Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning to teach writing through tutoring and journal writing

Structured reflection on practical teaching experiences may help pre‐service teachers to integrate their learning and analyze their actions to become more effective learners and teachers. This study reports on 12 pre‐service English as a second language (ESL) teachers’ individual tutoring of learners of English language writing. The data of the study are the writing journal entries that the pre‐service ESL teachers maintained during their tutoring experience. These journals had common elements: all were used by the pre‐service teachers to consider what funds of knowledge they bring to their teaching of ESL learners, to evaluate their roles as writers, learners and teachers and to reflect on the educational, social and cultural implications of teaching writing in English to speakers of other languages. This article describes ways in which both native and non‐native English speaking pre‐service teachers adapted their instruction to meet the particular needs of individual ESL writers and what they learned in the process. It provides insight regarding the value of using tutoring and reflection generally in teacher education and specifically in the preparation of teachers of ESL.
When Words Speak Louder Than Actions: Another's Evaluations Can Appear More Diagnostic Than Their Decisions

Abstract When making decisions we often infer the value of the alternatives from the behavior of others. In some domains, however, we fail to make such inferences. Stock trading is a case in point-investors appear to undervalue the significance of the behavior of those who are willing to trade. A simulated market was developed to test this claim. Subjects made a series of portfolio reallocations on the basis of reports they read. Subjects in the experimental conditions also saw the responses of another person who based their responses either on the same information as the subject (high redundant information) or on different but equally predictive information (low redundant information). In fact, the responses subjects observed were identical in both conditions. A normative argument suggests that another′s decision is more diagnostic when it is based on information having low redundancy rather than high redundancy. The dependent measure was an index of the degree of conformity to the other′s decision. Results show that people become more sensitive to the diagnosticity of another′s responses when observing how the person evaluated their information rather than how the person acted on their information. A salience hypothesis is involved to account for the pattern of results. Additional studies were conducted to test various alternative explanations. Implications for the measurement of conformity and influence are discussed.
Localization of Merkel cells in the monkey skin: An anatomical model

The Merkel cell–neurite complex is considered to be one class of mechanoreceptors in the skin. Merkel cells are innervated by slowly adapting type I (SAI) tactile nerve fibers. In this paper, the detailed distribution of Merkel cells is studied by immunohistochemical labeling of the monkey (Macaca fascicularis) digital glabrous skin. Specific morphometric variables (density of intermediate epidermal ridges and Merkel cells, distance between skin surface and ridge tips and bases, maximum and average cell counts per ridge, distance between cells and ridges) were measured by a combination of light/fluorescence microscopy and computer-image analysis. The morphometric results were similar for each digit of the monkey's hand. Next, the anatomical data were used to form a three-dimensional reconstruction of the Merkel-cell distribution in the fingertip skin. A patch of the distal-pad surface was then computationally flattened to obtain the two-dimensional distribution of Merkel cells. Based on previous anatomical and physiological data, SAI fibers were simulated to innervate clusters of Merkel cells in the distal-pad surface. On average, 28 cells were innervated by a single fiber. The resulting anatomical model may be used to estimate the population response of SAI fibers by incorporating spike generation.
Improved Bayesian Network inference using relaxed gene ordering

Bayesian Networks (BNs) have become one of the most powerful means of reconstructing signalling pathways in silico. Excessive computational loads limit the applications of BNs to learn larger sized network structures. Recent bioinformatics research found that signalling pathways are likely hierarchically organised. Genes resident in hierarchical layers constitute biological constraint, which can be readily used by BN structural learning algorithms to substantially reduce the computational load. We propose a constrained BN structural learning algorithm that solves the NP-complete computational problem in a heuristic manner. We demonstrate the utility of our algorithm in constructing two important signalling pathways in S. cerevisiae.
Anatomy of hierarchy: Feedforward and feedback pathways in macaque visual cortex

The laminar location of the cell bodies and terminals of interareal connections determines the hierarchical structural organization of the cortex and has been intensively studied. However, we still have only a rudimentary understanding of the connectional principles of feedforward (FF) and feedback (FB) pathways. Quantitative analysis of retrograde tracers was used to extend the notion that the laminar distribution of neurons interconnecting visual areas provides an index of hierarchical distance (percentage of supragranular labeled neurons [SLN]). We show that: 1) SLN values constrain models of cortical hierarchy, revealing previously unsuspected areal relations; 2) SLN reflects the operation of a combinatorial distance rule acting differentially on sets of connections between areas; 3) Supragranular layers contain highly segregated bottom‐up and top‐down streams, both of which exhibit point‐to‐point connectivity. This contrasts with the infragranular layers, which contain diffuse bottom‐up and top‐down streams; 4) Cell filling of the parent neurons of FF and FB pathways provides further evidence of compartmentalization; 5) FF pathways have higher weights, cross fewer hierarchical levels, and are less numerous than FB pathways. Taken together, the present results suggest that cortical hierarchies are built from supra‐ and infragranular counterstreams. This compartmentalized dual counterstream organization allows point‐to‐point connectivity in both bottom‐up and top‐down directions. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:225–259, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
School Moves, Coping, and Achievement: Models of Possible Interactions

ABSTRACT A sample of 1,050 regional Australian secondary students participated in a study investigating the relationship between mobility and academic achievement. Measures of mobility, academic achievement, suspensions, coping strategies, parental education, and family structure were used to test the hypothesis that academic coping strategies interact with mobility to negatively predict behavioral problems and academic achievement or, alternatively, to support academic achievement in mobile students. Analyses applied to a theoretical model indicated that positive coping strategies protect students from behavioral problems and lower academic achievement linked to mobility. The model accounted for 53% of the variance in achievement. Possible explanations for prior inconsistent findings are suggested.
Emotional Incompetence or Gender-Based Stereotyping?

The authors used a critical incident interview provided by a female manager and her statements (e.g., “I'm very ineffective emotionally”) as a starting point of an alternative analysis of the term emotional competence. Using reflexive inquiry and deconstruction, the authors argue that terms such as emotional competence , rather than being a reflection of something perceivable as a quality of the subject, are socially produced using language. However, such language is not value free and neutral but—based on the analysis—gendered and subject to power differentials. The authors elaborate on how such terms tend to be regarded as naturalized and reified in more conventional studies and on the implications for organizational members and organizational change.
Phishdentity: Leverage Website Favicon to Offset Polymorphic Phishing Website

Phishing attacks involve the use of fuzzy techniques to create polymorphic phishing web pages to give the impression of legitimate websites. Many websites are subject to the threat of phishing, including financial, social networks, tourism, e-commerce etc. For example, phishers are particularly fond of travel-related services by imitating as trip consultant, airline reservation, hotel booking etc. However, the targeted legitimate websites still maintain the webpage appearance visually similar to the original. In this paper, we propose an approach which is based on the website favicon to find the identity of a website and use it to evaluate the genuineness of a website. This approach utilizes Google search-by-image API to return the search results pages. Then, we perform latent semantic analysis based on the search results pages. We collected 1,000 webpages to verify the effectiveness of this approach. The results show that our proposed method achieved 97.2% true positive with only 5.4% false positive.
The Thiol Reductase Activity of YUCCA6 Mediates Delayed Leaf Senescence by Regulating Genes Involved in Auxin Redistribution

Auxin, a phytohormone that affects almost every aspect of plant growth and development, is biosynthesized from tryptophan via the tryptamine, indole-3-acetamide, indole-3-pyruvic acid, and indole-3-acetaldoxime pathways. YUCCAs (YUCs), flavin monooxygenase enzymes, catalyze the conversion of indole-3-pyruvic acid (IPA) to the auxin (indole acetic acid). Arabidopsis thaliana YUC6 also exhibits thiol-reductase and chaperone activity in vitro; these activities require the highly conserved Cys-85 and are essential for scavenging of toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the drought tolerance response. Here, we examined whether the YUC6 thiol reductase activity also participates in the delay in senescence observed in YUC6-overexpressing (YUC6-OX) plants. YUC6 overexpression delays leaf senescence in natural and dark-induced senescence conditions by reducing the expression of SENESCENCE-ASSOCIATED GENE 12 (SAG12). ROS accumulation normally occurs during senescence, but was not observed in the leaves of YUC6-OX plants; however, ROS accumulation was observed in YUC6-OXC85S plants, which overexpress a mutant YUC6 that lacks thiol reductase activity. We also found that YUC6-OX plants, but not YUC6-OXC85S plants, show upregulation of three genes encoding NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductases (NTRA, NTRB, and NTRC), and GAMMA-GLUTAMYLCYSTEINE SYNTHETASE 1 (GSH1), encoding an enzyme involved in redox signaling. We further determined that excess ROS accumulation caused by methyl viologen treatment or decreased glutathione levels caused by buthionine sulfoximine treatment can decrease the levels of auxin eﬄux proteins such as PIN2-4. The expression of PINs is also reduced in YUC6-OX plants. These findings suggest that the thiol reductase activity of YUC6 may play an essential role in delaying senescence via the activation of genes involved in redox signaling and auxin availability.
Green biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Curcuma longa tuber powder

Green synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles is a vastly developing area of research. Metallic nanoparticles have received great attention from chemists, physicists, biologists, and engineers who wish to use them for the development of a new-generation of nanodevices. In this study, silver nanoparticles were biosynthesized from aqueous silver nitrate through a simple and eco-friendly route using Curcuma longa tuber-powder extracts, which acted as a reductant and stabilizer simultaneously. Characterizations of nanoparticles were done using different methods, which included ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The ultraviolet-visible spectrum of the aqueous medium containing silver nanoparticles showed an absorption peak at around 415 nm. Transmission electron microscopy showed that mean diameter and standard deviation for the formation of silver nanoparticles was 6.30 ± 2.64 nm. Powder X-ray diffraction showed that the particles are crystalline in nature, with a face-centered cubic structure. The most needed outcome of this work will be the development of value-added products from C. longa for biomedical and nanotechnology-based industries.
Proposal Form Scientific Information

Project title Knowledge, Evidence and Practice 1. Summary of the research plan Knowledge, on the traditional picture, enjoys no principled relationship to action although there are indeed parallels. Knowledge and action are the main relations between our minds and the world. In action to use the familiar metaphor, the direction of fit or of adaptation is from world to mind. Beliefs aim at knowledge, desires aim at action. In knowledge mind is directed and adapted to the world. When our beliefs are taken to be false, we are led to reject them or to revise them. When our desires fail to be satisfied, we feel no such pressure to change them. Knowing is one thing, which belongs to the theoretical realm and obeys its laws, and acting is another thing, which obeys the requirements of the practical realm, which are, at least prima facie, independent. Knowing is understood classically as a relation to propositions, which are, when known, true. There is a strong division between theoretical knowledge on the one hand – knowing that – and practical knowledge – knowing how – on the other. The justification of our beliefs is a matter of their being based upon evidence and seems to have nothing to do with the outcomes of our actions. Theoretical reasoning , which moves from beliefs to beliefs, is distinct from practical reasoning, which goes from beliefs, desires to intentions and to actions. Indeed theoretical rationality and practical rationality are as distinct as chalk and cheese. This is reflected in the structure of classical decision theory: on the one hand there are degrees of belief as subjective probabilities, on the other hand there are degrees of utility and desirabilities. In Moreover the logic of decision obeys principles which are distinct from those of the logic of belief revision. The fundamental separation between theoretical and practical reason is also reflected at the level of the fundamental structure of reasons and values. Theoretical reasons are one thing, practical reasons another. The structure of justification is not the same and each domain is separate from the other. Cognitive and practical values fall apart. This traditional picture, however, has become more and more under strain in almost all of its aspects, and the relationships between knowledge and action have become more and more prominent in recent theory of knowledge, formal epistemology and philosophy of mind. We intend to focus upon the …
Identifying and targeting predictors of drop-out from group cognitive behaviour therapy

The predictors of drop-out from a group cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) program were examined. In Study 1, 6 years of archival data of Perth Clinic's group CBT program were examined to determine the predictors of treatment drop-out. The predictors identified were low self-esteem at admission and a poor relationship status. These predictors were used to generate an algorithm for use by clinicians in identifying patients who may be likely to drop out. In Study 2, a controlled trial was conducted to determine if a brief self-esteem module delivered prior to a group CBT program might enhance outcomes and reduce drop-out rates. Day-patients who received the self-esteem module reported small additional reductions in depression scores but there were no noticeable effects upon drop-out rates. Suggestions are made for other ways to reduce drop-outs in CBT programs.
Impediments to the course and effectiveness of discharge planning.

This paper examines the proposition that "timing" (of referral) is a crucial element in determining the effectiveness of the discharge planning process. A brief review of the relevant literature is followed by the description of a study undertaken to assess the impact that various impediments had upon discharge planning practice in two matched ward populations of a large, acute care university hospital. Along with timing, three other impediments were identified and their influence assessed; (a) noncompletion of transfer forms required; (b) unavailability of an appropriate (i.e., needed level of care) bed in an approved facility; and(c) unanticipated change in the patient's medical condition. Some implications of the findings are examined and discussed, and directions for future study are identified. Appended are facsimiles of the instruments employed.
Unsupervised Co-segmentation of Complex Image Set via Bi-harmonic Distance Governed Multi-level Deformable Graph Clustering

Despite the recent success of extensive co-segmentation studies, they still suffer from limitations in accommodating multiple-foreground, large-scale, high-variability image set, as well as their underlying capability for parallel implementation. To improve, this paper proposes a bi-harmonic distance governed flexible method for the robust coherent segmentation of the overlapping/similar contents co-existing in image group, which is independent of supervised learning and any other user-specified prior. The central idea is the novel integration of bi-harmonic distance metric design and multi-level deformable graph generation for multi-level clustering, which gives rise to a host of unique advantages: accommodating multiple-foreground images, respecting both local structures and global semantics of images, being more robust and accurate, and being convenient for parallel acceleration. Critical pipeline of our method involves intrinsic content-coherent measuring, super-pixel assisted bottom-up clustering, and multi-level deformable graph clustering based cross-image optimization. We conduct extensive experiments on the iCoseg benchmark and Oxford flower datasets, and make comprehensive evaluations to demonstrate the superiority of our method via comparison with state-of-the-art methods collected in the MSRC database.
A Staffing Algorithm for Call Centers with Skill-Based Routing

Call centers usually handle several types of calls, but it is usually not possible or cost effective to have every agent be able to handle every type of call. Thus, the agents tend to have different skills, in different combinations. In such an environment, it is challenging to route calls effectively and determine the staff requirements. This paper addresses both of these routing and staffing problems by exploiting limited cross-training. Consistent with the literature on flexible manufacturing, we find that minimal flexibility can provide great benefits: Simulation experiments show that when (1) the service-time distribution does not depend on the call type or the agent and (2) each agent has only two skills, in appropriate combinations, the performance is almost as good as when each agent has all skills. We apply this flexibility property to develop an algorithm for both routing and staffing, aiming to minimize the total staff subject to per-class performance constraints. With appropriate flexibility, it suffices to use a suboptimal routing algorithm. Simulation experiments show that the overall procedure can be remarkably effective: The required staff with limited cross-training can be nearly the same as if all agents had all skills. Hence, the overall algorithm is nearly optimal for that scenario.
A Validity Generalization Perspective on the Ability of Undergraduate GPA and the Medical College Admission Test to Predict Important Outcomes

Background: Research on the validity of using the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) and undergraduate grade point average (GPA) for selection to medical school has produced conflicting interpretations. There is debate regarding the degree to which coefficients diminish over the course of educational and professional outcomes and disagreement over whether these two measures can predict clinical performance. Purpose: To summarize and interpret the validity literature using validity generalization techniques that account for measurement error. Methods: Validity generalization techniques were used to summarize MCAT and undergraduate GPA validity research. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate validity coefficients for two outcome domains across educational and professional attainment levels. Results: The ability to predict academic performance decreases slightly for written tests. For clinical performance assessments, existing research does not allow an assessment of change across training levels. However, relevant studies suggest that MCAT and undergraduate GPA have a positive predictive relationship with clinical skills. Conclusion: A validity generalization perspective of the literature supports the use of MCAT and undergraduate GPA for selection to medical school.
Detection of anomalous computer session activity

The authors discusses Wisdom and Sense (W&S), a computer security anomaly detection system. W&S is statistically based. It automatically generates rules from historical data and, in terms of those rules, identifies computer transactions that are at variance with historically established usage patterns. Issues addressed include how W&S generates rules from a necessarily small sample of all possible transactions, how W&S deals with inherently categorical data, and how W&S assists system security officers in their review of audit logs. Preliminary results with W&S show that the software does periodically detect anomalies of high interest even in data though to be free of such events. <<ETX>>
Sukhavati Traditions in Newar Buddhism

a leading merchant in the Kathmandu Buddhist community, beloved for his social activisim and compassionate ways began losing weight, and was diagnosed as having liver cancer. His death within two months was a blow to everyone who knew him. As we started out toward the ghä! in the procession behind the palanquin, stunned and saddened, a middle-age companion and neighbour paused, took off his hat, held up his hands in afljali, and said in Newari:2
Intrinsic Promoter Activities of Primary DNA Sequences in the Human Genome

Abstract In order to understand an overview of promoter activities intrinsic to primary DNA sequences in the human genome within a particular cell type, we carried out systematic quantitative luciferase assays of DNA fragments corresponding to putative promoters for 472 human genes which are expressed in HEK (human embryonic kidney epithelial) 293 cells. We observed the promoter activities of them were distributed in a bimodal manner; putative promoters belonging to the first group (with strong promoter activities) were designated as P1 and the latter (with weak promoter activities) as P2. The frequencies of the TATA-boxes, the CpG islands, and the overall G + C-contents were significantly different between these two populations, indicating there are two separate groups of promoters. Interestingly, similar analysis using 251 randomly isolated genomic DNA fragments showed that P2-type promoter occasionally occurs within the human genome. Furthermore, 35 DNA fragments corresponding to putative promoters of non-protein-coding transcripts (ncRNAs) shared similar features with the P2 in both promoter activities and sequence compositions. At least, a part of ncRNAs, which have been massively identified by full-length cDNA projects with no functional relevance inferred, may have originated from those sporadic promoter activities of primary DNA sequences inherent to the human genome.