Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptation to the U.S. and Religion/Spirituality: Experiences of Indian International Students

Adaptation to the U.S. and Religion/Spirituality: Experiences of Indian International Students Kirti Potkar Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education, BYU Doctor of Philosophy Religion and spirituality are deemed an important aspect of human diversity, found to be important to people, and have significant impact on different aspects of functioning. Given the rising numbers of international students on U.S. campuses, it becomes important to examine how religion/spirituality impacts their sojourn in the U.S. This study explored the religious/spiritual experiences of Indian international students here in the U.S. using a qualitative approach. Thirteen Indian international students pursuing graduate degrees in the U.S. were interviewed. The interviews were then transcribed and analyzed using a synthesis of hermeneutic methods informed by Kvale (1996). The following themes emerged through the analysis of data: religion is a highly personalized and complex concept, coming to a foreign land brings about changes in the practice of religion, context is important in the experience of religion, certain religious ideas and practices are seen as helpful, and new experiences lead to an evolved way of thinking about religion. The findings suggest that religion/spirituality does tend to be important for Indian international students, though often in an indirect manner. These results offer ideas about ways in which advisement and counseling center staff, international student associations, and university personnel can best serve Indian international students through an open and welcoming approach that acknowledges and respects this important aspect of human diversity.
The Effectiveness of Worked Examples in a Game-Based Learning Environment.

Researches indicate that worked examples could effectively facilitate problem solving by reducing cognitive load during learning. However, there is no study using worked examples in a game-based environment. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of worked examples on problem solving in a game-based environment. In this study, 72 adults were randomly assigned into the treatment group (i.e., worked examples) or control group and asked to play a computer puzzle game. Participants were asked to complete a content understanding knowledge map and answer retention and transfer problem-solving strategy questions. Results show that the treatment group improved significantly more than the control group on all measures. In conclusion, this study indicates that worked examples had significant effects on problem solving in a game-based task. However, the improvement was small compared to experts’ performance. In order to obtain greater improvement, the worked example instruction could add: (a) practice problems, (b) fading procedure, (c) self-explanations, (d) verbal instruction, and (e) subgoals.
The development of an instrument to measure effectiveness in campus recreation programs.

Organizational effectiveness continues to be a popular topic in management settings, seminars, and research projects. Similar levels of interest prevail in the area of sport management, although most of the attention is expressed in the elite sport areas. This paper provides an overview of the organizational effectiveness literature with specific application to the area of recreationalintramural sport programs in institutions of higher learning. The Target Population Satisfaction Index (TPSI) instrument is introduced as an instrument to measure organizational effectiveness in these programs. The author outlines the steps taken to develop and test the instrument as well as a suggested protocol for administering the instrument. The TPSI instrument was subjected to a number of psychometric assessments and is presented as a valid and reliable measurement tool.
A Quantization Theoretic Perspective on Simulcast and Layered Multicast Optimization

We consider rate optimization in multicast systems that use several multicast trees on a communication network. The network is shared between different applications. For that reason, we model the available bandwidth for multicast as stochastic. For specific network topologies, we show that the multicast rate optimization problem is equivalent to the optimization of scalar quantization. We use results from rate-distortion theory to provide a bound on the achievable performance for the multicast rate optimization problem. A large number of receivers makes the possibility of adaptation to changing network conditions desirable in a practical system. To this end, we derive an analytical solution to the problem that is asymptotically optimal in the number of multicast trees. We derive local optimality conditions, which we use to describe a general class of iterative algorithms that give locally optimal solutions to the problem. Simulation results are provided for the multicast of an i.i. d. Gaussian process, an i.i. d. Laplacian process, and a video source.
Traffic engineering in software defined networks

Software Defined Networking is a new networking paradigm that separates the network control plane from the packet forwarding plane and provides applications with an abstracted centralized view of the distributed network state. A logically centralized controller that has a global network view is responsible for all the control decisions and it communicates with the network-wide distributed forwarding elements via standardized interfaces. Google recently announced [5] that it is using a Software Defined Network (SDN) to interconnect its data centers due to the ease, efficiency and flexibility in performing traffic engineering functions. It expects the SDN architecture to result in better network capacity utilization and improved delay and loss performance. The contribution of this paper is on the effective use of SDNs for traffic engineering especially when SDNs are incrementally introduced into an existing network. In particular, we show how to leverage the centralized controller to get significant improvements in network utilization as well as to reduce packet losses and delays. We show that these improvements are possible even in cases where there is only a partial deployment of SDN capability in a network. We formulate the SDN controller's optimization problem for traffic engineering with partial deployment and develop fast Fully Polynomial Time Approximation Schemes (FPTAS) for solving these problems. We show, by both analysis and ns-2 simulations, the performance gains that are achievable using these algorithms even with an incrementally deployed SDN.
Biomolecular Markers within the Core Axis of Aging and Particulate Air Pollution Exposure in the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Telomere length and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content are markers of aging and aging-related diseases. There is inconclusive evidence concerning the mechanistic effects of airborne particulate matter (PM) exposure on biomolecular markers of aging. Objective: The present study examines the association between short- and long-term PM exposure with telomere length and mtDNA content in the elderly and investigates to what extent this association is mediated by expression of genes playing a role in the telomere–mitochondrial axis of aging. Methods: Among 166 nonsmoking elderly participants, we used qPCR to measure telomere length and mtDNA content in leukocytes and RNA from whole blood to measure expression of SIRT1, TP53, PPARGC1A, PPARGC1B, NRF1, and NFE2L2. Associations between PM exposure and markers of aging were estimated using multivariable linear regression models adjusted for sex, age, BMI, socioeconomic status, statin use, past smoking status, white blood cell count, and percentage of neutrophils. Mediation analysis was performed to explore the role of age-related markers between the association of PM exposure and outcome. Annual PM2.5 exposure was calculated for each participant’s home address using a high-resolution spatial–temporal interpolation model. Results: Annual PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 15 to 23 μg/m3. A 5-μg/m3 increment in annual PM2.5 concentration was associated with a relative decrease of 16.8% (95% CI: –26.0%, –7.4%, p = 0.0005) in telomere length and a relative decrease of 25.7% (95% CI: –35.2%, –16.2%, p < 0.0001) in mtDNA content. Assuming causality, results of the mediation analysis indicated that SIRT1 mediated 19.5% and 22.5% of the estimated effect of PM2.5 exposure on telomere length and mtDNA content, respectively. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the estimated effects of PM2.5 exposure on the telomere–mitochondrial axis of aging may play an important role in chronic health effects of PM2.5. Citation: Pieters N, Janssen BG, Dewitte H, Cox B, Cuypers A, Lefebvre W, Smeets K, Vanpoucke C, Plusquin M, Nawrot TS. 2016. Biomolecular markers within the core axis of aging and particulate air pollution exposure in the elderly: a cross-sectional study. Environ Health Perspect 124:943–950; http://dx.doi. org/10.1289/ehp.1509728
Development of human brain connectivity in health and disease

White matter development in the human brain undergoes a uniquely extended developmental trajectory, and the maturation of this complex network of connections is broadly relatable to real-world measures of cognitive ability. We begin this dissertation with a review of the literature on structural brain development, in order to provide a useful background layer for our discussion (Chapter 1). Next, we report a case study investigating white matter abnormalities in the context of prenatal methamphetamine exposure, and their cognitive correlates (Chapter 2). Then we describe our successfully-funded NIH grant proposal to 1) develop novel image analysis techniques for investigating white matter connectivity, and 2) apply them to the study of a) typical frontal lobe white matter maturation, b) its relation to executive functioning, and c) how these processes are affected by prenatal alcohol exposure (Chapter 3). The results of this effort are described in Chapter 4, Chapter 5, and Chapter 6. Finally, we supplement the work on our UCLA cohort with exciting results from two large, multi-site, collaborative efforts: 1) ADHD-200, an initiative to employ brain mapping findings in a machine learning environment for the diagnostic classification of individual subjects with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (Chapter 7), and 2) PING (the Pediatric Imaging, Neurocognition, and Genetics study), where we are leading an effort to provide the most comprehensive mapping to-date of typical white matter development (Chapter 8).
Marketing infant formula through hospitals: the impact of commercial hospital discharge packs on breastfeeding.

OBJECTIVES Commercial hospital discharge packs are commonly given to new mothers at the time of newborn hospital discharge. We evaluated the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and the receipt of commercial hospital discharge packs in a population-based sample of Oregon women who initiated breastfeeding before newborn hospital discharge. METHODS We analyzed data from the 2000 and 2001 Oregon Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), a population-based survey of postpartum women (n=3895; unweighted response rate=71.6%). RESULTS Among women who had initiated breastfeeding, 66.8% reported having received commercial hospital discharge packs. We found that women who received these packs were more likely to exclusively breastfeed for fewer than 10 weeks than were women who had not received the packs (multivariate adjusted odds ratio=1.39; 95% confidence interval=1.05, 1.84). CONCLUSIONS Commercial hospital discharge packs are one of several factors that influence breastfeeding duration and exclusivity. The distribution of these packs to new mothers at hospitals is part of a longstanding marketing campaign by infant formula manufacturers and implies hospital and staff endorsement of infant formula. Commercial hospital discharge pack distribution should be reconsidered in light of its negative impact on exclusive breastfeeding.
Exact performance analysis of GSC with normalized threshold test per branch

In this paper, we introduce a novel performance analysis approach which enables a unified and compact analysis of generalized combining systems (GSC), including conventional GSC and normalized threshold generalized selection combining (NT-GSC), in generalized fading channels. Performance measures are obtained through the derivation of the exact analytical expression for the moment generating function (MGF) of the diversity combiner output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
Database Servers on Chip Multiprocessors: Limitations and Opportunities

Prior research shows that database system performance is dominated by off-chip data stalls, resulting in a concerted effort to bring data into on-chip caches. At the same time, high levels of integration have enabled the advent of chip multiprocessors and increasingly large (and slow) on-chip caches. These two trends pose the imminent technical and research challenge of adapting high-performance data management software to a shifting hardware landscape. In this paper we characterize the performance of a commercial database server running on emerging chip multiprocessor technologies. We find that the major bottleneck of current software is data cache stalls, with L2 hit stalls rising from oblivion to become the dominant execution time component in some cases. We analyze the source of this shift and derive a list of features for future database designs to attain maximum performance.
Student-Teacher Trust Relationships and Student Performance

The quantitative research study described in the dissertation explored the correlation between relational trust of teachers and students, as perceived by the students, and student performance. Researchers have studied trust and student achievement at the secondary school level and from the adult's perspective; however, research is limited at the elementary school level, particularly from the student's perspective. A 20-item Student Trust Scale and the spring 2012 New York State English Language Arts scaled scores were collected from a sample population of (N = 375) student participants in grades 3, 4, 5 and 6. The purpose of the research was to identify whether there was a significant, positive correlation between the levels of trust of students and teachers, as measured by the students, and student performance levels at grades 3, 4, 5 and 6. The findings indicated there was not a significant correlation between relational trust (as measured by the Student Trust Scale) and achievement (as measured by the 2012 New York State English Language Arts examination). These findings were inconclusive. The literature indicates that relational trust is important for student success. Therefore, the study’s findings built a foundation for future scholarly research and future insight for practice and policy development. The study’s findings conclude that relational trust must be further researched to understand its potential value as an instructional tool, in order for educators to gain further insight into future practice and policy development. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Education (EdD) Department Executive Leadership First Supervisor Michael Robinson Second Supervisor Janice Kelly Subject Categories Education This dissertation is available at Fisher Digital Publications: http://fisherpub.sjfc. edu/education_etd/118 Student-Teacher Trust Relationships and Student Performance
Differential Spatially Modulated Space-Time Block Codes With Temporal Permutations

We design a differential transmission scheme based on a novel temporally and spatially modulated space-time block coding codebook. Our proposed design is the first differential transmission scheme for spatial modulation with multiple active transmit antennas. Our numerical results demonstrate the significant performance gains of our proposed differential transmission scheme over the state-of-the-art schemes.
The Impacts of Heatwaves on Mortality Differ with Different Study Periods: A Multi-City Time Series Investigation

Background Different locations and study periods were used in the assessment of the relationships between heatwaves and mortality. However, little is known about the comparability and consistency of the previous effect estimates in the literature. This study assessed the heatwave—mortality relationship using different study periods in the three largest Australian cities (Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney). Methods Daily data on climatic variables and mortality for the three cities were obtained from relevant government agencies between 1988 and 2011. A consistent definition of heatwaves was used for these cities. Poisson generalised additive model was fitted to assess the impact of heatwaves on mortality. Results Non-accidental and circulatory mortality significantly increased during heatwaves across the three cities even with different heatwave definitions and study periods. Using the summer data resulted in the largest increase in effect estimates compared to those using the warm season or the whole year data. Conclusion The findings may have implications for developing standard approaches to evaluating the heatwave-mortality relationship and advancing heat health warning systems. It also provides an impetus to methodological advance for assessing climate change-related health consequences.
Analysis of gene expression in PTHrP−/− mammary buds supports a role for BMP signaling and MMP2 in the initiation of ductal morphogenesis

Parathyroid hormone–related protein (PTHrP) acts on the mammary mesenchyme and is required for proper embryonic mammary development. In order to understand PTHrP's effects on mesenchymal cells, we profiled gene expression in WT and PTHrP−/− mammary buds, and in WT and K14‐PTHrP ventral skin at E15.5. By cross‐referencing the differences in gene expression between these groups, we identified 35 genes potentially regulated by PTHrP in the mammary mesenchyme, including 6 genes known to be involved in BMP signaling. One of these genes was MMP2. We demonstrated that PTHrP and BMP4 regulate MMP2 gene expression and MMP2 activity in mesenchymal cells. Using mammary bud cultures, we demonstrated that MMP2 acts downstream of PTHrP to stimulate ductal outgrowth. Future studies on the functional role of other genes on this list should expand our knowledge of how PTHrP signaling triggers the onset of ductal outgrowth from the embryonic mammary buds. Developmental Dynamics 238:2713–2724, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measuring the Impact of Reuse on Quality and Productivity in Object-Oriented Systems

This paper presents the results of a study conducted at the University of Maryland in which we assessed the impact of reuse on quality and productivity in OO systems. Reuse is assumed to be a very effective strategy for software industry to build high-quality software. However, there is currently very little empirical information about what we can expect from reuse in terms of productivity and quality gains. This also applies to OO development which is supposed to facilitate reuse. Our experiment is one step towards a better understanding of the benefits of reuse in an OO framework, considering currently available technology. Data was collected, for four months, on the development of eight medium-size management information systems with equivalent requirements. All eight projects were developed using the Waterfall Software Engineering Life Cycle Model, an Object-Oriented (OO) design method and the C++ programming language. This study indicates significant benefits from reuse in terms of reduced defect density and rework as well as increased productivity.
Correlation between the expression of DNMT1, and GSTP1 and APC, and the methylation status of GSTP1 and APC in association with their clinical significance in prostate cancer

The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between the expression of DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), glutathione S-transferase-P1 (GSTP1) and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), and the methylation status of GSTP1 and APC in prostate cancer (PCa) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and to examine its clinical significance. Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of DNMT1, GSTP1 and APC in 56 samples of PCa tissue and 10 samples of BPH tissue. Methylation-specific-PCR was used to detect the methylation status of the CpG island promoters of GSTP1 and APC. The positive rate of expression of DNMT1 in poorly-differentiated PCa, moderately-differentiated PCa, well-differentiated PCa and BPH was 86.7%, 70.6%, 55.6% and 30.0%, respectively (P<0.05); for GSTP1, the positive rate was 13.3%, 29.4%, 44.4% and 90.0%, respectively (P<0.05); and for APC, the positive rate was 23.3%, 47.6%, 55.6% and 70.0%, respectively (P<0.05). The correlation coefficient for the association between the expression of DNMT1 and GSTP1 was −0.891 (P<0.05). Between the expression of DNMT1 and APC, the correlation coefficient was −0.721 (P<0.05). GSTP1 and APC were hypermethylated in the majority of PCa tissue samples. The positive rate of methylation of these genes in poorly-differentiated PCa was 83.3% and 73.3%, respectively. By contrast, hypomethylation (or demethylation) was observed in BPH samples, in which the positive rate of methylation was 10.0% and 20.0%, respectively (P<0.05). The increased expression of DNMT1, and the reduced expression of GSTP1 and APC have an important role in the development of PCa. Due to the high expression of DNMT1 mRNA, it is likely that the hypermethylation of CpG islands contributed to the silencing of GSTP1 and APC in PCa tissues.
Natural selection on EPAS1 (HIF2α) associated with low hemoglobin concentration in Tibetan highlanders

By impairing both function and survival, the severe reduction in oxygen availability associated with high-altitude environments is likely to act as an agent of natural selection. We used genomic and candidate gene approaches to search for evidence of such genetic selection. First, a genome-wide allelic differentiation scan (GWADS) comparing indigenous highlanders of the Tibetan Plateau (3,200–3,500 m) with closely related lowland Han revealed a genome-wide significant divergence across eight SNPs located near EPAS1. This gene encodes the transcription factor HIF2α, which stimulates production of red blood cells and thus increases the concentration of hemoglobin in blood. Second, in a separate cohort of Tibetans residing at 4,200 m, we identified 31 EPAS1 SNPs in high linkage disequilibrium that correlated significantly with hemoglobin concentration. The sex-adjusted hemoglobin concentration was, on average, 0.8 g/dL lower in the major allele homozygotes compared with the heterozygotes. These findings were replicated in a third cohort of Tibetans residing at 4,300 m. The alleles associating with lower hemoglobin concentrations were correlated with the signal from the GWADS study and were observed at greatly elevated frequencies in the Tibetan cohorts compared with the Han. High hemoglobin concentrations are a cardinal feature of chronic mountain sickness offering one plausible mechanism for selection. Alternatively, as EPAS1 is pleiotropic in its effects, selection may have operated on some other aspect of the phenotype. Whichever of these explanations is correct, the evidence for genetic selection at the EPAS1 locus from the GWADS study is supported by the replicated studies associating function with the allelic variants.