Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influences on College Students' Capacities for Socially Responsible Leadership

This study of 14,252 college seniors from 50 institutions representing 25 states and the District of Columbia explored the influences of higher education on eight leadership outcome measures theoretically grounded using the social change model of leadership development. Hierarchical regression models explained between 31% and 40% of the variance in students' reported capacities across the eight outcomes. Results identified socio-cultural conversations with peers, faculty mentoring, and participation in community service as key influences which were complemented by findings related to the importance of leadership efficacy as an intermediate outcome.
Statistical Mechanics and Information-Theoretic Perspectives on Complexity in the Earth System

This review provides a summary of methods originated in (non-equilibrium) statistical mechanics and information theory, which have recently found successful applications to quantitatively studying complexity in various components of the complex system Earth. Specifically, we discuss two classes of methods: (i) entropies of different kinds (e.g., on the one hand classical Shannon and R´enyi entropies, as well as non-extensive Tsallis entropy based on symbolic dynamics techniques and, on the other hand, approximate entropy, sample entropy and fuzzy entropy); and (ii) measures of statistical interdependence and causality (e.g., mutual information and generalizations thereof, transfer entropy, momentary information transfer). We review a number of applications and case studies utilizing the above-mentioned methodological approaches for studying contemporary problems in some exemplary fields of the Earth sciences, highlighting the potentials of different techniques.
PUDGE: a flexible, interactive server for protein structure prediction

The construction of a homology model for a protein can involve a number of decisions requiring the integration of different sources of information and the application of different modeling tools depending on the particular problem. Functional information can be especially important in guiding the modeling process, but such information is not generally integrated into modeling pipelines. Pudge is a flexible, interactive protein structure prediction server, which is designed with these issues in mind. By dividing the modeling into five stages (template selection, alignment, model building, model refinement and model evaluation) and providing various tools to visualize, analyze and compare the results at each stage, we enable a flexible modeling strategy that can be tailored to the needs of a given problem. Pudge is freely available at http://wiki.c2b2. columbia.edu/honiglab_public/index.php/Software:PUDGE.
Nerve injury reduces responses of hypoglossal motoneurones to baseline and chemoreceptor‐modulated inspiratory drive in the adult rat

The effects of peripheral nerve lesions on the membrane and synaptic properties of motoneurones have been extensively studied. However, minimal information exists about how these alterations finally influence discharge activity and motor output under physiological afferent drive. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of hypoglossal (XIIth) nerve crushing on hypoglossal motoneurone (HMN) discharge in response to the basal inspiratory afferent drive and its chemosensory modulation by CO2. The evolution of the lesion was assessed by recording the compound muscle action potential evoked by XIIth nerve stimulation, which was lost on crushing and then recovered gradually to control values from the second to fourth weeks post‐lesion. Basal inspiratory activities recorded 7 days post‐injury in the nerve proximal to the lesion site, and in the nucleus, were reduced by 51.6% and 35.8%, respectively. Single unit antidromic latencies were lengthened by lesion, and unusually high stimulation intensities were frequently required to elicit antidromic spikes. Likewise, inspiratory modulation of unitary discharge under conditions in which chemoreceptor drive was varied by altering end‐tidal CO2 was reduced by more than 60%. Although the general recruitment scheme was preserved after XIIth nerve lesion, we noticed an increased proportion of low‐threshold units and a reduced recruitment gain across the physiological range. Immunohistochemical staining of synaptophysin in the hypoglossal nuclei revealed significant reductions of this synaptic marker after nerve injury. Morphological and functional alterations recovered with muscle re‐innervation. Thus, we report here that nerve lesion induced changes in the basal activity and discharge modulation of HMNs, concurrent with the loss of afferent inputs. Nevertheless, we suggest that an increase in membrane excitability, reported by others, and in the proportion of low‐threshold units, could serve to preserve minimal electrical activity, prevent degeneration and favour axonal regeneration.
SOCIAL STRUCTURE AND INDIVIDUAL AGENCY IN SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING: EVIDENCE FROM THREE LIFE HISTORIES

This paper examines the issue of social structure and individual agency in language learning through the life histories of three young engineering graduates in Hong Kong. English is identified as an important form of cultural capital, which to a considerable extent determines the development of the three individuals, each of whom comes from a modest family background. In spite of the undeniable role of cultural capital (a product of social structure), examples of individual agency, in the form of the degrees of “investment” made in their language learning, and the application of “creative discursive agency” (which is to a large extent not a result of the official school curriculum) can be seen as influential on the development of the three young men. The discussion section of the paper considers the relative importance of social structure and individual agency in language education in a post-colonial society such as Hong Kong and the roles of “investment” and “creative discursive agency. ” It argues that in order to tilt the balance in favor of agency over structure and to encourage more “investment” on the part of learners, more attention needs to be given to creating opportunities for “creative discursive agency” in and outside the classroom.
Systems Long Term Exposure program: Analysis of the first year of data

While indoor accelerated testing of products is important for development, it is equally important to conduct field-testing to determine performance and degradation under real world conditions. To address this need, Sandia has developed an outdoor small systems evaluation laboratory. The Systems Long Term Exposure (SLTE) project spans three geographic locations: one in a hot/dry climate, one in a hot/humid climate and one in a cold climate. Identical systems representing three commercial technologies are installed at each location. In this paper we present the results and analysis from the first year of monitoring of these systems.
Efficient implementation of local adaptive thresholding techniques using integral images

Adaptive binarization is an important first step in many document analysis and OCR processes. This paper describes a fast adaptive binarization algorithm that yields the same quality of binarization as the Sauvola method,1 but runs in time close to that of global thresholding methods (like Otsu's method2), independent of the window size. The algorithm combines the statistical constraints of Sauvola's method with integral images.3 Testing on the UW-1 dataset demonstrates a 20-fold speedup compared to the original Sauvola algorithm.
A current symmetrical hybrid multilevel DC-AC converter

This work presents the analysis of new symmetrical hybrid current source-type multilevel inverter topologies. A three-level current cell (TCC) and its respective modulation pattern are proposed. The purpose of the circuits presented here is to reduce current stresses that affects the power semiconductor devices and improve harmonic distortion of the voltages applied to the load. This is done by distributing currents among the switches in the three-level cell. As a characteristic of the proposed cells, some of the switches operate at low frequency while others are switched at high frequency. To validate the operating principle a single-phase circuit has been simulated, operating at 1.0 kHz for the fast switches and 50 Hz for the slow switches. Also featured in this paper is the extension to three-phase versions of the proposed converter.
Acclimation of Leaf Nitrogen to Vertical Light Gradient at Anthesis in Wheat Is a Whole-Plant Process That Scales with the Size of the Canopy1[W][OA]

Vertical leaf nitrogen (N) gradient within a canopy is classically considered as a key adaptation to the local light environment that would tend to maximize canopy photosynthesis. We studied the vertical leaf N gradient with respect to the light gradient for wheat (Triticum aestivum) canopies with the aims of quantifying its modulation by crop N status and genetic variability and analyzing its ecophysiological determinants. The vertical distribution of leaf N and light was analyzed at anthesis for 16 cultivars grown in the field in two consecutive seasons under two levels of N. The N extinction coefficient with respect to light (b) varied with N supply and cultivar. Interestingly, a scaling relationship was observed between b and the size of the canopy for all the cultivars in the different environmental conditions. The scaling coefficient of the b-green area index relationship differed among cultivars, suggesting that cultivars could be more or less adapted to low-productivity environments. We conclude that the acclimation of the leaf N gradient to the light gradient is a whole-plant process that depends on canopy size. This study demonstrates that modeling leaf N distribution and canopy expansion based on the assumption that leaf N distribution parallels that of the light is inappropriate. We provide a robust relationship accounting for vertical leaf N gradient with respect to vertical light gradient as a function of canopy size.
Deep learning and education for sustainability

Deep learning is a key strategy by which students extract meaning and understanding from course materials and experiences. Because of the range and interconnectedness of environmental, social and economic issues, and the importance of interdisciplinary thinking and holistic insight, deep learning is particularly relevant in the context of education for sustainability. However, deep learning can be inhibited if the existing interests or backgrounds of students have a strong disciplinary focus. This paper reviews factors that influence deep learning and discusses some ways in which environmental educators can encourage students to use deep learning strategies. Such strategies are seen to be necessary to maximise the benefits from environmental courses and are likely to foster creative interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability beyond the institution.
Navigating the Landscape of Intelligent Systems, Smart Technologies, and User-Centric Evolution

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a dynamic field pi votal in shaping human-technology relationships. HCI is a multidisciplinary field, essential in understanding and enhancing the interaction between humans and technology. Challenges within HCI encompass design, usability, accessibility, and emotional resonance. The aim of this research study is to highlight the multifaceted nature of HCI, offering insights into its transformative and complementing potential and its continuous influence on the digital landscape. By delving into the challenges faced and the current technologies (Multimodal Affect Recognition, Artificial Intelligence, etc.), this review serves as a foundation for further research and development in this vital domain, offering valuable insights into the dynamic HCI landscape.
Discovering Communities of Users on Social Networks Based on Topic Model Combined with Kohonen Network

Interaction among users on social networks through messages and interested topics forms online communities. The question is how to discover what communities users belong to or what online communities are interested in or what each period of time the interested topic change in online communities are? To answer these questions, this paper proposes a new model for discovering communities on social networks based on the topic model combined with Kohonen networks. This model, we focus on discovering online communities and surveying the changes in interested topic and users in communities with temporal factor. The proposed model is experimented with a set of interested topic vectors. These topics are exploited from a corpus of messages in Vietnamese on social networks in the higher education field.
Novel interpenetrating network microspheres of xanthan gum–poly(vinyl alcohol) for the delivery of diclofenac sodium to the intestine—in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Xanthan gum (XG), a trisaccharide branched polymer and poly vinyl alcohol (PVA), was used to develop pH-sensitive interpenetrating network (IPN) microspheres by emulsion cross-linking method in the presence of glutaraldehyde as a cross-linker to deliver model anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac sodium (DS) to the intestine. Various formulations were prepared by changing the ratio of XG:PVA, extent of cross-linking in order to optimize the formulation variables on drug encapsulation efficiency, and release rate. Formation of interpenetrating network and the chemical stability of DS after penetration of microspheres was confirmed by Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were done on the drug loaded microspheres which confirmed molecular dispersion of DS in the IPN. Microspheres formed were spherical with smooth surfaces, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mean particle size, as measured by laser light scattering technique ranged between 310.25–477.10 µm. Drug encapsulation of up to 82.94% was achieved as measured by UV method. Both equilibrium and dynamic swelling studies and in vitro release studies were performed in pH 1.2 and 6.8. Release data indicated a Fickian trend of drug release which depends on the extent of cross-linking and the ratio of XG:PVA present in the microsphere. When subjected to in vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation in rabbits, microparticles show slow and prolonged drug release when compared with DS solution. Based on the results of in vitro and in vivo studies it was concluded that these IPN microspheres provided oral controlled release of water-soluble DS.
The Transient Chondrocyte Phenotype in Human Osteophytic Cartilage

Objective: To identify factors that are responsible for the phenotypic differences between transient chondrocytes within human osteophytes prone to endochondral ossification and permanent chondrocytes within articular cartilage persisting for decades. Methods: Differential gene expression of chondrocytes from human osteophytes or from articular cartilage was detected by cDNA microarray analysis. The expression of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), one of the most impressively differentially expressed genes, was validated by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction as well as immunohistochemistry. The mode of action of PEDF was explored by cell viability assays and by detecting target genes. Results: PEDF mRNA expression was upregulated by 118.5-fold (P = 0.01) in human osteophytic cartilage compared with articular cartilage, which was reflected by strong immunostaining for PEDF in the cartilaginous layer of osteophytes but largely negative staining in articular cartilage. Elevated levels of PEDF in osteophytes were associated with enhanced apoptosis. PEDF increased the expression of the proapoptotic factor FasL and induced cell death in cell culture. Osteochondral progenitor cells were more responsive to PEDF than differentiated articular chondrocytes. Conclusions: The induction of the proapoptotic factor PEDF within the osteophyte cartilage suggests a molecular concept for the transient chondrocyte phenotype that arises from progenitor cells and is prone to terminal differentiation and cell death.
Mentoring the Mentors: First-Order Descriptions of Experience-In-Context

Following worldwide trends in an effort to combat attrition rates of novice teachers, mentoring of new teachers has become a common practice. However, not all experienced teachers have the supervision and leadership skills necessary to guide new teachers through their first difficult year. In order to solve this problem, various programs have been established to provide mentor teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary to support new teachers. While there is a proliferation of research and theoretical articles pertaining to mentoring, there is a scarcity of literature dealing with the training of mentors. The purpose of this article is to make a contribution to this neglected area of study by presenting some examples of innovative practical techniques designed to link theory with practice. Data of mentor teachers' written assignments are presented as evidence of the link between theory learned and practical implementation from the perspective of the participants.
The Effect of Response Format on Ratings of Teaching

An experiment is reported in which students rated the effectiveness of their lecturers by using three different types of response format. No differences were found between a scale in which all the points were verbally labelled and one in which only the end points were labelled. However a third scale, in which each point was given a precise percentage label, differed from the other two, and proved to give a more nearly accurate measure of the performance being rated. It is concluded that such percentage scales should be used wherever possible, although they may be inappropriate for some groups of subjects.
Prospects for Group Processes and Intergroup Relations Research: A Review of 70 Years' Progress

Three archival analyses are presented substantially extending empirical reviews of the progress of group-related research. First, an analysis of social psychological research from 1935 to 2007 (cf. Abrams & Hogg, 1998) showed that group-related research has a steadily increasing proportion of titles in the principal journals and currently accounts for over a sixth of all the research in our list of social psychological journals. Second, analysis of the most cited papers from a set of principal social psychology journals from 1998 to 2007 showed that a third of high-impact articles in social psychology focus on groups. Third, analysis of the content of two major specialist journals in the field, Group Processes & Intergroup Relations and Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice, showed that together these journals cover a broad range of group-related research, and that the only keyword common to both journals was social identity. These findings demonstrate the health and major contributions of research into group processes and intergroup relations to social psychology as a whole.
Deep Learning-Based Approach for Calorie Estimation in Indian Foods

People in the modern era are increasingly concerned with their diet and food choices to prevent developing chronic diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes. With the increasing usage of smartphones and technology, an application to automatically monitor their diet would be a great boon, especially for the younger generation. This research work proposes automatic food calorie estimation from the food images using deep learning technology. The proposed work has three main phases. In the first phase, the food image is categorised as one of the types, for example, boiled, fried in oil or junk. A novel deep neural network namely MobileNetV2 which is a 15-layer model architecture is used for this purpose. In the second phase, the quantity of the labelled food is estimated. The third and final stage involves computing the calories present in the food using the Google search API. The details of ingredients present in each type of food are used for this purpose. Classification accuracy, food amount calculation precision, and calorie estimation accuracy are used assessing the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The proposed model is producing results with an overall accuracy of 95.21 percent which is better than the existing architecture.
Customer Orientation and Sales Situations: Variations in Interactive Service Work

This article contributes to the discussion of effects of 'emotional labour', or work where the management of feeling to create a publicly observable display is a crucial part. Some authors stress detrimental effects like emotive dissonance and alienation. Others observe the joy and satisfaction people feel in this kind of work. Emotional labour is here presented as a form of acting, which is related to individual and organizational factors, and studied within a Swedish context. To investigate the different forms of service occupations in the private sector and the effect that this kind of work has on people, a qualitative interview study, an organizational study and a survey were conducted. The results reveal both positive and negative effects of emotional labour across different occupations. A typology with four types of service occupations is suggested: (1) 'Work First'; (2) 'Personalized Services'; (3) 'Routine Selling'; and (4) 'Persuasive Selling'.
Absolutist Models of Absolute Pitch Are Absolutely Misleading

The early learning model of absolute pitch has recently been challenged (W. A. Brown, H. Sachs, K. Cammuso, & S. E. Folstein, 2002). This article gives a brief review of the cumulative evidence in favor of the model: Prevalence of absolute pitch is increased (a) in the congenitally and early blind, (b) among musicians in Japan, a country with a special tradition of early music training, and (c) in different types of genetically based cognitive deficit syndromes; (d) latent forms of absolute pitch are widespread, (e) there are remarkable parallels to first language acquisition, and (f) strong correlations are consistently found between early music training and the manifestation of AP in adolescence. Apart from atypical cases, early tonal training during a sensitive period and up to a ““hard”” age limit seems of absolute pitch. The question of sufficiency of adequate early training methods (i.e., acquisition without hypothetical distinctive genetic priming factors) is not yet sufficiently settled.