Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ideal self and ought-to self of simultaneous learners of multiple foreign languages

ABSTRACT This study explores the motivation of five university students who simultaneously studied L2 English and additional L3s (Chinese, Japanese and Korean) in a language specialist major in a Thai university. It aims to start filling the gap in research on the motivation of multiple language learners across their different languages. The findings show that while English did threaten some learners’ motivation to study other foreign languages (FLs), it also encouraged them to study other FLs. Learners of multiple FLs developed unique motivational systems in which the interrelationships of multiple motivations were dynamic and complex. Students’ motivation to study other FLs was mainly generated by the immediate need and the imagined future use of that particular language.
Analysis of Induced Travel in the 1995 NPTS

In this paper we estimate the relationship between road capacity and vehicle miles of travel (VMT) from a sample of 12,000 respondents from 48 urban areas in the 1995 Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey (NPTS). Our approach seeks to account for the effects of residential location, employment location, and commute mode choice in estimating the effect of capacity on VMT. VMT is found to be directly related to road capacity, as well as indirectly related through the influence of road capacity on residential and work place densities. Introduction Induced travel responses to changes in road capacity have been recognized by transportation planners and economists since the first applications of cost-benefit analysis to road projects in the 1930s (Prest and Turvey, 1965). However, interest in determining the magnitude of induced travel responses has grown in recent years in response to policy concerns about the links between highway construction, air quality and urban development patterns, and the desire to ensure efficient resource allocation through more detailed evaluation of highway projects. It has also been suggested that induced travel responses have become more substantial as a result of worsening traffic congestion (Hansen, 1998). Efforts to estimate induced travel effects of road capacity expansions are complicated by the need to distinguish capacity-related effects from a variety of other determinants (Dunphy, 1998). In addition to capacity-related changes, the growth in vehicle miles of travel (VMT) over time can be attributed to changes in household demographics and economic status as well as
Empirical Bayes fitting of semiparametric random effects models to large data sets

For large data sets, it can be difficult or impossible to fit models with random effects using standard algorithms due to convergence or memory problems. In addition, it would be advantageous to use the abundant information to relax assumptions, such as normality of random effects. Motivated by maternal smoking and childhood growth data from the Collaborative Perinatal Project (CPP), we propose a two-stage clustering procedure for large longitudinal data sets. In the first stage, we use a multivariate clustering method to identify G << N groups of subjects whose data have no scientifically important differences, as defined by subject matter experts. Then, in Stage 2, group-specific random effects are assumed to come from an unknown distribution, which is assigned a Dirichlet process prior (DPP), further clustering the groups from Stage 1. Using simulation studies, we demonstrate that both the clusters and population means generated by our method are accurate. In some cases, our method performs as well as Dirichlet process mixture models fit to N subjects and can decrease computation time by days. In applying the approach to the CPP data, we provide the first random effects analysis of the smoking data. We find evidence that current and past maternal smoking is associated with a lower birth weight and a higher rate of childhood growth. We also find heterogeneity in the smoking effect across the study population.
Online Mechanisms for Charging Electric Vehicles in Settings with Varying Marginal Electricity Costs

We propose new mechanisms that can be used by a demand response aggregator to flexibly shift the charging of electric vehicles (EVs) to times where cheap but intermittent renewable energy is in high supply. Here, it is important to consider the constraints and preferences of EV owners, while eliminating the scope for strategic behaviour. To achieve this, we propose, for the first time, a generic class of incentive mechanisms for settings with both varying marginal electricity costs and multi-dimensional preferences. We show these are dominant strategy incentive compatible, i.e., EV owners are incentivised to report their constraints and preferences truthfully. We also detail a specific instance of this class, show that it achieves ≈ 98% of the optimal in realistic scenarios and demonstrate how it can be adapted to trade off efficiency with profit.
PARP inhibition sensitizes childhood high grade glioma, medulloblastoma and ependymoma to radiation

Poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) is a protein involved in single strand break repair. Recently, PARP inhibitors have shown considerable promise in the treatment of several cancers, both in monotherapy and in combination with cytotoxic agents. Synthetic lethal action of PARP inhibitors has been observed in tumors with mutations in double strand break repair pathways. In addition, PARP inhibition potentially enhances sensitivity of tumor cells to DNA damaging agents, including radiotherapy. Aim of this study is to determine the radiosensitizing properties of the PARP inhibitor Olaparib in childhood medulloblastoma, ependymoma and high grade glioma (HGG). Increased PARP1 expression was observed in medulloblastoma, ependymoma and HGG, as compared to non-neoplastic brain tissue. Pediatric high grade glioma, medulloblastoma and ependymoma gene expression profiling revealed that high PARP1 expression is associated with poor prognosis. Cell growth inhibition assays with Olaparib resulted in differential sensitivity, with IC50 values ranging from 1.4 to 8.4 μM, irrespective of tumor type and PARP1 protein expression. Sensitization to radiation was observed in medulloblastoma, ependymoma and HGG cell lines with subcytotoxic concentrations of Olaparib, which coincided with persistence of double strand breaks. Combining PARP inhibitors with radiotherapy in clinical studies in childhood high grade brain tumors may improve therapeutic outcome.
PENGARUH KEMUDAHAN DAN KEMANFAATAN PENGGUNAAN TEKNOLOGI INFORMASI TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN (Studi pada Karyawan Kantor Pusat Universitas Brawijaya)

This study aimed to determine the effect of information systems used in the university is able to improve employee performance . The kind of research this is explanatory research with the quantitative approach. Sample in this research was employee central office brawijaya university which consisted of 50 respondents. The technique sample used saturated samples . Descriptive analysis and path analysis are use to analyze research hypothesis. Hypothesis in this research: first eas e of use IT take effect significant to use , the second hypothesis is usefulness of IT take effect significant to use, the third hypothesis use take effect significant to employee performance, the fourth hypothesis ease of use IT take effect significant to employee performance, the five hypothesis usefulness of IT take effect significant to employee performance . The result of the study showed that all hypothesis that proposed acceptable. Keywords: Ease of Use Information Technology, Usefulness of Information Technology, Use, Employee Performance ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh sistem informasi digunakan dalam universitas mampu meningkatkan kinerja karyawan. Jenis penelitian ini adalah explanatory research dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah Karyawan Kantor Pusat Universitas Brawijaya yang berjumlah 50 responden. Teknik pengambilan sampel yang digunakan adalah sampel jenuh. Analisis deskriptif dan analisis path digunakan untuk menganalisis hipotesis penelitian. Hipotesis dalam penelitian ini yaitu: pertama, kemudahan penggunaan TI berpengaruh signifikan terhadap use , hipotesis yang kedua adalah kemanfaatan penggunaan TI berpengaruh signifikan terhadap use , hipotesis yang ketiga use berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan, hipotesis yang keempat adalah kemudahan penggunaan TI berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan, hipotesis yang kelima adalah kemanfaatan penggunaan TI berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa semua hipotesis yang diusulkan dapat diterima. Kata kunci : Kemudahan Penggunaan TI, Kemanfaatan Penggunaan TI, Use, Kinerja Karyawan
Combining Estimates in Regression and Classification

Abstract We consider the problem of how to combine a collection of general regression fit vectors to obtain a better predictive model. The individual fits may be from subset linear regression, ridge regression, or something more complex like a neural network. We develop a general framework for this problem and examine a cross-validation—based proposal called “model mix” or “stacking” in this context. We also derive combination methods based on the bootstrap and analytic methods and compare them in examples. Finally, we apply these ideas to classification problems where the estimated combination weights can yield insight into the structure of the problem.
The relationship between student core self-evaluations, support for school, and the work–school interface

ABSTRACT More students than ever before are combining the experience of higher education with paid employment, but relatively little research has been done exploring how students manage these roles. In the current study, we explored the association between personality (i.e. core self-evaluations) and support, both specific to the school context. The relationship between support for school and both work–school conflict (WSC) and work-school enrichment (WSE) were also studied, and in turn, associated outcomes (i.e. grade point average, job satisfaction, general psychological health, and school burnout) of inter-role conflict and enrichment. In a two-wave study of 291 employed college students, we found that individuals high in school-specific core self-evaluations perceived greater organizational support and family support for school, which was associated with decreased WSC and increased WSE (through organizational support). In turn, WSC was related to lower general psychological health and higher school burnout whereas WSE was related to higher job satisfaction. These findings are consistent with theories of personality and stress, conservation of resources theory, and organizational support theory, and suggest that both organizations and universities have a role to play in helping students manage ‘learner’ and ‘earner’ roles.
Second-order achromat design based on FODO cell

Two dipole doglegs are widely used to translate the beam axis horizontally or vertically. Quadrupoles are placed between the two consecutive dipoles to match first order dispersion and provide betatron focusing. Similarly a four dipole chicane is usually employed to form a bypass region, where the beam axis is transversely shifted first, then translated back to the original axis. In order to generate an isochronous section, quadrupoles are again needed to tune the first order transfer matrix element R{sub 56} equaling zero. Usually sextupoles are needed to correct second order dispersion in the bending plane, for both the dogleg optics and the chicane (with quad) optics. In this paper, an alternative optics design is introduced, which is based on a simple FODO cell and does not need sextupoles assistance to form a second-order achromat. It may provide a similar function of either a dogleg or a bypass, by using 2 or 4 of such combined supercells.
Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Activity Is Correlated with Colorectal Cancer Prognosis

Background Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (EC 3.4.14.5) (DPPIV) is a serine peptidase involved in cell differentiation, adhesion, immune modulation and apoptosis, functions that control neoplastic transformation. Previous studies have demonstrated altered expression and activity of tissue and circulating DPPIV in several cancers and proposed its potential usefulness for early diagnosis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods and principal findings The activity and mRNA and protein expression of DPPIV was prospectively analyzed in adenocarcinomas, adenomas, uninvolved colorectal mucosa and plasma from 116 CRC patients by fluorimetric, quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemical methods. Results were correlated with the most important classic pathological data related to aggressiveness and with 5-year survival rates. Results showed that: 1) mRNA levels and activity of DPPIV increased in colorectal neoplasms (Kruskal-Wallis test, p<0.01); 2) Both adenomas and CRCs displayed positive cytoplasmic immunostaining with luminal membrane reinforcement; 3) Plasmatic DPPIV activity was lower in CRC patients than in healthy subjects (Mann-U test, p<0.01); 4) Plasmatic DPPIV activity was associated with worse overall and disease-free survivals (log-rank p<0.01, Cox analysis p<0.01). Conclusion/significance 1) Up-regulation of DPPIV in colorectal tumors suggests a role for this enzyme in the neoplastic transformation of colorectal tissues. This finding opens the possibility for new therapeutic targets in these patients. 2) Plasmatic DPPIV is an independent prognostic factor in survival of CRC patients. The determination of DPPIV activity levels in the plasma may be a safe, minimally invasive and inexpensive way to define the aggressiveness of CRC in daily practice.
Bringing science to life: A synthesis of the research evidence on the effects of context‐based and STS approaches to science teaching

Context-based and science–technology–society (STS) approaches to teaching science in high school have become widely used over the past two decades. They aspire to foster more positive attitudes to science while, at the same time, provide a sound basis of scientific understanding for further study. This paper reviews the detailed research evidence from 17 experimental studies undertaken in eight different countries on the effects of context-based and STS approaches, drawing on the findings of two systematic reviews of the research literature. The review findings indicate that context-based/STS approaches result in improvement in attitudes to science and that the understanding of scientific ideas developed is comparable to that of conventional approaches. The approaches also result in more positive attitudes to science in both girls and boys and reduce the gender differences in attitudes. The paper also considers issues emerging from work in the area in relation to study design and the constraints which may militate against the use of experimental research designs when gathering evidence of impact of interventions. A fundamental constraint is the extent to which it is possible to make comparisons between existing methods and interventions when the aims are overlapping but also differ in significant ways. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed91:347–370, 2007
Don’t Throw Out Paper And Pens Yet: On The Reading Habits Of Students

This paper focuses on students’ reading habits — whether traditional reading habits (print books) or modern reading habits (using a computer screen). We review the changes in students’ reading habits over time, as part of other global changes, and explore whether corresponding digital pedagogies have evolved to address these changes. We examine generation Y students’ motivations and study habits, a generation that shows indications of changes in its academic values and priorities, and cracks in its research skills for a global world. We focus on a case study of the reading habits of students in one academic institution and discuss the implications of the findings for academic teaching and the academia’s traditional role of training researchers.
The notion of presence in virtual learning environments: what makes the environment "real"

To know where they are in the environment, humans rely on their senses for information. If the environment is artificially generated then it raises the question as to what information is needed to allow humans to know their location in the environment and have a more tacit feeling of presence within it. This paper looks at the role of Virtual Environments as conceptual learning tools in Science and the notion of "Presence" within these types of environments. Presence in this context is based on the stream of sensory input, organized by our perceiving systems, and out of which emerges our sense of being in and of the world. This feeling is also engendered by our ability to affect the world through touch, gesture, voice etc. These are very private actions and to research this we conducted interviews with competent computer users about their feelings of "presence" when using virtual environments. One of the main findings has been that audio feedback is perceived to be one of the most important features that engender a sense of presence. We have also found that ease of navigation around the environment affects perceptions of presence and this is reflected to some extent with users' personal experience.
On the scope of end-to-end probing methods

A generic sample path based analysis of a multiple hop model of a network route carrying probe traffic and cross traffic is given. It provides a unifying context for active and passive end-to-end measurement techniques, and a framework to enhance existing and to generate new estimation methods. Novel aspects include focusing on delay variation and allowing general probe stream definitions. All multihop queueing effects acting on probes are identified and four canonical measurable signatures are defined and illustrated using simulation and real measurements.
Organizational Creativity in Japanese National Research Institutions

The effects of environmental or individual internal factors on organizational creativity are well documented, but the mediating mechanisms of intrinsic motivation that explain the linkages between such effects remain unclear. Questionnaires completed by scientists at Japanese national research institutions were statistically analyzed by using structural equation modeling for teams (n = 65) and individuals (n = 420), and the results showed that the two variables associated with intrinsic motivation mediated the work environment and creative performance at both the individual and team levels. In revealing the similarities and differences between the team and individual measurements, the results showed that the psychological aspects of intrinsic motivation (job satisfaction), supervision, and communication are relatively significant for teams and that the behavioral aspects of intrinsic motivation (research activity), communication, and involvement are key for individuals. Furthermore, both levels of analysis showed that “Western-style” meetings are detractors for intrinsic motivation. The implications for organizational creativity theory and research management are ultimately discussed.
Marginal microleakage of cervical composite resin restorations bonded using etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesives: two dimensional vs. three dimensional methods

Objectives This study was evaluated the marginal microleakage of two different adhesive systems before and after aging with two different dye penetration techniques. Materials and Methods Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal and lingual surfaces of 48 human molars. Clearfil SE Bond and Single Bond (self-etching and etch-and-rinse systems, respectively) were applied, each to half of the prepared cavities, which were restored with composite resin. Half of the specimens in each group underwent 10,000 cycles of thermocycling. Microleakage was evaluated using two dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D) dye penetration techniques separately for each half of each specimen. Data were analyzed with SPSS 11.5 (SPSS Inc.), using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (α = 0.05). Results The difference between the 2D and 3D microleakage evaluation techniques was significant at the occlusal margins of Single bond groups (p = 0.002). The differences between 2D and 3D microleakage evaluation techniques were significant at both the occlusal and cervical margins of Clearfil SE Bond groups (p = 0.017 and p = 0.002, respectively). The difference between the 2D and 3D techniques was significant at the occlusal margins of non-aged groups (p = 0.003). The difference between these two techniques was significant at the occlusal margins of the aged groups (p = 0.001). The Mann-Whitney test showed significant differences between the two techniques only at the occlusal margins in all specimens. Conclusions Under the limitations of the present study, it can be concluded that the 3D technique has the capacity to detect occlusal microleakage more precisely than the 2D technique.
The multi‐tasking paradox: perceptions, problems and strategies

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to describe multi‐tasking behaviour in the workplace; to link its cause to the increasing prevalence of low‐cost information and communications technologies and to the changing organizational structures that have evolved to meet the demands and opportunities of these technologies.Design/methodology/approach – This article is a presentation of the current literature on multi‐tasking behaviour among knowledge workers with a selective bibliography addressing empirical research into the behavioural, managerial and technological aspects of this phenomenon. It then expands to comprehensive coverage of the literature on past and current thinking about task structuring, strategies for coping in a multi‐tasking environment and the changing nature of work and organizations, which fuels the need to multi‐task in response to these changes.Findings – Among knowledge workers, multi‐tasking behaviour appears to be an inevitable consequence of the presence of increasingly easy acc.
Altered serotonin synthesis in the dentatothalamocortical pathway in autistic boys

Based on reports of increased platelet serotonin in 30 to 50% of autistic subjects, abnormal serotonergic neurotransmission may be important in the pathogenesis of autism. However, serotonin metabolite measurements in cerebrospinal fluid of autistic subjects have failed to demonstrate consistent abnormalities. Using α‐[11C]methyl‐L−tryptophan as a tracer for serotonin synthesis with positron emission tomography, we now report unilateral alterations of serotonin synthesis in the dentatothalamocortical pathway in autistic boys. Asymmetries of serotonin synthesis were found in frontal cortex, thalamus, and dentate nucleus of the cerebellum in all 7 boys, but not in the 1 autistic girl studied. Decreased serotonin synthesis was found in the left frontal cortex and thalamus in 5 of the 7 boys and in the right frontal cortex and thalamus in the 2 remaining autistic boys. In all 7 cases, elevated serotonin synthesis in the contralateral dentate nucleus was observed. Statistically significant differences between autistic boys and their nonautistic siblings (n = 5) were obtained when comparing asymmetry indices for frontal cortex, thalamus, and dentate nucleus combined as well as individually for frontal cortex and thalamus. These serotonergic abnormalities in a brain pathway, important for language production and sensory integration, may represent one mechanism underlying the pathophysiology of autism.