Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
University intramural sport administrators' perceptions of gender modifications in intramural coed flag football

Coed sport environments can be paradoxical settings where pre-existing gender biases influence participants' enjoyment and success. Furthermore, gendered messages and stereotypes as well as low expectations for females within coed sports can create participation barriers by reducing feelings of confidence and performance. Within university intramural sport programs, administrators have a significant role in determining participation opportunities and experiences. From a critical perspective, this investigation examined administrators' perspectives about coed intramural flag football gender modifications. Specifically, four research questions guided this study: (1) How do intramural sport administrators view coed flag football gender modifications? (2) To what extent do intramural sport administrators perceive gender modifications to impact coed flag football environments? (3) What level of awareness do intramural sport administrators have about the gendered messages of coed flag football gender modifications? and (4) To what extent are intramural sport administrators willing to modify their perceptions of the rules in light of critical questioning? Qualitative interviews were used to obtain the perspectives of 12 intramural administrators from across the USA. Administrators reported that coed gender modifications impacted perceptions about female ability, often by sending messages of inequity. Moreover, administrators revealed that the modifications created competitive strategy that often diminished the integrity of the game and undermined perceptions of female ability. Findings also indicated that administrators were highly influenced by previously existing gender stereotypes, leading to an endorsement of the modifications. Endorsements were accompanied by questioning of the rules but reluctance to enact changes. These findings elucidate the importance of scrutinizing the existence and application of coed gender modifications. Furthermore, engaging flag football participant feedback on the specific attributes of the coed modifications is important to better understand the needs of female populations. Lastly, eliminating modifications may help diminish the gendered messages that currently exist within coed flag football.
Early childhood musical experiences: Contributing to pre-service elementary teachers's self-concept in music and success in music education (during student age)

SUMMARY This article studies early childhood musical experiences of Finnish pre-service elementary teachers (N=590). The article also analyses their connections between musical self-concept at student age and musical progress in teacher education. Research material was gathered by a questionnaire, which posed retrospective questions about childhood as well as questions about musical self-concept in real time. The musical self-concept of student teachers was analysed through factor analysis within a field of six sectors: the general concept of one's own musicality, music conducting, musical taste, playing, singing and listening to music. The highest correlations between self-concept in music and the variables of early childhood experiences were the following: the pleasure of singing, the amount of singing, inventing one's own songs and appreciation of music in the home. The most important impulses encouraging the playing of musical instruments proved to be the amount of playing of family members, the number of musical instruments in the home and the existence of a piano or other keyboard instrument at home. As mentioned before, early childhood musical experiences were also connected with the scores given for singing and piano playing in teacher education. The research results proved the importance of early childhood musical experiences, because they even at an adult age they still significantly correlate with the individual's musical progress and his or her self-concept in music. At the same time they are part of his or her total personality.
M-Type Potassium Channels Modulate the Intrinsic Excitability of Infralimbic Neurons and Regulate Fear Expression and Extinction

Growing evidence indicates that the activity of infralimbic prefrontal cortex (IL) is critical for inhibiting inappropriate fear responses following extinction learning. Recently, we showed that fear conditioning and extinction alter the intrinsic excitability and bursting of IL pyramidal neurons in brain slices. IL neurons from Sprague Dawley rats expressing high fear had lower intrinsic excitability and bursting than those from rats expressing low fear, suggesting that regulating the intrinsic excitability and bursting of IL neurons would modulate fear expression. To test this, we combined patch-clamp electrophysiology, auditory fear conditioning, and IL infusions of M-type K+ channel modulators. Patch-clamp recordings from IL neurons showed that the M-type K+ channel blocker, XE-991, increased the number of spikes evoked by a depolarizing pulse and reduced the first interspike interval indicating enhanced bursting. To test whether pharmacological enhancement of IL excitability and bursting reduces fear expression and facilitates extinction, fear-conditioned rats were infused with XE-991 into IL before extinction training. XE-infused rats showed reduced freezing and facilitated extinction compared to vehicle-infused rats. The following day, recall of extinction memory was enhanced. Reducing IL excitability and bursting with the M-type K+ channel agonist, flupirtine, had the opposite effect. Flupirtine reduced IL spike count and bursting in brain slices. Fear-conditioned rats infused with flupirtine into IL before extinction showed significantly higher levels of freezing, indicating that stimulation of M-channels enhanced fear expression. Our findings suggest that the intrinsic excitability and bursting of IL neurons regulate fear expression even before extinction.
On performance limits of coded asymmetric OFDM systems over multipath fading channels

We investigate performance limits of a coded asymmetric OFDM (A-OFDM) system in multipath fading channels when maximum-likelihood (ML) detection is deployed. Our A-OFDM formulation is general and the analysis extends to coded OFDM (COFDM), precoded COFDM and single carrier systems. At first, an exact pairwise error probability is evaluated based on Craig's alternative form of the Q-function. Then we derive a tight union bound of bit error probability based on a code transfer function. The analysis shows that the coded A-OFDM system has improved diversity, whose order equals to the channel code's Hamming distance times the fast Fourier transform (FFT) or inverse FFT (IFFT) size of the A-OFDM system. The simulation results support the analysis and demonstrate superior performance of the coded A-OFDM system with the high signal to noise ratio (SNR).
How Does Calf-muscle Fatigue and Age Affect Vibration-perturbed One-leg Stance?

This study investigated the effect of muscle fatigue on vibration-perturbed one-leg stance in healthy young and older women. Force-plate measurements were obtained before and up to 15 min after fatiguing exercise of one leg. The study indicates an immediate but short-lasting effect of fatiguing exercise on vibration-induced centre of pressure (CP) oscillations in terms of increased amplitude. It also indicates that the influence of fatiguing exercise on the CP movements over time differs between young persons (20-26 years of age) and older persons (50-60 years of age). The normal learning effect due to repeated one-leg stance was not disturbed by the fatiguing exercise in the group of older persons in our study regarding sagittal CP velocity and frontal amplitude which was the case in the group of young persons. These results raise questions regarding postural control strategies and interpretation of force-plate data. Fatiguing exercise did not influence the shift of CP caused by vibration thus indicating unchanged excitability of muscle spindles in fatigued muscles.
Rights-based narrative research with children and young people conducted over time1,2

Narrative research conducted over time creates opportunities for the co-creation of knowledge about the lived experience of children and young people as they grow and change. This article revisits two Australian studies with young people confronted by difficult mental health and welfare circumstances who have been successfully engaged in narrative research over substantial periods of time. Rights-based critique of these studies from a collective standpoint of inclusion, participation, empowerment and advocacy illustrates both opportunity and challenge. A set of research principles is distilled from this critique to inform rights-based longitudinal narrative studies with children and young people.
Variation in Genes that Regulate Blood Pressure Are Associated with Glomerular Filtration Rate in Chinese

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be a consequence of diabetes, hypertension, immunologic disorders, and other exposures, as well as genetic factors that are still largely unknown. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is widely used to measure kidney function, has a heritability ranging from 25% to 75%, but only 1.5% of this heritability is explained by genetic loci that have been identified to date. In this study we tested for associations between GFR and 234 SNPs in 26 genes from pathways of blood pressure regulation in 3,025 rural Chinese participants of the “Genetic Epidemiology Network of Salt Sensitivity” (GenSalt) study. We estimated GFR (eGFR) using baseline serum creatinine measurements obtained prior to dietary intervention. We identified significant associations between eGFR and 12 SNPs in 6 genes (ACE, ADD1, AGT, GRK4, HSD11B1, and SCNN1G). The cumulative effect of the protective alleles was an increase in mean eGFR of 4 mL/min per 1.73 m2, while the cumulative effect of the risk alleles was a decrease in mean eGFR of 3 mL/min per 1.73 m2. In addition, we identified a significant interaction between SNPs in CYP11B1 and ADRB2. We have identified common variants in genes from pathways that regulate blood pressure and influence kidney function as measured by eGFR, providing new insights into the genetic determinants of kidney function. Complex genetic effects on kidney function likely involve interactions among genes as we observed for CYP11B1 and ADRB2.
Crowdsourcing, attention and productivity

We show through an analysis of a massive data set from YouTube that the productivity exhibited in crowdsourcing exhibits a strong positive dependence on attention, measured by the number of downloads. Conversely, a lack of attention leads to a decrease in the number of videos uploaded and the consequent drop in productivity, which in many cases asymptotes to no uploads whatsoever. Moreover, short-term contributors compare their performance to the average contributor’s performance while long-term contributors compare it to their own media.
Secure Outsourcing of Circuit Manufacturing

The fabrication process of integrated circuits (ICs) is complex and requires the use of off-shore foundries to lower the costs and to have access to leading-edge manufacturing facilities. Such an outsourcing trend leaves the possibility of inserting malicious circuitry (a.k.a. hardware Trojans) during the fabrication process, causing serious security issues. Hardware Trojans are very hard and expensive to detect and can disrupt the entire circuit or covertly leak sensitive information. In this paper, we propose a formal model for assessing the security of ICs whose fabrication has been outsourced to an untrusted off-shore manufacturer. We assume that the IC specification and design are trusted but the fabrication facility(ies) may be untrusted. Our objective is to stop Trojans from releasing sensitive information to the outside while still using its circuitry for day-to-day operations. We also provide two different methodologies for constructing compilers relying on verifiable computation (VC) schemes and secure multiparty computation (MPC) protocols with certain properties. Suitable VC schemes, with the properties we require, were recently constructed, e.g., by Parno et al. (Oakland ’13), and by Fiore, Gennaro, and Pastro (CCS ’14). Similarly, many MPC protocols readily comply (or can be easily adapted to comply) with our requirements. By allowing manufacturers to use off-shore fabrication facilities, we ensure a high degree of competition among suppliers, thus providing lower cost without hindering innovation or access to leading-edge microelectronics.
Potential-fault cache-based regression test selection

Regression testing is the way to ensure the current version of the program is up and running. Continuous testing throughout the development cycle leads to detecting bugs as early as possible; however, it imposes huge overhead if the entire test suite has to be run. In this paper, powered by the goal of early detection of bugs, a regression test selection technique is proposed. The proposed technique uses a cache to keep the potentially error prone files and link them with test cases in a dynamic way that evolves with the evolution of code and test cases. Rather than running the entire test suite, only test cases that are linked with the most error prone files are selected and run on a regular frequent basis. Our cache outperforms previous related cache technique in terms of cache hit rate on 5 Apache projects. Based on the modified cache, the test selection module of the proposed technique can achieve a fault detection rate that exceeded 80% in all projects.
A Distributed Hybrid Filter for target tracking in sensor networks

In this paper, we propose the Distributed Hybrid Filter (DHF) to overcome the performance degradation in Sigma Point Filters caused by bad linearization. A quantifiable criterion to judge the quality of linearization will be given. If the linearization quality is unsatisfactory, a sensor will use some other local processing method which does not rely on linearization. The DHF can accommodate multiple sensors that are using different local processing methods and is shown to have superior performance to the Distributed Sigma Point Information Filter (DSPIF).
Promoter library designed for fine-tuned gene expression in Pichia pastoris

Although frequently used as protein production host, there is only a limited set of promoters available to drive the expression of recombinant proteins in Pichia pastoris. Fine-tuning of gene expression is often needed to maximize product yield and quality. However, for efficient knowledge-based engineering, a better understanding of promoter function is indispensable. Consequently, we created a promoter library by deletion and duplication of putative transcription factor-binding sites within the AOX1 promoter (PAOX1) sequence. This first library initially spanned an activity range between ∼6% and >160% of the wild-type promoter activity. After characterization of the promoter library employing a green fluorescent protein (GFP) variant, the new regulatory toolbox was successfully utilized in a ‘real case’, i.e. the expression of industrial enzymes. Characterization of the library under repressing, derepressing and inducing conditions displayed at least 12 cis-acting elements involved in PAOX1-driven high-level expression. Based on this deletion analysis, novel short artificial promoter variants were constructed by combining cis-acting elements with basal promoter. In addition to improving yields and quality of heterologous protein production, the new PAOX1 synthetic promoter library constitutes a basic toolbox to fine-tune gene expression in metabolic engineering and sequential induction of protein expression in synthetic biology.
Your Model Is Predictive - but Is It Useful? Theoretical and Empirical Considerations of a New Paradigm for Adaptive Tutoring Evaluation

Classification evaluation metrics are often used to evaluate adaptive tutoring systems— programs that teach and adapt to humans. Unfortunately, it is not clear how intuitive these metrics are for practitioners with little machine learning background. Moreover, our experiments suggest that existing convention for evaluating tutoring systems may lead to suboptimal decisions. We propose the Learner Effort-Outcomes Paradigm (Leopard), a new framework to evaluate adaptive tutoring. We introduce Teal and White, novel automatic metrics that apply Leopard and quantify the amount of effort required to achieve a learning outcome. Our experiments suggest that our metrics are a better alternative for evaluating adaptive tutoring.
Reducing the grade disparities between American Indians and Euro-American students in introduction to psychology through small-group, peer-mentored, supplemental instruction

Supplemental instruction (SI) is a small-group, peer-mentored programme which is compatible with the learning preferences of American Indian students. We tested the hypothesis that SI is a compensatory strategy that reduces the differences in the grades earned in introduction to psychology by Euro-American and American Indian students. The sample consisted of 129 American Indian students and 4588 Euro-American students enrolled in introduction to psychology at a US university. As hypothesised, a multi-level model yielded a significant (p < .01) interaction between SI and ethnicity on course grade. Whereas for non-SI users, the gap between Euro-American and American Indian students was . 71 grade points, for SI users, it was only . 15 grade points. Strategies should be devised for increasing SI visits by students enrolled in introduction to psychology, particularly those who belong to American Indian tribes.
Performance comparison review of 8–3 compressor on FPGA

Compressors are commonly utilized in multipliers for reducing partial products in a parallel manner. In this paper 7–3, 7–4, 8–3, 8–4, 9–3, and 9–4 compressors designed with adder circuits or multiplexer circuits were implemented in Altera EP2C70F896 FPGA and their performance compared in terms of number of logic gates used, cell area and power delay product (PDP) for an optimum recommendation for the implementation of 8–3 compressor design in FPGA.
Gaze-contingent temporal filtering of video

We describe an algorithm for manipulating the temporal resolution of a video in real time, contingent upon the viewer's direction of gaze. The purpose of this work is to study the effect that a controlled manipulation of the temporal frequency content in real-world scenes has on eye movements. We build on the work of Perry and Geisler [1998; 2002], who manipulate spatial resolution as a function of gaze direction, allowing them to mimic the resolution distribution of the human retina or to simulate the effect of various diseases (e.g. glaucoma). Our temporal filtering algorithm is similar to that of Perry and Geisler in that we interpolate between the levels of a multiresolution pyramid. However, in our case, the pyramid is built along the temporal dimension, and this requires careful management of the buffering of video frames and of the order in which the filtering operations are performed. On a standard personal computer, the algorithm achieves real-time performance (30 frames per second) on high-resolution videos (960 by 540 pixels). We present experimental results showing that the manipulation performed by the algorithm reduces the number of high-amplitude saccades and can remain unnoticed by the observer.
COMMA: A Cost Oriented, Market and Migration Aware Leasing Policy and Algorithm in IaaS Clouds

Virtualization technology has made possible, providing memory, disk and processing power to consumers based on pre-defined conditions to be applied on both cloud consumers and cloud hosts. A consumer can have many Virtual Machines (VMs) at a time and a cloud host may have many such consumers at the same time. Competition in Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) and to maintain service level agreements, it is necessary for a CSP to have market-oriented leasing policy which can provide higher profit to cloud host while maintaining lowest cost, shortest downtime and maximum availability of resources to prioritized consumers at peak times. This paper introduces a new leasing policy and algorithm: COMMA (Cost Oriented, Market and Migration Aware) for maintaining a balance between cost, profit and migrations of VM during peak loads. Experiments and results show that this leasing policy and algorithm are effective and can be used for making profit and maintain QoS in a cloud environment.
The linguistic perception of similar L2 sounds

Abstract In this article, I discuss a linguistic model for explaining second-language (L2) sound perception, which is a phenomenon that has commonly been modelled within the disciplines of phonetics and psycholinguistics. This linguistic model will be applied to the learning of SIMILAR L2 sounds. This L2 learning scenario refers to the acquisition of the knowledge involved in the perception of L2 sounds that are phonologically equivalent but yet phonetically different from the acoustically closest sounds in the learner’s first language (L1). In the introduction, I argue, based on phonetic and psycholinguistic grounds, that speech perception is a language-specific phenomenon that should be brought into the domain of phonological modelling. Additionally, I propose a number of characteristics which incorporate phonological, phonetic, and psycholinguistic modelling and which should be found in a comprehensive and explanatory adequate model for sound perception. In § 2, I demonstrate that the Linguistic Perception (LP) model complies with these criteria. Crucially, I show that the L1 acquisition component of the LP model is shown to constitute a successful proposal for the mechanisms involved in learning to perceive L1 sounds. In § 3, I show how the L2 version of the LP model successfully describes, explains, and predicts the learning of SIMILAR L2 sounds. Specifically, the model predicts that listeners are optimal perceivers of their native language and that beginning L2 learners start with a copy of their L1 optimal perception. These two predictions are confirmed by the perception of /ae/ and // by monolingual Canadian English (CE) and Canadian French (CF) listeners and by the L2 perception of beginning CE learners of CF. Further, the model predicts that learners will adjust their initial L2 perception by means of the same mechanism used by L1 learners. This developmental prediction is confirmed by the gradual shifting of the category boundary between /ae/ and // in CE learners of CF. Finally, the L2LP model hypothesizes that both L1 and L2 can be optimal because they are handled by two separate grammars. The data demonstrate that CE learners of CF have differential perception systems for their L1 and L2. In sum, it is shown that this model provides the currently most comprehensive description, explanation, and prediction of L2 sound perception. It successfully incorporates an L2 phenomenon which was commonly regarded as phonetic or psycholinguistic within the domain of phonology, a modelling proposal which follows the tradition started by Escudero and Boersma (2004).
Examining the Socio-Economic Determinants of Broadband Adopters and Non-Adopters in the United Kingdom

The aim of this study was to examine the socio-economic determinants of broadband adopters and non-adopters in the United Kingdom (UK). The study was conducted using a postal survey. A self-administered questionnaire was sent to 1600 households and a total of 358 replies were obtained from the respondents. This study confirms the findings obtained from a previous study that examined the socio-demographic attributes of the household consumers of broadband technologies in local vicinity, the London Borough of Hillingdon. The findings of this survey support the view the socio-economic attributes such as age, gender, education, income and occupation have an imperative role in explaining the adoption of broadband in the household. A brief discussion on the implications and contributions is also provided in the conclusion of the paper.