Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Growing Gender Gap in Black Higher Education.

Thirty years ago, black men who finished high school were far more likely to go on to college than were black women. Now, black men are falling far behind black women in almost every measurement of progress in higher education. In fact, as black women surge ahead in almost all academic categories, black men are faring far worse than they were several decades ago. The growing gender gap presents a serious problem, and nobody appears to have the slightest idea what to do about it.
Streaming variable Bitrate video over mobile networks with predictable performance

Mobile video streaming services are ubiquitous today and yet their real-world performance is still largely inconsistent, unpredictable, and uncontrollable, primarily due to mobile networks' inherent bandwidth fluctuations at both short and long timescales. With the rapid emergence of paid streaming services, picture and streaming qualities can no longer be an afterthought. This work develops a novel framework called Variable-Bitrate Post-Streaming Rate Analysis (VBR-PSRA) that, for the first time, enables service providers and mobile operators to provision higher-quality VBR-encoded video streaming services with consistent, predictable, and controllable performance. The VBR-PSRA framework exploits past throughput trace data collected during actual streaming sessions to construct a statistical model that captures and quantifies the relation between recent throughput data, video quality choice, video bitrate variations, and streaming performance. It allows the service provider to set a target streaming performance in terms of playback rebuffering probability where it will then automatically select the best video quality that can be streamed. Extensive simulations using trace data obtained from production 3G/HSPA networks in three different locations showed that the proposed VBR-PSRA framework can achieve actual streaming performances which are remarkably close to the target.
Assisted migration of enterprise applications to the Cloud - A hybrid Cloud approach

Cloud Computing is a relatively new paradigm with the potential to transform how IT hardware and software are designed and purchased. Computing is no longer purchased as typical products but delivered as a service over the Internet from large data centres. However, despite the potential benefits associated with the migration of enterprise applications from an in-house data centre into a Cloud infrastructure, there are still some issues that hinder the process. In this respect, a migrated application should satisfy specific enterprise policies related to privacy and security, as well as provide an acceptable quality of service. Because of the complexity of enterprise applications today with respect to the large number of components deployed in multi-tier architectures, the complexity of the interactions between them and the components’ dependence on stored data, the migration process has to be assisted. Therefore it is presented a framework able to automate the decision-making process related to the migration of different components to a virtualized Cloud system based on a model which factors in benefits and disadvantages associated with the migration subject to the fulfilment of the SLA and the respect of policy constraints. The presented approach envisions an application hosted both partly onpremise and on the Cloud. Resulting migrated applications need to be compliant with enterprise and security policies’ constraints while minimizing costs and ensuring performance in terms of wide area network communications and response times. The framework relies on a model to efficiently decide on the component placement. A model which takes into account several factors such as enterprise policies, dynamic performance bottlenecks, data sensibility, performance, cost savings from migration, data flows between application components, and the spread and variability of users. On the one hand the migration could lower the SLA (Service Level-Agreement) while on the other hand the deployment on the Cloud would provide the ability to handle peaks in workload and a higher reliability due to the higher level of replication, the existence of multiple fault domains and the deployment of the application on multiple Clouds. With respect to the WSBI 2012 – Assisted migration of enterprise applications to the Cloud 15 latter, it will be assessed the deployment on different Clouds depending on the constraints imposed by them. The presented framework relies on algorithms and a formal decision model in order to assist developers in migrating existing applications. With the aim of empirically evaluate the overall framework, a prototypical implementation of the framework will be used in order to support the migration to a Cloud-based environment of an existing product configurator. The empirical validation will be used to further improve the input model on which the decision-making process was founded.
4-Chlorophenyl quinoline-2-carboxylate

In the title compound, C16H10ClNO2, the dihedral angle between the quinoline ring system and the benzene ring is 14.7 (5)°. The carboxylate group is twisted from the mean planes of the quinoline ring system and the benzene ring by 17.7 (5) and 32.1 (4)°, respectively. In the crystal, inversion dimers are formed with the molecules linked by pairs of weak C—H⋯O interactions arising from an activated aromatic C atom adjacent to the C—Cl bond, generating R 2 2(14) loops.
Paramodulation with non-monotonic orderings

All current completeness results for ordered paramodulation require the term ordering > to be well-founded, monotonic and total(izable) on ground terms. Here we introduce a new proof technique where the only properties required for > are well foundedness and the subterm property: The technique is a relatively simple and elegant application of some fundamental results on the termination and confluence of ground term rewrite systems (TRS). By a careful further analysis of our technique, we obtain the first Knuth-Bendix completion procedure that finds a convergent TRS for a given set of equations E and a (possibly non-totalizable) reduction ordering p whenever it exists. Note that being a reduction ordering is the minimal possible requirement on >, since a TRS terminates if, and only if, it is contained in a reduction ordering.
Design and Evaluation of a Wearable Optical Sensor for Monitoring Seated Spinal Posture

This work describes the development and evaluation of a wearable plastic optical fiber (POF) sensor for monitoring seated spinal posture. A garment-integrated POF sensor was developed and tested on nine healthy subjects, and its performance compared to data taken simultaneously from a marker-based motion capture system. Sensor performance correlated strongly with motion-capture data with an average r of 0.913. Results show that the wearable sensor provides enough accuracy of measurement to reliably monitor seated spinal posture.
Robust mobile robot map building using sonar and vision Evolving the navigation abilities of the ApriAlpha™ home robot

We describe the development of a robust map acquisition method for mobile robots in indoor environments. A grid-based representation of the environment is derived from sonar sensor data, and, concurrently, corners and edges are detected and matched with visual landmarks in order to correct the robot pose estimation. We present experimental results of maps acquired using the ApriAlphaTM home robot.
S-Storm: A Slot-Aware Scheduling Strategy for Even Scheduler in Storm

Storm has been a popular distributed real-time computation system for stream data processing, which currently provides an even scheduler to distribute all executors and workers of topology among all worker nodes. In this paper, we find that the even scheduler ignores the allocation and dependence relationship among slots. This would bring the load-unbalancing problem when the topology run failed and is killed by its user, or more new machines are extended in Storm cluster. Aiming at solving them, we design the S-Storm, a slot-aware scheduling strategy for even scheduler in Storm, which achieves a fine-grained EvenScheduler using the slot-aware sorting queue and merger factor. S-Storm has the following desirable features: 1) It evenly allocates slots for multi-topologies in a load-balancing cluster. 2) When load-unbalancing happen, it distributes workers to slots among light-load worker nodes. 3) It achieves a fine-grained EvenScheduler by accessing one slot to the slot-aware sorting queue, and the slot is on the minimum load worker node. 4) It uses the merger factor to avoid over competition of the same resources among the same Spout/Bolt tasks in machine. We implemented S-Storm based on Storm 0.10. 0 and used two different applications for performance evaluation. Extensive experimental results show that compared to Storm, S-Storm can achieve a better performance in the average processing time and throughput, while recovering balance from load-unbalancing.
Learning science teaching

'Bishop and Denley in "Learning Science Teaching" have focused as much on good pedagogy as on the peculiarities of science teaching. It is for this reason that their book will be of value not only to trainees in education, but also to a range of professionals working in schools, Higher Education and, in particular, to those responsible for planning and delivering CPD. It is far more than a test for trainee teachers' - "Science Teacher Education". 'Any science teacher looking for ways to improve their teaching will find this book helpful . there is perceptive discussion of almost everything that can happen in a science classroom, and related work outside it' - "Physics Education". What do you need to know to be a successful science teacher? How do you develop or acquire that knowledge? If you are just embarking on your learning journey as a science teacher, or are involved in supporting beginning and early career teachers on their way, then this book is written for you. The authors show how the route to success involves the development of a personal, yet distinctive and complex set of inter-related professional knowledge bases. Throughout the book, the classroom practice of a group of highly accomplished science teachers is analysed to reveal the knowledge bases that they have acquired, which the reader can then reflect upon. In addition, students provide penetrating insights into the kinds of science teaching that engages them. The book argues that highly accomplished science teachers are also continually learning science teachers. It stresses the importance of learning through others, by participation in communities of science practitioners, as well as individual learning through classroom research. Whether you are a beginning teacher or a more experienced teacher looking to support beginning and early career teachers, this book offers a rich source of experiences, ideas and insights to support you on your journey to becoming a successful science teacher.
Toxoplasma gondii Uses Unusual Sorting Mechanisms to Deliver Transmembrane Proteins into the Host‐Cell Vacuole

A critical step in infection by the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is the formation of a membrane‐bound compartment within which the parasite proliferates. This process relies on a set of secretory organelles that discharge their contents into the host cell upon invasion. Among these organelles, the dense granules are specialized in the export of transmembrane (TM) GRA proteins, which are major components of the mature parasitophorous vacuole (PV) membrane. How eukaryotic pathogens export and sort membrane‐bound proteins destined for the host cell is still poorly understood at the mechanistic level. In this study, we show that soluble trafficking of the PV‐targeted GRA5 TM protein is parasite specific: when expressed in mammalian cells, GRA5 is targeted to the plasma membrane and behaves as an integral membrane protein with a type I toplogy. We also demonstrate the dual role of the GRA5 N‐terminal ectodomain, which is sufficient to prevent membrane integration within the parasite and is essential for both sorting and post‐secretory membrane insertion into the vacuolar membrane. These results contrast with the general rule that states that information contained within the cytoplasmic tail and/or the TM domain of integral membrane proteins dictates their cellular localization. They also highlight the diversity of sorting mechanisms that leads to the specialization of secretory processes uniquely adapted to intracellular parasitism.
The use of body condition and haematology to detect widespread threatening processes in sleepy lizards (Tiliqua rugosa) in two agricultural environments

Agricultural practices, including habitat alteration and application of agricultural chemicals, can impact wildlife resulting in their decline. Determining which of these practices are contributing to declines is essential if the declines are to be reversed. In this study, the health of two geographically separated sleepy lizard (Tiliqua rugosa) populations was compared between a rangeland environment and cropping environment using linear body size index (LBSI) and haematology. Animals in the cropping site were smaller, suggesting genetic differences as the result of geographical isolation. The animals in the cropping site had a lower LBSI and many were experiencing a regenerative anaemia. The anaemia was postulated to be the cause of the low LBSI. The anaemia appeared to be the result of haemolysis and was likely to be caused by exposure to agricultural chemicals applied in the cropping site but not the rangeland site. Elevated white blood cell counts in lizards in the rangeland site suggested that they were experiencing an inflammatory disease of possible ecological significance. Together, these results demonstrate the value of combining physical and haematological parameters when studying the impact of agricultural practices on wildlife. They also show that reptiles may be useful as sentinel species for livestock and humans.
Screening of retroviral cDNA libraries for factors involved in protein phosphorylation in signaling cascades

We report a novel approach that allows for the rapid identification of proteins mediating phosphorylation in signaling cascades after specific stimulation. As a proof of concept, we used the interferon- γ (IFN-γ)-induced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (Stat1) in a human promonocytic cell line, which was previously shown to be deficient in this signaling pathway. By using retroviral cDNA expression libraries, transduced selector cells expressing single cDNAs were stimulated with IFN-γ, then fixed, permeabilized and stained intracellularly for phospho-Stat1 levels. Cells responding to the stimulation, which showed increased levels of phosphorylated Stat1, were enriched using fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). Genomic DNA was isolated from the enriched cell population and served as a template for cDNA amplification using PCR. After only one round of selection, a cDNA encoding the β-chain of the IFN-γ receptor (IFNGR2) was obtained and demonstrated to restore the selected phenotype. The approach now allows one to use phospho-events as reporters, alone or in tandem, for screening of signaling network states, overcoming a prior need to rely on the reporter genes that are often only indirect measures of phenotypes desired in a screen.
Bayesian Networks Specified Using Propositional and Relational Constructs: Combined, Data, and Domain Complexity

We examine the inferential complexity of Bayesian networks specified through logical constructs. We first consider simple propositional languages, and then move to relational languages. We examine both the combined complexity of inference (as network size and evidence size are not bounded) and the data complexity of inference (where network size is bounded); we also examine the connection to liftability through domain complexity. Combined and data complexity of several inference problems are presented, ranging from polynomial to exponential classes.
Animal models of acute tubular necrosis

The evaluation and management of acute renal failure in the ICU patient remains a formidable task because of the complexity of this condition. Clinical and physiologic assessment and complementing laboratory and imaging tests are currently insufficient to differ between true renal parenchymal damage (acute tubular necrosis; it is important to realize that this term does not necessarily imply widespread injury, because whole organ dysfunction in humans has often been associated with very limited parenchymal cellular necrosis) and prerenal azotemia (decreased renal blood flow with altered glomerular hemodynamics and subsequently diminished glomerular filtration, without significant epithelial cell injury). Moreover, tubular damage and altered glomerular hemodynamics may coexist or lead to each other, and their relative contribution to the evolving renal dysfunction has not been unequivocally established. The limited data regarding the renal pathology of such patients and the scant information about human morphologic and functional correlates further undermine our knowledge about diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to these patients. Advanced techniques are critically needed to establish noninvasively the dynamic status of renal parenchymal microcirculation and the distribution of intrarenal oxygenation and to identify evolving cellular energy depletion and tubular cell damage. A few technologies are potentially promising, such as blood oxygen level dependent magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and kidney injury molecule-1 detection in patients' urine. Because of the difficulties in analyzing the pathophysiology in humans, clinicians continue to rely largely on animal models to guide understanding and rationale for the identification of therapeutic targets. Data from such animal studies are complemented by studies in isolated perfused kidneys, isolated tubules, and tubular epithelial cell cultures. In this report, we summarize some concepts of acute tubular necrosis that have evolved as a result of these studies, evaluate available animal models, and underscore controversies regarding experimental acute tubular necrosis.
Connecting Personal History and Organizational Context: Suggestions for Developing Educational Programs for Youth Soccer Coaches

Literature underscores the complex role of coaches in sport organizations, especially in youth sectors. Their need for support, not only on the technical level, is emerging. In recent years an interesting international debate has evolved regarding what education is most suitable to support coach development. The article intends to enter this debate by proposing an educational model for youth soccer coaches. This educational proposal is the outcome of reflection that originated from various experiences with about 110 Italian youth soccer coaches over the past six years. The first part is dedicated to a review of the literature on coaching education, and the second to the educational model presented (e.g., theoretical background, characteristics, setting, outcomes, and considerations regarding the management of this educational process). The strength of this model was precisely to have put some recurrent issues in dialogue with the specific organizational contexts in which the educational programs were implemented.
Local coupling of cerebral blood flow to cerebral glucose metabolism during inhalational anesthesia in rats: desflurane versus isoflurane.

BACKGROUND It is not known whether the effects of desflurane on local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) and local cerebral blood flow (LCBF) are different from those of other volatile anesthetics. METHODS Using the autoradiographic iodoantipyrine and deoxyglucose methods, LCGU, LCBF, and their overall means were measured in 60 Sprague-Dawley rats (10 groups, n = 6 each) during desflurane and isoflurane anesthesia and in conscious controls. RESULTS During anesthesia, mean cerebral glucose utilization was decreased compared with conscious controls: 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) desflurane: -52%; 1 MAC isoflurane: -44%; 2 MAC desflurane: -62%; and 2 MAC isoflurane: -60%. Local analysis showed a reduction of LCGU in the majority of the 40 brain regions analyzed. Mean cerebral blood flow was increased: 1 MAC desflurane: +40%; 1 MAC isoflurane: +43%; 2 MAC desflurane and 2 MAC isoflurane: +70%. LCBF was increased in all brain structures investigated except in the auditory cortex. No significant differences (P < 0.05) could be observed between both anesthetics for mean values of cerebral glucose use and blood flow. Correlation coefficients obtained for the relation between LCGU and LCBF were as follows: controls: 0.95; 1 MAC desflurane: 0.89; 2 MAC desflurane: 0.60; 1 MAC isoflurane: 0.87; and 2 MAC isoflurane: 0.68. CONCLUSION Differences in the physicochemical properties of desflurane compared with isoflurane are not associated with major differences in the effects of both volatile anesthetics on cerebral glucose utilization, blood flow, and the coupling between LCBF and LCGU.
Search through Systematic Set Enumeration

In many problem domains, solutions take the form of unordered sets. We present the Set-Enumerations (SE)tree a vehicle for representing sets and/or enumerating them in a best-first fashion. We demonstrate its usefulness as the basis for a unifying search-based framework for domains where minimal (maximal) elements of a power set are targeted, where minimal (maximal) partial instantiations of a set of variables are sought, or where a composite decision is not dependent on the order in which its primitive component-decisions are taken. Particular instantiations of SE-tree-based algorithms for some AI problem domains are used to demonstrate the general features of the approach. These algorithms are compared theoretically and empirically with current algorithms. Comments University of Pennsylvania Department of Computer and Information Science Technical Report No. MSCIS-92-66. This technical report is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn. edu/cis_reports/297 Search Through Systematic Set Enumeration MS-CIS-92-66 LINC LAB 234
Acceleration feedback improves balancing against reflex delay

A model for human postural balance is considered in which the time-delayed feedback depends on position, velocity and acceleration (proportional–derivative–acceleration (PDA) feedback). It is shown that a PDA controller is equivalent to a predictive controller, in which the prediction is based on the most recent information of the state, but the control input is not involved into the prediction. A PDA controller is superior to the corresponding proportional–derivative controller in the sense that the PDA controller can stabilize systems with approximately 40 per cent larger feedback delays. The addition of a sensory dead zone to account for the finite thresholds for detection by sensory receptors results in highly intermittent, complex oscillations that are a typical feature of human postural sway.