Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preliminary findings from an international study of subjective wellbeing in tertiary students

Experiencing high levels of subjective wellbeing is a central criterion of positive mental health in all groups of individuals. Wellbeing is not only the result of favourable life circumstances such as academic success and satisfying relationships, but also a predictor and part cause of these outcomes. More specifically, in relation to university students, wellbeing is important for influencing not only their academic outcomes, their attitudinal and career outcomes, but also outcomes that benefit communities and society at large. Religiosity has been implicated in wellbeing. For example a 14-year follow-up study found that attending religious services predicted a 22% reduced risk of developing major depression in adults while another longitudinal study showed that higher self-reported religiosity/spirituality predicted a 90% decreased risk of major depression in adults. This study reports the correlates of subjective wellbeing in an international sample of 1031 tertiary students from Australia, Great Britain, Israel, Germany and Greece using three proxy measures: reported distress symptoms using the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), quality of life evaluation using the Kimhi and Eshel 'Recovery from War' Scale, and individual resilience using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Results show a number of significant differences based on ethnicity, religiosity, religious affiliation, gender and discipline area of tertiary study. Findings are discussed in relation to prior research and possible interventions that could be instigated in higher education institutions to help increase student wellbeing.
Intergroup Anxiety and Willingness to Accommodate: Exploring the Effects of Accent Stereotyping and Social Attraction

Guided by communication accommodation theory, the current study examined the effects of accent stereotyping on native English speakers’ (N = 243) perceptions of and willingness to communicate with the nonnative speaker and willingness to accommodate to Hispanic/Latino Americans in general. Accent stereotyping was manipulated through two experimental conditions: presence or absence of an explicit and negative stereotype in a written paragraph. After reading the paragraph, participants listened to a recording of an English speaker with a moderate, native-Spanish accent. Using PROCESS, results revealed participants in the stereotype condition rated the speaker as less socially attractive than the control condition, indicating accent stereotyping negatively affected perceptions of social attractiveness of the moderately accented speaker. Additionally, results indicated significant indirect effects of negative accent stereotyping on willingness to communicate with the speaker and willingness to accommodate to Hispanic/Latino out-group members sequentially through perceived social attractiveness and communication anxiety.
User-level Checkpointing of POSIX Threads

Multiple threads running in a single, shared address space is a simple model for writing parallel programs for symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) machines and for overlapping I/O and computation in programs run on either SMP or single processor machines. Often a long running program’s user would like the program to save its state periodically in a checkpoint from which it can recover in case of a failure. Previous user-level checkpointing libraries to checkpoint Unix processes do not support multithreaded programs. This paper describes a user-level checkpointing library to checkpoint multithreaded programs that use the POSIX threads library provided by Solaris 2. The checkpointing library increases the amount of time required to make some thread library calls. The checkpointing library added between less than 1 % and 10 % to the execution times of tested benchmark programs. Saving the program’s state to a checkpoint further increased the execution time, but the percentage of total execution time taken to save checkpoints can be adjusted by adjusting the checkpoint interval.
Towards cover group thumbnailing

In this paper we investigate whether we can extract the commonalities shared by a group of cover songs or versions of the same musical piece. As a main contribution, we introduce the concept of cover group thumbnail, which is the most representative, essential subsequence for an entire group of versions. Opposed to previous approaches, we jointly consider all versions of a given song to compute a single cover group template, which then shows a high degree of robustness against version-specific aspects. To compute such a template, we introduce a modification of a recent audio thumbnailing technique. To evaluate the reliability of our conceptual contribution, we consider the task of template-based version identification, where we show comparable accuracies to existing systems.
Exploiting hysteresis in position control: the magnetic shape memory push-push actuator

This paper discusses in details a control design approach for hysteretic systems with dynamics. The framework is quite general to embrace several unconventional actuators. In particular, we here propose a method which allows the exploitation of the particular hysteresis characteristic of a specific class of actuators based on magnetic shape memory alloys, namely the so-called push-push actuators. The exploitation of the hysteresis leads to the reduction of the energy losses for some positioning tasks, and can lead to a more compact design of the actuator and of its driving electronics. Moreover, heating phenomena (which are very influent for magnetic shape memory alloys) are reduced. The validity of the proposed method is verified by several experimental results performed on a prototype of push-push actuator.
Solving vector consensus with a wormhole

This paper presents a solution to the vector consensus problem for Byzantine asynchronous systems augmented with wormholes. Wormholes prefigure a hybrid distributed system model, embodying the notion of an enhanced part of the system with "good" properties otherwise not guaranteed by the "normal" weak environment. A protocol built for this type of system runs in the asynchronous part, where f out of n/spl ges/3f+1 processes might be corrupted by malicious adversaries. However, sporadically, processes can rely on the services provided by the wormhole for the correct execution of simple operations. One of the nice features of this setting is that it is possible to keep the protocol completely time-free and, in addition, to circumvent the FLP impossibility result by hiding all time-related assumptions in the wormhole. Furthermore, from a performance perspective, it leads to the design of a protocol with a good time complexity.
Experiences in using WiFi for rural internet in India

Access to communication can play a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of rural regions in the third world. For affordability, the choice of technology to achieve this is a significant aspect. We have chosen IEEE 802.11 as a cost-effective technology to provide rural connectivity in the context of two projects in India: digital Gangetic plains (DGP) and Ashwini. This article presents our experiences with these two projects and discusses five important aspects in the use of WiFi for rural connectivity: network planning and deployment, network protocols, network management and operations, power savings, and applications and services
The Confluent System Formalism. II. The Growth History of Objects

With the present paper we conclude the presentation of a semianalytical model of hierarchical clustering of bound virialized objects formed by gravitational instability from a random Gaussian field of density fluctuations. In paper I, we introduced the basic tool, the so-called ``confluent system'' formalism, able to follow the evolution of bound virialized objects in the peak model. This was applied to derive the mass function of objects. In the present paper, we calculate other important quantities characterizing the growth history of objects. This model is compared with a similar one obtained by Lacey \& Cole (1993) following the Press \& Schechter (1974) approach. The interest of the new modeling presented here is twofold: 1) it is formally better justified as far as peaks are more reasonable seeds of objects than the indetermined regions in the Press \& Schechter prescription, and 2) it distinguishes between merger and accretion enabling us to unambiguously define the formation and destruction of objects and to estimate growth rates and characteristic times not available in the previous approach.
The Role of District Leaders in Improving Achievement and Equity: How Leaders Reshape District Culture

Rorrer, Skrla, and Scheurich (2008) proposed a theory that district leaders enact several essential roles when engaging in systemic reform that both improves achievement and equity. Their theory identified reshaping district culture as one of these essential functions in systemic reform. This case study explored how leaders in one Massachusetts public school district, which has demonstrated signs of improving achievement and equity, attempted to reshape district culture. Drawing primarily upon semi-structured interviews, this study found that while these leaders reported using a variety of methods to assess the culture, the district has limited systems-level thinking about their culture. Similarly, these leaders each made their own choices amongst shaping strategies ranging from focusing on subgroup dynamics to empowering early followers. Recommendations include the development of additional training for leaders in the small group facilitation necessary to uncover shared underlying assumptions and the creation of a district-level common language concerning culture.
Intra‐and Extracellular K+ and Na+ Activities and Resting Membrane Potential in Sheep Cardiac Purkinje Strands

K+-and Na+-selective liquid ion-exchanger microelectrodes were used to measure intra-cellular K+activity (ak) and intracellular Na+activity (alj.) of sheep cardiac Purkinje strands in different solutions. In Tyrode's solution with an extracellular K+concentration ([K+]o) of 5.4 mM, ak was between 80 and 140 mM and averaged 109.6 ± 4.0 mM (mean ± SE, 20 strands). The measured ak was closely correlated with the resting membrane potential, so that the K+equilibrium potential was always about 10 mV more negative. When [K+]owas lower than 5.4 mM, ak fell, and when [K+]owas higher than 5.4 mM it increased, ajj. was between 4 and 12 mM, and averaged 6.6 ± 0.6 mM (14 strands). Its variation was also correlated with resting potential. Over a wide range of [K+]oand extracellular Na+concentrations ([Na*],), the af,achanges were such that Na* equilibrium potential remained between +70 and +80 mV. The quiescent membrane behaved as a K+-electrode when fK+lowas higher than 5.4 mM. When [K+]owas low and [Na+]owas zero, then Ca2+and perhaps Cl— contributed to the resting potential. Circ Res 47: 692-700, 1980
This Paper Is Included in the Proceedings of the 11th Usenix Symposium on Networked Systems Design and Implementation (nsdi '14). Enabling Bit-by-bit Backscatter Communication in Severe Energy Harvesting Environments Enabling Bit-by-bit Backscatter Communication in Severe Energy Harvesting Environme

Micro-powered wireless sensors present new challenges due to the severe harvesting conditions under which they need to operate and their tiny energy reservoirs. However, existing low-power network stacks make a slew of design choices that limit the ability to scale down to such environments. We address these issues with QuarkNet, a backscatter-based network stack that is designed to enable continuous communication even if there is only enough harvested energy to transmit a few bits at a time while simultaneously optimizing throughput across a network of micro-powered devices. We design and implement QuarkNet on a software radio based RFID reader and the UMass Moo platform, and show that QuarkNet increases the communication distance by 3.5× over Dewdrop, 9× over Buzz, and is within 96% of the upper bound of achievable range. QuarkNet also improves the communication through-put by 10.5× over EPC Gen 2, 5.8× over Dewdrop, and 3.3× over Flit for tag-to-reader communication and by 1.5× over EPC Gen 2 for reader-to-tag communication.
Regional distribution of neuritic plaques in the nondemented elderly and subjects with very mild Alzheimer disease.

BACKGROUND Identification of the neuropathological lesions that are most closely associated with the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer disease (AD) is crucial to the understanding of the disease process and the development of treatment strategies to affect its progress. Do the classical neuropathological lesions of AD precede, follow, or occur in synchrony with the earliest signs of cognitive deterioration? DESIGN AND OUTCOME MEASURES We examined the extent of neuritic plaque (NP) formation in 5 neocortical regions and the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and amygdala in 66 elderly subjects with no dementia, questionable dementia, or mild dementia as assessed using the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR). SETTING AND PATIENTS Postmortem study of nursing home residents. RESULTS Even questionable dementia (CDR, 0.5) was associated with a significant (P = .04) increase in neocortical NP density. The density of NPs increased further with increasing dementia severity in all brain regions examined. However, subjects with questionable dementia or definite but mild dementia did not differ significantly from each other. Density of NPs was nearly maximal in subjects with moderate dementia (CDR = 2.0), suggesting that other neuropathological changes may be responsible for cognitive deficits beyond this level. Dementia severity correlated significantly with the density of NPs in all brain regions examined (r range, 0.47-0.56; P < .001), even when subjects with a CDR of 0 were excluded. CONCLUSIONS These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that NPs are among the earliest neuropathological lesions in AD. Even very mild or questionable dementia is associated with increased density of neocortical NPs that do not distinguish between clinically questionable vs definite dementia.
THE ANALYSIS OF ADULT LITERACY SURVEY DATA: PROBLEMS IN FACTOR ANALYSIS WITH BIB-SPIRALLED ITEM ADMINISTRATION*

In studies of adult literacy it is often desirable to assess the underlying dimensions of literacy performance. However, traditional applications of such methods as factor analysis ignore the fact that assessments of adult literacy performance utilize a complex matrix sampling technique referred to as balanced incomplete spiraling. Such complex matrix sampling can have a deleterious impact on the results of factor analysis. This paper considers the impact of the use of data arising from balanced incomplete block (BIB) spiralled designs on the chi-square goodness-of-fit test in factor analysis. Specifically, data arising from BIB designs possess a unique pattern of missing data that can be characterized as missing completely at random (MCAR). Standard approaches to factor analyzing such data rest on forming pairwise available case (PAC) correlation matrices. Developments in statistical theory for missing data show that PAC correlation matrices may not satisfy Wishart distribution assumptions underlying factor analysis, thus impacting tests of model fit. A new approach for handling missing data in structural equation modeling advocated by Muthen, Kaplan, and Hollis (1987) is proposed as a possible solution to these problems. This study compares the new approach to the standard PAC approach in a Monte Carlo simulation framework. Results of these simulations show that tests of goodness-of-fit are very sensitive to PAC approaches even when data are MCAR, as is the case for BIB designs. The new approach is shown to outperform the PAC approach for continuous variables and is comparatively much better for dichotomous variables.
Penerapan Model Project Based Learning dalam Mentransformasi Cerpen ke Dalam Film Berorientasi Pendidikan Karakter Siswa Kelas XI SMA Negeri 1 Cipatat Kabupaten Bandung Barat

Model project based learning memberikan kesempatan kepada siswa untuk menentukan sendiri proyek yang akan dikerjakannya baik dalam hal merumuskan dan memilih topik yang akan dilakukan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memperoleh gambaran tentang profil pembelajaran mentransformasikan cerita pendek ke dalam bentuk film di kelas XI SMAN 1 Cipatat baik secara proses pembelajaran maupun kemampuan mentransformasi cerita pendek ke dalam film. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode quasi eksperimen dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Populasi dalam penelitiann ini adalah seluruh siswa kelas XI SMAN 1 Cipatat dan sampel yang digunakan adalah 2 kelas Siswa SMAN 1 Cipatat yang masing-masing terdiri dari 32 siswa. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah t-test. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa Kemampuan siswa mentransformasi cerita pendek ke dalam film yang menggunakan pembelajaran konvensional dikategorikan cukup baik. Karakter siswa yang menggunakan model project based learning lebih baik dari siswa yang menggunakan pembelajaran konvensional. Hubungan kemampuan siswa mentransformasi cerita pendek ke dalam film dengan pembentukan karakter siswa pada kelas eksperimen. Berdasarka hasil pengujian hipotesis, model project based learning berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kemampuan mentransformasi cerpen ke dalam film
Causes and Consequences

Brandis, G. 2016. Biased Evolution. Causes and Consequences. Digital Comprehensive Summaries of Uppsala Dissertations from the Faculty of Medicine 1198. 48 pp. Uppsala: Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis. ISBN 978-91-554-9518-3. In evolution alternative genetic trajectories can potentially lead to similar phenotypic outcomes. However, certain trajectories are preferred over others. These preferences bias the genomes of living organisms and the underlying processes can be observed in ongoing evolution. We have studied a variety of biases that can be found in bacterial chromosomes and determined the selective causes and functional consequences for the cell. We have quantified codon usage bias in highly expressed genes and shown that it is selected to optimise translational speed. We further demonstrated that the resulting differences in decoding speed can be used to regulate gene expression, and that the use of ‘non-optimal’ codons can be detrimental to reading frame maintenance. Biased gene location on the chromosome favours recombination between genes within gene families and leads to co-evolution. We have shown that such recombinational events can protect these gene families from inactivation by mobile genetic elements, and that chromosome organization can be selectively maintained because inversions can lead to the formation of unstable hybrid operons. We have used the development of antibiotic resistance to study how different bacterial lifestyles influence evolutionary trajectories. For this we used two distinct pairs of antibiotics and disease-causing bacteria, namely (i) Mycobacterium tuberculosis that is treated with rifampicin and (ii) Escherichia coli that is treated with ciprofloxacin. We have shown that in the slow-growing Mycobacterium tuberculosis, resistance mutations are selected for high-level resistance. Fitness is initially less important, and over time fitness costs can be ameliorated by compensatory mutations. The need for rapid growth causes the selection of ciprofloxacin resistance in Escherichia coli not only to be selected on the basis of high-level resistance but also on high fitness. Compensatory evolution is therefore not required and is not observed. Taken together, our results show that the evolution of a phenotype is the product of multiple steps and that many factors influence which trajectory is the most likely to occur and be most beneficial. Over time, selection will favour this particular trajectory and lead to biased evolution, affecting genome sequence and organization.
Framework for Programmable Network Control

—Programmable networks enable the development of applications that define new or continuously optimize existing network services. This paper contributes to the general understanding of the design of such applications. We present a basic framework to understand and to develop applications that control networks. The framework consists of a control loop in which adaptation of topology, paths, and services is calculated, instantiated and monitored from distributed software objects. In addition, we show how network control can be expressed in application-specific qualities. Two typical control examples are presented.
Detection of a redshift 3 . 04 filament ⋆

The filamentary structure of the early universe has until now only been seen in numerical simulations. Despite this lack of direct observational evidence, the prediction of early filamentary structure formation in a Cold Dark Matter dominated universe has become a paradigm for our understanding of galaxy assembly at high redshifts. Clearly observational confirmation is required. Lyman Break galaxies are too rare to be used as tracers of filaments and we argue that to map out filaments in the high z universe, one will need to identify classes of objects fainter than those currently accessible via the Lyman Break technique. Objects selected via their Lyα emission, and/or as DLA absorbers, populate the faintest accessible part of the high redshift galaxy luminosity function, and as such make up good candidates for objects which will map out high redshift filaments. Here we present the first direct detection of a filament (at z=3.04) mapped by those classes of objects. The observations are the deepest yet to have been done in Lyα imaging at high redshift, and they reveal a single string of proto-galaxies spanning about 5 Mpc (20 Mpc comoving). Expanding the cosmological test proposed by Alcock & Paczyński (1979), we outline how observations of this type can be used to determine ΩΛ at z=3.