Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Revolutions and second‐best solutions: education for sustainable development in higher education

Despite widespread policy support for education for sustainable development in higher education, and a strong academic literature arguing for a radical rethink of curriculum, pedagogy and institutional culture, progress towards the educational reforms advocated remains limited. Based on in‐depth interviews with lecturers at a case‐study university, this article explores reasons for the slow pace of change, in particular how constraining variables (such as class size, patchy managerial support, perceived irrelevance to some disciplines, and conflict with prevalent higher education pedagogies) inhibit the widespread use of the holistic, interdisciplinary, transformative learning approaches advocated by theorists. Coping strategies employed by lecturers to bring education for sustainable development into their teaching practices are investigated and reviewed in the context of the ‘theory of the second best’. We conclude with a plea for greater recognition in the literature of the merits of such ‘second‐best’ approaches in higher education.
Outlier detection using autoencoders August 19 , 2016

Outlier detection is a crucial part of any data analysis applications. The goal of outlier detection is to separate a core of regular observations from some polluting ones, called “outliers”. We propose an outlier detection method using deep autoencoder. In our research the invented method was applied to detect outlier points in the MNIST dataset of handwriting digits. The experimental results show that the proposed method has a potential to be used for anomaly detection. CERN Non Member State Summer Student Report 2016 3 | P a g e Table of
Smoke and Pollution Aerosol Effect on Cloud Cover

Pollution and smoke aerosols can increase or decrease the cloud cover. This duality in the effects of aerosols forms one of the largest uncertainties in climate research. Using solar measurements from Aerosol Robotic Network sites around the globe, we show an increase in cloud cover with an increase in the aerosol column concentration and an inverse dependence on the aerosol absorption of sunlight. The emerging rule appears to be independent of geographical location or aerosol type, thus increasing our confidence in the understanding of these aerosol effects on the clouds and climate. Preliminary estimates suggest an increase of 5% in cloud cover.
Some economic consequences of a declining population.

A lecture delivered before the Eugenics Society in 1937. The author warned against the widespread assumption that a stationary or declining population would be an unmitigated social and economic good. According to his theoretical framework a declining population would lead to a lower level of effective demand lower aggregate savings less capital accumulation and ultimately a higher level of unemployment.
Cross Layer Design to Multi-thread a Data-Pipelining Application on a Multi-processor on Chip

Data-Pipelining is a widely used model to represent streaming applications. Incremental decomposition and optimization of a data-pipelining application onto a multi-processor platform spans multiple design layers, including the application layer, the system software layer, the architecture layer and the micro-architecture layer. For best results, designers have to consider multiple design layers (vertical exploration) and multiple architecture options (horizontal exploration). By using a data-pipelining JPEG encoder as the application driver, this paper presents a comprehensive analysis of mapping a data-pipelined application through multiple design layers, to a shared-memory SMP (Symmetric Multi- Processing) system. It is shown that a single-layered optimization ends up with a 110% worse design if the system effects from other layers are not taken into account. Compared to the nominal case, with appropriate mapping of the application, we achieve 47.5% improvement for high performance design and 77.6% energy reduction for energy efficient design under constant performance.
Generating and Describing Affective Eye Behaviors

The manner of a person's eye movement conveys much about nonverbal information and emotional intent beyond speech. This paper describes work on expressing emotion through eye behaviors in virtual agents based on the parameters selected from the AU-Coded facial expression database and real-time eye movement data (pupil size, blink rate and saccade). A rule-based approach to generate primary (joyful, sad, angry, afraid, disgusted and surprise) and intermediate emotions (emotions that can be represented as the mixture of two primary emotions) utilized the MPEG4 FAPs (facial animation parameters) is introduced. Meanwhile, based on our research, a scripting tool, named EEMML (Emotional Eye Movement Markup Language) that enables authors to describe and generate emotional eye movement of virtual agents, is proposed.
Turning Parameter Optimization for Minimum Production Cost by Integer Programming

Optimal selection of cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and the number of passes is important in machining operations due to significant influence of these parameters on machining quality and machining economics. It is an essential part of a computer integrated manufacturing system. In this paper, an optimization model based on minimum production cost for multi-pass turning operations is presented. Tool life, surface roughness, cutting force, cutting power as well as limits on cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut are incorporated in the model as constraints. Optimal solutions are found by an integer programming solution approach. A turning example is given for illustration. The model generates much lower unit production costs compared with the results from the literature and machining data handbook.
Effects of Tai Chi in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Preliminary Evidence

Background Currently, several studies assessed the role of Tai Chi (TC) in management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but these studies have wide variation of sample and convey inconclusive results. We therefore undertook a meta-analysis to assess the effects of TC. Methods A computerized search through electronic databases was performed to obtain sample studies. The primary outcomes were 6-min walking distance (6MWD) and dyspnea. Secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life and pre-bronchodilator spirometry. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and heterogeneity was assessed with the I2 test. A random-effects meta-analysis model was applied. Results Eight randomized controlled trials involving 544 patients met the inclusion criteria. The pooled WMDs were 34.22 m (95% CI 21.25–47.20, P<0.00001) for 6 MWD, –0.86 units (95% CI –1.44––0.28, P = 0.004) for dyspnea, 70 ml (95% CI 0.02–0.13, P = 0.01) for FEV1, 120 ml (95% CI 0.00–0.23, P = 0.04) for FVC. TC significantly improved the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire total score, and the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire score except impact score. Conclusions Findings suggest that TC may provide an effective alternative means to achieve results similar to those reported following participation in pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Further studies are needed to substantiate the preliminary findings and investigate the long-term effects of TC.
Reconstructing 3D Face Model with Associated Expression Deformation from a Single Face Image via Constructing a Low-Dimensional Expression Deformation Manifold

Facial expression modeling is central to facial expression recognition and expression synthesis for facial animation. In this work, we propose a manifold-based 3D face reconstruction approach to estimating the 3D face model and the associated expression deformation from a single face image. With the proposed robust weighted feature map (RWF), we can obtain the dense correspondences between 3D face models and build a nonlinear 3D expression manifold from a large set of 3D facial expression models. Then a Gaussian mixture model in this manifold is learned to represent the distribution of expression deformation. By combining the merits of morphable neutral face model and the low-dimensional expression manifold, a novel algorithm is developed to reconstruct the 3D face geometry as well as the facial deformation from a single face image in an energy minimization framework. Experimental results on simulated and real images are shown to validate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed algorithm.
The Neural Signatures of Processing Semantic End Values in Automatic Number Comparisons

The brain activity associated with processing numerical end values has received limited research attention. The present study explored the neural correlates associated with processing semantic end values under conditions of automatic number processing. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded while participants performed the numerical Stroop task, in which they were asked to compare the physical size of pairs of numbers, while ignoring their numerical values. The smallest end value in the set, which is a task irrelevant factor, was manipulated between participant groups. We focused on the processing of the lower end values of 0 and 1 because these numbers were found to be automatically tagged as the “smallest. ” Behavioral results showed that the size congruity effect was modulated by the presence of the smallest end value in the pair. ERP data revealed a spatially extended centro-parieto-occipital P3 that was enhanced for congruent versus incongruent trials. Importantly, over centro-parietal sites, the P3 congruity effect (congruent minus incongruent) was larger for pairs containing the smallest end value than for pairs containing non-smallest values. These differences in the congruency effect were localized to the precuneus. The presence of an end value within the pair also modulated P3 latency. Our results provide the first neural evidence for the encoding of numerical end values. They further demonstrate that the use of end values as anchors is a primary aspect of processing symbolic numerical information.
Turbo receiver with hybrid interference cancellation for coded V-BLAST system

In this paper, we investigate and research turbo coding for Bell Lab's Layered Space Time (BLAST) system and propose its encoding and decoding structure. Vertical BLAST (VBLAST) is a important method among BLAST to improve greatly system channel capacity, but because of its interference between transmit antennas, BER (FER) is sharply decreasing. At the receiver, we apply iterative ordered zero-forcing hybrid interference cancellation (IOZF-HIC). Comparing to ordered zero-forcing serial interference cancellation (OZF-SIC) and iterative zero-forcing parallel interference cancellation (IZF-PIC), IOZF-HIC provides better BER and FER performance with lower complexity. Soft-information through IOZF-HIC is sent to turbo iterative decoding and the resulting hard-information can be given to VBLAST again to provide prior information and renew soft-information of IOZF-HIC, then do again. So, turbo-VBLAST has the character of double-iterated concatenated decoding structure. The simulation results are presented to verify its advantages
Treating depression with different galenical drug formulations: Does it make a difference? The comparison of mirtazapine fast dissolving formulation (FDT) with conventional mirtazapine tablets (CT)

Objective. To assess clinical advantages of fast dissolving tablet (FDT) formulation of mirtazapine by comparison to conventional (CT) mirtazapine tablets in the treatment of depressed patients. Methods. A posteriori analyses of pooled data of a total of 30 studies (of at least 6 weeks duration, total N=3510) with CT and FDT in depressed patients was performed. Weight changes were recorded at baseline and regular intervals until the end of the study. Patient preferences for the one or the other formulation, as well as the appraisal of the FDT qualities, were assessed by means of a global internet-based survey including 5,428 patients. Results. Compared with mirtazapine CT, the FDT was associated with an average 0.3 kg less weight increase (P=0.0015) during the 6 weeks of treatment. The qualities and preference for FDT (global survey) were positively evaluated by the majority of patients. Particular advantages of FDT over CT were: better compliance (47.3% of raters), taste, ease and overall convenience of use (>75% of raters). Conclusions. The FDT mirtazapine differed from conventional tablets (CT) not only regarding somewhat less weight increase and overall use preference, but more importantly, regarding better compliance with treatment.
Resection for multiple metastatic liver tumors after portal embolization.

BACKGROUND Five patients with bilateral multiple liver metastases (3 to 12 lesions) from colorectal cancer who underwent extensive liver resection after portal embolization are described. METHODS Portal embolization of the right portal branch was performed 9 days to 8 months before hepatic resection. The location and number of metastases were determined by intraoperative ultrasonography at the time of liver resection to accomplish complete resection of the tumors. Extended right lobectomy was carried out in four patients, two of whom underwent additional wedge resection of nodules located in the left lateral segment. The other patient underwent right lobectomy associated with local resection of the tumor in the left lobe. RESULTS The postoperative course in the five patients was uneventful, with no serious complication or liver dysfunction. Although one patient died of recurrence 28 months after liver resection, the remaining four patients were alive and free of cancer between 36 and 74 months after hepatectomy. CONCLUSIONS The presence of bilateral multiple (four or more) metastatic liver lesions from colorectal cancer is not considered a contraindication for hepatic resection if thorough examination of the liver is performed with intraoperative ultrasonography and the surgical risk is minimal. Portal embolization appears effective for increasing the safety of hepatectomy for patients with small metastases who require major right-sided resection combined with wedge resection of the left lobe.
MODELING CONTINUOUS EMOTIONAL APPRAISALS OF MUSIC USING SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION

By measuring people's emotional appraisals of music as they listen to music, it is possible to analyse their appraisals to determine what features in the music cause their appraisals. The goal of this project is to apply system identification techniques to model how features in music cause listeners to perceive emotion. Volunteers are trained how to quantify emotion and then asked to appraise six selections of classical music. Then, features are extracted from the music as a function of time. By treating the features as inputs to a system and the emotional appraisals as outputs of that system, linear and nonlinear models of the emotional appraisals are created. Current models are able to explain approximately 44% of a listener’s emotional appraisal and more work is being done to improve these models.
Increasing Regulatory T Cells With Interleukin-2 and Interleukin-2 Antibody Complexes Attenuates Lung Inflammation and Heart Failure Progression

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with an increase of leukocyte infiltration, proinflammatory cytokines, and fibrosis in the heart and lung. Regulatory T cells (Tregs, CD4+CD25+FoxP3+) suppress inflammatory responses in various clinical conditions. We postulated that expansion of Tregs attenuates CHF progression by reducing cardiac and lung inflammation. We investigated the effects of interleukin-2 (IL-2) plus IL-2 monoclonal antibody clone JES6-1 complexes (IL2/JES6-1) on induction of Tregs, transverse aortic constriction–induced cardiac and lung inflammation, and CHF progression in mice. We demonstrated that end-stage CHF caused a massive increase of lung macrophages and T cells, as well as relatively mild left ventricular (LV) leukocyte infiltration. Administration of IL2/JES6-1 caused an ≈6-fold increase of Tregs within CD4+ T cells in the spleen, lung, and heart of mice. IL2/JES6-1 treatment of mice with existing transverse aortic constriction–induced LV failure markedly reduced lung and right ventricular weight and improved LV ejection fraction and LV end-diastolic pressure. Mechanistically, IL2/JES6-1 treatment significantly increased Tregs; suppressed CD4+ T-cell accumulation; dramatically attenuated leukocyte infiltration, including decreasing CD45+ cells, macrophages, CD8+ T cells, and effector memory CD8+; and reduced proinflammatory cytokine expressions and fibrosis in the lung of mice. Furthermore, IL2/JES6-1 administered before transverse aortic constriction attenuated the development of LV hypertrophy and dysfunction in mice. Our data indicate that increasing Tregs through administration of IL2/JES6-1 effectively attenuates pulmonary inflammation, right ventricular hypertrophy, and further LV dysfunction in mice with existing LV failure, suggesting that strategies to properly expand Tregs may be useful in reducing CHF progression.
Rate Coefficients of C1 and C2 Criegee Intermediate Reactions with Formic and Acetic Acid Near the Collision Limit: Direct Kinetics Measurements and Atmospheric Implications**

Rate coefficients are directly determined for the reactions of the Criegee intermediates (CI) CH2OO and CH3CHOO with the two simplest carboxylic acids, formic acid (HCOOH) and acetic acid (CH3COOH), employing two complementary techniques: multiplexed photoionization mass spectrometry and cavity-enhanced broadband ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy. The measured rate coefficients are in excess of 1×10−10 cm3 s−1, several orders of magnitude larger than those suggested from many previous alkene ozonolysis experiments and assumed in atmospheric modeling studies. These results suggest that the reaction with carboxylic acids is a substantially more important loss process for CIs than is presently assumed. Implementing these rate coefficients in global atmospheric models shows that reactions between CI and organic acids make a substantial contribution to removal of these acids in terrestrial equatorial areas and in other regions where high CI concentrations occur such as high northern latitudes, and implies that sources of acids in these areas are larger than previously recognized.
Understanding and mitigating cynicism in the workplace

Purpose – Organizational cynicism is on the increase. The purpose of this paper is to explore how dispositions promote cynical attitudes and how to mitigate the negative impact of organizational cynicism for employees. Design/methodology/approach – The data consisted of two samples (n=312 and n=529) of employed adults. All participants completed online surveys containing the variables of interest. The hypothesized model was tested using structural equation modeling. Findings – Low levels of core self-evaluation (CSE) predict organizational cynicism which, in turn, mediates the relations between CSE and job attitudes. Importantly, the authors find that supervisory support moderates both the relations between CSE and organizational cynicism and organizational cynicism and job satisfaction. Originality/value – Little research has directly assessed the role of dispositions in the development of organizational cynicism. The authors suggest that CSE contributes to the development of cynical attitudes. Further, the authors demonstrate that a supportive supervisor can serve as a buffer to mitigate the expression and effects of organizational cynicism on workplace outcomes.
Thermostatic and dynamic performance of an ultrasonic density probe

The thermally static and dynamic performance of an ultrasonic density probe for liquids is investigated in the density range of 750 to 1300 kg/m/sup 3/ at temperature ranging from 0 to 40/spl deg/C. The single transducer probe uses a pulse echo technique to obtain the characteristic acoustic impedance of the liquid and, subsequently, the speed of sound through the liquid to obtain the density of the liquid. Variations in the initial sound amplitude are addressed by the design of a layered two material probe. It is shown that it is possible to obtain an accuracy of 0.4% in the experiments carried out. For changing temperature, the probe exhibits large errors because of problems in estimating the temperatures in certain regions of the probe.
The interplay of empathy, oneness and perceived similarity in mediating the effects of perspective taking on prosocial responses

Perspective taking has been identified as one of the most promising techniques for reducing prejudice and promoting more harmonious intergroup relationships. Yet, there is little consensus on which mechanisms can better account for such beneficial effects (see Batson & Ahamad, 2009 and Galinsky, Ku & Wang, 2005). The present work aimed at providing an integrative view of how perspective taking can promote prosocial responses to stigmatized others, by simultaneously examining the mediating role of empathy, oneness and perceived interpersonal similarity. Four experimental studies were conducted in the context of interethnic relationships in Italy. In the first three studies, perspective taking was manipulated through written instructions, while in the fourth study two of the key mediators were manipulated by varying participants’ attentional focus on feelings vs. similarities. For all studies, mediation processes were examined adopting a structural equation model approach. Results showed that participants encouraged to take the perspective of a young Moroccan woman, while she described her difficulties associated with being immigrant, subsequently reported more positive attitudes both toward her (Studies 1-3) and toward North-African immigrants in general (Studies 2-3); moreover, they expressed stronger intentions to help the needy woman (Study 3) and greater support for prosocial policies aimed at benefiting the whole category of North-African immigrants (Studies 1-3). Mediation analyses indicated that the effects of perspective taking on improved attitudes were primarily mediated by increased empathic concern felt for the target, while the indirect effect on support for prosocial policies passed through self-reported feelings of injustice (Studies 1-2). Importantly, although perspective taking elicited greater sadness and personal distress, these aversive affective states could not account for its effects on prosocial responses (Study 2). In Study 3, perspective taking lead first to higher levels of emotional arousal, which then resulted in increased oneness, which was finally a powerful, proximal predictor of prosocial outcomes. Notably, although perspective taking and empathic concern lead to reduced discrepancy in representations of the self and the other, this cognitive merging was not a significant mediator. Thus, the perception of oneness seemed to reflect care for the target’s welfare and a sense of interconnectedness with the other rather than a merge of identities. Supporting this idea, in Study 4, self-reported empathic concern and felt care for the target’s welfare emerged as strong predictors of prosocial responses, while the perception of oneness based on interpersonal similarity was not.