Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An unintentional pro‐Black bias in judgement among educators

BACKGROUND Previous work indicates widespread preference for White over Black people in attitudes and behaviour. However, there are instances where Black people receive preferential treatment over White people. AIMS This study aimed to investigate whether a sample of education professionals would favour Black or White applicants to an academic honour society, and the extent to which any biases were related to conscious intentions. SAMPLE Participants were education professionals (N = 618; 75.5% White) who completed an online study. METHODS Participants completed a hypothetical admissions task where they evaluated more and less qualified applicants for an academic honour society, and applicants were either White or Black. Participants also completed measures of implicit and explicit racial attitudes. RESULTS Educational professionals at all levels showed a pro-Black bias in judgement, adopting a lower acceptance criterion for Black compared to White applicants, replicating previous work using online and undergraduate samples. The bias was present among participants reporting they did not want to be biased or believed they were unbiased, suggesting that bias arose without conscious awareness or intention. Bias was also weakly but reliably related to racial attitudes. CONCLUSIONS These findings are consistent with the notion that educators automatically hold lower standards for Black versus White applicants. While education professionals likely have experience evaluating students from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, these professionals were, nevertheless, unable to eliminate the impact of race in their decision-making.
Vocational education and training teachers’ conceptions of their pedagogy

Abstract There is a growing enthusiasm for developing a more highly skilled workforce in both Australia and internationally. Federal and state policies are directed towards increasing productivity and the engagement of formerly disengaged senior school students and the wider society. There is a new determination to manage transition arrangements between school, the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector and work, and there is a new commitment to more uniform and industry relevant curriculum. If these initiatives are to succeed with an enthusiasm equivalent to their formulation then more needs to be known about the VET pedagogies likely to be appropriate and successful for the new tasks. This paper investigates some understandings of VET pedagogy in the wider vocational field as well as in schools, and the tensions between the wider vocational field and schools that are implicit in these understandings. This paper is based on two empirical research projects carried out by the authors. The first research project reported on was carried out with VET teachers in Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Colleges and VET teachers working in a Vocational Secondary School. The second research project was carried out with career change teachers working in traditional high schools in NSW. In this article the authors use the concept of ‘practice architectures’ and the particular ‘sayings, doings and relatings’ involved in the wider VET sector to interrogate policy and practice changes, and to explore the implications of these changes in terms of the teachers’ conceptions of their own pedagogy and some of the tensions and contradictions that they experience and articulate.
Bad Boys, Bad Men: Confronting Antisocial Personality Disorder (Sociopathy)

Bad Boys, Bad Men: Confronting Antisocial Personality Disorder (Sociopathy) Donald W. Black. Oxford University Press USA. 2013. £14.99 (pb). 336 pp. ISBN: 9780199862030 There is a widespread sentiment that society has lost its moral compass and that there needs to be reclamation of traditional
Interrelationships of the hidden economy and some visible segments of the labour market

Since there are no broadly accepted macro-level estimations for the size of the hidden economy, the interrelationships of the hidden economy with different segments of the labor market have to be approached in a number of different ways. In our cross-country analysis, in parts 2 and 3 we use indirect estimations of the hidden economy and show that the size of the hidden economy and the size of self-employment can be explained by similar explanatory variables, tax rates and corruption being prominent among them. In part 4 we set up and quantify a model to analyze the interrelationships among the hidden economy and the pools of self-employed and non-employed people. For this model we use a specific direct indicator of the hidden economy, the concealed consumption share which is derived from the notion of the non-observed economy used by statistical agencies. We show that the size of this part of the hidden economy is determined by the tax rate related to the consumption and the level of corruption. We also demonstrate that the concealed consumption share plays an important role in the determination of the size of various segments of the labor market, while the developments of these segments also have their impact on this specific part of the hidden economy. JEL: H 26, D 73, J 2, E 26
Privacy Preserving Attribute Reduction Based on Rough Set

Attribute reduction, as a part of preprocesses, plays an important role in data mining. Privacy ought to be preserved while conducting attribute reduction on distributed data. However, to the best of our knowledge, there exists no algorithm about attribute reduction for the present. In this paper, we represent two privacy preserving attribute reduction algorithms based on rough set. One is on the vertically partitioned data. We develop secure sum of matrices and secure set intersection for it. The other is on the horizontally partitioned data, mainly using secure set union. The correctness and security of the two algorithms are also analyzed. The results show that both of the two algorithms are correct and secure.
Measurement and Meaning of Recreation Satisfaction

The purpose of this research was to empirically verify the assumption that psychological processes related to recreation satisfaction include these individual difference variables. The relationship between alternative conceptualizations and measurement of user satisfaction were also objects of study. Three independent samples of campers indicated their perceptions, preferences, expectations, importance, and satisfaction levels on a number of factors related to camping satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Alternative conceptualizations of user satisfaction employing individual difference variables were operationally defined and compared to each other. Results indicated that satisfaction measures obtained by using individual difference measures are only moderately related to each other. There may be no single best way to measure recreational satisfaction, as each measure incorporates different psychological processes. Although the research population in the present study consisted of campers, the various conceptualizations and operational definitions of satisfaction will generalize to all types of recreation and should prove useful to both recreation managers and researchers.
A Latent-Feature Plackett-Luce Model for Dyad Ranking Completion

Dyad ranking is a speciﬁc type of preference learning problem, namely the problem of learning a model that is capable of ranking a set of feature vector pairs, called dyads. In this paper a situation is considered where feature vectors consists of identiﬁers only. A new method based on learning latent-features is introduced for this purpose. The method is evaluated on synthetic data and is applied on the problem of ranking from implicit feedback.
Communication between Lingodroids with different cognitive capabilities

Previous studies have shown how Lingodroids, language learning mobile robots, learn terms for space and time, connecting their personal maps of the world to a publically shared language. One caveat of previous studies was that the robots shared the same cognitive architecture, identical in all respects from sensors to mapping systems. In this paper we investigate the question of how terms for space can be developed between robots that have fundamentally different sensors and spatial representations. In the real world, communication needs to occur between agents that have different embodiment and cognitive capabilities, including different sensors, different representations of the world, and different species (including humans). The novel aspects of these studies is that one robot uses a forward facing camera to estimate appearance and uses a biologically inspired continuous attractor network to generate a topological map; the other robot uses a laser scanner to estimate range and uses a probabilistic filter approach to generate an occupancy grid. The robots hold conversations in different locations to establish a shared language. Despite their different ways of sensing and mapping the world, the robots are able to create coherent lexicons for the space around them.
A study of innovation activities in software and computer services companies

This paper analyzes the results of a study of innovation activities in software and computing services companies. We propose a new model which takes into account the role played by several factors and firms' resources in the development of innovative activities, exploring the relationships between a set of organizational, technological, financial and information-based resources, as well as other aspects such as cooperation with other agents and companies.
Declarative Memory in Patients With Bipolar Disorder and Stimulant Abuse Receiving Lamotrigine

ABSTRACT Bipolar disorder (BPD) and stimulant use are both associated with cognitive deficits. Patients with BPD and substance use disorders have poorer cognition than patients with only BPD. No longitudinal studies have examined the impact of improvement in mood and reduction in substance use on cognition, specifically memory, in patients with BPD and substance abuse. We previously reported positive effects of lamotrigine on mood and drug use in patients with BPD and stimulant dependence. In a consecutive subset of these patients, declarative memory was assessed at baseline and at week 12. Lamotrigine titration up to 300 mg/day was accomplished over 10 weeks. Participants (n = 31) with BPD and cocaine/amphetamine dependence were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Young Mania Rating Scale, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Cocaine Craving Questionnaire, and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) while receiving lamotrigine. Drug use was assessed through urine drug screens and self-report. Mood and drug use were assessed biweekly. Psychiatric symptoms improved and drug use decreased, but performance on the RAVLT, a measure of declarative memory, declined, primarily because patients were receiving concomitant psychotropic medications. Those receiving lamotrigine monotherapy showed little change in RAVLT scores. In summary, memory deficits in patients with BPD and stimulant dependence did not improve following reduction in drug use and improvement of mood. The combination of lamotrigine with other psychotropic medications may be associated with a decline in declarative memory performance in some persons.
Returning to the Frontier of Contingency Theory of Organizational and Institutional Designs

Much has been learned, and even more needs to be learned, about designing organizations and institutions. Since the 1960s this research has evolved from contingency to configuration, to complementarity, to complexity and creative theories of organizing. This chapter reviews these evolving theories (better called perspectives) and urges scholars to return to the frontier of organization studies by addressing an important new agenda in designing organizations with promising new research methods.
Spindle Assembly and Chromosome Segregation Requires Central Spindle Proteins in Drosophila Oocytes

Oocytes segregate chromosomes in the absence of centrosomes. In this situation, the chromosomes direct spindle assembly. It is still unclear in this system which factors are required for homologous chromosome bi-orientation and spindle assembly. The Drosophila kinesin-6 protein Subito, although nonessential for mitotic spindle assembly, is required to organize a bipolar meiotic spindle and chromosome bi-orientation in oocytes. Along with the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC), Subito is an important part of the metaphase I central spindle. In this study we have conducted genetic screens to identify genes that interact with subito or the CPC component Incenp. In addition, the meiotic mutant phenotype for some of the genes identified in these screens were characterized. We show, in part through the use of a heat-shock-inducible system, that the Centralspindlin component RacGAP50C and downstream regulators of cytokinesis Rho1, Sticky, and RhoGEF2 are required for homologous chromosome bi-orientation in metaphase I oocytes. This suggests a novel function for proteins normally involved in mitotic cell division in the regulation of microtubule–chromosome interactions. We also show that the kinetochore protein, Polo kinase, is required for maintaining chromosome alignment and spindle organization in metaphase I oocytes. In combination our results support a model where the meiotic central spindle and associated proteins are essential for acentrosomal chromosome segregation.
Commercialization of Research: A Case Study of Australian Universities.

Research commercialization is a crucial aspect of technological innovation and is a complex socio‐economic and technological process. This paper explores the commercialization of university research, drawing on an empirical study of the development of research commercialization by Australian universities. The study addresses three main research questions: (i) What are the recent major policy changes affecting the commercialization of university research in Australia? (ii) How much have Australian universities done in research commercialization over the past few years? (iii) What are the key barriers to the achievement of higher levels of commercialization in university research? The findings of this study show that there are two fundamental issues that universities have to address: (i) adequate financial support from governments, industries, and other stakeholders; and (ii) effective innovation management with academic entrepreneurship. Because the issues and problems covered in this study are common to m.
Stably expressed antisense RNA to cytomegalovirus UL83 inhibits viral replication

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) open reading frame UL83 encodes a phosphoprotein of 64 to 68kDa (pp65) which is a major constituent of this virion and dense bodies. To determine the importance of the HCMV gene in the virus cycle, we studied HCMV replication in astrocytoma cells stably transfected with a retroviral vector carrying an antisense UL83 cDNA. Reverse transcription-PCR detected antisense RNA in the cytoplasm. The steady-state level of a 4-kb RNA containing coding sequences for pp65 was significantly reduced after infection of antisense cells. Concomitant with this, levels of expression of pp65 and pp71 (UL82) were severely reduced. Extracellular HCMV production was almost completely blocked, irrespective of the multiplicity of infection or the time after infection studied. The block occurred at an early phase, since immediate-early protein synthesis occurred normally, while several late proteins (e.g., pp150 [ppUL32] and assembly protein [UL80]) were absent or strongly inhibited. Normal replication of herpes simplex virus and of a pp65 deletion mutant of HCMV (RVAd65), lacking target sequences of antisense RNA, demonstrated the specificity of the block for wild-type HCMV in the antisense-stabilized cells and indicated that the block was not due to indirect interference with cellular genes. Our results appear to contradict those of Schmolke et al (S. Schmolke, H.F. Kern, P. Drescher, G. Jahn, and B. Plachter, J. Virol. 69:5959-5968, 1995), which show that UL83 is a nonessential gene for HCMV replication in vitro. This contradiction is discussed in light of the fact that the 4-kb mRNA, which codes for pp65 and was targeted in UL83-antisense cell lines, may be a bicistronic mRNA which also codes for pp71 (UL82). Thus, interference of expression from the genes encoding pp65 and pp71 by blocking of this putative bicistronic message leads to severe impairment of viral replication.
Adoption of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems in Kenya: A Case of Selected Manufacturing Firms in Nairobi Metropolitan

Although the manufacturing sector in Kenya faces low productivity levels, stiff competition and high production costs, firms are still using inefficient technology. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system can enhance efficiency through integration and sharing of business processes in real-time. This study was done to determine factors that influence ERP adoption among corporate members of Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) that operate within the Nairobi Metropolitan. Questionnaires were administered to 141 KAM members whereas 17 ERP firms were interviewed. Logit model was used to estimate the influence of the factors on ERP adoption. Organizational composite factor was found to be an important factor, whereas the planned change, business environment and ERP attributes factors were weak predictors of ERP adoption. The findings will benefit scholars, government, vendors and users of ERP system. Further research was recommended to investigate the weak factors.
Burkitt Lymphoma in the Mouse

Chromosomal translocations juxtaposing the MYC protooncogene with regulatory sequences of immunoglobulin (Ig) H chain or kappa (Igκ) or lambda (Igλ) L chain genes and effecting deregulated expression of MYC are the hallmarks of human Burkitt lymphoma (BL). Here we report that lymphomas with striking similarities to BL develop in mice bearing a mutated human MYC gene controlled by a reconstructed Igλ locus encompassing all the elements required for establishment of locus control in vitro. Diffusely infiltrating lymphomas with a typical starry sky appearance occurred in multiple founders and an established line, indicating independence from positional effects. Monoclonal IgM+CD5−CD23− tumors developed from an initially polyclonal population of B cells. These results demonstrate that the phenotype of B lineage lymphomas induced by MYC dysregulation is highly dependent on cooperativity among the regulatory elements that govern expression of the protooncogene and provide a new system for studying the pathogenesis of BL.
Role of Met-542 as a guide for the conformational changes of Phe-601 that occur during the reaction of β-galactosidase (Escherichia coli).

The Met-542 residue of β-galactosidase is important for the enzyme's activity because it acts as a guide for the movement of the benzyl side chain of Phe-601 between two stable positions. This movement occurs in concert with an important conformational change (open vs. closed) of an active site loop (residues 794-803). Phe-601 and Arg-599, which interact with each other via the π electrons of Phe-601 and the guanidium cation of Arg-599, move out of their normal positions and become disordered when Met-542 is replaced by an Ala residue because of the loss of the guide. Since the backbone carbonyl of Phe-601 is a ligand for Na(+), the Na(+) also moves out of its normal position and becomes disordered; the Na(+) binds about 120 times more poorly. In turn, two other Na(+) ligands, Asn-604 and Asp-201, become disordered. A substrate analog (IPTG) restored Arg-599, Phe-601, and Na(+) to their normal open-loop positions, whereas a transition state analog d-galactonolactone) restored them to their normal closed-loop positions. These compounds also restored order to Phe-601, Asn-604, Asp-201, and Na(+). Binding energy was, however, necessary to restore structure and order. The K(s) values of oNPG and pNPG and the competitive K(i) values of substrate analogs were 90-250 times higher than with native enzyme, whereas the competitive K(i) values of transition state analogs were ~3.5-10 times higher. Because of this, the E•S energy level is raised more than the E•transition state energy level and less activation energy is needed for galactosylation. The galactosylation rates (k₂) of M542A-β-galactosidase therefore increase. However, the rate of degalactosylation (k₃) decreased because the E•transition state complex is less stable.
Up-Regulation of TREK-2 Potassium Channels in Cultured Astrocytes Requires De Novo Protein Synthesis: Relevance to Localization of TREK-2 Channels in Astrocytes after Transient Cerebral Ischemia

Excitotoxicity due to glutamate receptor over-activation is one of the key mediators of neuronal death after an ischemic insult. Therefore, a major function of astrocytes is to maintain low extracellular levels of glutamate. The ability of astrocytic glutamate transporters to regulate the extracellular glutamate concentration depends upon the hyperpolarized membrane potential of astrocytes conferred by the presence of K+ channels in their membranes. We have previously shown that TREK-2 potassium channels in cultured astrocytes are up-regulated by ischemia and may support glutamate clearance by astrocytes during ischemia. Thus, herein we determine the mechanism leading to this up-regulation and assess the localization of TREK-2 channels in astrocytes after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. By using a cell surface biotinylation assay we confirmed that functional TREK-2 protein is up-regulated in the astrocytic membrane after ischemic conditions. Using real time RT-PCR, we determined that the levels of TREK-2 mRNA were not increased in response to ischemic conditions. By using Western blot and a variety of protein synthesis inhibitors, we demonstrated that the increase of TREK-2 protein expression requires De novo protein synthesis, while protein degradation pathways do not contribute to TREK-2 up-regulation after ischemic conditions. Immunohistochemical studies revealed TREK-2 localization in astrocytes together with increased expression of the selective glial marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein, in brain 24 hours after transient middle cerebral occlusion. Our data indicate that functional TREK-2 channels are up-regulated in the astrocytic membrane during ischemia through a mechanism requiring De novo protein synthesis. This study provides important information about the mechanisms underlying TREK-2 regulation, which has profound implications in neurological diseases such as ischemia where astrocytes play an important role.
NRI-Small : Reflex approximation of optimal control for an energy-efficient bipedal walking platform

The Ranger robot is 2D, has 3 primary motors and carries no payload. Here we propose to make a robot that is 3D with 10 primary motors and ability to carry a payload. While the methodology of Ranger’s control was systematic, it was not formalized. Here we plan to formalize the approach, to extend it, and to make it work with this more complex machine. We think it is a stretch, but within reach. We also propose to fill in some basic theory concerning the essential tradeoffs between energy use, robustness, and versatility. The submitted proposal summary, and full proposal, are on the following pages.
24 Hours in a Day: A Listening Update to the Time Studies

Time is an important communication variable that has been impacted by new technology and changed the way people communicate. This study of communication time use by college students provides an update to earlier studies by factoring in computer and telephone use—media that have forced a multitasking approach to communication. Undergraduate students (N = 680) at a large Eastern university reported that they spend most of their time (48%) communicating with their friends, followed by time in school, at work, and with families. Students spend 24% of their time listening, 20% speaking, 13% using the Internet, 9% writing, and 8% reading.