Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Constraints on Galileon-induced precessions from solar system orbital motions

We use latest data from solar system planetary orbital motions to put con- straints on some Galileon-induced precessional effects. Due to the Vainshtein mechanism, the Galileon-type spherically symmetric field of a monopole induces a small, screened correc- tion / p r to the r −1 Newtonian potential which causes a secular precession of the pericenter of a test particle. In the case of our solar system, latest data from Mars allow to constrain the magnitude of such an interaction down to � � 0:3 level, wherecorresponds to the non minimal coupling of the Galileon to matter. Another Galileon-type effect which might impact solar system dynamics is due to an unscreened constant gradient induced by the peculiar mo- tion of the Galaxy. The magnitude of such an effect, depending on the different gravitational binding energies of the Sun and the planets, taken into account by �, is � � 0:004 from the latest bounds on the supplementary perihelion precession of Saturn.
The imprint of inhomogeneous He ii reionization on the H i and He ii Lyα forest

We use a set of AMR hydrodynamic simulations post-processed with the radiative-transfer code RADAMESH to study how inhomogeneous HeII reionization affects the intergalactic medium (IGM). We propagate radiation from active galactic nuclei (AGNs) considering two scenarios for the time evolution of the ionizing sources. We find that HeII reionization takes place in a very inhomogeneous fashion, through the production of well separated bubbles of the ionized phase that subsequently percolate. Overall, the reionization process is extended in time and lasts for a redshift interval Delta z>1. At fixed gas density, the temperature distribution is bimodal during the early phases of HeII reionization and cannot be described by a simple effective equation of state. When HeII reionization is complete, the IGM is characterized by a polytropic equation of state with index gamma~1.20. This relation is appreciably flatter than at the onset of the reionization process (gamma=1.56) and also presents a much wider dispersion around the mean. We extract HI and HeII Ly-alpha absorption spectra from the simulations and fit Voigt profiles to them. We find that the regions where helium is doubly ionized are characterized by different probability density functions of the curvature and of the Doppler b parameters of the HI Ly-alpha forest as a consequence of the bimodal temperature distribution during the early phases of HeII reionization. The column-density ratio in HeII and HI shows a strong spatial variability. Its probability density function rapidly evolves with time reflecting the increasing volume fraction in which ionizing radiation is harder due to the AGN contribution. Finally we show that the number density of the flux-transmission windows per unit redshift and the mean size of the dark gaps in the HeII spectra have the potential to distinguish between different reionization scenarios. (abridged)
Discovery of very high energy γ-ray emission from the blazar 1ES 0033+595 by the MAGIC telescopes

The number of known very high energy (VHE) blazars is ∼50, which is very small in comparison to the number of blazars detected in other frequencies. This situation is a handicap for population studies of blazars, which emit about half of their luminosity in the gamma-ray domain. Moreover, VHE blazars, if distant, allow for the study of the environment that the high-energy gamma-rays traverse in their path towards the Earth, like the extragalactic background light (EBL) and the intergalactic magnetic field (IGMF), and hence they have a special interest for the astrophysics community. We present the first VHE detection of 1ES 0033+595 with a statistical significance of 5.5 sigma. The VHE emission of this object is constant throughout the MAGIC observations (2009 August and October), and can be parameterized with a power law with an integral flux above 150 GeV of (7.1+-1.3)x10^(−12) ph cm^(−2) s^(−1) and a photon index of (3.8+-0.7). We model its spectral energy distribution (SED) as the result of inverse Compton scattering of synchrotron photons. For the study of the SED we used simultaneous optical R-band data from the KVA telescope, archival X-ray data by Swift as well as INTEGRAL, and simultaneous high energy (HE, 300 MeV - 10 GeV) gamma-ray data from the Fermi LAT observatory. Using the empirical approach of Prandini et al. (2010) and the Fermi-LAT and MAGIC spectra for this object, we estimate the redshift of this source to be 0.34+-0.08+-0.05. This is a relevant result because this source is possibly one of the ten most distant VHE blazars known to date, and with further (simultaneous) observations could play an important role in blazar population studies, as well as future constraints on the EBL and IGMF.
Two Gestalts for Mathematics: Logical vs Computational

Many educators have campaigned to increase mathematical content in the curriculum guide- lines for Information Systems. Unfortunately, mathematical concepts are often presented in a manner that conflicts with the general mental framework, or gestalt, of most IS students. But fortunately there is more than one gestalt in mathematics. This paper attempts to characterize and measure two gestalts for mathematics--one based on proving theorems and the other based on solving problems. Our methodology assumes that words used frequently in a text- book indicate the gestalt of the author. By comparing word frequencies in various mathemat- ics books, we developed Logical Math and Computational Math scales for measuring, respec- tively, the theorem-proving and problem-solving gestalts of the authors. We examine the con- cepts that form the core of each scale, and highlight the areas of mathematics that score high on each scale. Our findings have relevance in the development of approaches for teaching ma- thematical topics in computing courses.
Measuring and Supporting Pre-Service Teachers' Self-Efficacy towards Computers, Teaching, and Technology Integration

This paper reports on two studies designed to examine pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs. Study I investigated the measurement properties of a self-efficacy beliefs questionnaire comprising scales for computer self-efficacy, teacher self-efficacy, and self-efficacy towards technology integration. In Study I, 200 pre-service teachers completed the self-efficacy questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analyses resulted in a modified measurement model consisting of the three hypothesized self-efficacy scales. Study II reports on an intervention to clarify the effects of digital video composition experiences on these same three self-efficacy variables. Participants were 22 pre-service teachers and 16 adult education students enrolled in a Finnish univeristy education course. Data comprised pre-and post-measures of self-efficacy with the instrument validated in Study I. The results showed, in particular, a significant increase in pre-service teachers’ beliefs in all three aspects of self-efficacy. Provision of hands-on engagement with technologies appears to be an effective way to enhance pre-service teachers’ confidence in using technology in their teaching.
On rate compatible insertion convolutional turbo codes and HARQ for mobile communications

Rate-compatible Turbo codes are part of many mobile communication systems as, e.g., LTE. The code rate of a fixed-rate mother Turbo code is adapted by bit puncturing and bit repetition. While bit puncturing allows to flexibly increase the effective code rate by discarding a certain number of encoded bits, bit repetition facilitates lower effective code rates by duplicating a distinct number of encoded bits prior to transmission. The first part of this thesis deals with dummy bit insertion, which is a high potential alternative to bit repetition. Lower code rates can be constructed by inserting known (dummy) bits into the information bit sequence before Turbo coding (referred to as Rate-Compatible Insertion Convolutional (RCIC) Turbo coding). Besides an improved frame error rate performance, a considerable convergence speedup is realized for LTE. These observations are also confirmed by means of their EXIT charts, which have been derived from the EXIT chart of the mother Turbo code using information theoretic models. Similar derivations are also given for Turbo coding with bit puncturing and bit repetition. In all cases, the obtained expressions result in novel semi-analytical rate matching procedures, which determine analytically the optimal code rate required for (nearly) error-free decoding at a specific target channel quality. A successful application of dummy bit insertion to Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) codes is also provided in this part. The second part of the thesis focuses on Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ). At first, a novel HARQ scheme for LTE based on bit puncturing and dummy bit insertion is proposed. Evaluations of the system throughput have proven that the novel system surpasses the standardized LTE HARQ system in a wide range of channel conditions. Then, HARQ with unreliable feedback is studied. Based on a general feedback channel model, analytical expressions for the overall system throughput are derived in dependence of the feedback error probabilities and the frame error rates of the HARQ system with reliable feedback. Extensive timeconsuming simulations of the HARQ system with unreliable feedback can, thus, be avoided. Finally, Header bit Assisted Channel Decoding (HACD) is addressed. Upper bounds on the expected gains are determined analytically based on the EXIT chart analysis presented in the first part of this thesis.
Information literacy skills in the workplace: Examining early career advertising professionals

ABSTRACT This study used content analysis to examine job postings from advertising agencies to find how often information literacy (IL) skills were seen in the job posts and how these skills manifest themselves. Five out of the six IL skills were seen in at least 41% of the job postings, however the skill of synthesizing information was rarely mentioned. It was also found evaluating data and using data software is performed by advertisers. This study concludes with asking librarians to introduce marketing students to more data and calls on librarians to consider the context in which IL skills are used.
Fate, eco-toxicological characteristics, and treatment processes applied to water polluted with glyphosate: A critical review

Abstract Glyphosate is the most widely used active ingredient of Glyphosate Based Herbicides (GBHs), and which has environmental mobility towards water by its physicochemical characteristics. These properties determine its low availability in living organisms (log Kow < 0), which is increased by the presence of co-adjuvant activators in GBHs and its biodegradation (metabolites). Eco-toxicological studies have determined that glyphosate affects to several aquatic trophic-levels (freshwater/marine environments), being more toxics GBHs. Therefore, its potential environmental risk has promoted the development of conventional (biological and physicochemical) and non-conventional (Advanced-Oxidation-Processes or AOPs, combined processes) treatment strategies. Biological processes will generate incomplete degradation (metabolites generation), and variable removal efficiencies (25–99%). Physicochemical processes will be efficient (approx. 90%) but transferring the glyphosate from water to the adsorbent material (dangerous waste generation). Currently, AOPs will arise as a rapid (minutes) and effective alternative for glyphosate removal (>90%), depending on operational conditions, and without generation of intermediate metabolites. Moreover, new strategies (electrochemical) will avoid the hazardous waste production. Other combined processes (biological + physicochemical) will also reach glyphosate efficiencies removal above 90% but needing large spaces. However, their physical characteristics would make them feasible to be applied in agricultural areas.
Digital literacy skills possessed by students of UNN, implications for effective learning and performance

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify the digital literacy skills possessed by the students of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the extent to which they use these digital literacy skills in their academic works. Design/methodology/approach Descriptive survey was adopted for the study, and the population consists of registered students that use the mobile telephone network (MTN) digital library, out of which 10 per cent of the population (281) was sampled for the study. A structured questionnaire was the instrument for data collection. The questionnaire was randomly administered on the respondents who come to use the MTN digital library with particular attention to the different levels of the students. The questionnaire distribution lasted for a week; 281 copies of questionnaire were distributed, out which 184 (65 per cent) responded. Findings The study showed that some of the students possess digital literacy skills; they use these digital literacy skills daily. Majority of the respondents indicated that digital literacy has affected their academic performance to a high extent. The major challenges of acquiring digital literacy skills include electricity failure, low internet bandwidth, ICT facilities, lack of development of digital literacy programme and standard. Practical implications Implication of this study is that the establishment by MTN has enhanced the development of digital literacy in UNN as many students utilize these facilities. Originality/value Librarians and library staff should be adequately equipped with digital literacy skills and competencies to empower them to train and educate users, as information and communication technology (ICT) is a major tool for teaching, learning and research. To achieve this goal, there is a need to engage in public private partnership collaboration to sponsor the provision of these ICT facilities in our institutions of higher learning to enhance literacy learning for national development.
Power Mode Scheduling for Ad Hoc Network Routing

An ad hoc network is a group of mobile wireless nodes that cooperatively form a network among themselves without any fixed infrastructure. Each node in the ad hoc network forwards packets for other nodes, to allow nodes not within direct wireless transmission range to communicate, using a routing protocol. Increasingly, power consumption within ad hoc networks is becoming a core issue for these low-power mobile devices. This thesis focuses on a novel approach for energy conservation within the ad hoc network routing protocol. I develop and evaluate two types of mechanisms for reducing this power consumption by the routing protocol in the network. The routing protocol uses information from packets received promiscuously to improve routing performance. The first part of this work is a strategy for reducing this use of promiscuous mode intelligently, thereby saving energy but retaining all the benefits of being in promiscuous mode. In addition, a wireless network interface in sleep mode expends an order of magnitude less power than in idle mode, but no packets can be sent or received while in sleep mode. In the second part of this work, I propose two probabilistic algorithms for scheduling transition from idle mode to sleep mode. Performance evaluation of these strategies shows significant reduction in power usage, with only a slight decrease in performance.
A Comparison of the Accuracy and Reliability of the Wahoo KICKR and SRM Power Meter

The Wahoo KICKR cycling trainer is a new direct-drive electromagnetically braked bike-trainer that allows cyclists to use their own bicycles as ergometer. It is purported to provide Â±3% accuracy in power, despite costing considerably less than other cycling ergometers. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy and reliability of several KICKR units against the more established SRM power meter using a first-principles based dynamic calibration rig (CALRIG). Five KICKRs and one SRM unit were assessed by a CALRIG-driven incremental test. Following a 15 min warm-up and â€˜calibrationâ€™ as per manufacturer instructions, power was increased (starting at 50 W) by 50 W every 2 min up to 400 W. Each unit was tested twice non-consecutively, in random order. Data was recorded at 1 Hz, with the last 10 s of each stage being averaged for analysis. The mean error (%) and coefficient of determination (R 2 ) versus CALRIG; as well as the change in mean error and Typical Error of Measurement (TEM) (expressed as a % coefficient of variation) between trials was calculated for each device.The mean error across all KICKR units was -1.5% (range: -3.1% to 0.0%) compared to -1.6% reported by the SRM. R 2 >0.999 was found for all KICKR units and SRM compared to the CALRIG. Â The mean TEM for the KICKRs was 1.5% (range: 1.1% to 1.9%), whereas the SRM reported 0.7%. For test-retest reproducibility, two KICKRs had statistically significant changes in mean error, with an average 1.3% change across all KICKRs. Comparatively, the SRM reported a 0.4% change between trials. The Wahoo KICKR trainer measures power to a similar level of accuracy to the more reputable SRM power meter during an incremental exercise test. Although not as reproducible, the KICKR still demonstrates an acceptable level of reliability for assessing cycling performance.
Calibrating test item banks for an introductory statistics course

by JEREMY KYLE JENNINGS (Under the Direction of Jennifer J. Kaplan) ABSTRACT Each fall and spring semester approximately 1300 students take the Introductory Statistics course (STAT 2000) at the University of Georgia. The course coordinator maintains a repository of test questions from which he selects questions for each test. Having an item bank from which to pull items raises the question, “Are all of these items properly assessing students’ statistical achievement? ” An IRT analysis to calibrate the items used on the third test of the semester will be performed. Each semester the third test assesses student knowledge and understanding of statistical inference for one sample. The best fit model for each item will be determined. The items that are not functioning properly will be reviewed to see if there are any common factors in these questions to give us an idea of what might be problem areas for students and recommendations based on the analysis will be made.
Modernising a Classic: Updating Leeds Beckett University’s Taxonomy of Assessment Domains to Support Institutional Curricular Change

Leeds Beckett University is embarking on a new cycle of Periodic Review after our wholesale curriculum review in 2012. Reviewing our current academic activity in relation to our curricular practice showed that work still needed to be done in several key areas. For example, improving the writing of levelled intended learning outcomes (ILOs), integrating our graduate attributes (GAs) – Enterprise, Having a Global Outlook and Digital Literacy – more fully into course and module outcomes and ensuring staff understand the nature and scope of the different assessment domains which enhance opportunities for full student learning from our programmes. To address these issues, a short life working group (SLWG) focused on modernising our existing taxonomy of assessment domains (Link 1) which had been well-used by our staff for at least 20 years. This paper focuses on i) consideration of the benefits of the existing taxonomy ii) the broader context and reasons for modifying our existing taxonomy of assessment domains, iii) the approach, process and activity of the SLWG, iv) planned future work streams to build on our work in progress.
Effect of Pre-treatment Methods on the Quality Characteristics of Stored Irvingia kernel

Aims: To evaluate effects of pre-treatment methods on the keeping quality of stored Irvingia kernels using ethanol and Ash from palm fronds as preservative agents. Study Design: Study of the microbial isolation using sabouraud dextrose agar and nutrient agar, introduction of these microbial isolates on the differently treated freshly harvested Invingia kernels under experimental conditions. Methodology: Sample collection, kernel extraction, treatment with Ash and ethanol and storage in a storage shelf for a period of six (6) months then microbial enumerations and chemical analyses. Effectiveness of each preservative agent were assayed both chemically and microbiologically. Results: Results showed that the pre-treated samples had better quality characteristics than that of the control sample at the end of the storage period. Fungal population of the pre-treated samples differed significantly with the untreated sample (control) at (P<0.05). Total aflatoxin analysis carried out on the samples was positive for the control sample only thus, depicted a contamination by Aspergillus flavus which was identified in the control sample. Aflatoxin concentration of 13.90 ppb was reported. This is above the National Agency for Food and Drugs administration and Control, Nigeria (NAFDAC) recommended maximum permissible level in food (10 ppb). Zero bacterial counts upon enumeration using nutrient agar was reported in both treated and untreated samples and therefore, suggested that preponderance of the Irvingia kernels post- harvest spoilage organisms are fungi. Conclusion: Results from this work showed that pre-treatment of Irvingia kernel with ethanol before storage significantly improved the chemical and microbial quality characteristics of the Irvingia kernel during the storage. Pre – treatment with the ethanol also reduced the fungal populations of the stored Irvingia kernels and inhibited the growth of Aspergillus flavus which is a known aflatoxin producer. It is therefore recommended that Irvingia kernel be pre – treated with ethanol before storage as this will not only improve the storage quality of the Irvingia kernel but will also guarantee health and safety of the people that consume the kernel.
OPE of Wilson-'t Hooft operators in N=4 and N=2 SYM with gauge group G=PSU(3)

We compute the simplest non-trivial Operator Product Expansion of Wilson-'t Hooft loop operators in N=4 and N=2 Super-Yang-Mills theory with gauge group G=PSU(3). This amounts to finding the Euler characters of certain vector bundles, describing electric degrees of freedom of loop operators entering the OPE, over moduli spaces of BPS states in the presence of loop operators.
Zustandsverhalten und elektrische Leitfähigkeit von MgGeO3 bei Drücken bis 65 kbar und Temperaturen bis 1300°C (mit Folgerungen für das Druckverhalten von MgSiO3)

— für den Zustandsbereich bis 65 kb und 1300°C nach den Methoden der statischen Hochdruck-Hochtemperatur-Synthese anhand von Abschreckprodukten bestimmt. Die Untersuchungen ergaben eine Trimorphie mit der Druckfolge: ortho-Pyroxentyp (-02*) -> klino-Pyroxentyp (Cin) -* Ilmenittyp. Die Zellendaten der 3 Phasen wurden bestimmt. Für die Umwandlungskurve ortho -* klino ergab sich dT/dP = -0,122 [°C/bar]; Tu (ortho -» klino) [°C] = 1556
Does Outlining the Main Points with Questions Help Students Learn Principles of Economics: A Comparison between Two Teaching Methods

PowerPoint is a popular tool used in lectures since it can incorporate questioning strategy to enhance learning in the classroom. This paper compares teaching method, key phrase outline format, and question outline format, in terms of student preference and learning achievements obtained. In the key phrase format, the main points were listed with key phrases. Each point was followed by the explanation of the point. In the questioning format the main points were rewritten from key phrases in the original PowerPoint slides into questions. The experimental results showed that learning achievement was improved in the questioning format. However, student preference was the same for both formats. In addition, other findings and discussions are also reported.