Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mining the Students' Learning Interest in Browsing Web-Streaming Lectures

Web-streaming lectures overcome the space and time barriers between learning and teaching, but bring higher requirements on the learning feedback of students when they browse lectures. In this paper, we discover the students learning interest from their usage data in Web-based learning environment by using multi data mining methods. The learning interests are expressed in six questions, which were asked by the teachers. We use simple statistics, associate rules mining, multi linear regression and similarity comparing to answer different questions. The usage data of online learners are heterogeneous, including HTTP server logs and REAL Helix Universal logs, and these heterogeneous usage data are transformed into students browsing profiles. We implement our work on our Web-based learning environment: tele-TASK. The mined results help teachers to know their students clearly and adjust their teaching schedules efficiently
Surprises from a Deep ASCA Spectrum of the Broad Absorption Line Quasar PHL 5200

We present a deep (~85 ks) ASCA observation of the prototype broad absorption line quasar (BALQSO) PHL 5200. This is the best X-ray spectrum of a BALQSO yet. We find the following: (1) The source is not intrinsically X-ray weak. (2) The line-of-sight absorption is very strong, with NH = 5 × 1023 cm-2. (3) The absorber does not cover the source completely; the covering fraction is ≈90%. This is consistent with the large optical polarization observed in this source, implying multiple lines of sight. The most surprising result of this observation is that (4) the spectrum of this BALQSO is not exactly similar to other radio-quiet quasars. The hard X-ray spectrum of PHL 5200 is steep, with the power-law spectral index α ≈ 1.5. This is similar to the steepest hard X-ray slopes observed so far. At low redshifts, such steep slopes are observed in narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) galaxies, believed to be accreting at a high Eddington rate. This observation strengthens the analogy between BALQSOs and NLS1 galaxies and supports the hypothesis that BALQSOs represent an early evolutionary state of quasars. It is well accepted that the orientation to the line of sight determines the appearance of a quasar; age seems to play a significant role as well.
Eecient On-the--y Analysis of Program Behavior and Static Cache Simulation ?

The main contributions of this paper are twofold. First, a general framework for control-ow partitioning is presented for eecient on-they analysis, i.e. for program behavior analysis during execution using a small number of instrumentation points. The formal model is further reened for certain analyses by transforming a program's call graph into a function-instance graph. Performance evaluations show that the number of measurement points can be reduced by one third using these methods. Second, the method of static cache simulation is introduced. Static cache simulation provides the means to predict a large number of cache references prior to the execution time of a program. The method is based on a variation of an iterative data-ow algorithm commonly used in optimizing compilers. It utilizes control-ow partitioning and function-instance graphs for predicting the caching behavior of each instruction. To our knowledge, no prior work has been done on predicting caching behavior statically. A detailed description is provided for instruction cache analysis, which is then discussed for a variety of applications ranging from fast instruction cache performance evaluation to analytical bounding of execution time for real-time applications.
Analysis of face recognition under varying facial expression: a survey

Automatic face recognition is one of the most emphasizing dilemmas in diverse of potential relevance like in different surveillance systems, security systems, authentication or verification of individual like criminals etc. Adjoining of dynamic expression in face causes a broad range of discrepancies in recognition systems. Facial expression not only exposes the sensation or passion of any person but can also be used to judge his/her mental views and psychosomatic aspects. This paper is based on a complete survey of face recognition conducted under varying facial expressions. In order to analyze different techniques, motion-based, model-based and muscles-based approaches have been used in order to handle the facial expression and recognition catastrophe. The analysis has been completed by evaluating various existing algorithms while comparing their results in general. It also expands the scope for other researchers for answering the question of effectively dealing with such problems.
The Autophagy-Related Marker LC3 Can Predict Prognosis in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background Defects of autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are related to many diseases and tumors. However, only a few studies have examined hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as related to these processes. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the expression and extent of autophagy and ER stress-related markers in HCC and their influence on clinical characteristics and prognosis for each protein. Methodology The expression of autophagy-related markers (LC3 and Beclin-1) and ER stress-related markers (GRP78 and CHOP) was analyzed by immunohistochemistry on tissues from completely resected specimens of 190 HCC patients. Their influence on clinicopathologic features and prognosis were evaluated using the chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Correlations of each protein were determined by Spearman's correlation analysis. Principal Findings LC3 expression was not correlated with TNM, BCLC stage, or Edmonson-Steiner grading, whereas it was correlated with longer overall survival (OS) (p = 0.039) and tended to be related with longer time to recurrence (TTR) (p=0.068) although it did not show statistical significance. Multivariate analysis indicated that LC3 expression was a significantly independent prognostic factor of OS (HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.22-0.80; p-value=0.009) and TTR (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.33–0.90; p=0.017). Expression of LC3 in advanced stages of TNM (III) (p=0.045) and Edmonson-Steiner Grades (III and IV) (p=0.043) was correlated with longer survival, but not in the early stages. A positive correlation was not observed between the expression of autophagy-related markers and ER stress-related markers. Conclusion Our results suggest that the expression and extent of LC3 might be a strong prognostic factor of HCC, especially in patients with surgical resection.
A protein associated with axon growth, GAP-43, is widely distributed and developmentally regulated in rat CNS

Development or regeneration of axons in several systems is accompanied by 20-100-fold increases in the synthesis of an acidic, axonally transported membrane protein with an apparent molecular weight of 43- 50,000 (Benowitz and Lewis, 1983; Skene and Willard, 1981a, b), which we designate GAP-43. We have proposed that some step(s) in axon growth require production of GAP-43, and perhaps a small number of other “growth-associated proteins,” at rates much higher than those typical of mature neurons. This hypothesis predicts that virtually all neurons synthesize GAP-43 at elevated levels during normal CNS development. Here we show that a protein similar to GAP-43 from regenerating toad nerves is prominent among the newly synthesized (35S-methionine- labeled) and total (Coomassie blue-stained) proteins in neonatal rat cerebral cortex and cerebellum, suggesting that synthesis of GAP-43 is indeed a common feature of many developing neurons. Synthesis and accumulation of the protein decline an order of magnitude as animals mature. Antibodies raised against the rat cortex GAP-43 also recognize electrophoretically similar proteins from regenerating toad optic nerves and from developing hamster sensorimotor cortex, indicating that structural features of GAP-43 are conserved in evolution. Cell-free translation of polyadenylated RNA from neonatal and adult cortex suggests that developmental regulation of GAP-43 synthesis is mediated largely through changes in mRNA abundance. These observations together suggest that developmental regulation of GAP-43 gene expression may be common to most vertebrate CNS neurons. GAP-43 remains detectable at a low level in adult rat cortex, and it co-migrates on two-dimensional gels with B-50, a synaptic membrane protein which is a preferred substrate for protein kinase C in adult brains. Phosphorylation of the protein by endogenous kinase(s) in vitro is 4-7-fold greater in growth cone membranes than in mature synaptic membranes, which raises the possibility that local modification of the protein in axon terminals may be synergistic with regulation of GAP-43 synthesis in the cell body.
DynaSPOT: Dynamic Services Provisioned Optical Transport Test-Bed—Achieving Multirate Multiservice Dynamic Provisioning Using Strongly Connected Light-Trail (SLiT) Technology

In this paper, we report on the dynamic services provisioned optical transport (DynaSPOT) test-bed-a next-generation metro ring architecture that facilitates provisioning of emerging services such as Triple Play, Video-on-Demand (VoD), pseudowire edge-to-edge emulation (PWE3), IPTV, and Data Center Storage traffic. The test-bed is based on the recently proposed strongly connected light-trail (SLiT) technology that enables the triple features of dynamic provisioning, spatial subwavelength grooming and optical multicasting-that are quintessential for provisioning of the aforementioned emerging services. SLiT technology entails the use of a bidirectional optical wavelength bus that is time-shared by nodes through an out-of-band control channel. To do so, the nodes in a SLiT exhibit architectural properties that facilitate bus function. These properties at the network side include ability to support the dual signal flow of drop and continue as well as passive add, while at the client side include the ability to store data in order to support time-shared access. The latter (client side) improvisation is done through a new type of transponder card-called the trailponder that provides for (electronic) storage of data and fast transmission (burst-mode) onto the SLiT. Further in order to efficiently provision services over the SLiT, there is a need for an efficient algorithm that facilitates meeting of service requirements. To meet service requirements we propose a dynamic bandwidth allocation algorithm that allocates data time-slots to nodes based on a valuation method. The valuation method is principally based on an auctioning scheme whereby nodes send their valuations (bids) and a controller node responds to bids by sending a grant message. The auctioning occurs in the control layer, out-of-band and ahead in time. The novelty of the algorithm is the ability to take into consideration the dual service requirements of bandwidth request, as well as delay sensitivity. At the hardware level, implementation is complex-as our trailponders are layer-2 devices that have limited service differentiation capability. Here, we propose a dual VLAN tag and GFP-based unique approach that is used for providing service differentiation at layer-2. Another innovation in our test-bed is the ability to support multispeed traffic. While some nodes function at 1 Gb/s, and others function at 2.5 Gb/s (using corresponding receivers), a select few nodes can support both 1- and 2.5-Gb/s operation. This novel multispeed support coalesced with the formerly mentioned multiservice support is a much needed boost for services in the metro networks. We showcase the test-bed and associated results, as well as descriptions of hardware subsystems.
Corega Tabs: Incremental Semantic Composition

In parsing natural language, incremental semantics composition is one of the most prominent issues. In the past, numerous approaches have been developed for assigning meaning to noun and verbal phrases and their complements and modifiers. Often, their inferential power is too low for practical applications or the expressiveness of the representation language leads to intractable inference procedures. As an answer to these problems, we discuss an approach that relies on Description Logics for handling this class of semantics construction. We show how a semantic knowledge base can be setup. We exploit the equivalence between Discourse Representation Structures limited to the expressiveness of ALC and ABoxes for validating DRS with respect to a given knowledge base. 1 Generic Dialogue Management in EMBASSI The long-term goal of our research is to design and implement a generic dialogue system for rational (spoken) dialogues, which helps a user to achieve certain goals in terms of operations of a technical application system – e.g. an information system, a system for controlling devices, or any other kind of problem solving system. Among its design criteria are the ability to recognize users’ intentions, to establish corresponding subgoals and control their processing. Furthermore, it shall enable mixed-initiative, flexible and cooperative conversations and provide a high level of robustness as well as scalability in the linguistic and application dimensions, which includes portability to new domains with as little effort as possible. It shall also be possible to integrate linguistic interaction with multimodal forms of input and output, as e.g. with graphical user interfaces and – by means of appropriate devices – the recognition of deictic actions.
Mesh-guided texture replacement using intrinsic images

In this paper, we present a novel mesh-guided texture replacement tool using intrinsic images. Our system begins with indicating the region of interest by the user's interactive segmentation, then decomposes the segmented region into the reflectance and illumination components using intrinsic image recovery method. After that, we generate a triangle mesh to guide the computation of texture coordinates with the interest region. The texture coordinates for retexturing are further optimized. Finally, when the target sample texture is specified, the retexturing image is created by multiplying the modified reflectance component by the original illumination component within the replaced region. As demonstrated later, our mesh-guided approach can produce high quality texture editing results such as image retexturing and texture transfer, while the lighting and shading effect on the original image is well preserved.
Systematic review of the psychometric properties of transphobia scales

ABSTRACT Introduction: Prejudice and discrimination against transgender individuals (i.e., transphobia) is pervasive and has been shown to have pernicious effects on the physical (e.g., substance abuse and other self-harm behaviors) and psychological (e.g., depression and suicidal ideation) well-being of those targeted. Aims: To date, a review of the psychometric properties of scales assessing transphobia has not been conducted; this gap compromises researchers' ability to make informed measurement decisions. Methods: In the current study, 61 articles that contained 83 scales were identified, and their adherence to best practices in psychometric testing was evaluated. Results: Most of the transphobia scales included in the current review did not provide sufficient information about item generation and refinement, scale dimensionality, scale score reliability, or validity. Each scale was entered into a table and was ranked on the basis of its total score. A score of 1 was issued for each psychometric feature that adhered to best practice guidelines, with total scores ranging from 0 to 5 (i.e., higher scores denote greater psychometric soundness). Discussion: Properties of the reviewed scales are summarized and recommendations are made for future transphobia scale development and validation. The measures that emerged as possessing the highest scores and, subsequently, the greatest utility are identified.
Effect of fur removal on the thermal conductance and energy budget in lactating Swiss mice

SUMMARY The limits to sustained energy intake (SusEI) are important because they determine the ceiling restricting all the competing physiological processes. A recent hypothesis is that SusEI is constrained by the capacity to dissipate heat. However some previous data for Swiss mice are inconsistent with this hypothesis. To examine the role of limits to heat dissipation on SusEI, the body temperature, thermal conductance and lactation performance were measured in dorsally shaved Swiss mice. Shaving reduces external insulation and the heat dissipation limitation hypothesis predicts such animals should be capable of eating more food and raising heavier litters. Shaved mice had a significantly higher thermal conductance and a faster reduction in body temperature following noradrenaline injection. At peak lactation, shaved mice spent more time in feeding behaviour, and increased food intake above that observed in non-shaved controls, indicating that limits on SusEI might be imposed by the capacity to dissipate heat. However, shaved females did not spend more time suckling their pups, and did not raise heavier litters, which is inconsistent with the expectations of the heat dissipation limitation hypothesis. The strong correlations between resting, feeding and suckling behaviour at peak lactation suggested that there might be a trade-off in the time distribution between the behavioural patterns. These data suggest that limits on performance may be set at different levels in different strains or species. In MF1 mice studied previously the limit on milk production imposed by maximal mammary secretion capability may lie above that for heat dissipation, hence when the latter was increased the mice produced more milk and raised heavier litters. In Swiss mice the opposite might be the case. Hence when the heat dissipation capacity was increased this did not translate into heavier litters, i.e. supporting the peripheral limitation hypothesis. Further work in a range of additional species or strains will be necessary to establish whether the more normal condition is for SusEI in animals during late lactation to be set by combined peripheral demands or by the heat dissipation capacity.
Compensating Policies for Small Schools and Regional Schooling Inequalities : Class size and multi-grade teaching in India by Kallan Gowda Anjini Kochar

In an attempt to ensure universal enrollment, governments of many developing economies have adopted policies that provide schools even to relatively small communities. This has resulted in rising concerns that increased enrollments are being achieved at the cost of school quality and learning. One reason for this concern is that, on the demand side, small communities are generally associated with relatively remote regions, and are hence believed to be poorer, habited by households with lower levels of adult education. A second explanation is that, on the supply side, small schools generally necessitate multi-grade teaching, with a teacher simultaneously teaching students of different grades in a single classroom. To redress these disadvantages, most governments have adopted compensating policies that disproportionately allocate teachers to small schools. This paper examines whether this compensating policy redresses regional schooling inequalities by jointly estimating the effect of class size and multi-grade teaching on learning for students in third grade, using survey data from the state of Karnataka, India. We find that, rather than reducing inequalities, the policy enhances them. The reasons are two-fold: Multigrade instruction does not affect learning and the presumed positive relationship between school or village size and socio-economic status does not hold. Instead, in Karnataka and in many other Indian states, smaller villages enjoy higher levels of wealth. The Government’s policy therefore provides more resources to schools with initially higher learning levels, therefore increasing schooling inequalities.
Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 observations of hyperluminous infrared galaxies

We present Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 I-band imaging for a sample of nine hyperluminous infrared galaxies (HLIRGs) spanning a redshift range 0.45 < z < 1.34. Three of the sample have morphologies showing evidence for interactions and six are quasi-stellar objects (QSOs). Host galaxies in the QSOs are detected reliably out to z ∼ 0.8. The detected QSO host galaxies have an elliptical morphology with scalelengths spanning 6.5 < re (kpc) < 88 and absolute k-corrected magnitudes spanning −24.5 < MI < −25.2. There is no clear correlation between the infrared (IR) power source and the optical morphology. None of the sources in the sample, including F15307+3252, shows any evidence for gravitational lensing. We infer that the IR luminosities are thus real. Based on these results, and previous studies of HLIRGs, we conclude that this class of object is broadly consistent with being a simple extrapolation of the ULIRG population to higher luminosities; ULIRGs being mainly violently interacting systems powered by starbursts and/or active galactic nuclei. Only a small number of sources, the infrared luminosities of which exceed 1013 L⊙, are intrinsically less luminous objects that have been boosted by gravitational lensing.
Accelerations in the internationalization processes of logistics firms

Despite the increasing prominence of international services in the world economy, little is known about the internationalization of service firms. This paper discusses the results of an exploratory comparative case study of accelerations in the internationalization process of three logistics firms. The Uppsala model of internationalization is adopted as theoretical platform. The findings illustrate that service internationalization processes can be explained within the theoretical logic of the Uppsala model. However, the cases do not support the ‘classical’ manifestations of learning – ‘psychic distance’ and ‘establishment chain’ – identified as the operational part of the Uppsala model. Other manifestations of learning are apparent though. In particular, a strong reliance on newly built network relationships and the choice for inward internationalization are interpreted as manifestations of the learning idea central in the Uppsala model.
A Myocardial Nox2 Containing NAD(P)H Oxidase Contributes to Oxidative Stress in Human Atrial Fibrillation

Human atrial fibrillation (AF) has been associated with increased atrial oxidative stress. In animal models, inhibition of reactive oxygen species prevents atrial remodeling induced by rapid pacing, suggesting that oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathophysiology of AF. NAD(P)H oxidase is a major source of superoxide in the cardiovascular system; however, whether this enzyme contributes to atrial oxidative stress in AF remains to be elucidated. We investigated the sources of superoxide production (using inhibitors and substrates of a range of oxidases, RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and immunoblotting) in tissue homogenates and isolated atrial myocytes from the right atrial appendage (RAA) of patients undergoing cardiac surgery (n=54 in sinus rhythm [SR] and 15 in AF). A membrane-bound gp91phox containing NAD(P)H oxidase in atrial myocytes was the main source of atrial superoxide production in SR and in AF. NADPH-stimulated superoxide release from RAA homogenates was significantly increased in patients with AF in the absence of changes in mRNA expression of the p22phox and gp91phox subunits of the NAD(P)H oxidase. In contrast with findings in SR patients, NO synthases (NOSs) contributed significantly to atrial superoxide production in fibrillating atria, suggesting that increased oxidative stress in AF may lead to NOS “uncoupling. ” These findings indicate that a myocardial NAD(P)H oxidase and, to a lesser extent, dysfunctional NOS contribute significantly to superoxide production in the fibrillating human atrial myocardium and may play an important role in the atrial oxidative injury and electrophysiological remodeling observed in patients with AF.