Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Queers in the Classroom: The Role of Sexual Identity in the Academic Experiences of Gay Male Graduate Students

The experiences of three self-identified gay male graduate students were explored to understand the role that sexual orientation played within their academic lives. Through semi-structured interviews, the participants were able to share their experiences of being a gay male graduate students and the effects on their educational experience. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach. Three main themes emerged: a) choosing to disclose sexual identity within the academic setting; b) challenges encountered when interacting with classmates; and c) benefits of being a gay male graduate student. Findings suggest that managing and expressing one’s sexual identity are important processes that interact with several aspects of the life of gay male graduate students.
The Penn State - Toruń Centre for Astronomy Planet Search stars

Context. Our knowledge of the intrinsic parameters of exoplanets is as precise as our determinations of their stellar hosts parameters. In the case of radial velocity searches for planets, stellar masses appear to be crucial. But before estimating stellar masses properly, detailed spectroscopic analysis is essential. With this paper we conclude a general spectroscopic description of the Pennsylvania-Toruń Planet Search (PTPS) sample of stars. Aims. We aim at a detailed description of basic parameters of stars representing the complete PTPS sample. We present atmospheric and physical parameters for dwarf stars observed within the PTPS along with updated physical parameters for the remaining stars from this sample after the first Gaia data release. Methods. We used high resolution (R = 60 000) and high signal-to-noise-ratio (S/N = 150–250) spectra from the Hobby-Eberly Telescope and its High Resolution Spectrograph. Stellar atmospheric parameters were determined through a strictly spectroscopic local thermodynamic equilibrium analysis (LTE) of the equivalent widths of Fe I and Fe II lines. Stellar masses, ages, and luminosities were estimated through a Bayesian analysis of theoretical isochrones. Results. We present Teff, log g, [Fe/H], microturbulence velocities, absolute radial velocities, and rotational velocities for 156 stars from the dwarf sample of PTPS. For most of these stars these are the first determinations. We refine the definition of PTPS subsamples of stars (giants, subgiants, and dwarfs) and update the luminosity classes for all PTPS stars. Using available Gaia and HIPPARCOS parallaxes, we redetermine the stellar parameters (masses, radii, luminosities, and ages) for 451 PTPS stars. Conclusions. The complete PTPS sample of 885 stars is composed of 132 dwarfs, 238 subgiants, and 515 giants, of which the vast majority are of roughly solar mass; however, 114 have masses higher than 1.5 M⊙ and 30 of over 2 M⊙. The PTPS extends toward much less metal abundant and much more distant stars than other planet search projects aimed at detecting planets around evolved stars; 29% of our targets belong to the Galactic thick disc and 2% belong to the halo.
Participatory Planning, Justice, and Climate Change in Durban, South Africa

A changing climate seriously challenges our sociopolitical and economic systems. Elaborating on one possible element of a successful human response, this paper looks at how participatory governance is treated in the literatures on social justice and climate change. This paper applies the works of Habermas and Foucault, as well as recent work from the fields of urban and environmental planning, to clarify how the balance between structure, power, and agency influences attempts to address social inequality and climate change. Applying this general framework to a case study of Durban, South Africa, the paper then discusses the effectiveness of participatory structures in practice. This case study provides a productive space to study the intersection of social and environmental concerns. It also allows us to explore how interactions between formal and informal participation expose the limits both of confrontational (Foucauldian) and of consensus-based (Habermassian) approaches to governance. These limitations are instructive as we attempt to create cities that are both socially just and environmentally sustainable.
Is the Test Score Decline Responsible for the Productivity Growth Decline? Working Paper No. 87-05.

The test score decline between 1967 and 1980 was large (about 1.25 grade level equivalents) and historically unprecedented. New estimates of the trends in academic achievement, of the effect of academic achievement on productivity, and of trends in the quality of the work force are developed. The test score decline did not cause the post-1965 productivity growth slowdown, but it did contribute to its perpetuation. If test scores had continued to grow after 1967 at the rate prevailing in the previous quarter century, labor force quality would have been 2.9 percent ($86 billion) greater in 1987, 5.5 percent greater in 2000, and 6.7 percent greater in 2010. Copyright 1989 by American Economic Association.
MCMC-Based Inference in the Era of Big Data: A Fundamental Analysis of the Convergence Complexity of High-Dimensional Chains

Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) lies at the core of modern Bayesian methodology, much of which would be impossible without it. Thus, the convergence properties of MCMCs have received significant attention, and in particular, proving (geometric) ergodicity is of critical interest. Trust in the ability of MCMCs to sample from modern-day high-dimensional posteriors, however, has been limited by a widespread perception that these chains typically experience serious convergence problems. In this paper, we first demonstrate that contemporary methods for obtaining convergence rates have serious limitations when the dimension grows. We then propose a framework for rigorously establishing the convergence behavior of commonly used high-dimensional MCMCs. In particular, we demonstrate theoretically the precise nature and severity of the convergence problems of popular MCMCs when implemented in high dimensions, including phase transitions in the convergence rates in various $n$ and $p$ regimes, and a universality result across an entire spectrum of models. We also show that convergence problems effectively eliminate the apparent safeguard of geometric ergodicity. We then demonstrate theoretical principles by which MCMCs can be constructed and analyzed to yield bounded geometric convergence rates even as the dimension $p$ grows without bound. Additionally, we propose a diagnostic tool for establishing convergence.
The relation between economic and non-economic incentives to work and employment chances among the unemployed

In this study we address the relationship of self-reported reservation wages (RW) (the lowest offered income at which an unemployed persona will accept a job offer), the income replacement rate of unemployment benefit (IRUB) and psychosocial need for employment with job search intensity and reemployment probabilities among unemployed in Sweden in 1996-1997. The results indicate that the RWs reported by the group that we observe over time were relatively stable, but strongly related to IRUB and both the gender and age of the unemployed individuals. Interestingly, IRUB was related to search intensity, but not reemployment probabilities, while the RW was related to reemployment probabilities but not search intensity. These findings suggest that IRUB might be a poor proxy for RWs, in some situations at least. In sharp contrast, psychosocial incentives appeared to be related to both search intensity and reemployment probabilities, indicating a need for a richer understanding of search behaviour and unemployment durations. The data also indicate that the roles of search behaviour and incentives for reemployment probabilities may be exaggerated which, at least under the relatively depressed labour market conditions our data represented, appeared to be much more strongly related to human capital and demand for labour for our study population.
Aerodynamic and Thermal Characteristics of a Hot Jet in Parallel Flow

This paper presents an experimental investigation of the aerodynamic and thermal characteristics of a round jet of hot air, injected through a nozzle into a parallel air flow, simulating a hot streak. Experiments were performed by imposing the same total pressure, established by means of a five-hole probe, for the mainstream and the jet at nozzle exit. Time-averaged temperatures at different points over planes downstream of the nozzle exit section were measured by thermocouple rakes. Experimental data, presented in a non-dimensional form, provide a representation not correlated to individual maximum jet temperature and Reynolds number, in the respective fields of variation. The attenuation of the hot jet strength is reported as a function of the normalized axial coordinate for the various operating conditions considered. Results obtained for the hot jet discharged into a parallel flow are compared with data obtained for the hot jet spreading into stagnant air.
Novel transient cancellation control method for future generation of microprocessors

Future on-board low-voltage, high-current DC-DC voltage regulator module (VRM) requirements for a new generation of microprocessors are increasingly becoming stricter than ever as the demand for high dynamic performance and high power density converters with very small and limited output voltage deviation continues to increase. Future VRMs may have to be proactive instead of reactive so that they can respond before the upcoming large load transients. A new method to limit the VRM output voltage variation under large load transients is proposed. This method, known as transient cancellation control, is presented in this paper, as is how it reduces the output voltage overshoot/undershoot.
Comparison of outcome of unilateral plating and dual plating in treatment of bicondylar tibia plateau fractures

Introduction: Fractures of the proximal tibia, particularly those that extend into the knee joint are termed as tibial plateau or tibial condylar fractures. It results from indirect coronal or direct axial compressive forces. Overall worldwide, it comprises of 1% of all fractures & 8% of the fractures in elderly. In the past two decades, with improvements in surgical techniques and implants, there has been a growing trend towards surgical management of these injuries. Thus we have advanced from the conservative approach to internal fixation in fractures as an acceptable mode of treatment. No proven uniform successful method of treatment. Nevertheless, tibial plateau fractures remain challenging because of their number, variety and complexity. Aim: To study the surgical management in terms of unilateral and dual plating for bicondylar intraarticular fractures of proximal tibia to obtain a stable, pain free, mobile joint, to prevent the development of osteoarthritis and to correlate the radiological findings with the type of fracture and the functional end result. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study of 44 cases. All patients included in this study sustained tibial plateau fracture grade V and VI according to Schatzker Classification. We used Rasmussen’s functional and radiological scoring system for the comparison of outcome of plating. In the surgical group 20 patients were treated by unilateral plating and 24 patients were with dual plating. These patients were followed up for an average period of 13 months. Results and discussion: In our study according to Rasmussens functional scoring, we have achieved excellent outcome in 43%, good in 50%, fair in 7%, which is comparable to the standard studies. These studies suggest that while isolated lateral locked plating may offer a more biological approach to bicondylar fractures, and may provide a viable alternative for open fractures with a medial wound or fractures with tenous soft tissues, classical dual plating remains the most rigid construct. Conclusion: The surgical management of tibial bicoondylar fracture is challenging and dual plating gives excellent anatomical reduction and rigid fixation to restore articular congruity, facilitate early knee motion by reducing post-traumatic osteoarthritis and thus achieving optimal knee function.
Challenges of Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Education and Technology Transfer in a Fast Developing Industry

Abstract. During the past decade, Taiwan has experienced an unusual and fast growing in the industry of mapping, remote sensing, spatial information and related markets. A successful space program and dozens of advanced airborne and ground-based remote sensing instruments as well as mobile mapping systems have been implemented and put into operation to support the vast demands of geospatial data acquisition. Moreover, in addition to the government agencies and research institutes, there are also tens of companies in the private sector providing geo-spatial data and services. However, the fast developing industry is also posing a great challenge to the education sector in Taiwan, especially the higher education for geo-spatial information. Facing this fast developing industry, the demands of skilled professionals and new technologies in order to address diversified needs are indubitably high. Consequently, while delighting in the expanding and prospering benefitted from the fast growing industry, how to fulfill these demands has become a challenge for the remote sensing and spatial information disciplines in the higher education institutes in Taiwan. This paper provides a brief insight into the status of the remote sensing and spatial information industry in Taiwan as well as the challenges of the education and technology transfer to support the increasing demands and to ensure the continuous development of the industry. In addition to the report of the current status of the remote sensing and spatial information related courses and programs in the colleges and universities, current and potential threatening issues and possible resolutions are also discussed in different points of view.
Maternal Inflammatory Response in Severe Preeclamptic and Preeclamptic Pregnancies

Background: The aim of this study was to use serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, CD40L and HSCRP as an in vitro inflammatory stimulus in order to profile the inflammatory response of whole blood from pregnant women with preeclampsia and severe preeclampsia, and to determine whether this functional response fits with imbalance. Methods: The preeclampsia group (n = 27) and severe preeclampsia group (n = 21) were generated by matching the diagnostic criteria of the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy (ISSHP). Control group (n = 21) was matched for gestational stage, maternal age, and parity. The panel of cytokines analyzed included interleukin IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, HSCRP, CD40L for all groups. Results: There were statistically high values of IL-6 (P < 0.003) and TNF-α (P < 0.003) at preeclampsia group versus control group, the significantly high values of IL-6 (P < 0.001) and IL-1β (P < 0.005) was found at the severe preeclampsia group versus control group. There were no significant difference between the groups of preeclampsia and severe preeclampsia for IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, CD40L and HSCRP. Conclusion: Increasing gestational age in normal pregnancy features an increased inflammatory responsiveness, which is potentially a preparatory mechanism for maternal sensitivity to the fetal triggers of labour. This increase in response is mirrored by women with preeclampsia, highlighting the importance of stratifying patients according to the timing the onset of disease given their inherent differences in inflammatory function. It is important to know determinative factors for changing preeclampsia to severe preeclampsia. Increased level of IL-6 and TNF-α may play on the role of triggering factors for preeclampsia and severe preeclampsia. So it must be studied to be determining cut off value of these parameters. doi:10.4021/jcgo44w
CMB hemispherical asymmetry from non-linear isocurvature perturbations

We investigate whether non-adiabatic perturbations from inflation could produce an asymmetric distribution of temperature anisotropies on large angular scales in the cosmic microwave background (CMB). We use a generalised non-linear δ N formalism to calculate the non-Gaussianity of the primordial density and isocurvature perturbations due to the presence of non-adiabatic, but approximately scale-invariant field fluctuations during multi-field inflation. This local-type non-Gaussianity leads to a correlation between very long wavelength inhomogeneities, larger than our observable horizon, and smaller scale fluctuations in the radiation and matter density. Matter isocurvature perturbations contribute primarily to low CMB multipoles and hence can lead to a hemispherical asymmetry on large angular scales, with negligible asymmetry on smaller scales. In curvaton models, where the matter isocurvature perturbation is partly correlated with the primordial density perturbation, we are unable to obtain a significant asymmetry on large angular scales while respecting current observational constraints on the observed quadrupole. However in the axion model, where the matter isocurvature and primordial density perturbations are uncorrelated, we find it may be possible to obtain a significant asymmetry due to isocurvature modes on large angular scales. Such an isocurvature origin for the hemispherical asymmetry would naturally give rise to a distinctive asymmetry in the CMB polarisation on large scales.
Black Holes and Neutron Stars in Nearby Galaxies: Insights from NuSTAR

Nearby galaxy surveys have long classified X-ray binaries (XRBs) by the mass category of their donor stars (high-mass and low-mass). The NuSTAR observatory, which provides imaging data at E > 10 keV, has enabled the classification of extragalactic XRBs by their compact object type: neutron star (NS) or black hole (BH). We analyzed NuSTAR/Chandra/XMM-Newton observations from a NuSTAR-selected sample of 12 galaxies within 5 Mpc having stellar masses (M⋆) 107–11M⊙ and star formation rates (SFRs) ≈ 0.01–15 M⊙ yr−1. We detected 128 NuSTAR sources to a sensitivity of ≈1038 erg s−1. Using NuSTAR color-intensity and color–color diagrams we classified 43 of these sources as candidate NSs and 47 as candidate BHs. We further subdivide BHs by accretion states (soft, intermediate, and hard) and NSs by weak (Z/Atoll) and strong (accreting pulsar) magnetic field. Using eight normal (Milky Way-type) galaxies in the sample, we confirm the relation between the SFR and galaxy X-ray point source luminosity in the 4–25 and 12–25 keV energy bands. We also constrained galaxy X-ray point source luminosity using the relation LX = α M⋆ + βSFR, finding agreement with previous work. The X-ray luminosity function (XLF) of all sources in the 4–25 and 12–25 keV energy bands matches the α = 1.6 slope for high-mass XRBs. We find that NS XLFs suggest a decline beginning at the Eddington limit for a 1.4 M⊙ NS, whereas the BH fraction shows an approximate monotonic increase in the 4–25 and 12–25 keV energy bands. We calculate the overall ratio of BH to NS to be ≈1 for 4–25 keV and ≈2 for 12–25 keV.
The effect of integration, global value chains and international trade on economic growth and food security in ECOWAS

Abstract This study analyzes the potential of regional integration through the advantage of global value chains in accelerating economic growth and achieving food security. This study examines whether countries must develop strategies to raise international trade or adopt policies to reinforce regional trade. The study estimates two models with panel fixed effects. The findings support that regional integration needs to strengthen and better promoted to stimulate the potential of each country to move from discontinuous to sustained growth. International trade is not the better solution for ECOWAS countries to boost economic growth.
Do We Tweet Differently From Our Mobile Devices? A Study of Language Differences on Mobile and Web‐Based Twitter Platforms

Using Twitter as a case study, this article hypothesizes that social media content that is produced on mobile versus web platforms may be qualitatively different. As we increasingly tweet from our smartphones, we may be encouraged to “report” on our immediate thoughts, feelings, physical self, and surroundings. This article seeks to understand whether these presentations of self tend to be more egocentric, negative/positive, gendered, or communal depending on whether they were tweeted from mobile devices or web platforms. Using 6 weeks of Twitter data collected in 2013, we found evidence that users tweet differently from mobile devices and that mobile tweeting is informing new behaviors, attitudes, and linguistic styles online.
The Impact of Internal Organization Factors on the Adoption of E-commerce and its Effect on Organizational Performance among Palestinian Small and Medium Enterprise

Electronic Commerce (EC) can without a doubt help firms reduce cost, enhance efficiency, and expand their market reach. However, small and medium sized enterprises in Palestine are slow in adopting EC. As a result, it became important to analyse the situation and determine the factors affecting the implementation process. Numerous firms encounter hurdles during the EC dispersion process, thus, failing to gain any benefits from EC adoption. The paper aims to determine the technological, organizational, and information culture factors that have an impact on EC adoption process, and how EC adoption in turn affects the organization's performance. A quantitative research technique using the survey method will be used in this research. The technology-organization-environment-framework known as TOE framework is the base upon which the paper proposed an integrated model to study the effects of factors from the technological, organizational, and informational culture points of view during the EC process adoption. Information culture factors have gained more focus; as they have hardly been examined by previous literature regarding their influence on EC adoption. For the specific objective of this study, Palestine has been chosen to examine how information culture factors influence EC adoption during the diffusion process, not only providing practical guidelines for enterprises engaging in EC adoption, but also providing academics an insight on the EC adoption process perspective, particularly during diffusion of EC.
Prevalence of Escherichia coli in Fish and Shrimps obtained from Retail Fish Markets in & around Kolkata, India

The work was aimed to study prevalence of Escherichia coli contamination in fish and shrimp sold in retail markets at Kolkata, India in different seasons. E. coli was identified by standard microbiological, biochemical tests, and further confirmed by 16S rRNA PCR.The faecal coliform loads in fish and shrimp samples were assessed. The bacterium was detected in 138(80.70%) samples out of 171 numbers of samples collected from different retail fish market in and around Kolkata. E. coli was detected in fish (65%) and shrimps (85%). E. coli had increased remarkably in summer months than winter.