Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptation Models for Personalisation in Web-based Learning Environments

One of the main advantages of delivering web-based educational materials is that the same content is delivered to a number of students and can be accessed with no restrictions of time and place. However, there is a wide belief that using the web as only a new kind of delivery medium for educational materials does not add significant value to the teaching and learning process. It is postulated that one of the main problems with e-learning environments is their lack of personalisation. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the current work in the field and describes three potential adaptation models – namely a content-based adaptation model, an activity-theoretical adaptation model and a hybrid adaptation model. A framework is finally proposed for research in promoting personalisation in web-based learning environments. The framework is basically an integration of three adaptation models that are discussed in this paper. The paper exposes the limitations of so-called intelligent tutoring systems and emphasises on the increasing importance of the teacher’s role in the teaching and learning process.
Hydrogen and helium traces in type Ib-c supernovae

Aims. To investigate the spectroscopic properties of a selected optical photospheric spectra of core collapse supernovae (CCSNe). Special attention is devoted to traces of hydrogen at early phases. The impact on the physics and nature of their progenitors is emphasized. Methods. The CCSNe-sample spectra are analyzed with the parameterized supernova synthetic spectrum code “SYNOW” adopting some simplifying approximations. Results. The generated spectra are found to match the observed ones reasonably well, including a list of only 23 candidate ions. Guided by SN Ib 1990I, the observed trough near 6300 A is attributed to H α in almost all type Ib events, although in some objects it becomes too weak to be discernible, especially at later phases. Alternative line identifications are discussed. Differences in the way hydrogen manifests its presence within CCSNe are highlighted. In type Ib SNe, the H α contrast velocity (i.e. line velocity minus the photospheric velocity) seems to increase with time at early epochs, reaching values as high as 8000 km s -1 around $15{-}20$ days after maximum and then remains almost constant. The derived photospheric velocities, indicate a lower velocity for type II SNe 1987A and 1999em as compared to SN Ic 1994I and SN IIb 1993J, while type Ib events display a somewhat larger variation. The scatter, around day 20, is measured to be ~5000 km s -1 . Following two simple approaches, rough estimates of ejecta and hydrogen masses are given. A mass of hydrogen of approximately 0.02 $M_\odot$ is obtained for SN 1990I, while SNe 1983N and 2000H ejected ~0.008 $M_\odot$ and ~0.08 $M_\odot$ of hydrogen, respectively. SN 1993J has a higher hydrogen mass, ~0.7 $M_\odot$ with a large uncertainty. A low mass and thin hydrogen layer with very high ejection velocities above the helium shell, is thus the most likely scenario for type Ib SNe. Some interesting and curious issues relating to oxygen lines suggest future investigations.
Plugging in and into code bubbles: the code bubbles architecture

Code Bubbles is an attempt to redefine the user interface for an integrated programming environment. As it represents a whole new user interface, implementing it as a plug‐in is inherently difficult. We get around this difficulty by combining two different plug‐in architectures, a standard one based on registrations and callbacks and a message‐based one that puts the plug‐in at arm's length and defines a narrower two‐way interface. This paper describes both how we have implemented Code Bubbles as a plug‐in to Eclipse and how Code Bubbles itself is implemented as a set of plug‐ins representing the different aspects of the environment, using both traditional and message‐based plug‐in architectures as appropriate. It also shows how the resultant architecture is flexible enough to support collaboration, different back ends, and a cloud‐based environment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Average Interpolating Wavelets on Point Clouds and Graphs

We introduce a new wavelet transform suitable for analyzing functions on point clouds and graphs. Our construction is based on a generalization of the average interpolating refinement scheme of Donoho. The most important ingredient of the original scheme that needs to be altered is the choice of the interpolant. Here, we define the interpolant as the minimizer of a smoothness functional, namely a generalization of the Laplacian energy, subject to the averaging constraints. In the continuous setting, we derive a formula for the optimal solution in terms of the poly-harmonic Green's function. The form of this solution is used to motivate our construction in the setting of graphs and point clouds. We highlight the empirical convergence of our refinement scheme and the potential applications of the resulting wavelet transform through experiments on a number of data stets.
Neighbor Discovery in Wireless Ad Hoc Networks: A Review

Neighbor Discovery (ND) is an important pre-requisite for a typical Wireless Ad-hoc Network for achieving self-organization and multi-hop communications which subsequently affect routing, MAC and topology control protocols. Reliability, Resource Efficiency and Responsiveness could be termed as important performance parameters for a typical Neighbor Discovery protocols. This paper attempts to review the working/ operations of some of the popular ND approaches/techniques under various operating scenarios/ assumptions.
Behaviors and Attitudes Associated With Low Drinking Water Intake Among US Adults, Food Attitudes and Behaviors Survey, 2007

Introduction Water is vital for life, and plain water is a calorie-free option for hydration. Increasing consumption of drinking water is a strategy to reduce energy intake and lose or maintain weight; however, information on the characteristics of consumers who drink water is limited. Our objective was to describe the characteristics of people who have a low intake of drinking water and to determine associations between their behaviors and attitudes and their intake of water. Methods We analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of 3,397 US adults who participated in the National Cancer Institute’s 2007 Food Attitudes and Behaviors Survey. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify sociodemographic characteristics and health-related behaviors and attitudes associated with self-reported drinking water intake of less than 4 cups per day. Results Overall, 7% of adults reported no daily consumption of drinking water, 36% reported drinking 1 to 3 cups, 35% reported drinking 4 to 7 cups, and 22% reported drinking 8 cups or more. The likelihood of drinking less than 4 cups of water daily was significantly higher among participants aged 55 years or older than among those aged 18 to 34 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.3), among residents of the Northeast than among residents of the South (AOR, 1.4), among participants who consumed 1 cup or less of fruits or vegetables per day than among those who consumed 4.5 cups or more (AOR, 3.0), among participants who did not exercise than among those who exercised 150 minutes or more per week (AOR, 1.7), and among participants who were neither trying to gain nor lose weight than among those trying to lose weight (AOR, 1.3). Conclusion Low drinking water intake was associated with age, region of residence, and several unhealthful behaviors and attitudes. Understanding characteristics associated with low drinking water intake may help to identify populations that could benefit from interventions to help adults drink more water.
A Restricted Model of UR Discovery : Evidence from Lakhota

Under the standard approach to UR discovery (Chomsky and Halle 1968; Kenstowicz and Kisseberth 1977), it is assumed that whenever possible, surface contrasts should be derived in a lawful way from underlying distinctions. In other words, if a surface contrast ([A] vs. [B]) can be distinguished using an underlying difference (/A/ vs. /B/), this is preferable to using some other technique, such as marking all B’s with a diacritic (/A/ vs. /A/+[A→B]) or using one UR (/A/) and listing all B’s as lexical exceptions. In its most extreme version, this bias has lead some analysts to posit abstract, underspecified archiphonemes to avoid listing exceptions. In this paper, I argue against this use of underspecification. I propose a more restrictive model of UR discovery, which cannot use underspecified archiphonemes, but relies instead on exceptions. I discuss two separate but related changes in the history of Lakhota which are unexpected under an underspecification account, but which are predicted by an exception-based analysis.
A framework for the adoption and diffusion of Personal Learning Environments in commercial organisations: an exploratory study in the learning and development sector in the UK

This study presents an exploratory approach to identify the main factors of Personal Learning Environment (PLE) adoption and diffusion within commercial organisations. Utilising an inductive investigative approach via the use of Grounded Theory methodology, relevant adoption factors were identified and their resulting influence during various stages of the innovation diffusion process were proposed. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews followed by systematic analysis using a three-staged coding process. The results revealed 10 factors affecting the adoption of PLEs influencing the innovation diffusion process at various stages. Informed by the Technology Acceptance Model and Innovation Diffusion Theory, the proposed model could have important implications for key decision makers within commercial organisations, while adopting, rejecting and assimilating new technological innovations (e.g. PLE) for learning delivery.
The selective process of the criminal justice systms

I. THE STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM . 1 II. PHILOSOPHICAL AND THEORETICAL BASIS OF THE UNITED STATES' CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM . 9 1. Philosophical Foundations of Sociological Theories . 13 a. Early Harmonious Philosophical Foundations . 13 b. Modern Harmonious Philosophical Foundations . 15 c. Conflict Philosophical Foundations . 18 d. Conflict-Harmonious Philosophical Foundations . 20 2. Theories of Crime Causation and Control . 26 a. Harmonious Theories . 26 b. Conflict Theories . 29 c. Conflict-Harmonious Theories . 37 III. SELECTIVITY: THE PROCESS OF DETERMINING AND ADJUDICATING DEVIANTS IN OUR SOCIETY . 46 1. General Societal Selection . 52 a. Stratification . 52 b. Availability of Social Position . 56 c. Politicality of Morality . 60 2. Criminal Justice Selectivity . 67 IV. EXPLORATORY THEMES AND METHODS OF INQUIRY . 77 1. The Ideals of Justice and the Purported Methods of Implementation . 78 2. Themes of Inquiry into the Performance of the Criminal Justice System . 85 a. Law Enforcement . 86 b. Judiciary . 86 c. Corrections . 87
Immunological Interactions between 2 Common Pathogens, Th1-Inducing Protozoan Toxoplasma gondii and the Th2-Inducing Helminth Fasciola hepatica

Background The nature of the immune response to infection is dependent on the type of infecting organism. Intracellular organisms such as Toxoplasma gondii stimulate a Th1-driven response associated with production of IL-12, IFN-γ, nitric oxide and IgG2a antibodies and classical activation of macrophages. In contrast, extracellular helminths such as Fasciola hepatica induce Th2 responses characterised by the production of IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and IgG1 antibodies and alternative activation of macrophages. As co-infections with these types of parasites commonly exist in the field it is relevant to examine how the various facets of the immune responses induced by each may influence or counter-regulate that of the other. Principal Findings Regardless, of whether F. hepatica infection preceded or succeeded T. gondii infection, there was little impact on the production of the Th1 cytokines IL-12, IFN-γ or on the development of classically-activated macrophages induced by T. gondii. By contrast, the production of helminth-specific Th2 cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-5, was suppressed by infection with T. gondii. Additionally, the recruitment and alternative activation of macrophages by F. hepatica was blocked or reversed by subsequent infection with T. gondii. The clinical symptoms of toxoplasmosis and the survival rate of infected mice were not significantly altered by the helminth. Conclusions Despite previous studies showing that F. hepatica suppressed the classical activation of macrophages and the Th1-driven responses of mice to bystander microbial infection, as well as reduced their ability to reject these, here we found that the potent immune responses to T. gondii were capable of suppressing the responses to helminth infection. Clearly, the outcome of particular infections in polyparasitoses depends on the means and potency by which each pathogen controls the immune response.
Selected Essays

Part I: International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank). Part II: Registration of Treaties and International Agreements. Part III: International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). Part IV: International Commercial Arbitration. Part V: Investment Disputes. Part VI: Miscellaneous. Index.
FATAL TOXOPLASMOSIS IN FREE-RANGING ENDANGERED ‘ALALA FROM HAWAII

The ‘Alala (Corvus hawaiiensis) is the most endangered corvid in the world, and intensive efforts are being made to reintroduce it to its former native range in Hawaii. We diagnosed Toxoplasma gondii infection in five free-ranging ‘Alala. One ‘Alala, recaptured from the wild because it was underweight and depressed, was treated with diclazuril (10 mg/kg) orally for 10 days. Antibodies were measured before and after treatment by the modified agglutination test (MAT) using whole T. gondii tachyzoites fixed in formalin and mercaptoethanol. The MAT titer decreased four-fold from an initial titer of 1:1,600 with remarkable improvement in physical condition. Lesions of toxoplasmosis also were seen in two partially scavenged carcasses and in a third fresh intact carcass. Toxoplasma gondii was confirmed immunohistochemically by using anti-T. gondii specific serum. The organism was also cultured by bioassay in mice from tissues of one of these birds and the brain of a fifth ‘Alala that did not exhibit lesions. The life cycle of the parasite was experimentally completed in cats. This is the first record of toxoplasmosis in ‘Alala, and the parasite appears to pose a significant threat and management challenge to reintroduction programs for ‘Alala in Hawaii.
Aalborg Universitet A New Synchronous Reference Frame-Based Method for Single-Phase Shunt Active Power Filters

This paper discusses the design of a novel synchronous reference frame (SRF) method that can extract the reference compensating current for single-phase shunt active power filters (APFs). Unlike previous SRF studies, the proposed method has an innovative feature that does not require a fictitious current signal. Other key features of the proposed strategy include frequency-independent operation, accurate reference current extraction, and relatively fast transient response. The effectiveness of the proposed method is investigated by conducting a detailed mathematical analysis. Results of the analysis confirm the superior performance of the suggested approach. Theoretical evaluations are confirmed by the experimental results.
Modulation of antigen processing by bound antibodies can boost or suppress class II major histocompatibility complex presentation of different T cell determinants

Bound antibodies can modulate antigen processing but it is not clear to what extent this affects antigen presentation. Here we show that presentation of T cell determinants in tetanus toxin can be either enhanced or suppressed as a direct consequence of antibody modulation of antigen processing in human B lymphoblastoid cells. Remarkably, a single bound antibody or its Fab fragment can simultaneously enhance the presentation of one T cell determinant by more than 10-fold while strongly suppressing the presentation of a different T cell determinant. Biochemical analysis demonstrates that both the suppressed and boosted determinants fall within an extended domain of antigen stabilized or "footprinted" by this antibody during proteolysis. These results demonstrate that bound antibodies can modulate the capture of peptides by class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC), thus manipulating the T cell response towards or away from particular determinants. Altered processing of protein-protein complexes leading to enhanced loading of class II MHC and substantially lowered threshold for T cell activation suggests a novel mechanism that might reveal "cryptic" self determinants.
X-ray spectra from magnetar candidates – II. Resonant cross-sections for electron–photon scattering in the relativistic regime

Recent models of spectral formation in magnetars called renewed attention on electron-photon scattering in the presence of ultra-strong magnetic fields. Investigations presented so far mainly focussed on mildly relativistic particles and magnetic scattering was treated in the non-relativistic (Thomson) limit. This allows for consistent spectral calculations up to a few tens of keVs, but becomes inadequate in modelling the hard tails (. 200 keV) detected by INTEGRAL from magnetar sources. In this paper, the second in a series devoted to model the X-/soft γ-ray persistent spectrum of magnetar candidates, we present explicit, relatively simple expressions for the magnetic Compton cross-section at resonance which account for Landau-Raman scattering up to the second Landau level. No assumption is made on the magnetic field strength. We find that sensible departures from the Thomson regime can be already present at B � 5× 10 12 G. The form of the magnetic cross section we derived can be easily implemented in Monte Carlo transfer codes and a direct application to magnetar spectral calculations will be presented in a forthcoming study.
E-Democracy:A Requirement for A Successful E-Voting and E-Government Implementation in Nigeria

Reducing poverty by 50% through the use of information and communication technology (ICT), which is the primary objective of the millennium development goals (MDGs) requires a lot of innovations such as the implementation of e-Government, e-Democracy, e-Learning, e-Voting, e- Judiciary, and e-Health to mention but a few. Participatory democracy is a major requirement for achieving the MDGs, particularly, where majority of the citizenry is disenchanted with the electioneering or democratic processes or governance. This paper reviews the rate of ICT diffusion and the global ranking of the e-Government initiatives of some African countries. The paper also presents the Nigerian National IT policy, the general views of some randomly selected electorates concerning e-Voting, the voting pattern in the past elections, and the likely motivating factors for e- Voting in the country as well as the necessary requirements that will facilitate the successful implementation of both e-Voting and e-Government initiatives. Similarly, the paper presents a model for e-Democracy implementation for increased trust and participation in government. Findings revealed that the apathy between electorates and government arose from lack of trust, probity, transparency and accountability. Although, a reasonable percentage of the respondents supported to the adoption of e-Voting, it is equally evident from the level of diffusion of IT facilities: Internet and telephone, that there is still need for improved infrastructure. The position of Nigeria in Africa and the world on global e-Government ranking is abysmally low and does not justify the enormity of material and human resources available in the country. For a successful adoption of e- Voting and e-Government, grassroot mobilization through e-Democracy should be encouraged. Government should as a matter of urgency look into the inadequate basic infrastructures that stimulates ICT diffusion and encourage interaction between the electorates and the elects through the adoption of e-Democracy, which in turn encourages probity, transparency, accountability and participation in governance. Keywords: ICTs, MDGs, e-Democracy, e-Voting, e-Readiness, e-Government, m-Government
Semidefinite Representation for Convex Hulls of Real Algebraic Curves

We show that the closed convex hull of any one-dimensional semialgebraic subset of $\mathbb{R}^n$ is a spectrahedral shadow, meaning that it can be written as a linear image of the solution set of some linear matrix inequality. This is proved by an application of the moment relaxation method. Given a nonsingular affine real algebraic curve $C$ and a compact semialgebraic subset $K$ of its $\mathbb{R}$-points, the preordering $\mathscr{P}(K)$ of all regular functions on $C$ that are nonnegative on $K$ is known to be finitely generated. Our main result, from which all others are derived, says that $\mathscr{P}(K)$ is stable, meaning that uniform degree bounds exist for weighted sum of squares representations of elements of $\mathscr{P}(K)$. We also extend this last result to the case where $K$ is only virtually compact. The main technical tool for the proof of stability is the archimedean local-global principle. As a consequence of our results we show that every convex semialgebraic subset of $\mathbb{R}^2$.
Scalable evolution of highly available systems

The demand for highly available software systems has increased dramatically over the past several years. Such systems must be developed using a discipline that supports unanticipated runtime evolution. We characterize the desiderata of a programming model that provides such support, and describe the design and implementation of an architecture satisfying these criteria. The Dynamic Reconfiguration Subsystem (DRSS) is an interceptor-based open container architecture that supports the development of highly available systems by enabling the scalable, dynamic deployment of cross-cutting software modifications. We have implemented a prototype of DRSS using Microsoft’s . NET Framework.
A Biologically Plausible Model for Rapid Natural Scene Identification

Contrast statistics of the majority of natural images conform to a Weibull distribution. This property of natural images may facilitate efficient and very rapid extraction of a scene's visual gist. Here we investigated whether a neural response model based on the Weibull contrast distribution captures visual information that humans use to rapidly identify natural scenes. In a learning phase, we measured EEC activity of 32 subjects viewing brief Hashes of 700 natural scenes. From these neural measurements and the contrast statistics of the natural image stimuli, we derived an across subject Weibull response model. We used this model to predict the HKG responses to 100 new natural scenes and estimated which scene the subject viewed by finding the best match between the mode) predictions and the observed EEG responses. In almost 90 percent of the cases our model accurately predicted the observed scene. Moreover, in most failed cases, the scene mistaken for the observed scene was visually similar to the observed scene itself. Similar results were obtained in a separate experiment in which 16 other subjects where presented with artificial occlusion models of natural images. Together, these results suggest that Weibull contrast statistics of natural images contain a considerable amount of visual gist information to warrant rapid image identification.