Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Teachers’ Attitudes towards Teaching English Grammar: A Scale Development Study

In most ELT classes, the importance of grammar, how it should be taught or how much it should be integrated into language teaching are still matters of discussion. Considering this fact, learning teachers’ attitudes towards teaching grammar is significantly valuable for researchers. This study thus aimed to design a scale that identifies teachers’ attitudes towards the role of grammar in the process of teaching English, to pilot it, and to find out the psychometric qualities like reliability and validity of the scale designed. The scale was developed in two phases; it was first aimed to explore the factor structure of the scale, then to confirm the structure gained from the exploration of the items. The study was carried out in 2015 and 247 volunteer language teachers from 3 state universities in Eskişehir and Kütahya were included. The results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed that the scale developed in this study was a considerably valid and reliable data collection tool including three factors. Finally, the analyses indicated that gender and graduate faculties did not create significant differences whereas age and the degrees obtained by the teachers created a considerable difference on language teachers’ attitudes towards grammar teaching (p<.05).
When ethnography does not rhyme with anonymity: Reflections on name disclosure, self-censorship, and storytelling

Maintaining informants’ confidentiality is a cornerstone of ethical clearance in most academic institutions’ boards, and a pre-requisite to conduct ethnographic fieldwork. However, this prescriptive environment does not account for the diversity of contemporary ethnographic fieldwork, and little has been written on the challenges faced by anthropologists who may need to identify participants in their research by their name. What are the specific empirical and theoretical implications of non-anonymous ethnographies? Drawing on accounts from a research conducted between 2007 and 2013 among Iraqi artists in exile, this study presents a situation that did not allow for protecting the anonymity and confidentiality of informants. This paper reflects on some of the challenges associated with name disclosure in anthropological research, and questions implications for both the participants and the researcher. The paper finally explores avenues to tackle barriers to unveil the collective in non-anonymous ethnographies across and beyond artists’ tales of creative individualities.
Problem Identification by Mining Trouble Tickets

IT systems of today's enterprises are continuously monitored and managed by a team of resolvers. Any problem in the system is reported in the form of trouble-tickets. A ticket contains various details of the observed problem. However, the knowledge of the actual problem is hidden in the ticket description along with other information. Knowledge of issues helps the service providers to better plan to improve cost and quality of operations. In this paper, we address the problem of extracting the issues from ticket descriptions. We discuss various challenges in issue extraction and present algorithms to handle different scenarios. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms through two real-world case-studies.
Gemini 3D spectroscopy of BAL+IR+Fe II QSOs - II. IRAS 04505−2958, an explosive QSO with hypershells and a new scenario for galaxy formation and galaxy end phase

From a study of broad absorption line (BAL) + infrared (IR) + Fe ii quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) [using deep Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph Integral Field Unit (GMOS-IFU) spectroscopy], new results are presented for IRAS 04505−2958. Specifically, we have studied in detail the outflow (OF) process at two large galactic scales: (i) two blobs/shells at radius r∼ 1.1 and 2.2 kpc, and (ii) an external hypergiant shell at r∼ 11 kpc. In addition, the presence of two very extended hypergiant shells at r∼ 60–80 kpc is also discussed. From this GMOS study the following main results were obtained. (i) For the external hypergiant shell, the kinematics GMOS maps of the ionized gas ([O ii], [Ne iii], [O iii], Hβ) show a small-scale bipolar OF, with similar properties to those observed in the prototype of exploding external supershells: NGC 5514. (ii) Three main knots – of this hypershell S3 – show the presence of a young starburst. (iii) The two internal shells show OF components with typical properties of nuclear shells. (iv) The two blobs and the hypershell are aligned at PA ∼ 131° showing bipolar OF shape at ∼10–15 kpc scale. In addition, the more external shells (at ∼60–80 kpc scale) are aligned at PA ∼ 40° also with bipolar OF shape (perpendicular to the more internal OF). (v) A strong blue continuum and multiple emission-line components were detected in all the GMOS fields. The new GMOS data show a good agreement with an extreme + explosive OF scenario for IRAS 04505−2958, in which part of the interstellar medium (ISM) of the host galaxy was ejected (in multiple shells). This extreme OF could also be associated with two main processes in the evolution of QSOs: (i) the formation of companion/satellite galaxies by giant explosions; and (ii) to define the final mass of the host galaxy, and even if the explosive nuclear OF is extremely energetic, this process could disrupt an important fraction of the host galaxy. Finally, the generation of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays and neutrino/dark matter – associated with HyNe in explosive BAL + IR + Fe ii QSOs – is discussed.
Factors Associated with the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Loss after Acute Primary Angle Closure: A Prospective EDI-OCT Study

Purpose To determine the factors associated with retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) loss in eyes with acute primary angle-closure (APAC), particularly focusing on the influence of the change in the anterior lamina cribrosa surface depth (LCD). Methods After the initial presentation, 30 eyes with unilateral APAC were followed up at the following specific time points over a 12-month period: 1 week, 1~2 months, 2~3 months, 5~6 months, and 11~12 months. These follow-ups involved intraocular pressure measurements, enhanced depth-imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scanning of the optic disc, and measurements of the circumpapillary RNFL thickness. The prelaminar tissue thickness (PLT) and LCD were determined in the SD-OCT images obtained at each follow-up visit. Results Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed a significant pattern of decrease in the global RNFL thickness, PLT, and LCD (all p<0.001). The global RNFL thickness decreased continuously throughout the follow-up period, while the PLT decreased until 5~6 months and did not change thereafter. The LCD reduced until 2~3 months and then also remained steady. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that symptoms with a longer duration before receiving laser peripheral iridotomy (LI) (p = 0.049) and a larger LCD reduction (p = 0.034) were significant factors associated with the conversion to an abnormal RNFL thickness defined using OCT normative data. Conclusion Early short-term decreases in the PLT and LCD and overall long-term decrease in the peripapillary RNFL were observed during a 12-month follow-up after an APAC episode. A longer duration of symptoms before receiving LI treatment and larger LCD reduction during follow-up were associated with the progressive RNFL loss. The LCD reduction may indicate a prior presence of significant pressure-induced stress that had been imposed on the optic nerve head at the time of APAC episode. Glaucomatous progression should be suspected in eyes showing LCD reduction after the APAC remission.
Dual Roles of the Mammalian GARP Complex in Tethering and SNARE Complex Assembly at the trans-Golgi Network

ABSTRACT Tethering factors and SNAREs control the last two steps of vesicular trafficking: the initial interaction and the fusion, respectively, of transport vesicles with target membranes. The Golgi-associated retrograde protein (GARP) complex regulates retrograde transport from endosomes to the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Although GARP has been proposed to function as a tethering factor at the TGN, direct evidence for such a role is still lacking. Herein we report novel and specific interactions of the mammalian GARP complex with SNAREs that participate in endosome-to-TGN transport, namely, syntaxin 6, syntaxin 16, and Vamp4. These interactions depend on the N-terminal regions of Vps53 and Vps54 and the SNARE motif of the SNAREs. We show that GARP functions upstream of the SNAREs, regulating their localization and assembly into SNARE complexes. However, interactions of GARP with SNAREs are insufficient to promote retrograde transport, because deletion of the C-terminal region of Vps53 precludes GARP function without affecting GARP-SNARE interactions. Finally, we present in vitro data consistent with a tethering role for GARP, which is disrupted by deletion of the Vps53 C-terminal region. These findings indicate that GARP orchestrates retrograde transport from endosomes to the TGN by promoting vesicle tethering and assembly of SNARE complexes in consecutive, independent steps.
Assessment of the impact of applying attenuation correction on the accuracy of activity recovery in Tc99m-ECD brain SPECT of healthy subject using Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM)

Introduction: Photon attenuation in tissues is the primary physical degrading factor limiting both visual qualitative interpretation and quantitative analysis capabilities of reconstructed Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) images. The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of attenuation correction on the detection of activation foci following statistical analysis with SPM. Methods: The study population consisted of twenty normal subjects (11 male, 9 female, and age 30-40 years). SPECT images were reconstructed using filter back projection and attenuation correction was done by the Chang method. The SPECT imagings was obtained 20 min after intravenous injection of 740-1110 MBq (20-30 mCi) of Tc99m-ECD and were acquired on 128×128 matrices with a 20% symmetric energy window at 140 keV. These data publicly distributed by the Society of Nuclear Medicine of Toronto Hospital. The data was standardized with respect to the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) atlas with a 12 parameter affine transformations. Images were then smoothed by a Gaussian filter of 10 mm FWHM. Significance differences between SPECT images were estimated at every voxel using statistical t-test and p-value as the significant criteria was set at 0.05. Results: The contrast comparing non attenuation corrected to attenuation corrected images suggest that regional brain perfusion activity increase in the cerebrum, frontal (T-value 12.06) , temporal (T-value 10.63) and occipital (T-value 9.31) lobe and decrease in the sub-lobar, extra-nuclear (T-value 17.46) and limbic lobe, posterior cingulate (T-value 17.46) before attenuation correction compare with attenuation correction. Conclusion: It can be concluded that applying attenuation correction in brain SPECT can effectively improve the accuracy of the detection of activation area (p<0.05).
Toward Internet of Things Application Markets

The application marketplaces in the smart phone ecosystem are fostering open innovation by incentivizing developers to create software applications. These application marketplaces play the role of unified channels for distribution of third party innovation artifacts such as software applications. Although the vision of the Internet of Things has existed over a decade, the distribution channels for third party applications are still at an early stage of development. In this paper we draw an analogy between the smart phone application marketplaces and the existing similar trends in the Internet of Things. We present a review of Internet of Things application platforms with an attempt to identify the common ground for the creation of Internet of Things application marketplaces. Based on the observations from the review we identify the general trends followed by the Internet of Things platforms and propose a general design intended to shape the realization of application marketplaces fostering open innovation for Internet of Things.
Cell cycle parameters and patterns of nuclear movement in the neocortical proliferative zone of the fetal mouse

Cytogenesis is the critical determinant of the total number of neurons that contribute to the formation of the cerebral cortex and the rate at which the cells are produced. Two distinct cell populations constitute the proliferative population, a pseudostratified ventricular epithelium (PVE) lying within the ventricular zone (VZ) at the margin of the ventricle, and a secondary proliferative population that is intermixed with the PVE within the VZ but also is distributed through the overlying subventricular and intermediate zones of the cerebral wall. The present analysis, based upon cumulative S-phase labeling of the proliferative cells with 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine, is principally concerned with the PVE of the gestational-day-14 (E14) murine cerebral wall. It has immediate but also more far reaching general objectives. The most immediate objective, essential to the design and interpretation of later experiments, is to provide estimates of critical parameters of cytogenesis for the PVE. The growth fraction is virtually 100%. The lengths of the overall cell cycle, S-, G2+M-m, and G1-phases are 15.1 hr, 3.8 hr, 2 hr, and 9.3 hr, respectively. The PVE is homogeneous with respect to cell cycle length. For methodological considerations, these estimates are more accurate than estimates of the same parameters obtained in earlier analyses based upon S-phase labeling with tritiated thymidine. It is particularly with respect to a shorter length of S-phase determined here that the present values are different from those obtained with thymidine. At a more innovative level, the temporal and spatial resolution of nuclear movement made possible by the methods developed here will allow, in a way not previously attempted, a fine-grained tracking of nuclear movement as cells execute the successive stages of the cell cycle or exit the cycle subsequent to mitosis. Such observations are pertinent to our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of neocortical histogenesis and the cell biological mechanisms that govern the proliferative cycle of the ventricular epithelium itself. It is known that the velocity of nuclear movement in the PVE is maximum in G2 (fourfold increase from S- phase) and minimum in M and early G1. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Monthly 43 GHz VLBA Polarimetric Monitoring of 3C 120 over 16 Epochs: Evidence for Trailing Shocks in a Relativistic Jet

We present a 16 month sequence of monthly polarimetric 43 GHz VLBA images of the radio galaxy 3C 120. The images probe the inner regions of the radio jet of this relatively nearby superluminal radio galaxy at a linear resolution of 0.07 h pc (H0 = 65 h65 km s-1 Mpc-1). We follow the motion of a number of features with apparent velocities between 4.01 ± 0.08 and 5.82 ± 0.13 h c. A new superluminal knot, moving at 4.29 ± 0.16 h c, is observed to be ejected from the core at a time coincident with the largest flare ever observed for this source at millimeter wavelengths. Changes in the position angle of this component, as well as a progressive rotation of its magnetic polarization vector, suggest the presence of a twisted (resembling a helix in projection) configuration of the underlying jet magnetic field and jet geometry. We identify several knots that appear in the wake of the new superluminal component, moving at proper motions ~4 times slower than any of the other moving knots observed in 3C 120. These features have properties similar to those of the "trailing" shocks seen in relativistic, time-dependent, hydrodynamical, and emission simulations of compact jets. Such trailing compressions are triggered by pinch-mode jet-body instabilities caused by the propagation of a strong perturbation, which we associate with the new strong superluminal component.
Surface completion by minimizing energy based on similarity of shape

3D mesh models generated with range scanner or video images often have holes due to many occlusions by other objects and the object itself. This paper proposes a novel method to fill the missing parts in the incomplete models. The missing parts are filled by minimizing the energy function, which is defined based on similarity of local shape between the missing region and the rest of the object. The proposed method can generate complex and consistent shapes in the missing region. In the experiment, the effectiveness of the method is successfully demonstrated by applying it to complex shape objects with missing parts.
fMRI orientation decoding in V1 does not require global maps or globally coherent orientation stimuli

The orientation of a large grating can be decoded from V1 functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data, even at low resolution (3-mm isotropic voxels). This finding has suggested that columnar-level neuronal information might be accessible to fMRI at 3T. However, orientation decodability might alternatively arise from global orientation-preference maps. Such global maps across V1 could result from bottom-up processing, if the preferences of V1 neurons were biased toward particular orientations (e.g., radial from fixation, or cardinal, i.e., vertical or horizontal). Global maps could also arise from local recurrent or top-down processing, reflecting pre-attentive perceptual grouping, attention spreading, or predictive coding of global form. Here we investigate whether fMRI orientation decoding with 2-mm voxels requires (a) globally coherent orientation stimuli and/or (b) global-scale patterns of V1 activity. We used opposite-orientation gratings (balanced about the cardinal orientations) and spirals (balanced about the radial orientation), along with novel patch-swapped variants of these stimuli. The two stimuli of a patch-swapped pair have opposite orientations everywhere (like their globally coherent parent stimuli). However, the two stimuli appear globally similar, a patchwork of opposite orientations. We find that all stimulus pairs are robustly decodable, demonstrating that fMRI orientation decoding does not require globally coherent orientation stimuli. Furthermore, decoding remained robust after spatial high-pass filtering for all stimuli, showing that fine-grained components of the fMRI patterns reflect visual orientations. Consistent with previous studies, we found evidence for global radial and vertical preference maps in V1. However, these were weak or absent for patch-swapped stimuli, suggesting that global preference maps depend on globally coherent orientations and might arise through recurrent or top-down processes related to the perception of global form.
A Hamiltonian-preserving scheme for the Liouville equation of geometrical optics with transmissions and reflections ∗

We construct a class of Hamiltonian-preserving numerical schemes for a Liouville equation of geometrical optics, with transmissions and reflections. This equation arises in the high frequency limit of the linear wave equation, with discontinuous local wave speed. In our previous work [23], we introduced the Hamiltonian-preserving schemes for the same equation when only complete transmissions or reflections occur at the interfaces. These schemes are extended in this paper to the general case of coexistence of both transmission and reflection satisfying the Snell Law of Refraction, with the correct transmission and reflection coefficients. This scheme allows a hyperbolic stability condition, under which positivity, and stabilities in both l1 and l norms, are established. Numerical experiments are carried out to study the numerical accuracy. Research supported in part by NSF grant No. DMS-0305080, NSFC under the Project 10228101 and the Basic Research Projects of Tsinghua University under the Project JC2002010, and the Institute for Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) under a New Direction Visiting Professorship. Department of Mathematics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA, and Department of Mathematical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China. Email address: jin@math.wisc. edu. Department of Mathematical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P.R. China. Email address: wenx@mail.tsinghua. edu.cn. draft, May 9, 2005
Finding close friends on the Internet

We consider the problem of finding nearby application-peers (close friends) over the Internet. We focus on unicast-only solutions and introduce a new scheme -Beaconing-for finding peers that are near. Our scheme uses distance measurement points (called beacons) and can be implemented entirely in the application-layer without investing in large infrastructure changes. We present an extensive evaluation of Beaconing and compare it to existing schemes including Expanding Ring searches and Triangulation. Our experiments show that 3-8 beacons are sufficient to provide efficient peer-location service on 10 000 node Internet-like topologies. Further, our results are 2-5 times more accurate than existing techniques. We also present results from an implementation of Beaconing over a non-trivial wide-area testbed. In our experiments, Beaconing is able to efficiently (< 3 K Bytes and < 50 packets on average), quickly (< 1 second on average), and accurately (< 20 ms error on average) find nearby peers on the Internet.
Partitioning large ontologies based on their structures

With awareness of ontology capabilities in processing semantic web information, the number of ontologies have been increasing over the past decade. However, there are still some difficulties in working with ontologies having large sizes (that is having considerable amount of concepts and relationships) resulting from high time and space complexity of the processing involved. To overcome these problems, some researchers tend to use clustering and fragmentation techniques to partition the ontologies into meaningful parts called sub-ontology. Such partitioning can be used to process sub-ontologies locally and then combine those processing results to gain final results. In these manners, the technique chosen for the partitioning is an effective factor in the quality of the final results. In this paper we have proposed an efficient new structure-based method for partitioning an ontology to the meaningful clusters. Although, this method can act completely automated, it also enables the user to determine the number of final clusters in each level of granularity. The time-complexity of this method is of where n is number of concepts in the ontology. Key words: Ontology partitioning, sub-ontology, closeness, cluster similarity.
Cache Hierarchy Optimization

Power consumption, off-chip memory bandwidth, chip area and Network on Chip (NoC) capacity are among main chip resources limiting the scalability of Chip Multiprocessors (CMP). A closed form analytical solution for optimizing the CMP cache hierarchy and optimally allocating area among hierarchy levels under such constrained resources is developed. The optimization framework is extended by incorporating the impact of data sharing on cache miss rate. An analytical model for cache access time as a function of cache size is proposed and verified using CACTI simulation.