Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Through Neural Stimulation to Behavior Manipulation: A Novel Method for Analyzing Dynamical Cognitive Models

The dynamical systems' approach to cognition (Dynamicism) promises computational models that effectively embed cognitive processing within its more natural behavioral context. Dynamical cognitive models also pose difficult, analytical challenges, which motivate the development of new analytical methodology. We start by illustrating the challenge by applying two conventional analytical methods to a well-known Dynamicist model of categorical perception. We then introduce our own analysis, which works by analogy with neural stimulation methods, and which yields some novel insights into the way the model works. We then extend and apply the method to a second Dynamicist model, which captures the key psychophysical trends that emerge when humans and animals compare two numbers. The results of the analysis-which reveals units with tuning functions that are monotonically related to the magnitudes of the numbers that the agents must compare-offer a clear contribution to the contentious debate concerning the way number information is encoded in the brain.
Automated scoring of interview videos using Doc2Vec multimodal feature extraction paradigm

As the popularity of video-based job interviews rises, so does the need for automated tools to evaluate interview performance. Real world hiring decisions are based on assessments of knowledge and skills as well as holistic judgments of person-job fit. While previous research on automated scoring of interview videos shows promise, it lacks coverage of monologue-style responses to structured interview (SI) questions and content-focused interview rating. We report the development of a standardized video interview protocol as well as human rating rubrics focusing on verbal content, personality, and holistic judgment. A novel feature extraction method using ``visual words" automatically learned from video analysis outputs and the Doc2Vec paradigm is proposed. Our promising experimental results suggest that this novel method provides effective representations for the automated scoring of interview videos.
2012 International Conference on Information Management, Innovation Management and Industrial Engineering the Analysis on the Current Management Situation and Problems of Poyang Lake Regional Library Culture Integration System Knowledge Base

A bstract-Building the Poyang Lake region knowledge base can integrate the resources of Poyang Lake region, and make the resources dispersed disorderly in the Poyang Lake region to be sorted systematically and orderly and to be mined deeply. Studying the Poyang Lake regional library culture integration system knowledge base has important theoretical value and practical significance. Then, the paper emphasizes on discussing the problems of the construction of Poyang Lake regional library knowledge, which include four issues: the financial support issues, the data collecting issues, the legal issues, the software tool issues, the long-term preservation, sustainable development issues and the evaluation issues. Finally, the paper discusses the significance of Poyang Lake regional library knowledge base.
Talk as Data and Practice — a critical look at phenomenographic inquiry and the appeal to experience

Abstract The article continues a critical discussion of phenomenography by raising some issues on the status of interview data in such research. It is argued that it is doubtful if and in what sense the interview data generated in much of the empirical work within this tradition can be assumed to refer to “ways of experiencing”, the core object of research in phenomenography. In general, it would seem that the data must be understood as indicative of accounting practices — ways of talking and reasoning — that interviewees, for one reason or another, find appropriate when being asked questions. Very little, if anything, is gained in analytical terms by an initial commitment to a position in which the researcher connects utterances to experiences rather than to discourse, since the latter is what is in fact analyzed. It is also argued that in some important respects discursive practices must be seen as preceding experience, and that experiential accounts given by individuals are grounded in discursive patterns.
Rethinking Descriptive Representation: Rendering Women in Legislative Debates

This article addresses debates on identity and interest representation by re-conceptualising descriptive representation. The article revisits Pitkins original work, arguing that descriptive representatives actively ‘stand for’ their constituents by making claims about group members needs, circumstances and values. The utility of this re-conceptualisation is explored by analysing parliamentarians speeches supporting and opposing sexual health reforms in Argentina. Female legislators, particularly those elected under quotas, will portray female constituents reproductive health needs through varied ideological prisms and narrative strategies. Reformulating descriptive representation as ‘claim-making’ usefully sidesteps debates about essentialism, recognises intra-group diversity, and establishes new avenues for empirical analysis based on legislators public speeches and statements.
An SOS-based observer design for polynomial fuzzy systems

This paper presents a sum of squares (SOS, for brevity) based observer design for a more general class of polynomial fuzzy systems with the polynomial matrices Ai(x(t)) and Bi(x(t)) that are permitted to be dependent of the states x(t). First, we briefly summarize previous works on SOS-based observer designs for two limited classes of polynomial fuzzy systems. To overcome the difficulty of the fact that does not realize the so-called separation principle design for the more general class, this paper provides a practical design procedure of a polynomial fuzzy controller and a polynomial fuzzy observer without lack of guaranteeing the stability of the overall control system in addition to converging state estimation error (via the observer) to zero. The design approach discussed in this paper is more general than the existing LMI approaches (to T-S fuzzy controller and observer designs) and also than the previous SOS-based observer designs. To illustrate the validity of the design approach, a design example is provided. The example shows the utility of our SOS approach to the polynomial fuzzy observer-based control for the more general class of polynomial fuzzy systems.
A Middleware Approach for Building Secure Network Drives over Untrusted Internet Data Storage

In this paper, we present the design of DataGuard middleware that allows users to outsource their file systems to heterogeneous data storage providers available on the Internet. Examples of data storage providers include gmail.com, rapidshare.de and Amazon S3 service. In the DataGuard architecture, data storage providers are untrusted. Therefore, DataGuard preserves data confidentiality and integrity of outsourced information by using cryptographic techniques. DataGuard effectively builds a secure network driveon top of any data storage provider on the Internet. We propose techniques that realize a s cure file systemover the heterogeneous data models offered by the diverse storage providers. To evaluate the practicality of DataGuard, we implemented a version of the middleware layer to test its performance, much to our satisfaction.
Serum levels of soluble interleukin 6 receptor and soluble gp130 are elevated in patients with localized scleroderma.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical relevance of serum soluble interleukin 6 receptor (sIL-6R) and soluble gp130 (sgp130) in localized scleroderma. METHODS Serum levels of sIL-6R and sgp130 were examined by ELISA in 45 patients with localized scleroderma. Twenty patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and 20 healthy individuals served as controls. RESULTS Serum levels of both sIL-6R and sgp130 were significantly elevated in patients with localized scleroderma compared with healthy controls. Moreover, serum sgp130 levels in patients with localized scleroderma were significantly higher than in patients with SSc. In patients with localized scleroderma, elevated sIL-6R levels significantly correlated with levels of IgM antihistone antibodies, the presence of rheumatoid factor, the number of linear lesions, and the number of body areas involved. Elevated sgp130 levels were significantly associated with levels of IgG antihistone antibodies, the number of plaque lesions, the total number of lesions, and the number of body areas involved. CONCLUSION These results suggest that elevated serum sIL-6R and sgp 30 may reflect activation of the IL-6 system that may be associated with the development of sclerotic lesions and autoantibody production in localized scleroderma.
Rural Panel Surveys in Developing Countries: A Selective Review

Abstract Rural panel surveys are the most appropriate source of data for studying the unprecedented rapid migration and urbanization currently taking place in China and other developing countries. This paper provides a selective review, focusing on the panel survey methodologies of several studies, which are organized based on our proposed four key elements of panel surveys: representativeness, retrospect-prospect, multilevel tracking, and temporality. To maximize heterogeneity in urbanization and development over the last three decades, we select rural panel surveys from five Asian countries: India, Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand, and China. We analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the selected panel surveys to provide directions for designing future rural panel surveys in China and elsewhere in the developing world.
Temporal Fluctuations in Weather and Climate Extremes That Cause Economic and Human Health Impacts: A Review

Abstract This paper reviews recent work on trends during this century in societal impacts (direct economic losses and fatalities) in the United States from extreme weather conditions and compares those with trends of associated atmospheric phenomena. Most measures of the economic impacts of weather and climate extremes over the past several decades reveal increasing losses. But trends in most related weather and climate extremes do not show comparable increases with time. This suggests that increasing losses are primarily due to increasing vulnerability arising from a variety of societal changes, including a growing population in higher risk coastal areas and large cities, more property subject to damage, and lifestyle and demographic changes subjecting lives and property to greater exposure. Flood damages and fatalities have generally increased in the last 25 years. While some have speculated that this may be due in part to a corresponding increase in the frequency of heavy rain events, the climate contr.
Hepatitis C Virus-Encoded Enzymatic Activities and Conserved RNA Elements in the 3′ Nontranslated Region Are Essential for Virus Replication In Vivo

ABSTRACT Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a widespread major human health concern. Significant obstacles in the study of this virus include the absence of a reliable tissue culture system and a small-animal model. Recently, we constructed full-length HCV cDNA clones and successfully initiated HCV infection in two chimpanzees by intrahepatic injection of in vitro-transcribed RNA (A. A. Kolykhalov et al., Science 277:570–574, 1997). In order to validate potential targets for development of anti-HCV therapeutics, we constructed six mutant derivatives of this prototype infectious clone. Four clones contained point mutations ablating the activity of the NS2-3 protease, the NS3-4A serine protease, the NS3 NTPase/helicase, and the NS5B polymerase. Two additional clones contained deletions encompassing all or part of the highly conserved 98-base sequence at the 3′ terminus of the HCV genome RNA. The RNA transcript from each of the six clones was injected intrahepatically into a chimpanzee. No signs of HCV infection were detected in the 8 months following the injection. Inoculation of the same animal with nonmutant RNA transcripts resulted in productive HCV infection, as evidenced by viremia, elevated serum alanine aminotransferase, and HCV-specific seroconversion. These data suggest that these four HCV-encoded enzymatic activities and the conserved 3′ terminal RNA element are essential for productive replication in vivo.
Women entrepreneurs in Cyprus: a new dynamic in Cyprus economy

This paper describes the findings of a unique nationwide research on female entrepreneurial activity in Cyprus, which was carried out for the Women's Cooperative Bank of Cyprus Ltd with funding from the Ministry of Justice and Public Order. On the one hand, it is an attempt towards gaining greater understanding of who the women who develop enterprising activity are (in other words determine what their demographic characteristics are), what their company characteristics are, (e.g. sector of activity, size etc.) as well as what their needs and concerns (e.g. the impact of multiplicity of roles, upgrading of skills or knowledge etc.) are. On the other hand, it is equally important to see how strong women business owners' presence is in the local economy.
A Comparative Study of Health, Developmental, and Behavioral Factors in Preschool Children of Battered and Nonbattered Women

This study identifies and compares health, developmental, and behavioral risk rnarkers in preschool children of battered and nonbattered women. Participants were children ages 2 to 6 from the shelter for battered women (n = 53) and health department controls (n = 62), composed of children of nonbattered women in the same age range, region, and social strata. Measures included the Conflict Tactics Scale, Intake Check-list Screening Instrument, the Denver 11 Developmental Screening Test, physical assessment, height, weight, hemoglobin and lead levels, and immunization and non-motor-vehicle accident history. Results showed site differences in group means on most behavioral subscales, physical risk index, Denver 11, and race. Discriminant function analysis revealed sites were distinguishable with 80% of grouped cases correctly classified.
Mobile listening situations in everyday life: The use of MP3 players while travelling

Abstract Due to technological developments including MP3 format and portable music players, people are now easily able to listen to music to accompany almost every everyday life situation, and music listening is particularly common while travelling (North, Hargreaves and Hargreaves, 2004). The current research explores several related aspects of listening to music while travelling in order to uncover more about why people choose to listen to music in relatively short and purposeful travelling situations. It explores mobile listeners — people who choose to listen to music while travelling. A Mobile Flyer Survey was conducted with 428 mobile listeners on and around a university campus (mean age 20.5 years) at the point of music listening, asking about the music they had chosen and their listening experience. Follow-up interviews were conducted with eight mobile listeners to explore their views on music and travelling in more depth. Results show that listeners create an “auditory bubble” in public places while travelling, although paradoxically this also enhances their awareness of their surroundings and is partly permeable. Music while travelling primarily fulfils the functions of enjoyment, passing time and enhancing emotional states. Mobile listeners also consciously choose their music depending on their current goals and desires, which may link to their journey's destination. The findings thus shed light on how technological gadgets like MP3 players are used to control listeners' needs and desires outside the home.
Acceptability Norms toward Fire Management in Three National Forests

Norm theory offers a paradigm for understanding why the public judges management actions acceptable or unacceptable. This study assesses normative beliefs about acceptable wildland fire management. The acceptability of three fire management actions for eight scenarios was examined. The scenarios varied by fire origin and fire impact on air quality, private property, forest recovery, and outdoor recreation. The data were obtained from a mail survey of visitors to three national forests: (a) Arapaho-Roosevelt, Colorado (n = 469), (b) Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, Washington (n = 498), and (b) San Bernardino, California (n = 321). Results of a mixed design ANOVA indicated that the acceptability of wildland fire management actions varied according to the fire scenario evaluated, but substantive differences in normative beliefs were not noted among the three forests. Chi-square analyses identified differences in normative agreement for fire management actions across scenarios but did not reveal substantive differences in normative agreement between forests.
Strategies for Reporting Small-Group Discussions to the Class

the difference between students' feeling that they are just going through their paces and the sense that they are engaged in a powerful exchange of ideas. Typically, we approach the task of reporting to the whole group in a number of ways. We might invite each group to summarize the themes explored in re sponse to the question or issue. Although admirably thorough, that can also be repetitive. Or we call on each small group to share the one or two insights group members found most surprising or illumi nating. It also is useful to direct each group to ask the whole class a particular ly challenging question that emerged from group discussion. On other occa sions, small groups can offer the key themes or concepts that seemed to recur throughout their conversation. These can spark strong reactions from others, stimu lating new lines of inquiry.
How Much Exposure to English Do International Graduate Students Really Get?: Measuring Language Use in a Naturalistic Setting

Many believe that the best way to learn a language is to study it in a country where that language is widely spoken. Underlying this belief is the assumption that study in a naturalistic setting will provide learners with ample opportunities for exposure to the target language and interaction with native-speakers of that language. This article reports the findings from a longitudinal study of the quantity and quality of exposure experienced by 17 Chinese graduate students at a Canadian university. Exposure was measured using a computerized log that participants completed once a month for one week, over a six-month period. Our findings show a general trend toward receptive rather than interactive use of English, and considerable variation among individuals in terms of the amount and type of language use. The discussion explores possible reasons for participants’ relatively low amount of oral interaction in English in this naturalistic setting. L’opinion selon laquelle le meilleur moyen d’apprendre une langue est d’étudier dans un pays où cette langue est parlée par un grand nombre de locuteurs est très répandue. Une telle croyance repose sur la supposition que l’étude de la langue dans ses conditions naturelles expose largement l’apprenant à la langue cible et lui offre de nombreuses occasions d’interagir avec les locuteurs natifs. Cet article fait état des résultats d’une étude longitudinale portant sur la quantité et la qualité de l’exposition à la langue de 17 étudiants chinois inscrits aux cycles supérieurs dans une université canadienne. L’exposition a été mesurée au moyen d’un journal informatisé que les participants ont rempli pendant une semaine chaque mois, sur une période de six mois. Les résultats montrent une tendance généralisée à l’usage réceptif plutôt qu’interactif de l’anglais, et des variations considérables entre les individus en ce qui concerne le nombre d’occurrences et le type de langage utilisé. La discussion porte sur les raisons qui pourraient expliquer la quantité plutôt faible d’interactions orales en anglais dans ces conditions naturelles.
A survey of Heisenberg categorification via graphical calculus

In this expository paper we present an overview of various graphical categorifications of the Heisenberg algebra and its Fock space representation. We begin with a discussion of "weak" categorifications via modules for Hecke algebras and "geometrizations" in terms of the cohomology of the Hilbert scheme. We then turn our attention to more recent "strong" categorifications involving planar diagrammatics and derived categories of coherent sheaves on Hilbert schemes.
On PDE Problem Solving Environments for Multidomain Multiphysics Problems

This paper presents the design, the prototype implementation and the preliminary evaluation of an enhanced meta-computing environment based on the FEniCS Project and focused on multi-domain multi-physics problems modeled with partial differential equations. It is based on scripting languages and their practices, and on the Service Oriented Architecture paradigm and the associated web services technologies. Our design is generic, covering a wide range of problems but our proof of concept
The Effect of an Initial Budget and Schedule Goal on Software Project Escalation

Software project escalation is a costly problem that leads to significant financial losses. Prior research suggests that setting a publicly announced limit on resources can make individuals less willing to escalate their commitment to a failing course of action. However, the relationship between initial budget and schedule goals and software project escalation remains unexplored. Drawing on goal setting theory as well as sunk cost and mental budgeting perspectives, we explore the effect of goal difficulty and goal specificity on software project escalation. The findings from a laboratory experiment with 349 information technology professionals suggest that both very difficult and very specific goals for budget and schedule can limit software project escalation. Further, the level of commitment to a budget and schedule goal directly affects software project escalation and also interacts with goal difficulty and goal specificity to affect software project escalation. This study makes a theoretical contribution to the existing body of knowledge on software project management by establishing a connection between goal setting theory and software project escalation. The study also contributes to practice by highlighting the potential negative consequences that can result from the nature of initial budget and schedule goals that are established at the outset of a project.
School engagement and rights‐respecting schools

Disengagement in school is associated with behavioral problems and decreased academic achievement. In contrast, pupils who are engaged in school develop the academic and social efficacies that underlie successful adulthood. Moreover, engagement promotes educational resilience. This study examines pupils’ self‐reported level of engagement in schools that are explicitly respecting of children’s rights compared with pupils in traditional schools. The Young Students’ Engagement in School Scale was developed and used with 1289 9‐ to 11‐year‐olds from 18 schools, six of which had fully implemented the Hampshire Education Authority’s Rights Respect and Responsibility (RRR) Initiative. Factor analysis indicated four dimensions of engagement: rights‐respecting climate; interpersonal harmony; academic orientation; and participation. Pupils in RRR schools had higher scores on all but the academic dimension. The findings suggest the potential of rights‐respecting schools in promoting engagement and the potential utility of the measure in identifying areas in which pupils’ engagement may need intervention.