Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Throughput Region of Finite-Buffered Networks

Most of the current communication networks, including the Internet, are packet switched networks. One of the main reasons behind the success of packet switched networks is the possibility of performance gain due to multiplexing of network bandwidth. The multiplexing gain crucially depends on the size of the buffers available at the nodes of the network to store packets at the congested links. However, most of the previous work assumes the availability of infinite buffer-size. In this paper, we study the effect of finite buffer-size on the performance of networks of interacting queues. In particular, we study the throughput of flow-controlled loss-less networks with finite buffers. The main result of this paper is the characterization of a dynamic scheduling policy that achieves the maximal throughput with a minimal finite buffer at the internal nodes of the network under memory-less (e.g., Bernoulli IID) exogenous arrival process. However, this ideal performance policy is rather complex and, hence, difficult to implement. This leads us to the design of a simpler and possibly implementable policy. We obtain a natural trade-off between throughput and buffer-size for such implementable policy. Finally, we apply our results to packet switches with buffered crossbar architecture
Increasing Teacher Use of Career-Relevant Instruction

Student engagement is a critical aspect of the learning process and a known predictor of school success. We report on an evaluation of a classroom intervention, CareerStart, designed to promote engagement through the use of career-relevant instruction whereby teachers use examples to tie the lesson material to knowledge and skills students can see as relevant to potential future careers. Evidence from a randomized control trial indicates that among math teachers, CareerStart increases the use of career-relevant instruction. We discuss research and policy implications of these findings. We argue that CareerStart should be investigated further, and that policymakers and educators should consider this program or similar relevance-based efforts when looking to reform teaching practice.
AspectJ Idioms for Aspect-Oriented Software Construction

For concrete usage scenarios there are different options of how to use AspectJ's language features, and these options deeply impact the chances for further evolution of both base classes and aspects. Aspects can use aspect-oriented as well as object-oriented features. The combination of these mechanisms provides new powerful mechanisms. Idioms can help in guiding AspectJ users through this frontier of new language features. This paper proposes a number of regularly used idioms in AspectJ applications which are successfully practiced in real-world projects.
Coping with Season-Ending Injuries

This study was designed to identify coping strategies and factors thought to facilitate recovery in elite skiers who suffered season-ending injuries. Differences in the frequency that these variables were cited between unsuccessful and successful postinjury performers and between male and female participants were examined. Retrospective qualitative interviews were conducted with 21 U.S. alpine and freestyle ski team members who suffered seasonending injuries. Content analysis of the interviews revealed that 140 coping strategy raw-data themes coalesced into seven higher order dimensions: driving through; distracted self; managed emotions and thoughts; sought and used social resources; avoidance and isolation; took note and drew upon lessons learned; and other. Six higher-order facilitating factors were identified from 78 raw-data themes and included: interpersonal resources, accessible quality medical resources, fortunate circumstances, environmental resources, past experience with injury, and financial b.
Self-noise prediction of a sharp-edged strut using a quasi-periodic CFD-BEM technique

The self-noise generated by a sharp-edged strut immersed in low Mach number flow is predicted using a hybrid computational fluid dynamics (CFD) - boundary element method (BEM) technique. The fluctuating flow field is obtained using an incompressible CFD solver. A high-order reconstruction scheme is used to extract acoustic sources based on Lighthill’s analogy from the flow field data. Acoustic waves generated by these flow noise sources propagate to and are scattered by the trailing edge of the strut. A BEM model of the sharp-edged strut, based on the Burton-Miller formulation, is used to predict the scattered sound pressure. A quasi-periodic technique is implemented in the BEM model so that the sound generated by the entire span of the strut can be predicted by modelling only a small spanwise segment. The results from the hybrid CFD-BEM technique are presented for turbulent flow past a sharp-edged strut, with Reynolds number based on chord Rec=2.0 10 5 and Mach number M=0.044. The computed aerodynamic and acoustic results are compared with experimental data obtained using the anechoic wind tunnel at the University of Adelaide.
Cultural Parallax and Content Analysis: Images of Black Women in High School History Textbooks

Abstract This study investigates the representation of Black women in high school history textbooks. To examine the extent to which Black women are represented visually and to explore how they are portrayed, the authors use a mixed-methods approach that draws on analytical techniques in content analysis and from visual culture studies. Their findings reveal that Black women are marginalized in high school history textbooks. Also, the authors argue that despite this dearth of Black women, they are portrayed in a greater variety of roles in the major Black history textbook on the market for secondary students. The study concludes by deriving a framework by which others may interpret the representation of Black women in texts and other curricular materials and by challenging traditional content analyses by bringing the notion of cultural parallax to bear on the widely used content analysis methodology.
Thinking Like a Game Theorist: Comment

In a recent paper in Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, Croson (2000) shows that when subjects' beliefs about the contributions of others are elicited in a voluntary contributions public goods game, those subjects contribute less than do other subjects in the same game when beliefs are not elicited. We report briefly on a similar experiment where we do not observe this. There are small differences between this experiment and Croson's that may explain these different results, but none of these explanations are completely satisfying. So while Croson shows that belief elicitation procedures may have unwanted effects, this does not always occur; and it may be difficult to predict when and where belief elicitation procedures will have such undesirable effects.
Diversity and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Sphingomonadaceae Isolates from Drinking Water

ABSTRACT Sphingomonadaceae (n = 86) were isolated from a drinking water treatment plant (n = 6), tap water (n = 55), cup fillers for dental chairs (n = 21), and a water demineralization filter (n = 4). The bacterial isolates were identified based on analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, and intraspecies variation was assessed on the basis of atpD gene sequence analysis. The isolates were identified as members of the genera Sphingomonas (n = 27), Sphingobium (n = 28), Novosphingobium (n = 12), Sphingopyxis (n = 7), and Blastomonas (n = 12). The patterns of susceptibility to five classes of antibiotics were analyzed and compared for the different sites of isolation and taxonomic groups. Colistin resistance was observed to be intrinsic (92%). The highest antibiotic resistance prevalence values were observed in members of the genera Sphingomonas and Sphingobium and for beta-lactams, ciprofloxacin, and cotrimoxazole. In tap water and in water from dental chairs, antibiotic resistance was more prevalent than in the other samples, mainly due to the predominance of isolates of the genera Sphingomonas and Sphingobium. These two genera presented distinct patterns of association with antibiotic resistance, suggesting different paths of resistance development. Antibiotic resistance patterns were often related to the species rather than to the site or strain, suggesting the importance of vertical resistance transmission in these bacteria. This is the first study demonstrating that members of the family Sphingomonadaceae are potential reservoirs of antibiotic resistance in drinking water.
Viewing simple clones from structural clones' perspective

In previous work, we described a technique for detecting designlevel similar program structures that we called structural clones. Structural clones are recurring configurations of simple clones (i.e., similar code fragments). In this paper, we show how structural clone analysis extends the benefits of analysis based on simple clones only. First, we present experimental results showing that in many cases simple clones participated in structural clones. In such cases, structural clones being larger than simple clones but smaller in number, allow analysts to see the "forest from the trees", as far as the similarity situation is concerned. We provide arguments and examples to show how the knowledge of structural clones - their location and exact similarities and differences - helps in program understanding, design recovery, maintenance, and refactoring.
Predictors of ingroup projection: The roles of superordinate category coherence and complexity

Based on an integration of research on ingroup projection, self-anchoring and social identification, three experiments investigated whether projection of ingroup characteristics to a superordinate category would be moderated by both the perceived complexity (number of defining prototypes) and coherence (structural clarity, organization) of the superordinate category. We predicted that ingroup projection would be prevented by the presence of either a complex or coherent superordinate representation. However, we also predicted that complexity would reduce ingroup projection at the expense of superordinate category identification, while coherence would not. We observed the predicted interaction between superordinate category complexity and coherence in three studies: a complex or coherent superordinate category led to lower levels of projection. However, only complexity of the superordinate category reduced superordinate group identification. These findings clarify and refine our understanding of the conditions under which ingroup projection can be discouraged, and the cognitive mechanisms involved.
Minisuperspaces:. Observables and Quantization

A canonical transformation is performed on the phase space of a number of homogeneous cosmologies to simplify the form of the scalar (or Hamiltonian) constraint. Using the new canonical coordinates, it is then easy to obtain explicit expressions of Dirac observables, i.e. phase-space functions which commute weakly with the constraint. This, in turn, enables us to carry out a general quantization program to completion. We are also able to address the issue of time through “deparametrization” and discuss physical questions such as the fate of initial singularities in the quantum theory. We find that they persist in the quantum theory in spite of the fact that the evolution is implemented by a one-parameter family of unitary transformations. Finally, certain of these models admit conditional symmetries which are explicit already prior to the canonical transformation. These can be used to pass to the quantum theory following an independent avenue. The two quantum theories — based, respectively, on Dirac observables in the new canonical variables and conditional symmetries in the original ADM variables — are compared and shown to be equivalent.
Effects of sentence writing in second language lexical acquisition

This study compared the effects of writing new words in sentences with word picture repetition learning alone. Second language (L2) Spanish learners attempted to learn 24 new Spanish words in one of two conditions while viewing word picture pairs. In Experiment 1, in the no sentence writing condition, the participants viewed 4 repetitions of each word for 6 seconds each. In the sentence writing condition, they viewed 1 repetition of each word for 48 seconds and were asked to write the word in a Spanish sentence. In Experiment 2, the participants were shown one repetition of each word for 24 seconds in both the sentence writing and no sentence writing conditions. Immediate and delayed posttests on productive vocabulary knowledge were administered in both experiments. Scores were submitted to analyses of variance. Condition and time were independent variables. Target word production was scored based on syllables and whole words produced. Results of both experiments indicated strong negative effects for the sentence writing conditions, suggesting that sentence writing can inhibit word form learning during the initial stages of L2 lexical acquisition.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor effects on avian osteoclastic acid transport.

We found that tyrosine kinase pp60(c-src) coisolates with acid-transporting osteoclast membranes and hypothesized that this kinase regulates hydrochloric acid transport. We assayed the membrane acid transport and bone degradation effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in avian osteoclasts. Isoflavone, tyrphostin, and benzoquinonoid inhibitors were compared with inactive analogues to determine nonspecific effects. Acid-secreting membranes, isolated by nitrogen cavitation, were assayed as reconstituted vesicles by using acridine orange to indicate ATP-dependent hydrogen ion transport. The soy isoflavone genistein and the benzoquinonoid antibiotic herbimycin inhibited hydrochloric acid transport with 50% inhibition at approximately 10 and approximately 2 micromol/L, respectively; effects appeared in <2 min and were reversible. In membrane incubated with inhibitors, the herbimycin effect also inhibited Cl- transport by variable amounts, suggesting that this compound affects Cl- channel activity. However, genistein and tyrphostins did not produce chloride dependent effects. After 30 min with ATP, tyrphostin A47 irreversibly inhibited hydrochloric acid transport with 50% inhibition at approximately 10 micromol/L. Tyrphostin A25 and controls, tyrphostin A1 and daidzein (a genistein congener), were inactive despite preincubation. Osteoclastic bone resorption was more sensitive to the inhibitors over 3-5-d assays than was membrane acid transport, except for tyrphostins. Herbimycin and genistein inhibited bone resorption with half maximal effects at 0.5 and 10 micromol/L and complete inhibition at 3 d in 1 and 20 micromol/L, respectively. None of the tyrphostins, including A47, nor daidzein inhibited resorption to >20 micromol/L. We conclude that tyrosine kinase inhibition directly inhibits osteoclast membrane hydrochloric acid transport; differences among inhibitors may reflect chemical reactivity and permeability.
Iodixanol in Cardioangiography in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Iodixanol is a new nonionic, dimeric contrast medium. With the addition of 18 mmol/l Na+ and 0.3 mmol/l Ca++ to iodixanol 320 mg I/ml a plasma-isotonic solution was obtained. The purpose was to evaluate the suitability of iodixanol for use in cardioangiography by determining the diagnostic efficacy, patient tolerability, and cardiac and renal side-effects. Initially, 14 patients with coronary artery disease were examined using iodixanol. A double-blind, randomized study was then performed in 72 patients, comparing iodixanol and iohexol. Serum and urine were sampled before the examination, and one and 2 days after. The diagnostic information was good and the number of adverse events low with iodixanol. The patients reported significantly less of a sensation of warmth following injection of iodixanol than iohexol. Our results also indicate that iodixanol 320 mg I/ml influences renal function to a lesser degree than does iohexol 350 mg I/ml. We therefore conclude that isotonic iodixanol is a safe contrast medium for use in cardioangiography.
Changes of Mouse Gut Microbiota Diversity and Composition by Modulating Dietary Protein and Carbohydrate Contents: A Pilot Study

Dietary proteins influence colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, depending on their quantity and quality. Here, using pyrosequencing, we compared the fecal microbiota composition in Balb/c mice fed either a normal protein/carbohydrate diet (ND, 20% casein and 68% carbohydrate) or a high-protein/low-carbohydrate diet (HPLCD, 30% casein and 57% carbohydrate). The results showed that HPLCD feeding for 2 weeks reduced the diversity and altered the composition of the microbiota compared with the ND mice, which included a decrease in the proportion of the family Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae and increases in the proportions of the genus Bacteroides and Parabacteroides, especially the species EF09600_s and EF604598_s. Similar changes were reported in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, and in mouse models of CRC and colitis, respectively. This suggests that HPLCD may lead to a deleterious luminal environment and may have adverse effects on the intestinal health of individuals consuming such a diet.
Managing Intentions: The End-of-Life Administration of Analgesics and Sedatives, and the Possibility of Slow Euthanasia

There has been much debate regarding the 'double-effect' of sedatives and analgesics administered at the end-of-life, and the possibility that health professionals using these drugs are performing 'slow euthanasia. ' On the one hand analgesics and sedatives can do much to relieve suffering in the terminally ill. On the other hand, they can hasten death. According to a standard view, the administration of analgesics and sedatives amounts to euthanasia when the drugs are given with an intention to hasten death. In this paper we report a small qualitative study based on interviews with 8 Australian general physicians regarding their understanding of intention in the context of questions about voluntary euthanasia, assisted suicide and particularly the use of analgesic and sedative infusions (including the possibility of voluntary or non-voluntary 'slow euthanasia'). We found a striking ambiguity and uncertainty regarding intentions amongst doctors interviewed. Some were explicit in describing a 'grey' area between palliation and euthanasia, or a continuum between the two. Not one of the respondents was consistent in distinguishing between a foreseen death and an intended death. A major theme was that 'slow euthanasia' may be more psychologically acceptable to doctors than active voluntary euthanasia by bolus injection, partly because the former would usually only result in a small loss of 'time' for patients already very close to death, but also because of the desirable ambiguities surrounding causation and intention when an infusion of analgesics and sedatives is used. The empirical and philosophical implications of these findings are discussed.
Measuring Information Technology Support Level at The Directorate of Communication and Information Technology Transformation , The General Directorate of Taxes , by Using The IT Balanced Scorecard and U

The Directorate of Communications and Information Technology Transformation (CITT Directorate) have a task in realizing the strategic plan of the General Directorate of Taxes through the modernization of the IS / IT efficiently and optimally. To assess the level of efficiency and optimizing the use of IT, the measurement process is required on an ongoing basis. In this research, the measurement of the level of support for the IS / IT at the CITT Directorate, so the CITT Directorate can fix the things that were deemed to be weak. The instruments used are the IT Balanced Scorecard, developed by Grembergen based on the concept of Balanced Scorecard. In addition, writer also used indicators derived from U.S. Governance Accountability Office (U.S. GAO). These indicators are used as material to assess the level of IT support is done by distributing questionnaires to the staff of the CITT Directorate. Based on the IT Balanced Scorecard measurements performed showed that the level of IT support to the Directorate of Communications and Information Technology Transformation on the perspectives of 49% company contribution, user orientation perspective by 73.8%, the perspective of organizational improvement by 68.3% and future-oriented perspective 25.6%.
Sensations induced by medium and long chain triglycerides: role of gastric tone and hormones

BACKGROUND The relative roles of gastric relaxation and the neuroendocrine signals released by the small intestine in the perception of nutrient induced sensations are controversial. The different effects of long chain (LCT) and medium chain (MCT) triglyceride ingestion on perception, gastric relaxation, and hormonal release may help to elucidate the mechanisms underlying nutrient induced sensations. AIMS To compare the effects of intraduodenal LCT and MCT infusions on perception, gastric tone, and plasma gut hormone levels in healthy subjects. SUBJECTS Nine fasting healthy volunteers. METHODS The subjects received duodenal infusions of saline followed by LCTs and MCTs in a randomised order on two different days. The sensations were rated on a visual analogue scale. Gastric tone was measured using a barostat, and plasma gut hormone levels by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS LCT infusion increased satiation scores, reduced gastric tone, and increased the levels of plasma cholecystokinin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide, neurotensin, and pancreatic polypeptide. MCT infusion reduced gastric tone but did not significantly affect perception or plasma gut hormone levels. LCTs produced greater gastric relaxation than MCTs. CONCLUSIONS The satiation induced by intraduodenal LCT infusion seems to involve changes in gastric tone and plasma gut hormone levels. The gastric relaxation induced by MCT infusion, together with the absence of any significant change in satiation scores and plasma hormone levels, suggests that, at least up to a certain level, gastric relaxation is not sufficient to induce satiation and that nutrient induced gastric relaxation may occur through cholecystokinin independent mechanisms.
Disconfirmation and Dual Hypotheses on a more Difficult version of Wason's 2–4–6 Task

This paper reports two experiments in which subjects worked to solve a more difficult version of Wason's 2–4–6 task: instead of the usual “numbers must ascend in order of magnitude” rule, a more general rule, “the three numbers must be different”, was used. The first experiment established that instructing subjects to disconfirm on the “three different numbers” did not significantly improve their performance, as compared with confirmatory and control groups. Disconfirmatory subjects did try to propose more triples at variance with their hypotheses but were unable to obtain the necessary disconfirmatory information. To help subjects represent the task in a way that facilitated disconfirmation, the second experiment utilized a procedure in which subjects were told that they were looking for two rules, Dax and Med–the Dax rule corresponding to “three different numbers” and the Med rule to its complement, i.e. two or more numbers the same. Of subjects in the Dax–Med condition, 88% solve the rule, as opposed to 21% of subjects in a control condition. Dax–Med subjects tended to search for positive instances of the Med rule, which, in turn, forced them to test the limits of the Dax rule. It was concluded that the Dax–Med manipulation did facilitate a different mental representation of the task than the normal procedure.