Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preschool Teacher Self-Efficacy in an Urban School District

The purpose of this research was to assess the relationships between preschool teacher self-efficacy, as measured by the Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES) of years of early childhood teaching experience, and teacher outcomes as measured by the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS). Also considered was whether or not self-efficacy differed as a function of program setting. Early prekindergarten program (EPK) and universal prekindergarten program (UPK) (n = 89) lead teachers completed the TSES, representing a cross-section of all 3 and 4-year-old preschool lead teachers in a midsized urban district. Teachers completed the TSES via SurveyMonkey. CLASS observations were conducted as part of a larger ongoing evaluation. Teacher self-efficacy was not significantly correlated with years of early childhood teaching experience. However, overall, teacher self-efficacy was negatively correlated with years of teaching experience outside of the birth to second grade setting (r = –23, p < .05) and positively correlated with the classroom organization domain (r = .21, p <.05) and overall CLASS scores (r = .22, p < .05). School district preschool teachers reported a significantly higher overall teacher self-efficacy compared to community-based organization (CBO) preschool teachers. This study adds to the current body of empirical literature focused on teacher self-efficacy and early childhood education by solely focusing on EPK/UPK teacher self-efficacy. Future studies should explore the potential relationship between job satisfaction and self-efficacy in both lead and assistant preschool teachers to inform interventions designed to increase job satisfaction and teacher self-efficacy. Document Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Education (EdD) Department Executive Leadership First Supervisor Susan Schultz Subject Categories Education This dissertation is available at Fisher Digital Publications: https://fisherpub.sjfc. edu/education_etd/272 Preschool Teacher Self-Efficacy in an Urban School District
In Vitro Antioxidant and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Activities of Methanolic Swietenia mahagoni Seed Extracts

This study examines the in vitro antioxidant activities of the methanol extract of Swietenia mahagoni seeds (SMCM seed extract). The extract was screened for possible antioxidant activities by free radical scavenging activity (DPPH), xanthine oxidase inhibition (XOI), hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (HPSA) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also determined. The extract exhibits antioxidant activity of 23.29% with an IC50 value of 2.3 mg/mL in the DPPH radical scavenging method, 47.2% in the XOI assay, 49.5% by the HPSA method, and 0.728 mmol/Fe(II)g in the FRAP method at the concentration tested. The amount of total phenolics and flavonoid contents was 70.83 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and 2.5 ± 0.15 mg of catechin equivalent per gram of dry extract, respectively. High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) screening indicates the presence of phenolic compounds in the SMCM seed extract. The results indicate that the extract has both high free radical scavenging and xanthine oxidase inhibition activity. The antioxidant activity of SMCM seed extract is comparable with that of other Malaysian tropical fruits and herbal plants.
Criticality-aware scrubbing mechanism for SRAM-based FPGAs

Scrubbing has been considered as an effective mechanism to provide fault-tolerance in Static-RAM (SRAM)-based Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). However, the current scrubbing techniques execute without considering the criticality and timing of the user tasks implemented in the FPGA. They often do not execute the scrubbing process in the right instant, which minimizes the probability of each task being executed without transient faults. Moreover, these current solutions are not adapted to the tasks' fault-tolerance requirements, since they may not properly protect the most critical tasks in the system. However, if they do it, they waste resources with the less critical tasks. In this paper, a new scrubbing mechanism is proposed. This new approach adapts the scrubbing mechanism to the tasks' execution, by a proper scheduling and according to their criticality. A proposed heuristic finds a feasible scrubbing schedule for each hardware task. Firstly, the minimum scrubbing periods are computed according to the criticality of each implemented hardware task. Secondly, a proper scrubbing schedule following the EDL (Earliest Deadline as Late as possible) algorithm is found, maximizing the reliability of the system. The experimental results show up to 79% improvements on the system reliability, achieved without wasting scrubbing resources.
Cross-layer design of outage optimum routing metric for wireless ad hoc networks

A new routing metric for multihop wireless ad hoc networks is presented. The proposed metric is based on the computation of signal-to-noise ratio and path minimization of wireless ad hoc network outage probability in a fading environment. This metric improves the quality of service by reducing the number of dropped packets. Further, by modeling the network with a Trellis diagram and then using Viterbi algorithm to select the best routing path, we reduce the routing complexity of our approach. The performance of the proposed metric is compared with other commonly used routing metrics such as minimum hop count, expected transmission count, and two other signal-to-noise ratio-based metrics in both mobile and stationary networks. Simulation results demonstrate the improvement achieved by this new metric. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A neural network approach to topic spotting

This paper presents an application of nonlinear neural networks to topic spotting. Neural networks allow us to model higher-order interaction between document terms and to simultaneously predict multiple topics using shared hidden features. In the context of this model, we compare two approaches to dimensionality reduction in representation: one based on term selection and another based on Latent Semantic In-dexing (LSI). Two di(cid:11)erent methods are proposed for improving LSI representations for the topic spotting task. We (cid:12)nd that term selection and our modi(cid:12)ed LSI representations lead to similar topic spotting performance, and that this performance is equal to or better than other published re-sults on the same corpus.
The Ethics of Using the Internet to Collect Qualitative Research Data

The practice of conducting research online is in its infancy. Consequently there is debate concerning the ethical implications of online data collection. We outline three approaches to online data collection and focus specifically on the issues of consent and anonymity of participants. We conclude that ethical issues raised when planning and implementing online data collection are no different to those raised by more traditional approaches to data collection.
Bayesian Spectral Modeling for Multiple Time Series

ABSTRACT We develop a novel Bayesian modeling approach to spectral density estimation for multiple time series. The log-periodogram distribution for each series is modeled as a mixture of Gaussian distributions with frequency-dependent weights and mean functions. The implied model for the log-spectral density is a mixture of linear mean functions with frequency-dependent weights. The mixture weights are built through successive differences of a logit-normal distribution function with frequency-dependent parameters. Building from the construction for a single spectral density, we develop a hierarchical extension for multiple time series. Specifically, we set the mean functions to be common to all spectral densities and make the weights specific to the time series through the parameters of the logit-normal distribution. In addition to accommodating flexible spectral density shapes, a practically important feature of the proposed formulation is that it allows for ready posterior simulation through a Gibbs sampler with closed form full conditional distributions for all model parameters. The modeling approach is illustrated with simulated datasets and used for spectral analysis of multichannel electroencephalographic recordings, which provides a key motivating application for the proposed methodology.
Inner Rim of a Molecular Disk Spatially Resolved in Infrared CO Emission Lines

We present high-resolution infrared spectroscopy of the Herbig Ae star HD 141569A in the CO v = 2-1 transition. With the angular resolution attained by the adaptive optics system, the gas disk around HD 141569A is spatially resolved down to its inner-rim truncation. The size of the inner clearing is 11 ± 2 AU in radius, close to the gravitational radius of the star. The rough coincidence with the gravitational radius indicates that the viscous accretion working together with photoevaporation by stellar radiation has cleared the inner part of the disk.
Oral shear stress predicts flavour perception in viscous solutions.

The perception of sweetness and flavour were studied in viscous solutions containing 50 g/l sucrose, 100 p.p.m. iso-amyl acetate and varying concentrations of three hydrocolloid thickeners (guar gum, lambda-carrageenan and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose). Zero-shear viscosity of the samples ranged from 1 to 5000 mPas. Perception of both sweetness and aroma was suppressed at thickener concentrations above c* (coil overlap concentration, the point at which there is an abrupt increase in solution viscosity as thickener concentration is increased). Sensory data for the three hydrocolloids was only loosely correlated with their concentration relative to c* (c/c* ratio), particularly above c*. However, when perceptual data were plotted against the Kokini oral shear stress (tau), calculated from rheological measurements, data for the three hydrocolloids aligned to form a master-curve, enabling the prediction of flavour intensity in such systems. The fact that oral shear stress can be used to model sweetness and aroma perception supports the hypothesis that somatosensory tactile stimuli can interact with taste and aroma signals to modulate their perception.
Gender Differences in Tournament Choices: Risk Preferences, Overconfidence or Competitiveness?

A large number of recent experimental studies show that women are less likely to sort into competitive environments. While part of this effect may be explained by gender differences in risk attitudes and overconfidence, previous studies have attributed the majority of the gender gap to gender differences in a separate 'competitiveness' trait. We re-examine this result using a powerful novel experimental technique that allows us to separate competitiveness from alternative explanations by experimental design. In contrast to the literature, the results from our experiment imply that the whole gender gap is driven by risk attitudes and overconfidence. We show that our results are due to our experimental approach, which circumvents concerns raised against the regression-based method used by previous studies. Our results have important implications for policy and future research.
Occupant satisfaction with indoor environmental quality in green buildings

This paper summarizes the results of a large indoor environmental quality survey in office buildings, comparing green with non-green buildings. On average, occupants in green buildings were more satisfied with thermal comfort and air quality in their workspace. However, the average satisfaction scores in green buildings for lighting and acoustic quality were comparable to the non-green average. Comparing complaint profiles of those dissatisfied with lighting and acoustic quality, a higher percentage of occupants were dissatisfied with light levels and sound privacy in green buildings. Our results suggest a need for improvements in controllability of lighting, and innovative strategies to accommodate sound privacy needs in open plan or cubicle office layouts in both comparison groups.
Application of poly(ethylene glycol)–distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (PEG-DSPE) block copolymers and their derivatives as nanomaterials in drug delivery

Poly(ethylene glycol)–distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (PEG-DSPE) block copolymers are biocompatible and amphiphilic polymers that can be widely utilized in the preparation of liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, polymer hybrid nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles, and microemulsions. Particularly, the terminal groups of PEG can be activated and linked to various targeting ligands, which can prolong the circulation time, improve the drug bioavailability, reduce undesirable side effects, and especially target specific cells, tissues, and even the intracellular localization in organelles. This review herein aims to describe recent developments in drug carriers exploiting PEG-DSPE block copolymers and their derivatives, and the incorporation of different ligands to the end groups of PEG-DSPE to target delivery, focusing on their modification approaches, advantages, applications, and the probable associated drawbacks.
The transition of worldviews: Collective information behavior during the 2006 Thai coup d'etat

SONGPHAN CHOEMPRAYONG: The Transition of Worldviews: Collective Information Behavior during the 2006 Thai Coup D’état. (Under the direction of Paul Solomon) This study explores the way in which people sought and shared information during a socio-political crisis, using the September 19, 2006 coup d’état in Thailand as a case study, where the traditional flow of information and communication was interrupted. Using Chatman’s notion of small world and Merton’s Insider and Outsider conception as major theoretical frameworks, this study particularly focuses on collective information behavior and the roles of insiders and outsiders in this disruptive situation. Exploratory qualitative methods were applied, including document analysis and semi-structured interviews. The document analysis covers coup-related public online documents (i.e., blogs, photos, videos, and Wikipedia entries) created and/or uploaded during September 19 to September 23, 2006. Sense-Making Methodology (SMM), including the MicroMoment Timeline interview approach and SMM question roster, was used to frame the interviews. The interview informants were selected using two methods: eight from extreme case selection (whose content was most visible, commented, viewed, ranked during the coup), and four from a snowball sampling technique. The data analysis used both deductive and inductive coding techniques. The findings explain how people sought and shared information in order to make sense of the situation as well as to serve other motivations (e.g., to persuade others, to be part of a history, and to entertain). Some factors influencing information behavior during that period were examined including individual (i.e., emotion, memory, and physical capacity), collective (i.e., to know better and faster, to achieve particular goals, to feel secure, and to be encouraged), and contextual constructs (i.e., time and place). In addition, this study found that there iii was still a strong form of the Insider among those who were in Thailand during that time, confirming the applicability of Chatman’s small world. However, there was also evidence of the Outsider, especially highlighting the eminent roles of converted members – insiders-out and outsiders-in – in terms of bridging worldviews. This study supports a call to reconsider threats from censorship as a derivative form of information poverty as well as revisit the creation and adjustment of social norms, and the sense of excitement in the context of information behavior in socio-political crisis.
A Research Framework for Citizen Participation via eConsultation

The objective of engaging citizens in government decision making is renewed with the opportunities offered by IT. One such instance of ICT applications is e-Consultation. In this paper we present a research framework for investigating citizen participation in the context of e-Consultation. The framework is developed by first examining existing participation theories from political science literature. The diverse perspectives offered by the different theories are compared and integrated to derive classes of factors pertinent to citizen participation. As we are interested in understanding how citizen participation can be facilitated via e-Consultation, we also investigate the IT factors that may be relevant to participation in the electronic context. The end result is the construction of an integrated framework that can guide research in the study of electronic participation in a systematic manner. Future research directions are also suggested.
Activation of CD11b+ Kupffer Cells/Macrophages as a Common Cause for Exacerbation of TNF/Fas-Ligand-Dependent Hepatitis in Hypercholesterolemic Mice

We have reported that the mouse hepatic injury induced by either α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) or bacterial DNA motifs (CpG-ODN) is mediated by the TNF/NKT cell/Fas-ligand (FasL) pathway. In addition, F4/80+ Kupffer cells can be subclassified into CD68+ subset with a phagocytosing capacity and CD11b+ subset with a TNF-producing capacity. CD11b+ subset increase if mice are fed high-fat and cholesterol diet (HFCD). The present study examined how a HFCD affects the function of NKT cells and F4/80+ CD11b+ subset and these hepatitis models. After the C57BL/6 mice received a HFCD, high-cholesterol diet (HCD), high-fat diet (HFD) and control diet (CD) for four weeks, the HFCD mice increased surface CD1d and intracellular TLR-9 expression by the CD11b+ population compared to CD mice. Hepatic injury induced either by α-GalCer or CpG-ODN was more severe in HCD and HFCD mice compared to CD mice, which was in proportion to the serum TNF levels. In addition, liver cholesterol levels but not serum cholesterol levels nor liver triglyceride levels were involved in the aggravation of hepatitis. The FasL expression of NKT cells induced by both reagents was upregulated in HFCD mice. Furthermore, the liver mononuclear cells and purified F4/80+ CD11b+ subset from HFCD mice stimulated with either reagent in vitro produced a larger amount of TNF than did those from CD mice. Intracellular TNF production in F4/80+ CD11b+ cells was confirmed. The increased number of F4/80+ CD11b+ Kupffer cells/macrophages by HFCD and their enhanced TNF production thus play a pivotal role in TNF/NKT cell/FasL dependent hepatic injury.
Binge drinking in adolescence – social stratification and the collectivity of drinking cultures

ABSTRACT Research investigating what shapes young people’s drinking habits is of great importance. This study aimed to analyse the relation between close social networks and adolescents’ drinking habits and the extent to which close social networks may explain differences in binge drinking among social groups. Data from the ‘Stockholm Survey 2012’ were analysed. The Stockholm Survey was a census survey administered to students in academic years 9 and 11, with a response rate of 76%. Ordered logit models were used to estimate relations between the frequency of binge drinking and the independent variables. Parental educational level is associated with adolescent binge drinking, as students with more highly educated parents are more frequent binge drinkers. Parents’ willingness to offer their teenagers alcohol and peers’ drinking habits are also associated with adolescent binge drinking, with a more permissive parental attitude and a prevalence of drinking among peers increasing the risk. Both parents’ willingness to provide alcohol and peers’ drinking habits may statistically explain a large portion of the observed differences in adolescent drinking by parental education. Close social networks are an important factor influencing adolescent binge drinking, and they may explain a large portion of the differences between social groups.
Biochemical and Molecular Biological Studies on Oral Cancer: An Overview

Oral cancer is the cancerous tissue growth located in the oral cavity. It may arise as a primary lesion originating in any of the oral tissues, by metastasis from a distant site of origin, or by extension from a neighboring anatomic struc- ture, such as the nasal cavity or the maxillary sinus. Smoking and other tobacco use are associated with about 75 percent of oral cancer cases. Alcohol use is another high-risk activity associated with oral cancer. Infection with human papillo- mavirus (HPV), particularly type 16 (there are over 120 types), is a known risk factor and independent causative factor for oral cancer. Oncogenes, gain-of-function mutations of highly regulated normal cellular counterparts (proto-oncogenes), are likely involved in the initiation and progression of oral neoplasia. Cellular oncogenes were initially discovered by the ability of tumor cell DNA to induce transformation in gene transfer assays. Mechanisms of activation of these cellular oncogenes include point mutations and DNA re-arrangements. Several of these cellular oncogenes are homologs of retroviral oncogenes (e.g., the ras genes); others are new oncogenes. Tumor suppressor genes or anti-oncogenes have been documented to confer potent negative regulatory controls which are lost due to chromosomal alterations during tumor formation. Functional loss of multiple tumor suppressor genes is believed to be the major event leading to the development of malignancy. Treatment is done till date with the help of radiation therapy, considering the removal of tumor which proceeds with the surgery. Chemotherapy is also used but not to a wide extent and that too has to be done with radiation and research work is still going on the drug discovery for this disease, hence looking towards this fact we opted for the work in this area looking into the successful way of the treatment for oral cancer. The present review is compilation of the data pertaining to biochemistry and molecular biology of oral carcinoma and would certainly provide new insights to explore the development of nutraceuticals based on the hypothesis projected by future studies on computa- tional biotechnology of oral carcinoma.
PENINGKATAN KEMAMPUAN PEMECAHAN MASALAH, KOMUNIKASI, DAN KONSEP DIRI MATEMATIK SISWA SMP MELALUI PEMBELAJARAN KONTEKSTUAL BERBANTUAN GEOGEBRA

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pencapaian dan peningkatan kemampuan pemecahan masalah (KPM), komunikasi (KKM) dan konsep diri (KDM) matematis antara siswa yang memperoleh pembelajaran kontekstual berbantuan geogebra (PKG) sebagai kelas eksperimen dengan siswa yang memperoleh pembelajaran ekspositori (PE) sebagai kelas kontrol. Jenis penelitian adalah kuasi eksperimen dengan desain kelompok kontrol non-ekivalen. Populasi penelitian adalah seluruh siswa kelas VIII salah satu SMP swasta di kota Bandung dengan sampel dipilih dengan cara kelompok. Instrumen penelitian meliputi tes PKM, KKM dan KDM. Pengolahan data menggunakan uji t, uji t’. Hasil penelitian: (1) Pencapaian KPM siswa yang memperoleh PKG lebih baik daripada siswa yang memperoleh PE, (2) Pencapaian KKM siswa yang memperoleh PKG tidak lebih baik dari siswa yang memperoleh PE, (3) Peningkatan KPM dan KKM siswa yang memperoleh PKG tidak lebih baik dari siswa yang memperoleh PE, (4) Pencapaian KDM siswa yang memperoleh PKG tidak berbeda dengan siswa yang memperoleh PE.