SIRIS-Lab/unlabelled-sti-corpus huggingface dataset:
Development of a scale to measure lifelong learning

Primary objective: to develop a scale to measure students’ disposition to engage in lifelong learning. Research design, methods and procedures: using items that reflected the components of lifelong learning, we constructed a 14‐item scale that was completed by 309 university and vocational college students, who also completed a measure of deep and surface learning. Main outcomes and results: the lifelong learning scale had reasonable reliability, and showed some differences between students in different discipline and institutions. As hypothesized, lifelong learning was positively related to the deep approach to learning and negatively to the surface approach. Conclusions: although the factors that contribute to the lifelong‐learning attributes measured here have yet to be investigated, this questionnaire can provide an overall picture of a group’s inclinations towards lifelong learning. It can help evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions, or allow individual students to understand their l...
Generalized weak subdifferentials

In this article, generalized weak subgradient (gw-subgradient) and generalized weak subdifferential (gw-subdifferential) are defined for nonconvex functions with values in an ordered vector space. Convexity and closedness of the gw-subdifferential are stated and proved. By using the gw-subdifferential, it is shown that the epigraph of nonconvex functions can be supported by a cone instead of an affine subspace. A generalized lower (locally) Lipschitz function is also defined. By using this definition, some existence conditions of the gw-subdifferentiability of any function are stated and some properties of gw-subdifferentials of any function are examined. Finally, by using gw-subdifferential, a global minimality condition is obtained for nonconvex functions.
PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR EXTRACTING SOLUTES FROM THEIR AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS

Nickel and/or copper cations can be extracted, from their aqueous solutions also containing chelating agents, by liquid-liquid extraction with an organic solvent containing suitable complexing extractants for the nickel and/or copper. However, with the most efficient such complexing extractants, the phenolic ketoximes and aldoximes, the pH of the aqueous solutions to be extracted should be substantially more alkaline than those known in the prior art for extraction of solutions with about the same amounts of extractable metals but without chelating agents. Apparatus for carrying out the extraction process includes a tank for permanently containing an organic solvent, and a plurality of pumps and valves operable for transferring aqueous feed solution from a source thereof to the organic solvent tank, for mixing therewith, thereafter draining off the raffinate, followed by transferring regenerant solution into the organic solvent tank for regenerating the solvent, followed by draining off the used regenerant solution.
Predicting elections from biographical information about candidates: A test of the index method

Abstract This study uses 59 biographical variables to create a “bio-index” for forecasting U.S. presidential elections. The bio-index method counts the number of variables for which each candidate rates favorably, and the forecast is that the candidate with the highest score would win the popular vote. The bio-index relies on different information and includes more variables than traditional econometric election forecasting models. The method is useful in combination with simple linear regression to estimate a relationship between the index score of the candidate of the incumbent party and his share of the popular vote. The study tests the model for the 29 U.S. presidential elections from 1896 to 2008. The model's forecasts, calculated by cross-validation, correctly predicted the popular vote winner for 27 of the 29 elections; this performance compares favorably to forecasts from polls (15 out of 19), prediction markets (22 out of 26), and three econometric models (12 to 13 out of 15 to 16). Out-of-sample forecasts of the two-party popular vote for the four elections from 1996 to 2008 yielded a forecast error almost as low as the best of seven econometric models. The model can help parties to select the candidates running for office, and help to improve on the accuracy of election forecasting, especially for longer-term forecasts.
Evaluating the System of Systems Requirements Allocation Process

The importance of a sound Requirements Engineering (RE) process to influence a system’s success or failure cannot be understated. The activities include the elicitation, analysis, modeling, verification / validation, and management of requirements to fully document a capability envisioned by the stakeholder to be constructed and implemented. With the introduction of the System of Systems (SoS) concept, multiple independent program offices are needed to both develop their system roadmaps as well as manage additional capability requirements to enable an emergent and unique capability if all parts of the SoS interoperate together. The challenge is how to allocate SoS requirements to the individual systems to ensure that the capabilities are being achieved without excessive redundancy or omissions in the new requirements.
There has been research in the fields of requirements engineering that are typically limited to single systems, lessening the need for allocation concerns. Research in the field of SoS is focused mainly on performance once the configuration is established, or how to manage the SoS once the requirements have already been developed. Little attention has been paid to the issues of collaboration between the stakeholders to determine the initial allocation of the SoS requirements, and ensure that this allocation will properly satisfy the intended objectives.
The objective of this research is to develop a SoS RE process to address the initial formation of SoS requirements that may be typically found at the beginning of the systems engineering lifecycle. The proposed process will develop models in order to transform SoS concepts into SoS requirements, and then allocate them to individual systems. Metrics are developed to address how much a particular system may be under/over-tasked to achieve the SoS requirements. A key issue to be addressed in this proposal is to identify when a proposed SoS concept has its requirements improperly allocated to the available configuration, and thus risks failure to achieve the desired capability. The methodology is illustrated through two case studies that highlight the processes and comparisons of SoS configurations to assess the requirements capacity allocation.
Mineral composition of field grown winter wheat inoculated with phosphorus solubilizing bacteria at different plant growth stages

ABSTRACTA two year field experiment was conducted in field conditions using wheat (Triticum aestivum ssp. vulgare L. cv. Bezostaja) as the test plant for the evaluation of phosphate solubilizing (+PS) microorganisms. Bacterial strains significantly (P < 0.05) increased plant biomass (by 13 to 36%) without plant P enrichment. Only Bacillus sp. #189 significantly (P < 0.05) raised plant P-content, biomass and rhizosphere soil Olsen P at Zadoks Scale 62 simultaneously. Inoculations variably increased plant potassium (K-), magnesium (Mg-), zinc (Zn-), and managenese (Mn-) contents at harvest (Zadoks 92) but not earlier (Zadoks 31 and 61). The enrichment of the inoculated plants with nutrients other than P indicates the presence of alternative plant growth promoting mechanisms. This study showed that promising phosphate solubilizing microorganisms could increase not only the P content of the plants, but also the soil available P in rhizosphere transiently.
Absorbing Customer Knowledge

Customers are a knowledge resource outside of the firm that can be utilized for new service success by involving them in the design process. However, existing research on the impact of customer involvement (CI) is inconclusive. Knowledge about customers’ needs and on how best to serve these needs (articulated in the service concept) is best obtained from customers themselves. However, codesign runs the risk of losing control of the service concept. This research argues that of the processes of external knowledge, acquisition (via CI), customer knowledge assimilation, and concept transformation form a capability that enables the firm to exploit customer knowledge in the form of a successful new service. Data from a survey of 126 new service projects show that the impact of CI on new service success is fully mediated by customer knowledge assimilation (the deep understanding of customers’ latent needs) and concept transformation (the modification of the service concept due to customer insights). However, its impact is more nuanced. CI exhibits an “∩”-shaped relationship with transformation, indicating there is a limit to the beneficial effect of CI. Its relationship with assimilation is “U” shaped, suggesting a problem with cognitive inertia where initial learnings are ignored. Customer knowledge assimilation directly impacts success, while concept transformation only helps success in the presence of resource slack. An evolving new service design is only beneficial if the firm has the flexibility to adapt to change.
Jharkhand tourism evidence from Ranchi on integrated marketing communication

Integrated Marketing Communication helps the target audience i.e. tourists to get one single unified message. The communication strategy can help to increase sales, to maintain market share, to create and improve brand recognition, create a favorable climate, to create a competitive advantage. The Tourism Industry with its rapid growth and the need for all communications related to marketing with an objective of reaching the target audience should bank upon IMC. As a rule, for a better communication the barriers in terms of noise have to be eliminated. The advent of Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) in 1993 allowed both Academicians and Industrialist to understand different aspects of Integrated Marketing Communication. A case study on Jharkhand Tourism with the capital Ranchi as the Tourist destination has been conducted to understand the IMC strategy and the use of marketing communication tools. The study aims to gain a better knowhow on IMC in Jharkhand Tourism with special emphasis on Ranchi. The customers are more selective towards the product and services since they belong to the industrial belt of state of Jharkhand. As these customers are smarter and more demanding the integrity of the Brand perception can be utilized in a better way which would stand as an advantage to IMC. The identifying parameter for marketers would be the trustworthy factor. The integration in communication brings in integrity and hence trusts towards the brand because customers would see and perceive the organization as a whole rather than in pieces which adds positive perception about the company. Since the purchasing powers of the customers are very high the communication strategies focus not only on the introduction the product offering to ending it with the purchase but followed by a repeat purchase. This present study aims to emphasize on IMC Strategy on Jharkhand tourism and the IMC tools used for Ranchi under Jharkhand tourism.
Effect of apertures on the speckle size from rough surfaces

Based on the scattering theory from rough surfaces and Gaussian moment theorem, the relationship between the apertures and the three-dimensional size of the speckle in the far field are discussed. The results show that the three-dimensional dimension of the speckle is closely dependent on the shape of and the size of the apertures. The lateral speckle size is positive proportional to the ratio of the wavelength and the distance to the size of the apertures, while the longitudinal speckle size is positive proportional to the wavelength and the square of the ratio of the distance to the size of the aperture size. The different the shape of the aperture, the different the proportion factor.
Progettazione e realizzazione di un geodatabase per la microzonazione sismica di livello 1 applicazione ai Comuni della Provincia di Foggia

L’osservazione dei danni provocati da un terremoto e spesso differente nello stesso centro abitato. La causa va ricercata, oltre che nella diversa qualita e tipologia delle strutture abitative, in una differente pericolosita sismica del territorio a scala locale. La microzonazione sismica e uno strumento di valutazione della pericolosita connessa ai rischi geologici in aree urbane, e inoltre un supporto alla pianificazione del territorio ed alle relative misure di prevenzione; in tale ottica si configura come strumento di riduzione del rischio sismico. L'obbiettivo del lavoro ha riguardato la messa a punto di un sistema di gestione per l'individuazione di aree omogenee in prospettiva sismica nei territori dei Comuni della Provincia di Foggia suddividendoli in zone stabili, zone stabili suscettibili di amplificazione locale e in zone instabili attraverso l'analisi di dati di natura geologica, geofisica e geomorfologica, secondo quanto previsto dalle specifiche degli Indirizzi e Criteri per la microzonazione sismica (Gruppo di lavoro MS 2008). Il prodotto finale e stato la realizzazione di un geodatabase ESRI ® sviluppato in ambiente ESRI ArcMap ® contenente i dati di sottosuolo, le aree degli affioramenti geo-litologici e le aree delle microzone omogenee in prospettiva simica corredato con i relativi layout cartografici dei territori urbani selezionati.
Measurement of the photobleaching kinetics of semiconducting polymer films by the pump — probe method

A phenomenological model of the laser photobleaching dynamics of a semiconducting polymer in a dual-beam scheme for different wavelengths of the burning and probe beams is developed. An experimental method is implemented based on this model, which allows one to investigate materials with significantly different photodegradation rates. The photodegradation quantum yield in mixtures of a semiconducting polymer belonging to polyparaphenylene vinylenes (MEH-PPV) with a low-molecular electron acceptor 2,4,7-trinitrofluorenone (TNF) is measured at burning wavelengths of 488 and 514 nm for different component ratios of MEHPPV : TNF. It is found that adding the acceptor decreases the polymer photodegradation quantum yield by at least four orders of magnitude in the MEH-PPV : TNF = 1 : 0.4 mixture; the photodegradation quantum yields are the same at both wavelengths. It is shown that the photodegradation rates of the MEH-PPV : TNF films measured by laser photobleaching and IR spectroscopy are in good agreement.
Efeitos da recessão econômica na mortalidade por suicídio no Brasil: análise com séries temporais interrompidas

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar as tendências nas taxas de suicídio no Brasil, no período antes e depois do início da recessão econômica. Métodos: estudo de séries temporais interrompidas utilizando dados nacionais de suicídio registrados no período entre 2012 e 2017 com análises por subgrupos socioeconômicos. Modelo de regressão quasi-Poisson foi empregado para analisar as tendências dos dados ajustados sazonalmente. Resultados: observou-se aumento abrupto no risco de suicídio após recessão econômica na população com menor escolaridade (12,5%; RR = 1,125; IC95%:1,027; 1,232) e na Região Sul (17,7%; 1,044; 1,328). Após redução abrupta, ocorreu aumento progressivo no risco para a população de pretos e pardos e na de maior escolaridade. Na maioria dos demais estratos populacionais, verificou-se aumento progressivo no risco de suicídio. Conclusões: a recessão econômica brasileira produziu efeitos diferentes nas taxas de suicídio, considerando os estratos sociais, o que demanda estratégias de saúde e políticas sensíveis às populações mais vulneráveis.
How to Measure the Relevance of a Retargeting Approach?

Most cell phones today can receive and display video content. Nonetheless, we are still significantly behind the point where premium made for mobile content is mainstream, largely available, and affordable. Significant issues must be overcome. The small screen size is one of them. Indeed, the direct transfer of conventional contents (i.e. not specifically shot for mobile devices) will provide a video in which the main characters or objects of interest may become indistinguishable from the rest of the scene. Therefore, it is required to retarget the content. Different solutions exist, either based on distortion of the image, on removal of redundant areas, or cropping. The most efficient ones are based on dynamic adaptation of the cropping window. They significantly improve the viewing experience by zooming in the regions of interest. Currently, there is no common agreement on how to compare different solutions. A retargeting metric is proposed in order to gauge its quality. Eye-tracking experiments, zooming effect through coverage ratio and temporal consistency are introduced and discussed.
ANTISENSE MODULATION OF X-LINKED INHIBITOR OF APOPTOSIS EXPRESSION

Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis are provided.
Hydrodynamic size-based separation and characterization of protein aggregates from total cell lysates

Herein we describe a protocol that uses hollow-fiber flow field-flow fractionation (FFF) coupled with multiangle light scattering (MALS) for hydrodynamic size-based separation and characterization of complex protein aggregates. The fractionation method, which requires 1.5 h to run, was successfully modified from the analysis of protein aggregates, as found in simple protein mixtures, to complex aggregates, as found in total cell lysates. In contrast to other related methods (filter assay, analytical ultracentrifugation, gel electrophoresis and size-exclusion chromatography), hollow-fiber flow FFF coupled with MALS allows a flow-based fractionation of highly purified protein aggregates and simultaneous measurement of their molecular weight, r.m.s. radius and molecular conformation (e.g., round, rod-shaped, compact or relaxed). The polyethersulfone hollow fibers used, which have a 0.8-mm inner diameter, allow separation of as little as 20 μg of total cell lysates. In addition, the ability to run the samples in different denaturing and nondenaturing buffer allows defining true aggregates from artifacts, which can form during sample preparation. The protocol was set up using Paraquat-induced carbonylation, a model that induces protein aggregation in cultured cells. This technique will advance the biochemical, proteomic and biophysical characterization of molecular-weight aggregates associated with protein mutations, as found in many CNS degenerative diseases, or chronic oxidative stress, as found in aging, and chronic metabolic and inflammatory conditions.
Atmospheric sensitivity on land surface temperature retrieval using single channel thermal infrared remote sensing data: Comparison among models

Atmospheric effect is one of the most important error sources of land surface temperature (LST) retrieval using single channel thermal infrared (TIR) remote sensing data. This paper focuses on the theoretical analysis of the atmospheric correction error sensitivity on LST retrieval, which applied on a new TIR remote sensing data of HJ-1B satellite. For this purpose, atmospheric effects on three different methods for LST retrieval are analyzed and compared: the radiant transfer method (RTM), the mono-window algorithm (Qin method) and the generalized single-channel method (JM&S method). The MODTRAN 4 codes are compiled in order to simulate the atmospheric radiance in different situations. Differential equations are built from each LST model by converting the derivatives of atmospheric parameters, then the change rate of the model with respect to the atmospheric variables are exhibited. The results show that for all methods, the increasing of LST error is ensued from the increasing of water vapor content and viewing angle, and aerosols effect on LST is negligible for all methods; JM&S method is most sensitive to water vapor content uncertainty followed by JM and Qin methods, with an error on LST of 0.8K, 0.6K and 0.4K, respectively, on typical condition that water vapor uncertainty is 0.15 g cm <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">−2</sup> with mid-latitude summer atmospheric; for a view angle of 33°, error on LST is lower than 2.3K, 1.9K and 1.1K for JM&S, RTM and Qin method, respectively; Qin method is also sensitive to mean atmospheric temperature, which leads to an error on LST of 0.5K, assuming an atmospheric temperature uncertainty of 0.1K; JM method is still sensitive to effective wavelength, which leads to an error on LST of 0.3K, assuming an wavelength uncertainty of 0.3μm; Hence, JM&S method is more suitable for the condition that precise water vapor profiles are applied, while Qin method can be more precisely if atmospheric temperature is fully estimated. For non-mathematical simplification, RTM could be the most accurate and complex choice if in situ measurement and angular correction of atmospheric are undertook.
Curiosity and the development of the hidden foundations of cognition

How do human infants develop complex cognition? We propose that artificial intelligence (AI) provides crucial insight into human curiosity-driven learning and the development of infant cognition. Deep learning—a technology that has revolutionised AI—involves the acquisition of informative internal representations through pre-training, as a critical precursory step to learning any specific task. We propose that, similarly, curiosity guides human infants to develop ‘hidden’ mature mental representations through pre-training well before the manifestation of behaviour. To test this proposal, for the first time we will use neuroimaging to measure the hidden changes in representations during infancy and compare these to predictions from deep learning in machines. Research Question 1 will ask how infants guide pre-training through directed curiosity, by testing quantitative models of curiosity adapted from developmental robotics. We will also test the hypothesis from pilot data that the fronto-parietal brain network guides curiosity from the start. Research Question 2 will further test the parallel with deep learning by characterising the developing infant’s mental representations within the visual system using the powerful neuroimaging technique of representational similarity analysis. Research Question 3 will investigate how individual differences in curiosity affect later cognitive performance, and test the prediction from deep learning that the effects of early experience during pre-training grow rather than shrink with subsequent experience. Finally, Research Question 4 will test the novel prediction from deep learning that, following perinatal brain injury, pre-training creates resilience provided that curiosity is intact. The investigations will answer the overarching question of how pre-training learning lays the foundations for cognition and pioneer the new field of Computational Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience.