Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE TENTH DATA RELEASE OF THE SLOAN DIGITAL SKY SURVEY: FIRST SPECTROSCOPIC DATA FROM THE SDSS-III APACHE POINT OBSERVATORY GALACTIC EVOLUTION EXPERIMENT

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) has been in operation since 2000 April. This paper presents the Tenth Public Data Release (DR10) from its current incarnation, SDSS-III. This data release includes the first spectroscopic data from the Apache Point Observatory Galaxy Evolution Experiment (APOGEE), along with spectroscopic data from the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) taken through 2012 July. The APOGEE instrument is a near-infrared R ∼ 22,500 300 fiber spectrograph covering 1.514–1.696 μm. The APOGEE survey is studying the chemical abundances and radial velocities of roughly 100,000 red giant star candidates in the bulge, bar, disk, and halo of the Milky Way. DR10 includes 178,397 spectra of 57,454 stars, each typically observed three or more times, from APOGEE. Derived quantities from these spectra (radial velocities, effective temperatures, surface gravities, and metallicities) are also included. DR10 also roughly doubles the number of BOSS spectra over those included in the Ninth Data Release. DR10 includes a total of 1,507,954 BOSS spectra comprising 927,844 galaxy spectra, 182,009 quasar spectra, and 159,327 stellar spectra selected over 6373.2 deg2.
Using Peers to Assess Oral Presentations to Foster Learning

Oral presentations are known to be associated with a great deal of student anxiety as a result of little or no previous experience, and/or the fear of appearing foolish through lack of knowledge or understanding of the material they are presenting. Formative feedback prior to summative assessment has been shown to help students considerably with overcoming apprehension in oral communication. Such formative assessment needs to include peer assessment so that all students understand the standard required. Clear and precise rubrics detailing the educators’ expectations, which are made available to students well ahead of time, can increase and improve student success in developing oral communication skills.
Primary melanoma of the esophagus: radiologic and clinical findings in six patients.

PURPOSE To evaluate the clinical and radiologic findings of primary melanoma of the esophagus. MATERIALS AND METHODS A computer search of pathology, radiology, and cancer registry records from 1973 to 1998 revealed six patients with primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus whose radiographs were available for review. Six esophagograms, three contrast material-enhanced chest computed tomographic (CT) scans, and four chest radiographs were reviewed. Medical records were reviewed for presenting symptoms and clinical course. RESULTS Six patients (age range, 63-78 years; mean age, 70 years) had histopathologically proved primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus. All patients presented with dysphagia or odynophagia of 6 weeks duration or less. Esophagography and chest CT showed polypoid, nonobstructing esophageal masses, which were mucosal (n = 5) or submucosal (n = 1) and which were located in the middle (n = 3), distal (n = 2), or proximal (n = 1) third of the esophagus. Five patients underwent esophagogastrectomy: Three died a mean of 5 months afterward, two were lost to follow-up, and one was alive 7 months later. CONCLUSION Primary melanoma of the esophagus is rare. It is usually polypoid, intraluminal, and nonobstructive. As with other esophageal malignancies, the prognosis is dismal despite resection.
Neural Responding Machine for Short-Text Conversation

We propose Neural Responding Machine (NRM), a neural network-based response generator for Short-Text Conversation. NRM takes the general encoder-decoder framework: it formalizes the generation of response as a decoding process based on the latent representation of the input text, while both encoding and decoding are realized with recurrent neural networks (RNN). The NRM is trained with a large amount of one-round conversation data collected from a microblogging service. Empirical study shows that NRM can generate grammatically correct and content-wise appropriate responses to over 75% of the input text, outperforming state-of-the-arts in the same setting, including retrieval-based and SMT-based models.
Quality Evaluation of Imported and Locally Produced Processed Cheese in Sudan

This study used sixty samples of locally and imported processed cheeses from the market in Khartoum North and Omdurman, Sudan. The chemical composition (protein content, fat content and ash content), titratable acidity and microbiological quality (total bacterial count, coliform count and yeast and mold count) of the processed cheese were estimated. The result indicated that there was a significant difference (p<0.01) in protein content, while there were non significant differences in fat content, titratable acidity and ash content between types of cheeses. Higher values were obtained for the protein (14.60%) and the fat content (32.41%) of the processed cheese samples collected during the year 2007 compared to those collected during 2008. Moreover, significant differences (p<0.05 and p<0.001) were obtained for protein and the ash contents of processed cheese samples respectively, which were collected during 2008. The titratable acidity revealed lower values for cheese samples collected during 2007 compared to those collected during 2008. Non significant differences in total bacterial, coliform and yeast and mold counts between types of cheese were obtained. The highest total bacterial and yeast and moulds counts were found in the processed cheese samples collected during 2008, whereas the high coliform count was reported for the cheese samples collected during 2007 and the lower count was estimated in the samples collected during 2008. Moreover, significant (p<0.001) variations were found in total bacterial count and yeast and mold counts of the cheese samples collected between and within the two years. The present study concluded that the processed cheese produced in Sudan is more or less similar to that imported from Egypt in chemical composition and microbiological quality. Hence this study encourages manufacturing processed cheese in Sudan in order to utilize huge amount of raw milk produced in the rural areas and also to minimize the cost of importation.
Foundations for A Psychology of Education

Contents: W.K. Estes, Learning Theory. G.M. Olson, Intellectual Development. C.S. Dweck, Motivation. J.B. Carroll, Intellectual Abilities and Aptitudes. J.D. Bransford, N.J. Vye, L.T. Adams, G.A. Perfetto, Learning Skills and the Acquisition of Knowledge. J.F. Voss, Problem Solving and the Educational Process.
Simultaneous Reactive-Power and Frequency Estimations Using Simple Recursive WLS Algorithm and Adaptive Filtering

A new simple approach to the design of digital algorithm for simultaneous reactive-power and frequency estimations of local system is presented. The algorithm is derived using the weighted-least-square method. During the algorithm derivation, a pure sinusoidal voltage model was assumed. Cascade finite-impulse-response (FIR) comb digital filters are used to minimize the noise effect and to eliminate the presence of harmonics effect. The most important point of this paper is the mathematical model that transforms the problem of estimation into an overdetermined set of linear equations. The investigation was simplified because the total similarity to the state of the problem of the active-power and frequency estimations was noticed. The only difference is the adaptive phase shifter applied to the voltage signal. In addition, coefficient-sensitivity problems of the large-order FIR comb cascade structure are overridden by using a multirate (decimation) digital signal processing technique. Even more, by using antialiasing filters, the parameter estimation accuracy is improved. The effectiveness of the proposed techniques is demonstrated by both simulation and experimental results. The algorithm shows a very high level of robustness, as well as high measurement accuracy over a wide range of frequency changes.
A thermophysical analysis of the (1862) Apollo Yarkovsky and YORP effects

Context. The Yarkovsky effect, which causes orbital drift, and the YORP effect, which causes changes in rotation rate and pole orientation, play important roles in the dynamical and physical evolution of asteroids. Near-Earth asteroid (1862) Apollo has strong detections of both orbital semimajor axis drift and rotational acceleration. Aims. To produce a unified model that can accurately match both observed effects using a single set of thermophysical properties derived from ground-based observations, and to determine Apollo’s long term evolution. Methods. We use light-curve shape inversion techniques and the Advanced Thermophysical Model (ATPM) on published light-curve, thermal-infrared, and radar observations to constrain Apollo’s thermophysical properties. The derived properties are used to make detailed predictions of Apollo’s Yarkovsky and YORP effects, which are then compared with published measurements of orbital drift and rotational acceleration. The ATPM explicitly incorporates 1D heat conduction, shadowing, multiple scattering of sunlight, global self-heating, and rough surface thermal-infrared beaming in the model predictions. Results. We find that ATPM can accurately reproduce the light-curve, thermal-infrared, and radar observations of Apollo, and simultaneously match the observed orbital drift and rotational acceleration using: a shape model with axis ratios of 1.94:1.65:1.00, an effective diameter of 1.55 ± 0.07 km, a geometric albedo of 0.20 ± 0.02, a thermal inertia of 140 +140-100 J m-2 K-1 s-1/2, a highly rough surface, and a bulk density of 2850 +480-680 kg m-3. Using these properties we predict that Apollo’s obliquity is increasing towards the 180 degree YORP asymptotic state at a rate of 1.5 +0.3-0.5 degrees per 105 yr. Conclusions. The derived thermal inertia suggests that Apollo has loose regolith material resting on its surface, which is consistent with Apollo undergoing a recent resurfacing event based on its observed Q-type spectrum. The inferred bulk density is consistent with those determined for other S-type asteroids, and suggests that Apollo has a fractured interior. The YORP effect is acting on a much faster timescale than the Yarkovsky effect and will dominate Apollo’s long term evolution. The ATPM can readily be applied to other asteroids with similar observational data sets.
An Economic Evaluation of Resistance Training and Aerobic Training versus Balance and Toning Exercises in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Background Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents a critical window to intervene against dementia. Exercise training is a promising intervention strategy, but the efficiency (i.e., relationship of costs and consequences) of such types of training remains unknown. Thus, we estimated the incremental cost-effectiveness of resistance training or aerobic training compared with balance and tone exercises in terms of changes in executive cognitive function among senior women with probable MCI. Methods Economic evaluation conducted concurrently with a six-month three arm randomized controlled trial including eighty-six community dwelling women aged 70 to 80 years living in Vancouver, Canada. Participants received twice-weekly resistance training (n = 28), twice weekly aerobic training (n = 30) or twice-weekly balance and tone (control group) classes (n = 28) for 6 months. The primary outcome measure of the Exercise for Cognition and Everyday Living (EXCEL) study assessed executive cognitive function, a test of selective attention and conflict resolution (i.e., Stroop Test). We collected healthcare resource utilization costs over six months. Results Based on the bootstrapped estimates from our base case analysis, we found that both the aerobic training and resistance training interventions were less costly than twice weekly balance and tone classes. Compared with the balance and tone group, the resistance-training group had significantly improved performance on the Stroop Test (p = 0.04). Conclusions Resistance training and aerobic training result in health care cost saving and are more effective than balance and tone classes after only 6 months of intervention. Resistance training is a promising strategy to alter the trajectory of cognitive decline in seniors with MCI. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00958867.
Improved performance of cart inverted pendulum system using LQR based PID controller and ANN

In this paper, new approach is proposed for stabilization of a cart inverted pendulum system using Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) based PID controller and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The proposed approach is compared with the recently published approach on designing of PID controller using LQR. It is observed that the proposed design shows better performance and disturbance rejection.
Some virus diseases of crop plants in Zambia

Among the numerous pathogens known to have a disastrous effect on crop yields and threaten the food producing potential of Zambia are plant viruses. Development of effective control strategies against these viruses requires their identifi cation, characterization, and diagnosis. However, the study of plant viruses requires highly specialized facilities and techniques, which are not generally available in Zambia. A signifi cant number of economically important plant viruses are yet to be identifi ed and characterized. This will require acquisition of appropriate facilities, training of more plant virologists, and provision of adequate fi nancial support. Meanwhile, enhancement of cooperation with well-equipped research institutions within and outside sub-Saharan Africa should further be explored to ensure effective plant virus research in Zambia. In this paper, a number of viruses infecting crop plants in Zambia that have been identifi ed through collaborative initiatives are described. Résumé Parmi les nombreux pathogènes connus pour leur effet dévastateur sur les rendements culturaux et pour la menace qu’ils font planer sur la production vivrière en Zambie fi gurent les virus végétaux. Pour mettre au point des techniques effi caces de lutte contre ces virus, il importe de pouvoir les identifi er, les caractériser et les diagnostiquer. L’étude des virus végétaux fait toutefois appel à des installations et techniques hautement spécialisées qui ne sont pas souvent disponibles en Zambie. Beaucoup de virus ayant un impact économique doivent encore être identifi és et caractérisés. Pour cela, il faudra acquérir des installations appropriées, former des agents autres que des virologues et disposer d’un soutien fi nancier adéquat. Parallèlement, la coopération avec des institutions de recherche bien équipées, au sein et en dehors de l’Afrique subsaharienne devrait être davantage explorée afi n de garantir le succès de la recherche sur les virus des plantes en Zambie. Cette communication présente des descriptions d’un certain nombre de virus qui s’attaquent aux plantes cultivées en Zambie et qui ont été identifi és grâce à la collaboration.
CONCEPTUAL CHANGE ACTIVITIES ALLEVIATING MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ELECTRIC CIRCUITS

This study contributes to a growing literature that investigates vocational students’ conceptual understanding of electricity by proposing a multidimensional and pragmatic approach to conceptual change. Conceptual change model-based activities were designed in a six-stage conceptual change model and were incorporated into a four-week course. The effectiveness of these activities was measured in terms of changing these students’ misconceptions about simple electric circuits towards scientifically accepted ideas in terms of their revolutionary versus evolutionary nature and the extent of transfer of learning. Transformative mixed methods research design was used consisting mainly of a one-group pre-test post-test design with DIRECT Test 1.2 as a research instrument. Paired samples t-test analysis for 15 students’ test scores indicated that there was a statistically significant difference between students’ pre- and post-test scores. The results of the frequency analysis in both pre- and post-tests show a significant percentage drop in the number of students having the identified misconceptions. The majority of students during post pre-test interviews justified their answers incorrectly, but more than 80% answered correctly in the post post-test interview. Key words: conceptual change, conceptual change model, electric circuits, misconceptions, vocational education.
Management in the 21 st Century An Integrated Model of EIS Use

This study develops and tests a model of the key determinants of EIS utilization. The validity of the model is tested against data from 216 EIS users in the UK. The results suggest that perceived usefulness positively influence EIS use. Ease of use, information quality, user involvement, subjective norm, and facilitating conditions positively influence both use and perceived usefulness. Participation positively influences information quality and involvement, MIS maturity positively influences information quality, and use experience positively influences perceived ease of use, while, contrary to expectations, training had no influence on beliefs. Implications for theory and practice are outlined.
Vers un approfondissement de l’évaluation des états mentaux : exploration de leurs propriétés et répercussions

Mental states refer to the quality of one’s capacity to mentally elaborate and open up to his/her subjective experience in the here-and-now moment. Mental states differ relatively to the availability of the representational and affective resources triggered in order to organize the experience, and in the type of defensive and selfregulatory strategies used. The aims of this thesis were 1) to deepen the evaluation of mental states through the creation and validation of a practical measure, the Mental States Task (MST), in order to evaluate differences in quality of mental states, and 2) to investigate the psychic properties and repercussions of the different mental states. The goal of the first article was to validate the MST. The first part of this article was dedicated to the validation of the French version of the MST, and the second part to the translation and validation of its English version. Results provide convincing evidence of validity and reliability, as well as an adequate predictive value with respect to a large range of related concepts, in both its French and English versions. The MST appears to well represent both lowand high-level mental states according to the reflective continuum, which were found to be linked to a large range of negative/immature and positive/mature constructs, respectively. In addition, each mental state measured by the MST appears to have particular characteristics relative to the mental and emotional processes used to deal with the experience. The purpose of the second article was to deepen the investigation of the predictive value of the MST, through the evaluation of the psychic costs generated by the different qualities of mental states—the costs presumably depending on the v
Trends in the Contraceptive Method Mix in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Analysis Using a New “Average Deviation” Measure

Applying a standard measure of the method mix evenness suggests 4 patterns among 15 countries moving toward a more balanced mix: (1) rise of one previously underrepresented or new method, (2) replacement of traditional with modern methods, (3) continued but declining domination by a single method, and (4) general movement toward a balanced mix. Improving availability of underutilized or new methods can improve the method mix, although better implementation of more popular methods might increase contraceptive use more expeditiously. Applying a standard measure of the method mix evenness suggests 4 patterns among 15 countries moving toward a more balanced mix: (1) rise of one previously underrepresented or new method, (2) replacement of traditional with modern methods, (3) continued but declining domination by a single method, and (4) general movement toward a balanced mix. Improving availability of underutilized or new methods can improve the method mix, although better implementation of more popular methods might increase contraceptive use more expeditiously. ABSTRACT The method mix of contraceptive use is severely unbalanced in many countries, with over half of all use provided by just 1 or 2 methods. That tends to limit the range of user options and constrains the total prevalence of use, leading to unplanned pregnancies and births or abortions. Previous analyses of method mix distortions focused on countries where a single method accounted for more than half of all use (the 50% rule). We introduce a new measure that uses the average deviation (AD) of method shares around their own mean and apply that to a secondary analysis of method mix data for 8 contraceptive methods from 666 national surveys in 123 countries. A high AD value indicates a skewed method mix while a low AD value indicates a more uniform pattern across methods; the values can range from 0 to 21.9. Most AD values ranged from 6 to 19, with an interquartile range of 8.6 to 12.2. Using the AD measure, we identified 15 countries where the method mix has evolved from a distorted one to a better balanced one, with AD values declining, on average, by 35% over time. Countries show disparate paths in method gains and losses toward a balanced mix, but 4 patterns are suggested: (1) rise of one method partially offset by changes in other methods, (2) replacement of traditional with modern methods, (3) continued but declining domination by a single method, and (4) declines in dominant methods with increases in other methods toward a balanced mix. Regions differ markedly in their method mix profiles and preferences, raising the question of whether programmatic resources are best devoted to better provision of the well-accepted methods or to deploying neglected or new ones, or to a combination of both approaches.
Suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia is related to COMT polymorphism

&NA; A common functional polymorphism that results in a three‐ to four‐fold difference in catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) enzyme activity has been related to psychiatric disorders such as ultra‐ultra rapid cycling bipolar disorder, drug abuse and alcoholism (Lachman et al., 1996a; Karayiorgou et al., 1997; Vandenbergh et al., 1997; Papolos et al., 1998; Tiihonen et al., 1999). Several studies have also reported associations between the allele encoding the low enzyme activity COMT variant (L allele) and other‐directed aggression (Strous et al., 1997; Lachman et al., 1998; Kotler et al., 1999) in schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients. The current study investigated whether the COMT L allele is also associated with suicide attempts in schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients. COMT genotypes were determined and history of suicide attempts was retrospectively investigated in a Finnish sample (n = 94) and a US sample (n = 54). Significant associations were observed between COMT genotype and suicide; specifically, history of violent suicide attempts. The COMT L allele was more frequent in subjects who had attempted suicide by violent means. These associations were significant in males but not females. These findings support a common neurobiological substrate for self‐ and other‐directed aggression, and suggest that catecholaminergic alterations may contribute to these behaviors in schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients.