Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transforming practice, transforming practitioners: reflections on the TQFE in Scotland

ABSTRACT This study offers reflections on the TQFE in Scotland as an example of the transformative professional learning model as identified by various authors. The focus of this study is the professional learning of lecturers in Scotland’s colleges. Informed by wider considerations of teacher education more broadly, it will be of particular interest to those supporting a transformative model of professional learning in a variety of educational contexts. The research was undertaken as a collaborative initiative between each of the three universities which offer the TQFE in Scotland. Qualitative data are drawn from former TQFE participants and college mentors, and thematic analysis used to gain further insight from participant interviews. Findings highlight the transformative nature of the TQFE with an impact that is beyond the currency of the TQFE programme duration. The provision of transformative professional learning opportunities is now imperative given various pressures and tensions around the development of educators more generally and within contemporary Scottish Further Education in particular. Such pressures and tensions include: the varied demands within the Professional Standards for Lecturers in Scotland’s Colleges, and the need for professional learning for college lecturers to go beyond a competency or tool-kit based approach and to be sustainable.
An Efficient Feature Selection Using Hidden Topic in Text Categorization

Text categorization is an important research area in information retrieval. In order to save the storage space and get better accuracy, efficient and effective feature selection methods for reducing the data before analysis are highly desired. Usually, researches on feature selection use only a proper measurement such as information gain. In this paper, we propose a new feature selection method by adopting an attractive hidden topic analysis and entropy-based feature ranking. Experiments dealing with the well-known Reuters-21578 and Ohsumed datasets show that our method can achieve a better classification accuracy while reducing the feature dimension dramatically.
Neutrino oscillations and the early universe

The observational and theoretical status of neutrino oscillations in connection with solar and atmospheric neutrino anomalies is presented briefly. The effect of neutrino oscillations on the evolution of the early Universe is discussed in detail. A short review is given of the standard Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) and the influence of resonant and non-resonant neutrino oscillations on active neutrinos and on primordial synthesis of He-4. BBN cosmological constraints on neutrino oscillation parameters are discussed.
A Gamified Online System to Aid in Math Lessons of Junior and Middle High Students

This paper describes the project of an online platform to aid Brazilian students, of junior and middle high, in Math lessons and also training for Olimpíada Brasileira de Matemáticadas Escolas Públicas (OBMEP). The system allows the learners to solve random generated problems divided in three main themes, that are also covered by OBMEP, which are: Arithmetic, Geometry and Combinatorial. It is also programmed to give points and achievements according to the student progress. The system aims to make the students solve a certain number of problems in order to understand the algorithms and logic behind them. Those problems were chosen and classified with the aid of math teachers. This selection process consists in analyzing certain properties, which are described below. This system is also implemented with gamification concepts to engage students in the problem-solving activities.
Legalist vs. Interpretativist: The Supreme Court and the Democratic Transition in Mexico

We examine the expansion of the policy making power of the Mexican Supreme Court since 1994, when a reform turned the court into a constitutional tribunal. We build on the intuition that the Court can never act against the interests of both the executive and legislative branches simultaneously, otherwise the ruling is likely to be overturned and/or justices sanctioned. The Court can only influence policy when the elected branches have polarized preferences and the Court itself is centrally located. Despite the onset of divided government since 1997, the conditions for Court influence only appeared with the triumph of the PAN in the presidency in 2000. Multivariate regression confirms that the probability of striking down a law increased significantly after that year, but only in rulings likelier to involve substantive ideological disputes. In rulings used to resolve federalism disputes the Court showed a marked propensity to side with the PRI, the party that set the new judicial system in place and also controls most subnational units. Justices also differ in their view of the Supreme Court's role in a democracy. We explore this by analyzing justices’ voting records to estimate their ideal points, revealing the existence of two dimensions. Case studies confirm that the first dimension of cleavage is the standard left-right divide of normal politics, and the second corresponds to legalism vs. interpretativism.
Analytically periodic solutions to the three-dimensional Euler–Poisson equations of gaseous stars with a negative cosmological constant

By extension of the three-dimensional analytical solutions of Goldreich and Weber (1980 Homologously collapsing stellar cores Astrophys. J. 238 991) with an adiabatic exponent γ = 4/3, to the (classical) Euler–Poisson equations without a cosmological constant, the self-similar (almost re-collapsing) time-periodic solutions with a negative cosmological constant (Λ < 0) are constructed. The solutions with time periodicity are novel. Based on these solutions, the time-periodic and almost re-collapsing model is conjectured in this paper, for some gaseous stars.
Agreeing under randomized network dynamics

In this paper, we study randomized consensus processing over general random graphs. At time step k, each node will follow the standard consensus algorithm, or stick to current state by a simple Bernoulli trial with success probability p<sub>k</sub>. Connectivity-independent and arc-independent graphs are defined, respectively, to capture the fundamental independence of random graph processes with respect to a consensus convergence. Sufficient and/or necessary conditions are presented on the success probability sequence for the network to reach a global a.s. consensus under various conditions of the communication graphs. Particularly, for arc-independent graphs with simple self-confidence condition, we show that Σ<sub>k</sub> p<sub>k</sub> = ∞ is a sharp threshold corresponding to a consensus 0 - 1 law, i.e., the consensus probability is 0 for almost all initial conditions if Σ<sub>k</sub> p<sub>k</sub> converges, and jumps to 1 for all initial conditions if Σ<sub>k</sub> p<sub>k</sub> diverges.
SURF Feature Description Method of Color Image Based on Quaternion

To solve the problem of feature description in color image, in this paper, a novel method of SURF (speed up robust features) feature description of color image based on quaternion is proposed according to the influences of color information to image feature attribute. Firstly, the color information of three color channels is expressed by the three imaginary parts of pure quaternion separately. Then, taking advantage of the characteristic of rotation invariance of quaternion norm, feature description vectors are described by pure quaternion norm. Finally, the simulation experiments show that the correct matching ratios of our method is higher than SURF method and fully affine invariant SURF (FAIR-SURF) method, which verifies the effectiveness of our method in this paper.
Understanding and characterizing insights: how do people gain insights using information visualization?

Even though "providing insight" has been considered one of the main purposes of information visualization (InfoVis), we feel that insight is still a not-well-understood concept in this context. Inspired by research in sensemaking, we realized the importance of the procedural aspects in understanding insight. Thus, rather than asking "What is insight? " we instead focus on "How do people gain insights? " In an effort to better understand and characterize insight, we reviewed previous literature in InfoVis, seeking other researchers' comments and views on this concept. We found that: 1) Insights are often regarded as end results of using InfoVis and the procedures to gain insight have been largely veiled; 2) Four largely distinctive processes of gaining insight (Provide Overview, Adjust, Detect Pattern, and Match Mental Model) have been discussed in the InfoVis literature; and 3) These different processes provide some hints to understand the procedures in which insight can be gained from InfoVis. We hope that our findings help researchers and practitioners evaluate InfoVis systems and technologies in a more insight-oriented way.
Changes in Human Capital

Productivity growth is the main source of increases in economic welfare, as measured by real output per capita, in the long run. In this respect, the recent evolution of euro area productivity growth has been disappointing. In particular, the euro area has experienced a sustained decline in labour productivity growth since the 1980s. Existing analysis of the causes of this decline suggests that lower productivity growth has been due to both a decline in capital deepening and lower total factor productivity (TFP) growth over this time period (see for example Gomez-Salvador et al., 2006). However, the same analysis suggests that over the last ten years, the observed slowdown in capital deepening appears to be linked mainly to stronger employment growth. Robust euro area employment growth in the late 1990’s together with economic policies aimed at encouraging employment of lower skilled workers in many euro area countries may also have resulted in a shift in the composition of the workforce towards workers with lower human capital. If this were the case, the sustained decline in euro area labour productivity growth could, in part, also refl ect a lower contribution of labour quality growth to labour productivity growth. Standard unadjusted measures of labour input used so far in analysing euro area productivity growth ignore changes in human capital – changes in average labour quality – leading to an underestimation of the contribution of the labour input to economic growth. Best practise in the area of productivity measurement suggests instead that changes in labour quality should be taken into account by using a quality-adjusted number of hours actually worked as a measure of labour input (OECD, 2001).
A low computation Space Vector PWM scheme for multilevel inverters based on fractal approach

This paper proposes a Space Vector based pulse width modulation scheme for multilevel inverters. The principle of fractals is employed to find the sector of operation. The scheme is simulated for a 5-level inverter and experimentally verified by using a 3-level inverter configuration. The 3-level inverter is realized by connecting dual 2-level inverters in open-end winding configuration. In the space vector diagram, to represent the space vectors, 60° coordinate system is used instead of the Cartesian coordinate system. In 60° coordinate system, only integer coordinates are involved and hence the proposed scheme reduces computational complexity of the fractal algorithm. Experimental results are presented, including operation in over modulation region.
Expand-Ahead: A Space-Filling Strategy for Browsing Trees

Many tree browsers allow subtrees under a node to be collapsed or expanded, enabling the user to control screen space usage and selectively drill-down. However, explicit expansion of nodes can be tedious. Expand-ahead is a space-filling strategy by which some nodes are automatically expanded to fill available screen space, without expanding so far that nodes are shown at a reduced size or outside the viewport. This often allows a user exploring the tree to see further down the tree without the effort required in a traditional browser. It also means the user can sometimes drill-down a path faster, by skipping over levels of the tree that are automatically expanded for them. Expand-ahead differs from many detail-in-context techniques in that there is no scaling or distortion involved. We present 1D and 2D prototype implementations of expand-ahead, and identify various design issues and possible enhancements to our designs. Our prototypes support smooth, animated transitions between different views of a tree. We also present the results of a controlled experiment which show that, under certain conditions, users are able to drill-down faster with expand-ahead than without
An early fraud detection mechanism for online auctions based on phased modeling

Reputation systems provided by online auction sites are the only countermeasure available for buyers to evaluate a seller's credit. Unfortunately, feedback score mechanisms are too easily manipulated creating falsely overrated reputations. Therefore, developing an effective fraud detection method can assist the user in identifying cases of fraud. However, none of existing research addresses the most important issue of early fraud detection, which is, discovering a fraudster before he defrauds. For effective early fraud detection for online auctions, this paper proposes a novel phased detection framework to identify a potential fraudster as early as possible. To heighten precision in detection, different quantifiable behavioral features were extracted and integrated with regression model trees to build phased fraud behavior models. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, real transaction data were collected from Taiwan's Yahoo! Kimo for training and testing. The experimental results with these models show that the recall rate of fraud detection is over 82%.
16-channel mode division (de)multiplexer based on densely packed bent waveguide arrays

An ultra-broadband 16-channel mode division (de)multiplexer (MDM) based on densely packed bent waveguide arrays (DPBWAs) is experimentally demonstrated. The scheme is realized by using bent waveguides with different radius. The fabricated device, which consists of a multiplexer, DPBWAs, and a demultiplexer, exhibits insertion losses that are < 1 dB and crosstalk that is < −20 dB over an ∼ 80 nm wavelength band.
Model of a PT-symmetric Bose-Einstein condensate in a delta-function double-well potential

The observation of PT symmetry in a coupled optical wave guide system that involves a complex refractive index has been demonstrated impressively in the experiment by R\"uter el al. (Nat. Phys. 6, 192, 2010). This is, however, only an optical analogue of a quantum system, and it would be highly desirable to observe the manifestation of PT symmetry and the resulting properties also in a real, experimentally accessible, quantum system. Following a suggestion by Klaiman et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 080402, 2008), we investigate a PT symmetric arrangement of a Bose-Einstein condensate in a double well potential, where in one well cold atoms are injected while in the other particles are extracted from the condensate. We investigate, in particular, the effects of the nonlinearity in the Gross-Pitaevskii equation on the PT properties of the condensate. To study these effects we analyze a simple one-dimensional model system in which the condensate is placed into two PT symmetric delta-function traps. The analysis will serve as a useful guide for studies of the behaviour of Bose-Einstein condensates in realistic PT symmetric double wells.
Modeling Intrusion Alerts using IDMEF Data Model

In response to proliferated attacks on enterprise systems today, practitioners employ multiple, diverse intrusion detection sensors to improve the detection rate and the coverage within the system for increased information assurance. An important problem in such environment is the management of alerts. One of the essential issues in alerts management is the standardization of the alerts format. For some scholars, such standardization can be referred as alerts normalization. In this paper we address the data model for intrusion detection sensor alerts, called Intrusion Detection Message Exchange Format (IDMEF) and explain the rationale for using this model. An implementation of the data model in the Extensible Markup Language (XML) is presented to represent alerts generated from intrusion detection sensors for better viewing and to ease future alerts analysis for instances aggregation and correlation, regardless of the alerts origin.
Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of an Extended-Release Orally Disintegrating Methylphenidate Tablet in Children 6–12 Years of Age with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in the Laboratory Classroom Setting

Abstract Objective: Methylphenidate extended-release orally disintegrating tablets (MPH XR-ODTs) represent a new technology for MPH delivery. ODTs disintegrate in the mouth without water and provide a pharmacokinetic profile that is consistent with once-daily dosing. This study sought to determine the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of this novel MPH XR-ODT formulation in school-age children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a laboratory classroom setting. Methods: Children aged 6–12 years with ADHD (n = 87) were enrolled in this randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel, laboratory classroom study. The MPH XR-ODT dose was titrated to an optimized dose during a 4-week open-label period and maintained on that dose for 1 week. Participants (n = 85) were then randomized to receive their optimized dose of MPH XR-ODT or placebo once daily for 1 week (double blind), culminating in a laboratory classroom testing day. Efficacy was evaluated using the Swanson, Kotkin, Agler, M-Flynn, and Pelham (SKAMP) Attention, Deportment, and Combined scores along with Permanent Product Measure of Performance (PERMP; Attempted and Correct) assessments. Onset and duration of drug action were also evaluated as key secondary endpoints. Safety assessments included adverse events (AEs), physical examinations, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). Results: The average SKAMP-Combined score on the classroom study day was significantly better for the MPH XR-ODT group (n = 43) than for the placebo group (n = 39; p < 0.0001). The effect was evident at 1 hour and lasted through 12 hours postdose. The average SKAMP-Attention, SKAMP-Deportment, PERMP-A, and PERMP-C scores were indicative of significantly greater ADHD symptom control for the MPH XR-ODT group. The most common AEs reported were decreased appetite, upper abdominal pain, headache, insomnia, upper respiratory tract infection, affect lability, irritability, cough, and vomiting. Conclusions: MPH XR-ODT was effective and well tolerated for the treatment of children with ADHD in a laboratory classroom setting. Clinical Trial Registry: NCT01835548 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Evaluating the QUT Homestay Program : lessons learnt in providing quality services to international students

The QUT Homestay Program is an essential part of the university’s commitment to meet the accommodation needs of international students. Despite the importance of this style of accommodation, there is very little research addressing issues related to homestay arrangements. The program at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) was evaluated in 2002 to develop a continuous improvement framework to ensure provision of quality homestay services to international students. This paper presents an overview of the evaluation and key lessons learnt in providing quality homestay services to international students. It will cover social and cross-cultural issues faced by providers and international students in the homestay environment, the homestay support needs, program information, policies, procedures and code of practice governing the program.
Dual effects of transformational leadership on teacher efficacy in close and distant leadership situations

ABSTRACT Although research generally attests to the beneficial role of transformational leadership (TL) for school effectiveness, little empirical work has distinguished individual- from group-focused dimensions of TL and analysed their relationships with target variables at the individual and group level of followers simultaneously. Using a dual effects model of TL, the present study aims to fill this gap. It examines the dimensional structure of principals’ TL behaviours and their prognostic value for teachers’ self- and group-referential efficacy beliefs. Additionally, contextual dependencies of leadership effects are considered through the moderating role of a principal's span of control. Based on questionnaire data of 1,702 teachers in 118 Swiss schools, doubly latent ML-SEMs specify moderated dual effects of TL on both teacher and school levels of analysis. Results convey empirically separable latent sub-dimensions of TL (individual-/group-focused), which (a) characterise systematic differences in the leadership behaviours of the investigated principals and (b) substantially predict variations in the mean-levels of both teacher and collective efficacy between their respective schools. TL-collective efficacy relations are stronger in close leadership situations (low span of control) than in distant ones.
A Numerical Method for a Non-Smooth Advection-Diffusion Problem Arising in Sand Mechanics

An operator-splitting algorithm is presented for the solution of a partial differential equation arising in the modeling of deposition processes in sand mechanics. Sand piles evolution is modeled by an advection-diffusion equation, with a non-smooth diffusion operator that contains a point-wise constraint on the gradient of the solution. Piecewise linear finite elements are used for the discretization in space. The advection operator is treated with a stabilized SUPG finite element method. An augmented Lagrangian method is proposed for the discretization of the fast/slow non-smooth diffusion operator. A penalization approach, together with a Newton method, is used for the treatment of inequality constraints. Numerical results are presented for the simulation of sand piles on flat and non-flat surfaces, and for extensions to water flows.
Towards a Framework of Enterprise Integration: Linking Quality Management, Organizational Learning and Information Technology

This paper proposes a framework that can be used to explain and improve enterprise integration practices. It draws on the traditions of quality management and organizational learning to understand how implementation of advanced information technologies such as enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management may be explained and improved. Enterprise systems implementations at two subsidiaries of two separate large conglomerates are used to illustrate this framework. In particular, it is posited that quality management and organizational learning principles and practices are essential for successful advanced information technology implementation. This is because advanced integrative information technologies like ERP and CRM are in essence process management tools and are evolving to become knowledge management tools.