Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Socially Mediated Publicness: An Introduction

Social media complicate the very nature of public life. In this article, we consider how technology reconfigures publicness, blurs 'audiences' and publics, and alters what it means to engage in public life. The nature of publicness online is shaped by the architecture and affordances of social media, but also by people's social contexts, identities, and practices. Navigating socially mediated publicness requires new mechanisms of control and new skills. Understanding socially-mediated publicness is an ever-shifting process throughout which people juggle blurred boundaries, multi-layered audiences, individual attributes, the specifics of the systems they use, and the contexts of their use.
Symmetries and Asymmetries of Age Effects in Naturalistic and Instructed L2 Learning

The effects of age on second language acquisition constitute one of the most frequently researched and debated topics in the field of Second Language Acquisition. Two different orientations may be distinguished in age-related research: one which aims to elucidate the existence and characteristics of maturational constraints on the human capacity for learning second languages, and another which purports to identify age-related differences in foreign language learning, often with the aim of informing educational policy decisions. Because of the dominant role of theoretically-oriented ultimate attainment studies, it may be argued that research findings from naturalistic learning contexts have somehow been hastily generalized to formal learning contexts. This paper presents an analysis of the symmetries and asymmetries that exist between a naturalistic learning setting and a foreign language learning setting with respect to those variables that are crucial in the discussion of age effects in second language acquisition. On the basis of the differences observed, it is argued that the amount and quality of the input have a significant bearing on the effects that age of initial learning has on second language learning. It is also claimed that age-related studies in foreign language learning settings have yielded significant findings that contribute to the development of an integrated explanation of age effects on second language acquisition.
Video Coding with Super-Resolution Post-Processing

We propose a video coding technique using super-resolution image processing. The proposed method reduces spatial resolution of specific pictures in input video sequence at first, namely it produces a mixed-resolution video sequence. And then the proposed method encodes the mixed-resolution video sequence. The spatially reduced pictures are converted to original resolution pictures with a super-resolution image processing. The proposed method can reduce the bit rate compared to conventional methods such as H.264, since it encodes the video sequence in which several pictures are spatially reduced. Moreover, the proposed method can prevent deterioration in subjective quality, since the spatially reduced pictures are restored with the super-resolution image processing. We evaluate the proposed method by implementing it on an H.264-based video coding scheme. Experimental results confirm that compared to H.264, our implementation of the proposed method can achieve a 3.5 dB improvement in PSNR at a low bit rate.
Study on the Similarity Query Based on LCSS over Data Stream Window

Aiming at the problem that the NAIVE algorithm which is taken to handle the similarity query based on LCSS over data stream window (SQLSW) cannot get query results until calculations on all elements in the full dynamic programming matrix are finished, the SQLSW query processing algorithm based on Possible Solution domain optimization strategy (SQLSW-PS) is proposed. It defines possible solution (PS) domain of the dynamic programming matrix about every window. Based on characters of matrix members in the PS domain and the similarity query, it can get query result on the condition that the LCSS similarity function value has not been obtained yet, and reduce lots of computations related to matrix members. It is revealed by extensive experiments that the SQLSW-PS outperforms current algorithms in time, and is effective in handling the SQLSW query.
Book Review: Towards a New Science of the Person: The Potentials of the Critical Personology of William Stern

This book is fundamentally relevant in showing that the individual is returning to his or her central place in scientific psychology. Persons are not things, to be counted by census takers or described by standard test scores. They are living, goals-oriented, feeling beings who create their subjective worlds through values they imbue from their environments, as in this quote Lamiell takes from William Stern: ‘I evaluate, therefore I am . value’ (Ich werte, also bin ich . . .Wert, pp. 216–217). The psychology of human beings must be built on the centrality of people’s value making, and their use of these values in conducting their lives. Psychology moves around in conceptual circles from which it has a hard time breaking out. Beginning in the late 19th century with a focus on individuals, it got lost amidst the confusion of persons and populations (Valsiner, 1986), but is now about to re-establish itself firmly in the study of individual cases studied systematically over time (Molenaar, 2003). In the context of this movement, Lamiell carries the reader out of the web of discourse about standardized methods and mundane correlational research to the wide thoroughfare of building a new version of idiographic science. While deconstructing existing habits, Lamiell points towards new possibilities—a new version of psychographic methods based on quantitative data, the ethnography of human lives from the viewpoint of the person. Although he considers these to be sketches rather than elaborated meta-theory, their implications for new methodology are profound. Instead of adopting psychology’s favorite discourse about ‘empirical science’ depending upon the population-linked notions of generalizing scientific knowledge, Lamiell aims to construct general knowledge through the comparison of single cases. It is a return to classic science—a ‘neo-Wundtian’ (in contrast to ‘neoGaltonian’) enterprise. Lamiell’s positive methodological program fits the demands for consistency between the different components of the methodological cycle that unites theory, meta-theory, phenomena, methods and data in one system (Branco & Valsiner, 1997) and demonstrates the value of knowing the history of science.
CD28 and inducible costimulator (ICOS) signalling can sustain CD154 expression on activated T cells

The biological outcome of receptor‐mediated signalling often depends on the duration of engagement. Because CD40 signalling is controlled by the regulated expression of its ligand, CD154, the mechanisms that regulate CD154 expression probably determine the strength and duration of CD40 signalling. Here, we demonstrate that CD154 expression on the surface of mouse CD4 T cells can be separated into an early phase, occurring between 0 and 24 hr after T‐cell activation, and a later extended phase, occurring after 24 hr. The early phase of CD154 expression did not require costimulation and was probably influenced by the strength of T‐cell receptor (TCR) signalling alone. However, later CD154 expression was highly dependent on costimulation through either CD28 or inducible costimulator (ICOS). Although CD28 signalling interleukin (IL)‐2 secretion, ICOS not, suggesting that costimulation enhance CD154 expression independently of IL‐2 production. In fact, anti‐CD28 treatment could still induce late‐phase CD154 on anti‐CD3‐stimulated CD4 T cells expressing a mutated form of CD28 that not lead to the induction of IL‐2. However, this CD154 induction was somewhat weaker than that of wild‐type CD28‐expressing cells, suggesting that direct signalling and IL‐2‐mediated signalling co‐operatively responsible for the levels of CD154 induced by CD28. Finally, we show that the second phase of CD154 expression negatively regulated B‐cell terminal differentiation and antibody secretion. These results demonstrate that TCR signalling and costimulation each regulate different phases of CD154 expression and control the biological outcome of CD40 signalling on B cells.
Consuming Values and Contested Cultures: A Critical Analysis of the UK Strategy for Sustainable Consumption and Production

The term “sustainable consumption” is subject to many interpretations, from Agenda 21's hopeful assertion that governments should encourage less materialistic lifestyles based on new definitions of “wealth” and “prosperity”, to the view prevalent in international policy discourse that green and ethical consumerism will be sufficient to transform markets to produce continual and “clean” economic growth. These different perspectives are examined using a conceptual framework derived from Cultural Theory, to illustrate their fundamentally competing beliefs about the nature of the environment and society, and the meanings attached to consumption. Cultural Theory argues that societies should develop pluralistic policies to include all perspectives. Using this framework, the paper examines the UK strategy for sustainable consumption, and identifies a number of failings in current policy. These are that the UK strategy is strongly biased towards individualistic, market-based and neo-liberal policies, so it can only respond to a small part of the problem of unsustainable consumption. Policy recommendations include measures to strengthen the input from competing cultures, to realize the potential for more collective, egalitarian and significantly less materialistic consumption patterns.
The Intersection of Social Presence and Impression Management in Online Learning Environments

In our day-to-day routines, we are being asked to extend ourselves into virtual environments that capture mere glimpses of who we are and what we think. As education focuses on the development of online learning environments, we are once again asked to recreate ourselves for another environment. This article explores aspects of social presence and impression management within formal and informal online learning environments. It will examine the point of intersection between the theories of social presence and impression management as they relate to social network and learning sites and discursive practices. Social presence is understood as a key component of the constructivist and situated learning that can take place in online learning environments. An individual's impression management, which might be understood as their ability to send/read, recognize and be recognized through those cues they choose to present, becomes intertwined with their learning experience. At what point do these two theories intersect, and what implications does this have for the design of online learning environments?
Evaluation of equivalent spring stiffness for use in a pseudo-rigid-body model of large-deflection compliant mechanisms

Compliant mechanisms gain some or all of their mobility from the flexibility of their members rather than from rigid-body joints only. More efficient and usable analysis and design techniques are needed before the advantages of compliant mechanisms can be fully utilized. In an earlier work, a pseudo-rigid-body model concept, corresponding to an end-loaded geometrically nonlinear, large-deflection beam, was developed to help fulfill this need. In this paper, the pseudo-rigid-body equivalent spring stiffness is investigated and new modeling equations are proposed. The result is a simplified method of modeling the force/deflection relationships of large-deflection members in compliant mechanisms. The resulting models are valuable in the visualization of the motion of large-deflection systems, as well as the quick and efficient evaluation and optimization of compliant mechanism designs.
Information Sharing Network targeted at Embodied Conversational Agents embedded in Interactive Kiosks

Cultural Heritage symbolizes the aggregation of lifestyles practiced by our ancestors and is an important historical entity that needs to be conveyed over to future generations. Following the ideology of preserving Cultural Heritage, it becomes necessary to allow the constant evolution and update of the information present in this area. The usage of cultural multimedia applications is an important center of learning and knowledge transfer in order to encourage the visitor to discover and explore our history. Combined with the use of a virtual agent with which we can communicate through a natural language, provides a new and refreshing interactive tool. Based on these assumptions, we propose the creation of multimodal interactive kiosks with virtual agents supported by a Spoken Dialogue System. Thus, recreating all the usual structure of a Spoken Dialogue System and making it especially optimized with the introduction of the Microsoft Kinect for Windows. These agents will be contained in multimedia applications designed to Cultural Heritage and Tourism. Given that these applications contains restricted and static information we also propose the creation of an Information Representation and an Information Sharing Network between interactive kiosks, building a cooperative multiagent system, which grants access to information at various points in the network. In conclusion, with the development of a working prototype we defined a new method for creating Information Sharing Networks, whose collaborative activities can support conversational agents embedded in interactive multimedia applications for Cultural Heritage and Tourism.
Performance and reliability optimization for distributed computing systems

This paper discusses a performance and reliability optimization approach for distributed systems under a given budget constraint using the genetic algorithm (GA). The overall effectiveness of a distributed system is measured in terms of the average network throughput. This measure computes performance and reliability from network connectivity point of view. In order to carry out this optimization a distributed genetic algorithm (DGA) based scheme is developed. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, the results obtained from the distributed genetic algorithm approach is compared with single machine genetic algorithm and optimal solutions computed using exhaustive searches. Moreover, a brief discussion on the speed up over single machine implementation is also included.
Hypothalamic Polypeptide That Inhibits the Secretion of Immunoreactive Pituitary Growth Hormone

A peptide has been isolated from ovine hypothalamus which, at 1 x 10-9M, inhibits secretion in vitro of immunoreactive rat or human growth hormones and is similarly active in vivo in rats. Its structure is H-Ala-Gly-Cys-Lys-Asn-Phe-Phe-Trp-Lys-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Cys-OH The synthetic replicate is biologically active.
P-Drive on-road: Internal scale validity and reliability of an assessment of on-road driving performance in people with neurological disorders

The aim of this study was to determine internal scale validity and reliability of P-Drive on-road by observing driving performance among people with neurological disorders. The study comprised a consecutive sample of 205 persons with stroke, dementia, or mild cognitive impairment who were remitted for and performed a standardized test in real traffic. Their driving abilities were evaluated with a new assessment tool, P-Drive on-road. Aspects of validity and reliability of the tool were analyzed using a Rasch rating scale model. The results indicated that the rating scale functioned as intended and a principal component analysis indicated that the items formed a unidimensional scale. Acceptable levels of person response validity were found and the scale was also able to distinguish between the abilities of the drivers with a person separation reliability of 0.90. The results indicate that P-Drive on-road is valid and reliable for producing a linear measure of driving ability in people with stroke, dementia and mild cognitive impairment, and has the potential to become a clinically useful assessment tool for on-road driving tests.
Recursive Space

Space is reconfigured through the participations of both gamers and the game, where game is understood as the programming and hardware of a game technology. Extending our understandings of the contributions of both gamer and game, the outcome of play emerges as the agencies of each are co-constituted. This space is recursive, based on feedback between the state of the game (relations between the objects) and the state of the gamer, which includes their knowledge, skill, mood and attention. The idea of recursive space is developed in two ways. First, as another means of describing a gamer's engagement with space, one that gives a greater account of the participation of technology. Secondly, it gives us a way of thinking about play as a process of creating space.
Exacting Beauty: Theory, Assessment, And Treatment Of Body Image Disturbance

The Scope of Body Image Disturbance - the Big Picture An Overview of Assessment and Treatment Strategies Sociocultural Theory - the Media and Society Social Comparison Processes Appearance-Related Feedback Interpersonal Factors Peers, Parents and Perfect Strangers Feminist Perspectives Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment Behavioural Aspects of Disturbance - Conditioning, Context and Avoidance Cognitive Processing Models Future Directions - Integrative Theories, Multidimensional Assessment and Multicomponent Interventions.
The integral equation methods for the perturbed Helmholtz eigenvalue problems

It is well known that the main difficulty in solving eigenvalue problems under shape deformation relates to the continuation of multiple eigenvalues of the unperturbed configuration. These eigenvalues may evolve, under shape deformation, as separated, distinct eigenvalues. In this paper, we address the integral equation method in the evaluation of eigenfunctions and the corresponding eigenvalues of the two-dimensional Laplacian operator under boundary variations of the domain. Using surface potentials, we show that the eigenvalues are the characteristic values of meromorphic operator-valued functions.
Rebound Effect in Personal Values

Returning to a sample of Ingrian Finnish migrants (N = 136) in which postmigration change in personal values has previously been documented, we investigated the permanency of such value change. Personal values, measured within the framework provided by Schwartz’s (1992) values theory, were previously measured prior to migration and 1 year after migration. We now add a second follow-up, conducted 2 years after migration. At this time, the changes observed at the first follow-up were dissipating. Specifically, Universalism and Security values were now on the decline after having been elevated at the first follow-up (an inverted U-shape), and Achievement values were increasing in importance after having previously diminished (a U-shape). Personal values appear to react to changing social circumstances but then return close to their baseline levels. The results of the present research constitute the first longitudinal evidence for a rebound effect in personal values.
Using Adaptive Leadership Principles in Collaborative Conservation with Stakeholders to Tackle a Wicked Problem: Imperiled Species Management in Florida

The changing sociopolitical environment for conservation obliges fish and wildlife agencies to learn to adapt to remain effective. Adaptive leadership principles appear promising as a tool to help agencies work through wicked problems. Imperiled species management in Florida has been controversial for nearly two decades and previous attempts to solve the problem were unsuccessful in ameliorating the controversy. Since prior approaches had failed, the issue was re-framed following adaptive leadership principles and considering stakeholder impacts. Adaptive leadership principles guided stakeholder engagement approaches that promoted collaborative governance, with stakeholders and staff working together to develop regulations for imperiled species management. Although more time is needed to know for certain, these efforts appear to have reduced the controversy surrounding this wicked problem. In this case, using adaptive leadership principles allowed the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to be adaptable and involve stakeholders in developing new solutions to long-standing problems.
Pharmacological Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease With Recombinant Fibroblast Growth Factor-2: Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

Background—Single-bolus intracoronary administration of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) improved symptoms and myocardial function in a phase I, open-label trial in patients with coronary artery disease. We conducted the FGF Initiating RevaScularization Trial (FIRST) to evaluate further the efficacy and safety of recombinant FGF2 (rFGF2). Methods and Results—FIRST is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a single intracoronary infusion of rFGF2 at 0, 0.3, 3, or 30 &mgr;g/kg (n=337 patients). Efficacy was evaluated at 90 and 180 days by exercise tolerance test, myocardial nuclear perfusion imaging, Seattle Angina Questionnaire, and Short-Form 36 questionnaire. Exercise tolerance was increased at 90 days in all groups and was not significantly different between placebo and FGF-treated groups. rFGF2 reduced angina symptoms as measured by the angina frequency score of the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (overall P =0.035) and the physical component summary scale of the Short-Form 36 (pairwise P =0.033, all FGF groups versus placebo). These differences were more pronounced in highly symptomatic patients (baseline angina frequency score ≤40 or Canadian Cardiovascular Society score of III or IV). None of the differences were significant at 180 days because of continued improvement in the placebo group. Adverse events were similar across all groups, except for hypotension, which occurred with higher frequency in the 30-&mgr;g/kg rFGF2 group. Conclusions—A single intracoronary infusion of rFGF2 does not improve exercise tolerance or myocardial perfusion but does show trends toward symptomatic improvement at 90 (but not 180) days.