplicity.
The epidemiology of multiple Plasmodium falciparum infections. 5. Variation of Plasmodium falciparum msp1 block 2 and msp2 allele prevalence and of infection complexity in two neighbouring Senegalese villages with different transmission conditions

To investigate the impact of transmission on the development of immunity to malaria and on parasite diversity, longitudinal surveys have been conducted for several years in Dielmo and Ndiop, 2 neighbouring Senegalese villages with holo- and mesoendemic transmission conditions, respectively. We analysed Plasmodium falciparum msp1 block 2 and msp2 genotypes of isolates collected from 58% of the Dielmo villagers during the same week as those studied recently from Ndiop. Allele frequencies differed in both villages, indicating considerable microgeographical heterogeneity of parasite populations.The complexity of the infections, estimated using individual or combined msp1 and msp2 genotyping, in Dielmo was more than double that in Ndiop and it was age-dependent in Dielmo but not in Ndiop. Thus, this study confirmed the influence of age on the complexity of asymptomatic malaria infections in a holoendemic area. The age distribution of complexity in Dielmo substantiates the interpretation that the number of parasite types per isolate reflects acquired antiparasite immunity. This cross-sectional survey also confirms that the sickle cell trait has no impact on complexity but influences the distribution of P.falciparum genotypes.
A Framework of Sparse Online Learning and Its Applications

The amount of data in our society has been exploding in the era of big data today. In this paper, we address several open challenges of big data stream classification, including high volume, high velocity, high dimensionality, high sparsity, and high class-imbalance. Many existing studies in data mining literature solve data stream classification tasks in a batch learning setting, which suffers from poor efficiency and scalability when dealing with big data. To overcome the limitations, this paper investigates an online learning framework for big data stream classification tasks. Unlike some existing online data stream classification techniques that are often based on first-order online learning, we propose a framework of Sparse Online Classification (SOC) for data stream classification, which includes some state-of-the-art first-order sparse online learning algorithms as special cases and allows us to derive a new effective second-order online learning algorithm for data stream classification. In addition, we also propose a new cost-sensitive sparse online learning algorithm by extending the framework with application to tackle online anomaly detection tasks where class distribution of data could be very imbalanced. We also analyze the theoretical bounds of the proposed method, and finally conduct an extensive set of experiments, in which encouraging results validate the efficacy of the proposed algorithms in comparison to a family of state-of-the-art techniques on a variety of data stream classification tasks.
Communications in Mathematical Physics C *-Algebras Associated with Endomorphisms and Polymorphisms of Compact Abelian Groups

A surjective endomorphism or, more generally, a polymorphism in the sense of Schmidt and Vershik [Erg Th Dyn Sys 28(2):633–642, 2008], of a compact abelian group H induces a transformation of L2(H). We study the C*-algebra generated by this operator together with the algebra of continuous functions C(H) which acts as multiplication operators on L2(H). Under a natural condition on the endoor polymorphism, this algebra is simple and can be described by generators and relations. In the case of an endomorphism it is always purely infinite, while for a polymorphism in the class we consider, it is either purely infinite or has a unique trace. We prove a formula allowing to determine the K -theory of these algebras and use it to compute the K -groups in a number of interesting examples.
Evidence for the efficacy of acupressure for preventing post-operative nausea and vomiting: an ongoing debate.

This Invited Commentary accompanies the following ‘to abstain from doing harm’. This tenet remains central to the practice of medicine and serves as the foundation for all our therapeutic interventions, including peri-operative management of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV), once called ‘the big little problem’, which is as old as anaesthesia itself. In the absence of prophylaxis, it constitutes an important burden of disease for at least one fifth of all patients undergoing surgery with general anaesthesia, and patients are willing to pay considerable amounts of money from their own pockets for a remedy that works. The publication each month of clinical trials underlines the unmet need for an effective cure. Although for a majority of patients, with appropriate combined treatment options, the misery of PONV can be prevented, a single ‘magic bullet’ has not yet been found. Interest in this problem has made the current pharmacological regimens for the management of PONV among the best tested interventions in the peri-operative setting, with an extremely low potential for side effects. Most clinicians prescribe in the belief that the benefits outweigh the risk and costs, but side effects may occur and may even be life-threatening.
The Jackdaw of Rheims

23 E a s t J a c k s o n B l v d . Ch icago , I l l inois SONGS FOR THE SEASONS. Daniel Gregory Mason [J. Fischer & Brother]. Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter—a little cycle which belongs on a children's festival program—a Christmas program, because "Winter" is a wee Christmas carol. The spontaneity and sureness of touch of the man who is master of his technic are in startling contrast to the labored quality of the hundreds of pretentious efforts at my elbow. Variety in keys, rhythms and melodic movement give freshness and interest from Spring's Let Us Sing to Winter's Amen.
HapticWalker---a novel haptic foot device

This paper presents a new haptic locomotion interface, which comprises two programmable foot platforms with permanent foot machine contact. It is designed as a scalable and modular system with unit-by-unit extensibility offering up to six plus one degrees of freedom (DOF) per foot. The basic setup comprises three DOF per foot in the sagittal plane.The machine is based on a rigid hybrid parallel-serial robot kinematics structure. It is equipped with electrical direct drive motors, enabling highly dynamic footplate motions. For contact force measurement, six DOF force/torque sensors are mounted under each foot platform. The system was developed for major application in gait rehabilitation, hence great importance was attached to the incorporation of maximum passive and active security measures for machine users and medical operating personnel.The simulator is able to perform walking trajectories with speeds of up to 5 km/h and 120 steps/min. The system is able to simulate not only slow and “smooth” trajectories like walking on an even floor, up/down staircases, but also foot motions like walking on rough ground or even stumbling or sliding, which require high system dynamics.The machine is controlled by a self-developed full-featured robot control whose soft and hardware is based on up-to-date industrial standards and interfaces. The robot control software is based on RTLinux and runs on an industrial PC. The real-time motion generator includes a newly developed Fourier-based algorithm for the interpolation of natural cyclic walking trajectories. For the implementation of asynchronous events (e.g., sliding, stumbling), the controller comprises especially developed algorithms for automatic motion override adaptation. Different modes of haptic behavior needed for gait rehabilitation, ranging from full foot support during swing phase to completely passive behavior, are currently under development.Intuitive and safe machine operation by nontechnical personnel such as clinicians and physiotherapists is achieved via a separate Windows-based graphical user interface software comprising different window areas for machine programming and operation, real-time off-line simulation and online data visualization in two and three dimensions has been developed as well.A working prototype of the system has been built and tested successfully, including all soft and hardware components. Although the machine has been designed and built for major application in gait rehabilitation, its range of applicability is not limited to this area. It could be integrated into any setup requiring a highly dynamic haptic foot interface and permanent foot machine contact if needed.
Insight learning or shaping?

Bird and Emery (1) showed that rooks (Corvus frugilegus) can learn to manufacture and use tools to obtain food. They suggest that these behaviors emerge through insight and the authors touch upon a fundamental question in the study of animal intelligence: How can insight learning be separated from shaping?
Voicing the Silent Fear: South Asian Women's Experiences of Domestic Violence

This article examines the subjective experiences of South Asian women in the United Kingdom who have suffered domestic violence, and identifies some of the risk factors for domestic violence within this community. The study, based on in-depth interviews with 18 Asian women, describes and analyses several aspects of domestic violence in relation to South Asian women. The guiding research questions are: How do Asian women interpret their experiences of domestic violence, and to whom do they report it? This article presents data that suggest that abusive acts against Asian women arise out of a multiplicity of cultural circumstances influenced by power relations. Abusive acts are not therefore limited to a single characteristic, such as physical abuse, or to a particular relationship. Recurrent themes emerge from the women's accounts, revealing their definitions of domestic violence and showing how some continue to play down the levels of violence they experience. The article voices the concerns of and hardships experienced by victims and survivors of domestic violence, in their own words. Finally, the article offers an analysis of the ways in which notions of honour and shame are used both as tools to constrain women's self-determination and independence, and as catalysts for domestic violence when these notions of family and community are challenged by women.