Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Konstruktion und Analyse von C-Tests mit Ratingskalen-Rasch-Modellen

Zusammenfassung. C-Tests sind schriftliche Tests der allgemeinen Sprachkompetenz. Sie bestehen aus einer Reihe von Luckentexten. Testpersonen haben die Aufgabe, die Lucken in jedem Text korrekt zu erganzen. In dieser Untersuchung bearbeiteten 476 Personen 10 Texte mit je 20 Lucken. Zwei polytome Rasch-Modelle lieferten detaillierte Analysen dieser Texte: (a) das diskrete Ratingskalenmodell (Andrich, 1978, 1982) und (b) das kontinuierliche Ratingskalenmodell (Muller, 1987, 1999). Modellkontrollen zeigten ubereinstimmend, dass 5 der 10 Texte den strengen psychometrischen Anforderungen nicht genugten. Die verbliebenen 5 Texte dagegen erwiesen sich als Rasch-homogen und erlaubten bei einer Reliabilitat von . 96 eine hohe Differenzierung zwischen den Fahigkeitsmasen der Testpersonen. C-Tests lassen sich nach diesen Ergebnissen auf fundierte und effiziente Weise mittels Ratingskalen-Rasch-Modellen konstruieren und evaluieren.
Activation of Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor Gamma and Retinoid X Receptor Results in Net Depletion of Cellular Cholesteryl Esters in Macrophages Exposed to Oxidized Lipoproteins

Objective—Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma (PPAR&ggr;), a ligand-activated transcription factor, has pleiotropic effects, including regulation of macrophage differentiation and lipid homeostasis. The PPAR&ggr; ligands, thiazolidinediones (TZDs), attenuate atherosclerosis in mice by uncertain mechanisms. The objective of this study was to determine whether activation of PPAR&ggr; or its obligate heterodimer, retinoid X receptor (RXR), modulates macrophage foam cell formation induced by oxidized (ox) lipoproteins. Methods and Results—Incubation of THP-1 macrophages with oxHTG-VLDL, oxREM, or oxLDL increased cellular cholesteryl ester over 6-fold. Preincubation with the TZD, ciglitazone, the RXR-specific ligand, 9-cis retinoic acid (9cRA) or the combination reduced CE mass accumulation by up to 65%. Ciglitazone and 9cRA increased CD36 mRNA (up to 4-fold); however, uptake of [125I]oxLDL was only modestly enhanced (up to 1.8-fold) becaues of a concomitant PPAR&ggr;:RXR–induced decrease in SRAI/II activity (up to 40%). This suggested that PPAR&ggr;:RXR activation inhibited cholesteryl ester accumulation by enhancing cholesterol efflux. Ciglitazone and 9cRA were found to increase the expression of ATP-binding cassette proteins A1 and G1, resulting in enhanced cholesterol efflux to lipoprotein-deficient serum, apoAI and HDL3. Conclusions—PPAR&ggr; and/or RXR activation inhibit foam cell formation through enhanced cholesterol efflux despite increased oxLDL uptake. These observations explain the reduced atherosclerosis in TZD-treated mice and may extend the therapeutic implications of these ligands.
A Mobility-Aware Zone-Based Routing Protocol for Mobile Grid Computing

Mobile grid computing is a new computing paradigm which joins classic grid computing and mobile computing paradigm to provide dependable, seamless, pervasive access to mobile resources and services. It can use the underlying connectivity and routing protocols defined by MANET in order to perform resource discovery and access. This paper proposes a mobility-aware zoned routing protocol for MANET-MAFZP, which create zones in terms of the distance between each node to the Minimum ID node. Resort to the information provided by neighborhood nodes, our proposed protocol? s request delay and control overhead is descend to O(2R). In addition, this protocol classifies the mobility pattern with neighbor node and reduces routing control overhead. Simulation results show that the protocol greatly decreased routing time and control overhead.
Robust maximum a posteriori image super-resolution

Abstract. A global robust M-estimation scheme for maximum a posteriori (MAP) image super-resolution which efficiently addresses the presence of outliers in the low-resolution images is proposed. In iterative MAP image super-resolution, the objective function to be minimized involves the highly resolved image, a parameter controlling the step size of the iterative algorithm, and a parameter weighing the data fidelity term with respect to the smoothness term. Apart from the robust estimation of the high-resolution image, the contribution of the proposed method is twofold: (1) the robust computation of the regularization parameters controlling the relative strength of the prior with respect to the data fidelity term and (2) the robust estimation of the optimal step size in the update of the high-resolution image. Experimental results demonstrate that integrating these estimations into a robust framework leads to significant improvement in the accuracy of the high-resolution image.
Therapy-Induced Growth and Sexual Maturation in a Developmentally Infantile Adult Patient with a PROP1 Mutation

Background Hypopituitarism as a result of PROP1 (prophet of PIT1) mutation represents the most common genetic cause of combined deficiency of pituitary hormones and due to growth retardation it is typically diagnosed in childhood. Case description We present a unique case report of a prepubertal woman with growth retardation in whom combined pituitary hormone deficiency [central hypopituitarism, hypogonadism, and growth hormone (GH) deficiency] caused by homozygous mutation c.150delA in the PROP1 gene was diagnosed late in young adulthood due to unfavorable life circumstances. Through cautiously combined GH therapy and sex hormone therapy, she has achieved better than expected height (exceeding predictions based on family height) and sexual maturation, including regular menstrual cycles. Conclusion Early diagnosis of panhypopituitarism due to PROP1 mutation is essential for successful treatment; however, our case report shows that carefully titrated GH treatment and sex hormone substitution, although initiated in adulthood, enable restoration of physiological growth and sexual development in a hormonally infantile adult woman with a PROP1 mutation.
Cooperative coaching in robot learning

Many closed loop learning algorithms perform gradient descent on a cost function with respect to the parameters of a learning controller. The authors observe that both local closed loop learners, which consider only the cost of the current time step, and optimal control based closed loop learners, which consider the future effects of control actions, can become stuck in sub-optimal local minima in the cost function. The authors propose the use of "cooperating coaches" to deal with this problem. Each coach attempts gradient descent based on its own cost function and they work together to avoid getting stuck in local minima. When one coach has achieved the best result it can (the gradient for its cost function is zero), another coach takes over to guide the search through the parameter space. The authors demonstrate cooperative coaching on the problem of curve tracking with an inverted pendulum and show that it yields faster, smoother tracking of target curves by combining the best aspects of two different coaches.
Developing a Conceptual Framework to Structure an IT Organization using an Ontology Engineering Methodology

Organizations are struggling to adopt practices that allow the best results trying to achieve alignment between IT and an organization’s concepts and dimensions, pursuing efficiency and effectiveness. Therefore, the structure of an IT organization is fundamental. However, despite the recognized importance of IT organizational structure and the efforts made in the development of disparate perspectives and relationships, no relevant references about its structure are found, and the existent ones are far from satisfactory. There is neither a single framework nor one relating to what we consider to be relevant or clearly dominant. This paper proposes the use of ontology engineering methodology to identify and enumerate concepts and develop a conceptual framework in order to structure and establish a relationship among concepts within an IT organization, which will allow the definition of an IT organization.
Control characteristics of the ALMA Nutator

The control of a 75 centimeter diameter Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) [1] nutating subreflector, or Nutator, to meet the specifications of 10 millisecond (ms) settle time and 1.3 arc-second pointing error involves tremendous challenges. The ALMA Nutator has been under development since 2003 [2], and we have improved its dynamic characteristics through robust PID control algorithm, increasing the open loop bandwidth to beyond 200Hz and shortening the settle time to 20 ms. A mode switching associate with model following control scheme is also presented, and expected to improve the settle time and pointing error.
Does Elearning Have To Be So Awful? (Time to Mashup or Shutup)

Advanced learning technologies have been touted for six decades as either a cost-effective or an exciting new way to provide real benefits to a wide audience. Yet, even given some stellar exceptions, the broader promise is demonstrably false. This paper attempts to disentangle the good from the bad, pointing out examples of what works, what fails, and why. Signposts for a (possibly) bright future are provided, building upon the Open Educations Resources movement and social software.
Characterisation of a parallel optical all pass filter for chromatic dispersion equalisation in 10 Gb/s system

The chromatic dispersion (CD) that occurs in single mode fibres (SMFs) is an important issue that needs to be addressed in long-haul optical communication links. The effect of CD is pulse spreading which in turn leads to inter-symbol interference, thus resulting in the deterioration of the bit error rate (BER) performance of the system. An alternative CD compensation technique that utilises a parallel optical all pass filter (p-OAPF) is presented, where the p-OAPF design is based on the inverse phase response of the SMF. The p-OAPF is based on a class of all-pass filter. Simulation results of the proposed technique show an increase in the repeater-less length of a point-to-point optical communication system by up to three and four times using a non-return-to-zero data format with a rectangular and Gaussian pulse shape, respectively, at error-free condition (BER , 10 29 ). The results also show that the p-OAPF is robust in performing dispersion equalisation at a wide range of SMF lengths to attain error-free communication.
Teaching with Case Studies: An Empirical Investigation of Accounting Lecturers' Experiences

The case study method has come under increasing attention in recent decades with some writers extolling its potential to promote deeper learning. However, in the area of accounting education, ongoing calls for its use are not matched with similar accounts of successful use. Using a phenomenological approach, this study explores how accounting lecturers at an Irish university experience teaching with case studies. Three categories of description emerge: controller, facilitator, and partner. Of these, only the partners apply the case method with the explicit intention of fostering deeper learning and personal development. This suggests that, to inform the debate on its potential benefits, more extensive consideration needs to be paid to the manner in which accounting educators actually engage with the case method. Research in accounting education should move beyond consideration of teaching method to focus on the underlying affective and institutional factors which colour interpretation of the teaching context.
From Pre‐school to Primary School: When different contexts meet

The study aimed to investigate the pedagogy and beliefs of Icelandic pre‐school and first‐grade teachers during times of immense changes in the policy and trends of early childhood education. The practices of 2 pre‐school teachers working with the oldest pre‐school children and 2 primary school teachers working with the youngest primary school children were examined. Qualitative methods were used, including participant observations, interviews, and document collection. The results of the study show differences in the practices of the two pairs of teachers and the social contexts that influenced the teachers' practices. The degree of control the teachers had over their work varied between school levels and the degree of control the children had over their learning also varied between school levels. The results indicate that the downward pressure of academic subjects is becoming evident.
Herding Vulnerable Cats: A Statistical Approach to Disentangle Joint Responsibility for Web Security in Shared Hosting

Hosting providers play a key role in fighting web compromise, but their ability to prevent abuse is constrained by the security practices of their own customers. Shared hosting, offers a unique perspective since customers operate under restricted privileges and providers retain more control over configurations. We present the first empirical analysis of the distribution of web security features and software patching practices in shared hosting providers, the influence of providers on these security practices, and their impact on web compromise rates. We construct provider-level features on the global market for shared hosting -- containing 1,259 providers -- by gathering indicators from 442,684 domains. Exploratory factor analysis of 15 indicators identifies four main latent factors that capture security efforts: content security, webmaster security, web infrastructure security and web application security. We confirm, via a fixed-effect regression model, that providers exert significant influence over the latter two factors, which are both related to the software stack in their hosting environment. Finally, by means of GLM regression analysis of these factors on phishing and malware abuse, we show that the four security and software patching factors explain between 10% and 19% of the variance in abuse at providers, after controlling for size. For web-application security for instance, we found that when a provider moves from the bottom 10% to the best-performing 10%, it would experience 4 times fewer phishing incidents. We show that providers have influence over patch levels--even higher in the stack, where CMSes can run as client-side software--and that this influence is tied to a substantial reduction in abuse levels.
Rab7 Silencing Prevents μ-Opioid Receptor Lysosomal Targeting and Rescues Opioid Responsiveness to Strengthen Diabetic Neuropathic Pain Therapy

Painful diabetic neuropathy is poorly controlled by analgesics and requires high doses of opioids, triggering side effects and reducing patient quality of life. This study investigated whether enhanced Rab7-mediated lysosomal targeting of peripheral sensory neuron μ-opioid receptors (MORs) is responsible for diminished opioid responsiveness in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. In diabetic animals, significantly impaired peripheral opioid analgesia was associated with a loss in sensory neuron MOR and a reduction in functional MOR G-protein-coupling. In control animals, MORs were retained mainly on the neuronal cell membrane. In contrast, in diabetic rats, they were colocalized with upregulated Rab7 in LampI-positive perinuclear lysosome compartments. Silencing endogenous Rab7 with intrathecal Rab7-siRNA or, indirectly, by reversing nerve growth factor deprivation in peripheral sensory neurons not only prevented MOR targeting to lysosomes, restoring their plasma membrane density, but also rescued opioid responsiveness toward better pain relief. These findings elucidate in vivo the mechanisms by which enhanced Rab7 lysosomal targeting of MORs leads to a loss in opioid antinociception in diabetic neuropathic pain. This is in contrast to peripheral sensory neuron MOR upregulation and antinociception in inflammatory pain, and provides intriguing evidence that regulation of opioid responsiveness varies as a function of pain pathogenesis.
Simulation of simultaneous localization and mapping using hexacopter and RGBD camera

In this paper, we present simulation of SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) mission with hexacopter UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). This simulation is done by using Gazebo simulator based on ROS (Robot Operating System). We have installed Intel Realsense R200 RGBD (Red, Green, Blue and Depth) camera on the hexacopter model as visual sensor for generating SLAM. From the camera, we get RGB (Red, Green and Blue) image data and depth data which will be computed to get key point features. Key point features in different scenes is matched to calculate the motion of the camera. This will lead to find the odometry of hexacopter and the construction of 3D map surrounding the robot.
Testable uniqueness conditions for empirical assessment of undersampling levels in total variation-regularized X-ray CT

We study recoverability in fan-beam computed tomography (CT) with sparsity and total variation priors: how many underdetermined linear measurements suffice for recovering images of given sparsity? Results from compressed sensing (CS) establish such conditions for example for random measurements, but not for CT. Recoverability is typically tested by checking whether a computed solution recovers the original. This approach cannot guarantee solution uniqueness and the recoverability decision therefore depends on the optimization algorithm. We propose new computational methods to test recoverability by verifying solution uniqueness conditions. Using both reconstruction and uniqueness testing, we empirically study the number of CT measurements sufficient for recovery on new classes of sparse test images. We demonstrate an average-case relation between sparsity and sufficient sampling and observe a sharp phase transition as known from CS, but never established for CT. In addition to assessing recoverability more reliably, we show that uniqueness tests are often the faster option.
The Effect of Visual–Chunking–Representation Accommodation on Geometry Testing for Students with Math Disabilities

Students who struggle with learning mathematics often have difficulties with geometry problem solving, which requires strong visual imagery skills. These difficulties have been correlated with deficiencies in visual working memory. Cognitive psychology has shown that chunking of visual items accommodates students’ working memory deficits. This study investigated the effects of visual–chunking representation as a testing accommodation for improving students’ geometry problem–solving performance. Participants were four third–graders with difficulties in mathematics. An adapted reversal design was employed to examine the students’ performance changes during standard testing conditions and accommodated testing conditions. During the accommodated condition, students were presented with visual–chunking images. Results suggested that the visual–chunking representation accommodation improved students’ performance on geometry problem–solving tasks, and an interview confirmed students’ preference for the visual–chunking representation approach.
STUDIES ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THYROID HORMONES, SERUM LIPID PROFILE AND ERYTHROCYTE ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES IN CLINICALLY HEALTHY IRANIAN FAT-TAILED SHEEP

The aim of the present study was to determine whether there was any correlation between serum thyroid hormones, lipids, lipoproteins and the activities of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in adult nonpregnant uniparous Iranian pure bred fat-tailed ewes. Blood samples (10 mL) were taken from the jugular vein of 30 clinically healthy Iranian adult nonpregnant uniparous ewes at 8 a.m during 6 consecutive days of summer with a mean ambient temperature of 40°C. The serum was analyzed for thyroxine (T4), tri-iodothyronine (T3), free thyroxine (fT4), free tri-iodothyronine (fT3), cholesterol, triglyceride, lipoproteins [high density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol), low density lipoprotein (LDL-cholesterol) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL-cholesterol)], SOD and GPX activity. There were no significant differences in serum thyroid hormones, lipids, lipoproteins and antioxidant enzymes in different days (P>0.05). In addition, there were no significant correlations between serum thyroid hormones, lipids, lipoproteins and antioxidant enzymes in different days (P>0.05).
Prevention of Crime and Community Policing in India: An Empirical Evaluation of the Strategies and Practices of the Delhi Police

The police are faced with new challenges in a democratising India that is beset with corruption, and has a predominantly parochial social structure, an unequal distribution of national wealth and prevailing poverty. Policing urban areas is also becoming difficult in view of increases in the poor, the unemployed, organised crime, pressure on infrastructure and basic amenities, illegal settlements and ruralisation of the urban territories. There has been a growing perception of the decaying policing system in terms of credibility, popular image, corruption and attitudinal dimensions of policing in India (see Indian National Police Commission Report, vol. II, Delhi: Government of India, 1979).
High-Performance Closed-Loop Interface Circuit for High-Q Capacitive Microaccelerometers

High-Q sensory microsystems are desirable especially in low noise applications. However this makes implementation of the closed-loop control a great challenge. An in-depth investigation into high-performance closed-loop interface circuit design for high-Q capacitive microaccelerometers is presented. Focus is placed on an analogue force feedback scheme with proportional-derivative compensation. Such an approach is differing from the commonly used electromechanical Δ Σ technique, since the latter one often suffers severe problems in balancing between the loop stability and other essential characteristics in the presence of high-Q sensing element. A comprehensive analysis concerning the system linearity and bandwidth is conducted, aiming for performance optimization. The adverse impact arising from several electronic noise sources in the system is studied in order for minimization. Accordingly, a prototype interface circuit is designed and fabricated in a commercial 0.35-μm CMOS process. The chip measures 2.5×2.5 mm2 and operates from a single 5 V supply. The quiescent current is about 10 mA. The test results show that it offers a full scale acceleration of ±1.2 g correspondingly with integrated non-linearity (INL) of 6.6%, wide-band noise equivalent acceleration of nearly 1 μg/√Hz over a signal bandwidth of about 1.2 kHz.
The SCFA Receptor GPR43 and Energy Metabolism

Free fatty acids (FFAs) are essential nutrients and act as signaling molecules in various cellular processes via binding with FFA receptors. Of these receptors, GPR43 is activated by short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs; e.g., acetate, propionate, and butyrate). During feeding, SCFAs are produced by microbial fermentation of dietary fiber in the gut, and these SCFAs become important energy sources for the host. The gut microbiota affects nutrient acquisition and energy regulation of the host and can influence the development of obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Recently, GPR43 has been reported to regulate host energy homeostasis in the gastrointestinal tract and adipose tissues. Hence, GPR43 is also thought to be a potential drug target for metabolic disorders, such as obesity and diabetes. In this review, we summarize the identification, structure, and activities of GPR43, with a focus on host energy regulation, and present an essential overview of our current understanding of its physiological roles in host energy regulation that is mediated by gut microbiota. We also discuss the potential for GPR43 as a therapeutic target.