Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The relationship between persistence, ability-topay, and other selected variables at a highlyselective, urban HBCU

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP GARDNER, KARA R. B.A. UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA, 2001 M.A. UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA, 2004 THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERSISTENCE. ABILITY-TO-PAY. AND OTHER SELECTED VARIABLES AT A HIGHLY SELECTIVE, URBAN HBCU Committee Chair: Dr. Trevor Turner Dissertation dated December 2012 Gaining admissions into higher education is not nearly as challenging as persisting to degree attainment. Promising black students are failing to complete higher education pursuits, but what can institutions of higher education do to reverse this trend, particularly in the HBCU environment, where the average graduation rate is 42% (Journal ofBlacks in Higher Education, 2008)? The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship intent to persist and actual persistence may have with ability-to-pay, socioeconomic status, and other selected variables at a private, highly selective, urban, HBCU. Pearson Correlation was utilized to analyze survey and student record data collected from 245 study participants. The implications of not persisting in education, whether in P-i 2 or higher education are far reaching and impact individuals as well as communities. This study seeks to identify the variables that most impact intent to persist and actual persistence at a private, highly selective, urban, HBCU. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERSISTENCE, ABILITY-TO-PAY, AND OTHER SELECTED VARIABLES AT A HIGHLY SELECTIVE, URBAN HBCU
Bottleneck Flow Control

The problem of optimally choosing message rates for users of a store-and-forward network is analyzed. Multiple users sharing the links of the network each attempt to adjust their message rates to achieve an ideal network operating point or an "ideal tradeoff point between high throughput and low delay. " Each user has a fixed path or virtual circuit. In this environment, a basic definition of "ideal delay-throughput tradeoff" is given and motivated. This definition concentrates on a fair allocation of network resources at network bottlenecks. This "ideal policy" is implemented via a decentralized algorithm that achieves the unique set of optimal throughputs. All sharers constrained by the same bottleneck are treated fairly by being assigned equal throughputs. A generalized definition of ideal tradeoff is then introduced to provide more flexibility in the choice of message rates. With this definition, the network may accommodate users with different types of message traffic. A transformation technique reduces the problem of optimizing this performance measure to the problem of optimizing the basic measure.
The Chow ring of relative Fulton-MacPherson space

Suppose that X is a nonsingular variety and D is a nonsingular proper subvariety. Configuration spaces of distinct and non-distinct n points in X away from D were constructed by the author and B. Kim in arXiv:0806.3819, by using the method of wonderful compactification. In this paper, we give an explicit presentation of Chow motives and Chow rings of these configuration spaces.
Selection effects on GRB spectral‐energy correlations

Instrumental selection effects can act upon the estimates of the peak energy Epeakobs, the fluence F and the peak flux P of GRBs. If this were the case, then the correlations involving the corresponding rest frame quantities (i.e. Epeak, Eobs and the peak luminosity Liso) would be questioned. We estimated, as a function of Epeakobs, the minimum peak flux necessary to trigger a GRB and the minimum fluence a burst must have to determine the value of Epeakobs by considering different instruments (BATSE, Swift, BeppoSAX). We find that the latter dominates over the former. We then study the Epeakobs‐fluence (and flux) correlation in the observer plane. GRBs with redshift show well defined Epeakobs‐F and Epeakobs‐P correlations: in this planes the selection effects are present, but do not determine the found correlations. This is not true for Swift GRBs with redshift, for which the spectral analysis threshold does affect their distribution in the observer planes. Extending the sample to GRBs without z, we still.
What Motivates People to Purchase Digital Items on Virtual Community Websites? The Desire for Online Self-Presentation

The sale of digital items, such as avatars and decorative objects, is becoming an important source of revenue for virtual community (VC) websites. However, some websites are unable to leverage this source of revenue, and there is a corresponding lack of understanding about what motivates people to purchase digital items in VCs. To explain the phenomenon, we develop a model based on the theory of self-presentation. The model proposes that the desire for online self-presentation is a key driver for such purchases. We also hypothesize that the social influence factors of online self-presentation norms and VC involvement as well as personal control in the form of online presentation self-efficacy are antecedents of the desire for online self-presentation. The model was validated by using survey data collected from Cyworld (N=217) and Habbo (N=197), two online social network communities that have been pioneers in the sale of digital items. This work contributes to our understanding of the purchase of digital items by extending the theory of self-presentation and adds to the broader line of research on online identity. It also lends insights into how VC providers can tap this source of revenue.
Speckle Reduction for Ophthalmic OCT Images Based on Wavelet Filtering Technique

Speckle is a major factor that degrades the contrast and resolution of ophthalmic optical coherence tomography images. In this paper, we present a speckle reduction method for ophthalmic OCT images based on wavelet decomposition and reconstruction. Here, the Otsu algorithm is introduced for the calculation of a threshold to distinguish signals and speckles roughly, and the correlations of neighboring wavelet coefficients and the coefficients of the corresponding locations in different decomposition levels are used to suppress the speckle noise. The experimental results show that our method can improve the contrast of the ophthalmic OCT images significantly without unbearable image sharpness loss.
Visual Salience of Algebraic Transformations

Information processing researchers have assumed that algebra symbol skills depend on mastery of the abstract rules presented in the curriculum (Matz, 1980; Sleeman, 1986). Thus, students' ubiquitous algebra errors have been taken as indicating the need to embed algebra in rich contextual settings (Kaput, 1995; National Council of Teachers of Mathematics [NCTM] Algebra Working Group, 1998). This study explored a nonrepresentational account of symbolic algebra skills as feature correlation within the visual field. We present evidence that algebra students respond spontaneously to the visual patterns of the notational display apart from engagement with the declarative content of the rules. Thus, persistent algebra errors may reflect disengagement from declarative content rather than an inability to deal with it. We sketch a Lexical Support System designed to sustain students' engagement with the declarative content of algebraic rules and processes, thus complementing the exciting curricular possibilities being developed for referentially rich algebra.
Caution Is Required in Interpretation of Mutations in the Voltage Sensing Domain of Voltage Gated Channels as Evidence for Gating Mechanisms

The gating mechanism of voltage sensitive ion channels is generally considered to be the motion of the S4 transmembrane segment of the voltage sensing domains (VSD). The primary supporting evidence came from R→C mutations on the S4 transmembrane segment of the VSD, followed by reaction with a methanethiosulfonate (MTS) reagent. The cys side chain is –SH (reactive form –S−); the arginine side chain is much larger, leaving space big enough to accommodate the MTS sulfonate head group. The cavity created by the mutation has space for up to seven more water molecules than were present in wild type, which could be displaced irreversibly by the MTS reagent. Our quantum calculations show there is major reorientation of three aromatic residues that face into the cavity in response to proton displacement within the VSD. Two phenylalanines reorient sufficiently to shield/unshield the cysteine from the intracellular and extracellular ends, depending on the proton positions, and a tyrosine forms a hydrogen bond to the cysteine sulfur with its side chain –OH. These could produce the results of the experiments that have been interpreted as evidence for physical motion of the S4 segment, without physical motion of the S4 backbone. The computations strongly suggest that the interpretation of cysteine substitution reaction experiments be re-examined in the light of these considerations.
FPGA-based real-time object tracking for mobile robot

This paper proposes an embedded vision system for real-time moving object tracking using modified mean-shift algorithm for mobile robot application. This design of modified mean-shift algorithm fully utilizing the advanced parallelism of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) is capable of processing real-time PAL video of 720∗576 at 25 fps. This hardware implementation realizes time-consumed color space transformation using pipeline operations, which completely removes the dependence of off-chip RAM memory. In addition, this system incorporates adaptive kernel based mass center calculation method to balance the tracking complication and precision. Finally, the time division multiplex (TDM) technology obviously saves the FPGA hardware resources. As a result, the feasibility and tracking robustness of this implementation have been demonstrated through realtime tracking videos.
Functional, morphological and electrocardiographical abnormalities in patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and apical aneurysm: correlation with cardiac MR

Objective The prognosis of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (APH) has been benign, but apical myocardial injury has prognostic importance. We studied functional, morphological and electrocardiographical abnormalities in patients with APH and with apical aneurysm and sought to find parameters that relate to apical myocardial injury. Methods Study design: a multicentre trans-sectional study. Patients: 45 patients with APH and 5 with apical aneurysm diagnosed with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in the database of Hamamatsu Circulation Forum. Measure: the apical contraction with cine-cardiac MR (CMR), the myocardial fibrotic scar with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE)-CMR, and QRS fragmentation (fQRS) defined when two ECG-leads exhibited RSR’s patterns. Results Cine-CMR revealed 27 patients with normal, 12 with hypokinetic and 11 with dyskinetic apical contraction. TTE misdiagnosed 11 (48%) patients with hypokinetic and dyskinetic contraction as those with normal contraction. Apical LGE was apparent in 10 (83%) and 11 (100%) patients with hypokinetic and dyskinetic contraction, whereas only in 11 patients (41%) with normal contraction (p<0.01). Patients with dyskinetic apical contraction had the lowest left ventricular ejection fraction, the highest prevalence of ventricular tachycardia, and the smallest ST depression and depth of negative T waves. The presence of fQRS was associated with impaired apical contraction and apical LGE (OR=8.32 and 8.61, p<0.05). Conclusions CMR is superior to TTE for analysing abnormalities of the apex in patients with APH and with apical aneurysm. The presence of fQRS can be a promising parameter for the early detection of apical myocardial injury.
Dynamic Power Control for Wireless Backbone Mesh Networks: a Survey

With the tremendous growth of wireless networks into the next generation to provide better services, Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) have emerged to offer ubiquitous communication and seamless broadband applications. WMNs are hybrid networks composed of a mixture of static Wireless Mesh Routers (WMRs) and mobile Wireless Mesh Clients (WMCs) interconnected via wireless links to form a multi-hop wireless Ad Hoc network (WANET). WMNs are self-organized, self-configured, and reliable against single points of failures, and robust against RF interference, obstacles or power outage. This is because WMRs forming wireless backbone mesh networks (WBMNs) are built on advanced physical technologies. Such nodes perform both accessing and forwarding functionality. They are expected to carry huge volumes of traffic and be “on power” at all times. While trying to increase network capacity, problems of the dynamic transmission power control (DTPC) arise in such networks. Such problems include RF Interference, Connectivity and energy-depletion. While there are numerous studies on this topic, contributions in the context of WBMNs are still challenging but interesting research areas. This paper provides an overview of the DTPC algorithms central to the WBMNs framework. The open issues are also highlighted.
On the Determinants of Entrepreneurial Activity: Individual Characteristics, Economic Environment, and Social Norms

This paper reviews the literature on the determinants of entrepreneurial activity and investigates to what extent differences in population, business environment and cultural values contribute to explaining differences in entrepreneurial activity across Swedish municipalities. Individual characteristics and business environment are the most important factors in explaining entrepreneurial choice. However, we find that cultural values and, most likely, social norms also matter. The data suggest that individuals are more likely to become entrepreneurs where there are more entrepreneurs, even if entrepreneurial income is lower. We explain why and to what extent this may be interpreted as evidence of social norms.
Total Recall: System Support for Automated Availability Management

Availability is a storage system property that is both highly desired and yet minimally engineered. While many systems provide mechanisms to improve availability - such as redundancy and failure recovery - how to best configure these mechanisms is typically left to the system manager. Unfortunately, few individuals have the skills to properly manage the trade-offs involved, let alone the time to adapt these decisions to changing conditions. Instead, most systems are configured statically and with only a cursory understanding of how the configuration will impact overall performance or availability. While this issue can be problematic even for individual storage arrays, it becomes increasingly important as systems are distributed - and absolutely critical for the wide-area peer-to-peer storage infrastructures being explored. This paper describes the motivation, architecture and implementation for a new peer-to-peer storage system, called TotalRecall, that automates the task of availability management. In particular, the TotalRecall system automatically measures and estimates the availability of its constituent host components, predicts their future availability based on past behavior, calculates the appropriate redundancy mechanisms and repair policies, and delivers user-specified availability while maximizing efficiency.
Efficient Immune-Based Particle Swarm Optimization Learning for Neuro-Fuzzy Networks Design

In order to enhance the immune algorithm (IA) performance and find the optimal solution when dealing with difficult problems, we propose an efficient immune-based particle swarm optimization (IPSO) for use in TSK-type neuro-fuzzy networks for solving the identification and prediction problems. The proposed IPSO combines the immune algorithm (IA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) to perform parameter learning. The IA uses the clonal selection principle, such that antibodies between others of high similar degree are affected, and these antibodies, after the process, will have higher quality, accelerating the search and increasing the global search capacity. The PSO algorithm has proved to be very effective for solving global optimization. It is not only a recently invented high-performance optimizer that is easy to understand and implement, but it also requires little computational bookkeeping and generally only a few lines of code. Hence, we employed the advantages of PSO to improve the mutation mechanism of immune algorithm. Experiments with synthetic and real data sets have performed in order to show the applicability of the proposed approach and also to compare with other methods in the literature.
Science aspirations : investigating the views of 11-14 year old minority ethnic pupils

3 List of tables . 7 List of appendices . 8 Preface . 9 Chapter 1 – The diversity in science participation amongst minority ethnic groups . 15 Introduction . 15 ‘Crisis’ in science participation . 16 Why science? The importance of science to UK society . 16 Scale and scope of ‘crisis’ Gender, class and ethnicity . 18 Understanding attitudes and aspirations: Science and education . 26 Student attitudes towards science: ‘Not for me’ . 26 The critical period in science interest: Age 11-14 . 28 Aspiration as a useful focus . 29 Understanding aspirations: Gender, class and ethnicity . 31 Minority ethnic groups’ experiences of science and education: The role of parents . 40 Summary . 45 Chapter 2 – Theorising minority ethnic groups and education . 47 Introduction . 47 Bourdieu’s theory of social reproduction . 48 Understanding Bourdieu’s notions of habitus, field and capital . 49 Bourdieu and educational inequality . 55 The applicability of Bourdieu’s theory for minority ethnic groups in education . 59 Minority ethnic groups and science: Using identity as a theoretical lens . 64 Ethnicity, gender and the sociological theorisations of identity . 66 Understanding ‘science identity’ . 70 Gendered, classed and racialised identity of science . 73 Summary . 78 Chapter 3 – Methodology and methods . 80 Introduction . 80 Research aims . 80 Methodological approach. 81 Research methods . 84 The use of semi-structured interview . 85 The use of focus group discussion . 88 The use of classroom observation . 91 Data collection . 93 Piloting student interview . 93 Research site . 94
Teacher Fear of Litigation for Disciplinary Actions

The present study determined the extent to which teachers’ fear of litigation limits their disciplinary actions, including any significant differences by period, demographic factors, and item type. Teachers’ perceptions of limitations placed on their disciplinary actions do not substantiate the “paralyzing fear” of litigation that inhibits student discipline, as tort reform organizations claim. Teachers perceive greater limitation for nonintervention in a student fight than for intervention, with significant differences for self and others performing the action. Demographic differences support interpreting findings within context to prevent overgeneralization. Future research should examine other job-embedded scenarios to determine appropriate discipline policies and effective professional development strategies.
Effects of Chronic Dopamine D2R Agonist Treatment and Polysialic Acid Depletion on Dendritic Spine Density and Excitatory Neurotransmission in the mPFC of Adult Rats

Dopamine D2 receptors (D2R) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) are key players in the etiology and therapeutics of schizophrenia. The overactivation of these receptors contributes to mPFC dysfunction. Chronic treatment with D2R agonists modifies the expression of molecules implicated in neuronal structural plasticity, synaptic function, and inhibitory neurotransmission, which are also altered in schizophrenia. These changes are dependent on the expression of the polysialylated form of the neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM), a plasticity-related molecule, but nothing is known about the effects of D2R and PSA-NCAM on excitatory neurotransmission and the structure of mPFC pyramidal neurons, two additional features affected in schizophrenia. To evaluate these parameters, we have chronically treated adult rats with PPHT (a D2R agonist) after enzymatic removal of PSA with Endo-N. Both treatments decreased spine density in apical dendrites of pyramidal neurons without affecting their inhibitory innervation. Endo-N also reduced the expression of vesicular glutamate transporter-1. These results indicate that D2R and PSA-NCAM are important players in the regulation of the structural plasticity of mPFC excitatory neurons. This is relevant to our understanding of the neurobiological basis of schizophrenia, in which structural alterations of pyramidal neurons and altered expression of D2R and PSA-NCAM have been found.
Direct Observation of Protein Microcrystals in Crystallization Buffer by Atmospheric Scanning Electron Microscopy

X-ray crystallography requires high quality crystals above a given size. This requirement not only limits the proteins to be analyzed, but also reduces the speed of the structure determination. Indeed, the tertiary structures of many physiologically important proteins remain elusive because of the so-called “crystallization bottleneck”. Once microcrystals have been obtained, crystallization conditions can be optimized to produce bigger and better crystals. However, the identification of microcrystals can be difficult due to the resolution limit of optical microscopy. Electron microscopy has sometimes been utilized instead, with the disadvantage that the microcrystals usually must be observed in vacuum, which precludes the usage for crystal screening. The atmospheric scanning electron microscope (ASEM) allows samples to be observed in solution. Here, we report the use of this instrument in combination with a special thin-membrane dish with a crystallization well. It was possible to observe protein crystals of lysozyme, lipase B and a histone chaperone TAF-Iβ in crystallization buffers, without the use of staining procedures. The smallest crystals observed with ASEM were a few μm in width, and ASEM can be used with non-transparent solutions. Furthermore, the growth of salt crystals could be monitored in the ASEM, and the difference in contrast between salt and protein crystals made it easy to distinguish between these two types of microcrystals. These results indicate that the ASEM could be an important new tool for the screening of protein microcrystals.
Quadrinomial modular arithmetic using modified polynomial basis

Finite field arithmetic has advantageous space and time complexity when the field is constructed with a sparse polynomial. Katti and Brennan in (May, 20023) introduced a new type of polynomial, which we will call here the nearly all one polynomial (NAOP), and they show that NAOP modular arithmetic is roughly equivalent to quadrinomial arithmetic. In this paper we will introduce a new representation : the modified polynomial basis, to compute modulo quadrinomials. We obtain a faster bit-parallel multiplier in F/sub 2//sup n/ with time complexity equal to T/sub A/ + (2 + /spl lceil/log/sub 2/(n + 1)/spl rceil/)T/sub X/ and a space complexity equal to (n + 1) /sup 2/ AND and ((n + 1) /sup 2/ + m - k - 1) XOR. For fields F/sub 2//sup n/ of degree n ranging between 160 and 500, which cannot be constructed with an irreducible trinomial or an optimal normal basis, our multiplier improve by 8% the time complexity of the previous multipliers proposed (Mastrovito,1991; Katti and Brennan,2003; Rodriguez-Henriquez and Koc, 2003), in compensation the space complexity is increased by 1.5%.