Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What is the effect of a group discussion compared to individual reading on designing an outline for a MOOC

Designing massive open online courses (MOOCs) is fundamentally different from designing face-to-face courses. MOOC designers need to undergo a conceptual change, increase their self-efficacy and improve the quality of the MOOCs they design. After conducting interviews with several experienced MOOC designers, the need for training on MOOC design has become apparent. For this quasi-experimental study, two workshops on MOOC design were developed. While one workshop included a cooperative learning activity, the other incorporated an individual reading assignment. A sample of 42 participants took part in the study. By comparing participants’ scores on questionnaires and the MOOC outlines that were designed, this study aims to answer the following question: What is the effect of a group discussion compared to individual reading on designing an outline for a MOOC? Specifically, what are the effects on quality, conceptual change and self-efficacy? Based on previous research, the group discussion was expected be more beneficial in increasing quality and self-efficacy and supporting conceptual change. To shed light onto these questions, changes in quality, conceptual change and self-efficacy were statistically analysed both within each group as well as between conditions. Participants’ MOOC designs were evaluated by experts based on a scoring rubric. Results revealed a significant increase in conceptual change, quality and self-efficacy for both the individual reading as well as the group discussion intervention. Concerning self-efficacy, there was not sufficient evidence to claim either intervention as more effective. However, cooperative learning activities showed significant benefits over individual reading activities in stimulating conceptual change. Concerning quality, individual reading activities were shown to be more effective than cooperative learning activities. Therefore, a combination of both activities is recommended for workshops on MOOCs.
Administration of Glucosylceramide Ameliorated the Memory Impairment in Aged Mice

The function and the role of glucosylceramide have not been well studied in the central nervous system. This study was aimed to investigate the possible roles of glucosylceramide in memory function in aged mice. Glucosylceramide (50 mg/kg, p.o.) showed memory enhancing activity after 3-month treatment in the aged mice (C56BL/6, 18–20 months old) through Y-maze, novel objective test, and Morris water maze test. Long-term treatment of glucosylceramide decreased the expression of iNOS and COX-2 in the brain of aged mice. The LPS-induced mRNA level of iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α was reduced by the acute treatment with glucosylceramide in adult mice. These results suggest that glucosylceramide plays an important role in anti-inflammatory and memory enhancement, and it could be a potential new therapeutic agent for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
A novel algorithm for associative classification of image blocks

Because of its accurate and robust performance, association rule-based approach is recently used for image classification. However, the existing algorithms for associative classification suffer from inefficiency. Addressing this problem, a novel algorithm based on atomic association rules is presented and successfully used in image block classification. Mining only the atomic association rules achieves fast image block classification. Using the strong atomic association rules, extracted under a high confidence threshold, can accurately differentiate instances from the image dataset. Furthermore, multi-passes of partial classifications can classify the whole dataset. This algorithm uses a self-adaptive confidence threshold and a dynamic support threshold, both of which are important for good classification performance. The experiments were performed on a standard dataset of image segmentation. The results show the proposed algorithm can classify the image blocks faster, more accurate and robust than the typical associative classification algorithm.
Integrating Open Source Software into software engineering curriculum: Challenges in selecting projects

Software Engineering (SE) projects that emphasize maintenance and evolution can emulate industrial challenges and prepare students for careers in the software industry. Designing maintenance-centric SE projects, however, is difficult because software code upon which these projects must be based is not readily available. Open Source Software (OSS) can alleviate this issue by offering a rich and varied volume of code. This rich diversity of OSS projects, however, presents the greatest hurdle in seamlessly selecting suitable projects for integration. To better understand the scope of this diversity, initially, we propose to manually select uniformly difficult projects of appropriate complexity. Ultimately, based on the experiences and insights acquired through the manual selection, we envision the development of a systematic methodology based on software metrics to ease the project selection process. Such a systematic methodology will pave the way for the adoption of the OSS-based approach at peer institutions, bringing us a step closer to injecting realism into SE projects.
Factors Influencing the Use of Digital Libraries in Distance Education in Ghana

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which individual factors such as academic tasks, preference for print sources and information skills influence distance learners’ use of digital libraries in a teacher distance education programme at the University of Education, Winneba in Ghana. The population of the study consisted of 1,834 distance students and from a sample size of 641 distance learners spread across three distance study centers, namely, Winneba (247), Kumasi (276) and Asante-Mampong (118). A total of 453 (70.67 percent) distance learners, selected randomly, completed a 31-item questionnaire. In addition, 30 distance education tutors, four coordinators and four librarians were purposively selected to participate in the study. The findings showed that academic tasks of distance learners did not require them to use digital library resources, which resulted in low or no academic use of digital libraries. The findings also pointed to a high preference for print resources among distance learners which resulted in the low use of digital library resources. Finally, it was noted that even though most of the distance learners possessed basic ICT skills, this did not result in their of use of digital library resources. To improve digital library use in distance education, it is recommended that academic librarians seek and foster collaboration in teaching information literacy and library instruction in distance education, an approach which must be backed by a policy that mandates the use of (digital) library scholarly resources in teaching and learning in distance education. It is also recommended that the Centre for Distance Education and the University Library collaborate to offer training programmes in specific digital resources and general information literacy courses for all distance education stakeholders in the university to boost digital library use.
Human Associations and the Choice of Features for Semantic Verb Classification ⋆ ⋆

This article investigates whether human associations to ve rbs as collected in a web experiment can help us to identify salient features for semantic v erb classes. Starting from the assumption that the associations, i.e., the words that are called to min d by the stimulus verbs, reflect highly salient linguistic and conceptual features of the verbs, we apply a c luster analysis to the verbs, based on the associations, and validate the resulting verb classes agai nst standard approaches to semantic verb classes. Then, we perform various clusterings on the same ve rbs using standard corpus-based feature types, and evaluate them against the association-based clu stering as well as GermaNet and FrameNet classes. Comparing the cluster analyses provides an insigh t into the usefulness of standard feature types in verb clustering, and assesses shallow vs. deep synt actic features, and the role of corpus frequency. We show that (a) there is no significant preferenc e for using a specific syntactic relationship (such as direct objects) as nominal features in cluster ing; (b) that simple window co-occurrence features are not significantly worse (and in some cases even b etter) than selected grammar-based functions; and (c) that a restricted feature choice disrega rding highand low-frequency features is sufficient. Finally, by applying the feature choices to Germ aNet and FrameNet verbs and classes, we address the question of whether the same types of features ar e salient for different types of semantic verb classes. The variation of the gold standard classificat ions demonstrates that the clustering results are significantly different, even when relying on the same fe atures.
VQ-encoding of luminance parameters in fractal coding schemes

This paper is concerned with the efficient storage of the luminance parameters in a fractal code by means of vector quantization (VQ). For a given image block (range) the collage error as a function of the luminance parameters is a quadratic function with ellipsoid contour lines. We demonstrate how these functions should be used in an optimal codebook design algorithm leading to a non-standard VQ-scheme. In addition we present results and an evaluation of this approach. The analysis of the quadratic error functions also provides guidance for optimal scalar quantization.
Dispositional Factors in Internet Use: Personality Versus Cognitive Style

This study directly tests the effect of personality and cognitive style on three measures of Internet use. The results support the use of personality-but not cognitive style-as an antecedent variable. After controlling for computer anxiety, self-efficacy, and gender, including the "Big Five" personality factors in the analysis significantly adds to the predictive capabilities of the dependent variables. Including cognitive style does not. The results are discussed in terms of the role of personality and cognitive style in models of technology adoption and use.
Behavioural factors related with successful weight loss 15 months post-enrolment in a commercial web-based weight-loss programme

Abstract Objective As further understanding is required of what behavioural factors are associated with long-term weight-loss success, the aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of successful weight loss 15 months post-enrolment in a commercial web-based weight-loss programme and which behavioural factors were associated with success. Design An online survey was completed 15 months post-enrolment in a commercial web-based weight-loss programme to assess weight-related behaviours and current weight. Participants were classified as successful if they had lost ≥5 % of their starting weight after 15 months. Setting Commercial users of a web-based weight-loss programme. Subjects Participants enrolled in the commercial programme between August 2007 and May 2008. Six hundred and seventy-seven participants completed the survey. Results The median (interquartile range) weight change was −2·7 (−8·2, 1·6) % of enrolment weight, with 37 % achieving ≥5 % weight loss. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found success was associated with frequency of weight self-monitoring, higher dietary restraint score, lower emotional eating score, not skipping meals, not keeping snack foods in the house and eating takeaway foods less frequently. Conclusions The findings suggest that individuals trying to achieve or maintain ≥5 % weight loss should be advised to regularly weigh themselves, avoid skipping meals or keeping snack foods in the house, limit the frequency of takeaway food consumption, manage emotional eating and strengthen dietary restraint. Strategies to assist individuals make these changes to behaviour should be incorporated within obesity treatments to improve the likelihood of successful weight loss in the long term.
“Head versus heart”: Effect of monetary frames on expression of sympathetic magical concerns

Most American respondents give “irrational,” magical responses in a variety of situations that exemplify the sympathetic magical laws of similarity and contagion. In most of these cases, respondents are aware that their responses (usually rejections, as of fudge crafted to look like dog feces, or a food touched by a sterilized, dead cockroach) are not “scientifically” justified, but they are willing to avow them. We interpret this, in some sense, as “heart over head. ” We report in this study that American adults and undergraduates are substantially less likely to acknowledge magical effects when the judgments involve money (amount willing to pay to avoid an “unpleasant” magical contact) than they are when using preference or rating measures. We conclude that in “head-heart” conflicts of this type, money tips the balance towards the former, or, in other words, that money makes the mind less magical.
Aggressiveness in the HEXACO personality model

The aim of this research was to examine the relations between the HEXACO facets and aggressiveness components (anger, vengefulness, domination, hostility, reactive aggression, proactive aggression, and indirect aggression). On a sample of 654 participants from general population, HEXACO-60, Aggressiveness Questionnaire AVDH, Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ), and Indirect Aggression Scale (IAS) were applied. The results of the community structure network analysis provided the most informative insight into these relations and showed that all aggressiveness components formed a single community with the Agreeableness facets. Thereby, facet Patience was the strongest correlate of anger, and hostility had the highest clustering coefficient, which brings together the Agreeableness facets and aggressiveness components. Although Honesty-Humility formed a separate community, some of its facets had strong isolated connections with indirect aggression and dominance. The results revealed that Agreeableness is a dominant correlate of aggressiveness and captures all aggressiveness components, while Honesty- Humility is related to specific components, referring to a manifestation of aggressiveness in a more subtle and indirect way.
Using the Hedonic Approach to Value Natural Land Uses in an Urban Area: An Application to Geneva and Zurich

Summary We apply the hedonic model to the rental markets of the Geneva and Zurich urban areas, Switzerland, in order to assess the value of natural land uses and land use diversity. In order to construct variables to quantify land uses and patterns in the neighbourhoods of the buildings, we make use of the Zurich and Geneva geographic information system (GIS). Then, by merging these GIS-calculated neighbourhood variables with data on the dwellings’ structure and noise exposure levels, we obtain a database of about 3 200 observations for each urban area. We find that proximity
Role of proline and pyrroline-5-carboxylate metabolism in plant defense against invading pathogens

Pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) is an intermediate product of both proline biosynthesis and catabolism. Recent evidences indicate that proline-P5C metabolism is tightly regulated in plants, especially during pathogen infection and abiotic stress. However, role of P5C and its metabolism in plants has not yet been fully understood. Studies indicate that P5C synthesized in mitochondria has a role in both resistance (R)-gene-mediated and non-host resistance against invading pathogens. Proline dehydrogenase and delta-ornithine amino transferase-encoding genes, both involved in P5C synthesis in mitochondria are implicated in defense response of Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana against bacterial pathogens. Such defense response is proposed to involve salicylic acid-dependent pathway, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hypersensitive response (HR)-associated cell death. Recently HR, a form of programmed cell death (PCD), has been proposed to be induced by changes in mitochondrial P5C synthesis or the increase in P5C levels per se in plants inoculated with either a host pathogen carrying suitable avirulent (Avr) gene or a non-host pathogen. Consistently, A. thaliana mutant plants deficient in P5C catabolism showed HR like cell death when grown in external P5C or proline supplemented medium. Similarly, yeast and plant cells under oxidative stress were shown to increase ROS production and PCD due to increase in P5C levels. Similar mechanism has also been reported as one of the triggers for apoptosis in mammalian cells. This review critically analyzes results from various studies and enumerates the pathways for regulation of P5C levels in the plant cell, especially in mitochondria, during pathogen infection. Further, mechanisms regulating P5C- mediated defense responses, namely HR are outlined. This review also provides new insights into the differential role of proline-P5C metabolism in plants exposed to pathogen infection.
Asymptotically efficient adaptive allocation schemes for controlled Markov chains: finite parameter space

The authors consider a controlled Markov chain whose transition probabilities and initial distribution are parameterized by an unknown parameter theta to some known parameter space Theta . There is a one-step reward associated with each pair of control and following state of the process. The objective is to maximize the expected value of the sum of one-step rewards over an infinite horizon. By introducing the loss associated with a control scheme, the authors show that the problem is equivalent to minimizing the loss. They define uniformly good adaptive control schemes and restrict attention to these schemes. They develop a lower bound on the loss associated with any uniformly good control scheme. Finally, they construct an adaptive control scheme whose loss equals the lower bound and is therefore optimal. <<ETX>>
Rat1p and Xrn1p are functionally interchangeable exoribonucleases that are restricted to and required in the nucleus and cytoplasm, respectively

XRN1 encodes an abundant cytoplasmic exoribonuclease, Xrn1p, responsible for mRNA turnover in yeast. A screen for bypass suppressors of the inviability of xrn1 ski2 double mutants identified dominant alleles of RAT1, encoding an exoribonuclease homologous with Xrn1p. These RAT1 alleles restored XRN1-like functions, including cytoplasmic RNA turnover, wild-type sensitivity to the microtubule-destabilizing drug benomyl, and sporulation. The mutations were localized to a region of the RAT1 gene encoding a putative bipartite nuclear localization sequence (NLS). Fusions to green fluorescent protein were used to demonstrate that wild-type Rat1p is localized to the nucleus and that the mutant alleles result in mislocalization of Rat1p to the cytoplasm. Conversely, targeting Xrn1p to the nucleus by the addition of the simian virus 40 large-T-antigen NLS resulted in complementation of the temperature sensitivity of a rat1-1 strain. These results indicate that Xrn1p and Rat1p are functionally interchangeable exoribonucleases that function in and are restricted to the cytoplasm and nucleus, respectively. It is likely that the higher eukaryotic homologs of these proteins will function similarly in the cytoplasm and nucleus.
Galaxy Evolution Explorer Ultraviolet Color-Magnitude Relations and Evidence of Recent Star Formation in Early-Type Galaxies

We have used the Galaxy Evolution Explorer UV photometric data to construct a first near-UV (NUV) color-magnitude relation (CMR) for the galaxies preclassified as early-type by Sloan Digital Sky Survey studies. The NUV CMR is a powerful tool for tracking the recent star formation history in early-type galaxies, owing to its high sensitivity to the presence of young stellar populations. Our NUV CMR for UV-weak galaxies shows a well-defined slope and thus will be useful for interpreting the rest-frame NUV data of distant galaxies and studying their star formation history. Compared to optical CMRs, the NUV CMR shows a substantially larger scatter, which we interpret as evidence of recent star formation activities. Roughly 15% of the recent epoch (z < 0.13) bright [M(r) < -22] early-type galaxies show a sign of recent (≲1 Gyr) star formation at the 1%-2% level (lower limit) in mass compared to the total stellar mass. This implies that low-level residual star formation was common during the last few billion years even in bright early-type galaxies.
Inclusion of Students With Learning, Emotional, and Behavioral Disabilities Through Strength-Based Approaches

As more and more students with learning disabilities (LD) and emotional and behavioral disabilities (EBD) find themselves in an inclusive, general education setting, there is a need to find ways to maximize their educational performance. One promising approach is to use growth mindset training to help students move away from deficit thinking and instead use strengths-based thinking. This column explains the meaning of growth mindset theory and includes a rationale that explains why this approach may be particularly beneficial for students with LD and EBD. A brief review of past studies investigating the use of growth mindset that highlights the positive potential of this inexpensive, easy-to-implement approach is presented. Finally, a nine-step process for incorporating a growth mindset into the inclusive classroom setting is provided and tools to be used by teachers working with students with LD and EBD are included.
Seafaring Labour: The Merchant Marine of Atlantic Canada, 1820-1914

Sager argues that sailors were not misfits or outcasts but were divorced from society only by virtue of their occupation. The wooden ships were small communities at sea, fragments of normal society where workers lived, struggled, and often died. With the coming of the age of steam, the sailor became part of a new division of labour and a new social hierarchy at sea. Sager shows that the sailor was as integral to the transition to industrial capitalism as any land worker.
Nested PCR for mtDNA-4977-bp deletion and comet assay for DNA damage - a combined method for radiosensitivity evaluation of tumor cells

To identify an effective method of evaluating the radiosensitivity of human tumor cell lines in vitro, the present study adopted mtDNA-4977-bp deletion coupled with comet assay. The three human tumor cell lines applied were HepG2, EC-9706 and MCF-7. The surviving fraction (SF), ratio of the mtDNA-4977-bp deletion and DNA damage were detected by MTT assay, nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique and comet assay, respectively. Clearly, lower SFs were found for the HepG2 and EC-9706 cells as compared with the MCF-7 cells following irradiation at doses of 2, 4 and 8 Gy, indicating a higher radiosensitivity for the HepG2 and EC-9706 cells. Additionally, no significant differences were identified in the mtDNA-4977-bp deletions found among HepG2, EC-9706 and MCF-7 cells by PCR following 1- or 4-Gy γ-ray irradiation, while increased deletion ratios of mtDNA-4977 bp were observed in HepG2 and EC-9706 cells following 8-Gy irradiation, in contrast to decreases in MCF-7 cells. The most notable differences among these three tumor cell lines were observed by comet assay following 8–Gy γ-ray irradiation. A combined method of nested PCR and comet assay, therefore, is the most effective and accurate method in evaluating the radiosensitivity of tumor cells.