Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computational Psychometrics in Support of Collaborative Educational Assessments

The rapidly growing literature on teamwork and collaborative problem solving suggests that these skills are becoming increasingly important in today’s education and workforce. This special issue of Journal of Educational Measurement seeks to channel the contributors’ expertise toward advances in the measurement and assessment of cognitive and noncognitive skills of individuals and teams in education. The articles in this special issue discuss the challenges and opportunities for developing collaborative assessments that cover the assessment of collaborative skills, of collaborative problem solving skills, and/or the assessment of cognitive skills through collaborative problem solving tasks. These articles combine collaborative assessment methods with advanced psychometrics techniques, such as computational psychometrics, for analyzing collaborative behavior in educational assessments; they introduce the recent progress on innovative ways of studying collaboration in education. Recent developments indicate that society is interested in redesigning educational assessments and not merely improving the assessments we have. Educators request assessments that reflect the way people actually teach, learn, and work. There is a renewed interest in performance assessments and efforts are being made to develop these complex assessments in virtual settings. One type of performance task is the collaborative task, where an individual works together with one or more agents to solve a problem. This ubiquitous interactive setting of our everyday life poses challenges for assessment. Questions about which skills are needed in such a context, how to disentangle the individual contributions from the team contribution, and what types of models could help us predict a successful performance have tempered the enthusiasm around pursuing the development of educational assessments with collaborative components. Nevertheless, other recent events indicate that progress is being made. For example, the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2015 administered a test of collaborative skills (OECD, 2013); the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) hosted a symposium on collaborative problem solving (CPS) in September, 2014, and as a follow-up, the National Council on Measurement in Education (NCES) commissioned a white paper on the considerations for introduction of the CPS in NAEP; the College Board’s Advanced Placement Computer Science Assessment is being redesigned and one of the new features is introducing collaborative tasks; Educational Testing Service (ETS) and the Army Research Institute co-hosted a working meeting, Innovative Assessment of Collaboration, November 3–4, 2014, and an edited interdisciplinary volume based on that meeting is being published with Springer Verlag (von Davier, Zhu, & Kyllonen, 2017); the Smarter Balance Consortium developed an assessment system where performance tasks, including
A New Scheme for Automatic Initialization of Deformable Models

This paper presents a novel scheme for automatic initialization for all types of deformable models. Our method is able to automatically generate a close-to-boundary initialization which is independent of the subsequent segmentation process. Therefore, our method enables different types of deformable models achieve more accurate and robust results. Topographic independent component analysis (TICA) based feature extraction technique is presented for learning a representation from a set of un-labeled image patches. During learning, a topographic map of basis components emerge. An intelligent contour generation procedure is also proposed. Experimental results on abdominal CT images demonstrate the potential of our approach.
Flumatinib, a selective inhibitor of BCR-ABL/PDGFR/KIT, effectively overcomes drug resistance of certain KIT mutants

Activating mutations in KIT have been associated with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). The tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate has revolutionized the treatment of GISTs. Unfortunately, primary or acquired resistance to imatinib does occur in GISTs and forms a major problem. Although sunitinib malate, a multi‐kinase inhibitor, has shown effectiveness against imatinib‐resistant GISTs, recent studies have indicated that some imatinib‐resistant GISTs harboring secondary mutations in the KIT activation loop were also resistant to sunitinib. Therefore, new drugs capable of overcoming the dual drug resistance of GISTs probably have potential clinical utility. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of flumatinib, an inhibitor of BCR‐ABL/PDGFR/KIT, against 32D cells transformed by various KIT mutants and evaluated its potency to overcome the drug resistance of certain mutants. Interestingly, our in vitro study revealed that flumatinib effectively overcame the drug resistance of certain KIT mutants with activation loop mutations (i.e., D820G, N822K, Y823D, and A829P). Our in vivo study consistently suggested that flumatinib had superior efficacy compared with imatinib or sunitinib against 32D cells with the secondary mutation Y823D. Molecular modeling of flumatinib docked to the KIT kinase domain suggested a special mechanism underlying the capability of flumatinib to overcome the drug‐resistance conferred by activation loop mutations. These findings suggest that flumatinib could be a promising therapeutic agent against GISTs resistant to both imatinib and sunitinib because of secondary mutations in the activation loop.
Online addictions: conceptualizations, debates, and controversies

The activity of play has endured throughout human history and more recently, the Internet has emerged as a playground increasingly populated by gamblers, gamers, shoppers, and social networkers. Research suggests that a minority of online users experience symptoms traditionally associated with substance-related addictions, including mood modification, tolerance, conflict, and salience. Previous research suggests that a combination of individual, situational, and structural characteristics determine whether, and to what extent, individuals engage in various online activities. For instance, it is believed that access, affordability, and anonymity are critical factors that make the Internet viable for the acquisition, development, and maintenance of online addictions. Since the current scientific knowledge of online addiction is copious in scope and appears relatively complex, this paper examines a selection of the main debates in the field, the conceptualization of excessive online behavior as an addiction, and other key controversies.
2 The Mondex Purse : from Refinement to Retrenchment

The Mondex Electronic Purse system [18] is an outstanding example of formal refinement techniques applied to a genuine industrial scale application, and is notable for being the first verification to achieve ITSEC level E6 certification. A formal abstract model including security properties, and a formal concrete model of the system design were developed, and a complex formal refinement was then hand-proved between them in Z. Despite this success, certain requirements issues were set beyond the scope of the formal development, or handled in an unnatural manner, in order to establish the refinement relation. Retrenchment is reviewed in a form suitable for integration with Z refinement, and is used to address one such issue in detail: the finiteness of the transaction sequence number in the purse funds transfer protocol. A retrenchment is constructed from the lowest level model of the Purse system to a model in which sequence numbers are finite, using a suitable elaboration of the Z promotion [21] technique. We overview the lifting of that retrenchment to the abstraction level of the higher models of the Purse system. The retrenchment-enhanced formal development is proposed as a methodological pattern for the verification of an application of this kind. The concessions of the various retrenchments formally capture the dissonance between the unbounded sequence number idealisation and the bounded reality. Reasoning about when the concession can become valid influences the actual choice of sequence number bound.
Bachelor Thesis Human Resource Management -motivation among Employees in Multinational Corporations Writers

___________________________________________________________________________ Title: Human Resource Management; Motivation among employees in multinational corporations. Authors: Kristina Trifunovska, Robin Trifunovski Tutor: Agneta Moulettes Problem: Motivation is the number one problem facing businesses today. It is essential for employers to recognize what motivates employees in order to improve productivity and ensure the success of the company (Wiley, 1997). Even though employee motivation is a well researched topic, most studies have particularly focused on small domestic companies. Opportunities within MNCs and small companies are significantly different. Qualitative methods in the field of management is very limited, which the article by Cassell, Symon, Buehring and Johnson (2006) supports. Purpose: The purpose of this dissertation is to explore what motivates employees to work. Focus will be on employees working in multinational corporations in Sweden. In order to do so, we aim to identify key factors which have an impact on motivation at work. This study will contribute with a framework of motivational factors in a organization. It will also give an insight in employees’ attitudes towards motivation and what motivation means to them. Methodology: This thesis will use a qualitative method. The study is based on an interpretivistic philosophy with an abductive research approach. In order to answer our research question, primary data is collected through interviews with a number of employees from multinational companies in Sweden. This research strategy enables us to make investigations about work motivation. Conclusions: After analyzing the motivational factors in our study, we can make the conclusion that motivation is highly personal and differs from individual to individual. Work motivation is also not consistent over time, meaning, the factor which motivates an individual today will most likely not be the same motivational factor a year from now. It is clear that personal circumstances will have an impact on employee motivation. Results reveal that employees who are in the same profession are similarly motivated and satisfied in their work.
NEW DIRECTIONS IN HFSS FOR DESIGNING MICROWAVE DEVICES

Developed by Ansoft in 1990, the High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS) has become the simulator of choice for the electromagnetics design of complex threedimensional microwave devices. HFSS has been used to design thousands of microwave devices more quickly and reliably than is possible with prototypes alone. This broad use has generated considerable user feedback and customer requests for the software to address new simulation capabilities and directions. Two of the most requested features for Ansoft HFSS are the ability to model the resonance and quality factor of microwave cavities as well as a more broadband fast sweep capability. Another requested feature is the ability to model active devices and phasedarray antennas through fields linked by values at two different boundaries. Development of higher accuracy mesh truncation procedures for modeling radiation from antennas, more powerful geometry modeling using precise solids and faster, more complete graphics tools for postprocessing also have been requested. Version 6 sets a new direction for HFSS in these high impact areas. A new graphical user interface streamlines model creation, simulation and postprocessing. Adaptive LanczosPade sweep (ALPS), a new fast frequency sweep technology, provides a more broadband and reliable fast sweep capability than was available in earlier versions. The ALPS fast sweep capability coupled with a new field calculator allows microwave cavity resonances and quality factors to be determined precisely. The linked boundary condition (LBC), which allows active devices and periodic structures to be modeled, has been added and open boundaries can be modeled more accurately by perfectly matched layers (PML) that mimic free space to a remarkable degree. In addition, the software’s geometry entry and postprocessing capabilities have been completely revamped to allow users greater flexibility and freedom in entering geometry and displaying results. This article highlights two application areas that can be solved for the first time using Ansoft HFSS version 6. The new ALPS fast frequency sweep algorithm and the new field calculator can be used to compute closed-cavity resonant frequencies and quality factors, respectively. Also, large phased-array antennas can be simulated using the simulator’s new PML and LBC features.
Realizability Constrained Selection of Residual Generators for Fault Diagnosis With an Automotive Engine Application

This paper considers the problem of selecting a set of residual generators for inclusion in a model-based diagnosis system, while fulfilling fault isolability requirements and minimizing the number of residual generators. Two novel algorithms for solving the selection problem are proposed. The first algorithm provides an exact solution fulfilling both requirements and is suitable for small problems. The second algorithm, which constitutes the main contribution, is suitable for large problems and provides an approximate solution by means of a greedy heuristic and by relaxing the minimal cardinality requirement. The foundation for the algorithms is a novel formulation of the selection problem which enables an efficient reduction of the search-space by taking into account realizability properties, with respect to the considered residual generation method. Both algorithms are general in the sense that they are aimed at supporting any computerized residual generation method. In a case study the greedy selection algorithm is successfully applied in an industrial sized automotive engine system.
Retrieving Best Entry Points in Semi-Structured Documents

Focused structured document retrieval tries to make use of the concept of best entry point (BEP) which is intended to define from a user’s perspective the starting-point from which browsing relevant document components should be optimally initiated [5]. In this paper we describe a simple, efficient and effective method for providing BEPs candidates in XML documents. Experiments conducted within the framework of INEX 2006 evaluation campaign ranked the proposed approach on the 1 place out of 77 official submissions for the Best In Context Task. Secondly we compare the effectiveness of the approach with a standard 'flat' document retrieval system that returns document snippets as BEPs. The experimental results on the Wikipedia collection [3] show that BEPs are considered as useful features from the users points of view.
Network Meta-Analysis of Erlotinib, Gefitinib, Afatinib and Icotinib in Patients with Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Harboring EGFR Mutations

Background Several EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) including erlotinib, gefitinib, afatinib and icotinib are currently available as treatment for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who harbor EGFR mutations. However, no head to head trials between these TKIs in mutated populations have been reported, which provides room for indirect and integrated comparisons. Methods We searched electronic databases for eligible literatures. Pooled data on objective response rate (ORR), progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) were calculated. Appropriate networks for different outcomes were established to incorporate all evidences. Multiple-treatments comparisons (MTCs) based on Bayesian network integrated the efficacy and specific toxicities of all included treatments. Results Twelve phase III RCTs that investigated EGFR-TKIs involving 1821 participants with EGFR mutation were included. For mutant patients, the weighted pooled ORR and 1-year PFS of EGFR-TKIs were significant superior to that of standard chemotherapy (ORR: 66.6% vs. 30.9%, OR 5.46, 95%CI 3.59 to 8.30, P<0.00001; 1-year PFS: 42.9% vs. 9.7%, OR 7.83, 95%CI 4.50 to 13.61; P<0.00001) through direct meta-analysis. In the network meta-analyses, no statistically significant differences in efficacy were found between these four TKIs with respect to all outcome measures. Trend analyses of rank probabilities revealed that the cumulative probabilities of being the most efficacious treatments were (ORR, 1-year PFS, 1-year OS, 2-year OS): erlotinib (51%, 38%, 14%, 19%), gefitinib (1%, 6%, 5%, 16%), afatinib (29%, 27%, 30%, 27%) and icotinib (19%, 29%, NA, NA), respectively. However, afatinib and erlotinib showed significant severer rash and diarrhea compared with gefitinib and icotinib. Conclusions The current study indicated that erlotinib, gefitinib, afatinib and icotinib shared equivalent efficacy but presented different efficacy-toxicity pattern for EGFR-mutated patients. Erlotinib and afatinib revealed potentially better efficacy but significant higher toxicities compared with gefitinib and icotinib.
Prospects for HIV control in South Africa: a model-based analysis

Background The goal of virtual elimination of horizontal and mother-to-child HIV transmission in South Africa (SA) has been proposed, but there have been few systematic investigations of which interventions are likely to be most critical to reducing HIV incidence. Objective This study aims to evaluate SA's potential to achieve virtual elimination targets and to identify which interventions will be most critical to achieving HIV incidence reductions. Design A mathematical model was developed to simulate the population-level impact of different HIV interventions in SA. Probability distributions were specified to represent uncertainty around 32 epidemiological parameters that could be influenced by interventions, and correlation coefficients (r) were calculated to assess the sensitivity of the adult HIV incidence rates and mother-to-child transmission rates (2015–2035) to each epidemiological parameter. Results HIV incidence in SA adults (ages 15–49) is expected to decline from 1.4% in 2011–2012 to 0.29% by 2035 (95% CI: 0.10–0.62%). The parameters most strongly correlated with future adult HIV incidence are the rate of viral suppression after initiating antiretroviral treatment (ART) (r=−0.56), the level of condom use in non-marital relationships (r=−0.40), the phase-in of intensified risk-reduction counselling for HIV-positive adults (r=0.29), the uptake of medical male circumcision (r=−0.24) and the phase-in of universal ART eligibility (r=0.22). The paediatric HIV parameters most strongly associated with mother-to-child transmission rates are the relative risk of transmission through breastfeeding when the mother is receiving ART (r=0.70) and the rate of ART initiation during pregnancy (r=−0.16). Conclusions The virtual elimination target of a 0.1% incidence rate in adults will be difficult to achieve. Interventions that address the infectiousness of patients after ART initiation will be particularly critical to achieving long-term HIV incidence declines in South Africa.
3D egomotion from stereo cameras using constrained search window and bundle adjustment

We propose a method for egomotion estimation from images obtained by a pair of stereo cameras for the reconstruction of 3D scene. The proposed method improves feature matching by using two eliminating criteria to filter out unlikely matching points and restricts the search window according to the epipolar constraint. The method also improves calculated motion by using bundle adjustment to integrate all relevant parameters for optimization. Experiments have been performed to demonstrate the improvement of using the proposed egomotion estimation.
6 Hardy Type Inequalities Related to Degenerate Elliptic Differential Operators Lorenzo D ’ Ambrosio

We prove some Hardy type inequalities related to quasilinear second order degenerate elliptic differential operators Lpu := −∇ ∗ L(|∇Lu| p−2 ∇Lu). If φ is a positive weight such that −Lpφ ≥ 0, then the Hardy type inequality c ∫ Ω |u| φp |∇Lφ| p dξ ≤ ∫
A Novel Partial Differential Equation Method Based on Image Features and Its Applications in Denoising

In this paper a novel denoising algorithm based on partial differential equation variational approach is proposed. The proposed algorithm is obtained by weighted combinations of the an isotropic diffusion model and total variation model. Experimental results show that our new approach is more efficient in image denoising than both an isotropic diffusion and total variation in terms of preserving edges information and texture features.
The Effects of Resources on Brand and Interpersonal Connection

Although social connections have long been considered a fundamental human motivation and deemed necessary for well-being, recent research has demonstrated that having greater resources is associated with weaker social connections. In the present research, we posit that individuals with greater resources still have a need to connect and are using other sources for connection, namely brands. Across five studies, we test and find support for the theory that resource level shifts the preferred source of social connection from people to brands. Specifically, we find that individuals with more resources have stronger connections and are more satisfied with their brands, suggesting that these individuals place more emphasis on these relationships. We also find that perceiving greater resources leads to greater connection, purchase intention, and willingness to pay for a new brand, demonstrating that resource level influences both existing brand relationships and the creation of new ones. In addition, we find that resource level affects how people view the importance of brand and interpersonal relationships. Finally, we find that having or perceiving greater resources is associated with a stronger preference to engage with brands over other people, highlighting that, at times, people prefer and seek out connection with brands over other people.