Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Teachers’ perspectives on successful strategies for teaching Computing in school

With the introduction of Computing into the school curriculum in England, experienced teachers are having to teach it for the first time. This raises a number of questions, including whether teachers need to adapt their existing pedagogical strategies to deliver Computing in the curriculum. In this paper we address this particular question through an analysis of qualitative statements made about how to teach Computing by over 300 in-service teachers, who contributed as part of a larger survey. We identify a range of pedagogical strategies that teachers use in practice which can be categorised into the five areas of contextualised learning, computational thinking skills development, code manipulation, working collaboratively and learning away from the computer. We suggest that focusing on the use of a range of these strategies could help teachers to feel more confident in the Computing classroom.
'Fragments of an Unknowable Whole': Michelangelo Antonioni's Incorporation of Contemporary Visualities in London, 1966

Acting as sensitive conduits for some of the more significant strands in contemporary art and photography, Pierre Rouve, as executive producer, and Assheton Gorton, as art director, advised and formed choices of topic and content made by Michelangelo Antonioni during his direction of Blow-Up in London in 1966. In particular, the work of the painter Ian Stephenson and the photographer Don McCullin became central to the narrative of the film, reflecting the heightened awareness of trace and indexical remains in British visual culture at that juncture, equally spurred by thematics of the Sublime and late Symboliste abstraction, as well as documentary and criminal social evidence. The radical ambiguities arising from the micro-structures of photographic grain and divisionist touch, in both their arts, became a rare instance of the bringing to film of visual theory. Rouve, a London-based art critic who was colleague and friend of Stephenson, was an exceptional pioneer in his awareness of continental philosophy and critical theory: Gorton took London as a space for a play of environmental scenographic interventions in colour.
What 50 Million Drawings Can Tell Us About Shared Meaning

A foundational assumption of linguistic communication is that conversants have similar underlying concepts (Brennan & Clark, 1996; Wierzbicka, 2012). On this view, the ability of one person to understand another when she says “the tree” depends on the word activating the same concept in both people. One approach to verifying this assumption is to rely on definitions, but this reasoning is circular— how can we be sure the words in our definitions are the same? Here, we investigate the assumption of shared linguistic concepts by studying concepts represented in the visual modality—drawings—and examining predictors of their variability. Specifically, we ask whether people who are geographically closer and inhabit a similar linguistic environment produce more similar drawings. We analyzed a dataset of 50 million drawings (of mostly concrete artifacts such as “tree”) from 15 million participants (QuickDraw: quickdraw.withgoogle.com/data). Although all drawings were elicited in English, the participants spanned the globe and, we can assume, represent a wide variety of cultural and linguistic experience. Such drawings only capture a part of meaning— people know much more about trees than what they look like—and therefore offer a conservative estimate of diversity. We quantified similarity of drawings in two ways: (1) Hausdorff Distance (HD), which quantifies image similarity as the minimum Euclidean distance between two sets of points (Huttenlocher, Klanderman, & Rucklidge, 1993); (2) the internal weights (layer FC2) for each of our drawings from a neural net model trained on ImageNet (Deng, 2009), with similarity corresponding to the cosine distance (CD) on weights between pairs of images. Initial analysis included 1500 image pairs of two categories—“bread” and “tree”—from participants located in 72 countries. We validated our similarity measures using human judgements. We selected 20 pairs from each HD decile for each category (Fig. 1a), and asked participants to rate the similarity of the objects in the drawings using a 1 (almost identical) to 7 (completely different) Likert scale. Each participant (N = 100) rated 50 pairs drawings from the same category. 243
Remote tropical island colonization does not preclude symbiotic specialists: new evidence of mycorrhizal specificity across the geographic distribution of the Hawaiian endemic orchid Anoectochilus sandvicensis

Abstract Background and Aims For symbiotic organisms, their colonization and spread across remote oceanic islands should favour generalists. Plants that form obligate symbiotic associations with microbes dominate island ecosystems, but the relationship between island inhabitance and symbiotic specificity is unclear, especially in the tropics. To fill this gap, we examined the mycorrhizal specificity of the Hawaiian endemic orchid Anoectochilus sandvicensis across multiple populations encompassing its entire geographic distribution. Methods By molecular phylogenetic approaches we identified the mycorrhizal fungi associated with A. sandvicensis across its entire geographic distribution and determined the relationship of these fungi to others found elsewhere around the globe. With richness estimators, we assessed the mycorrhizal specificity of A. sandvicensis within and among islands. We then tested whether geographic proximity of orchid populations was a significant predictor for the presence of particular mycorrhizal fungi and their community composition. Key Results We found that each population of A. sandvicensis forms specific associations with one of three fungi in the genus Ceratobasidium and that the closest relatives of these fungi are globally widespread. Based on diversity indices, A. sandvicensis populations were estimated to partner with one to four mycorrhizal taxa with an estimated total of four compatible mycorrhizal fungi across its entire distribution. However, the geographic proximity of orchid populations was not a significant predictor of mycorrhizal fungal community composition. Conclusions Our findings indicate that the colonization and survival of plant species on even the most remote oceanic islands is not restricted to symbiotic generalists, and that partnering with few, but cosmopolitan microbial symbionts is an alternative means for successful island establishment. We suggest that the spatial distribution and abundance of symbionts in addition to island age, size and isolation should also be taken into consideration for predictions of island biodiversity.
Improving the Modularity of AUV Control Systems using Behaviour Trees

In this paper, we show how behaviour trees (BTs) can be used to design modular, versatile, and robust control architectures for mission-critical systems. In particular, we show this in the context of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Robustness, in terms of system safety, is important since manual recovery of AUVs is often extremely difficult. Further more, versatility is important to be able to execute many different kinds of missions. Finally, modularity is needed to achieve a combination of robustness and versatility, as the complexity of a versatile systems needs to be encapsulated in modules, in order to create a simple overall structure enabling robustness analysis. The proposed design is illustrated using a typical AUV mission.
Through students' lens: Is short messaging service (SMS) technology a suitable tool for reporting sex for grades?

The power dynamic between teachers and students is one which can be easily exploited financially or sexually without adequate prevention and control measures. Reporting of complaints has been identified by the research literature as a key factor in addressing sexual exploitation or sex for grades (s4g) in schools. This research is a qualitative study using an interpretative phenomenological approach (IPA) with one-on-one semi-structured interviews to explore the lived experiences of four purposefully selected former high school students on their use of a confidential mobile technology SMS reporting hotline piloted in their high school in Liberia. Using free imaginative variation, I interpreted transcribed data from the conversations using three broad themes (Focused life history, details of experience, and reflection on meaning) with the aim of providing insight into how students’ experiences with the problem and the tool shaped their perception of a suitable reporting channel which is appropriate and reliable for students. Results of the study found that while participants found the SMS hotline appropriate, they recommended a mixed method approach which comprises of technology and traditional channels such as suggestion boxes to provide students freedom to choose their convenient option. Findings also revealed their desired criteria for a suitable reporting tool. The findings of this research cannot be generalized, but can provide administrators and policy makers understanding of students’ reporting tool preferences which provides a basis for designing an adequate reporting system for students to actively report and reduce instances of exploitation in
β-Amyloid Fragment 25–35 Causes Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Primary Cortical Neurons

β-Amyloid deposition and compromised energy metabolism both occur in vulnerable brain regions in Alzheimer's disease. It is not known whether β-amyloid is the cause of impairment of energy metabolism, nor whether impaired energy metabolism is specific to neurons. Our results, using primary neuronal cultures, show that 24-h incubation with Aβ25–35 caused a generalized decrease in the specific activity of mitochondrial enzymes per milligram of cellular protein, induced mitochondrial swelling, and decreased total mitochondrial number. Incubation with Aβ25–35 decreased ATP concentration to 58% of control in neurons and 71% of control in astrocytes. Levels of reduced glutathione were also lowered by Aβ25–35 in both neurons (from 5.1 to 2.9 nmol/mg protein) and astrocytes (from 25.2 to 14.9 nmol/mg protein). We conclude that 24-h treatment with extracellular Aβ25–35 causes mitochondrial dysfunction in both astrocytes and neurons, the latter being more seriously affected. In astrocytes mitochondrial impairment was confined to complex I inhibition, whereas in neurons a generalized loss of mitochondria was seen.
Short‐term Effect of Ultrasound‐Guided Iliopsoas Peritendinous Corticosteroid Injection

Treatment for iliopsoas tendinopathy includes ultrasound (US)‐guided iliopsoas peritendinous corticosteroid injection. Evidence is lacking regarding US‐guided iliopsoas injection efficacy in patients with iliopsoas tendinopathy and intra‐articular (IA) hip abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of US‐guided iliopsoas corticosteroid injection for iliopsoas tendinopathy in patients with and without IA hip abnormalities.
Detection of human papillomavirus DNA in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded squamous papillomas of the oral cavity

Background Squamous papillomas are exophytic proliferations of surface oral epithelium. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is widely accepted as the etiology of squamous papillomas however the virus cannot be detected in a significant percentage of lesions. Material and Methods Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we tested 35 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) squamous papillomas for the presence of HPV DNA. Results Six papillomas (17%) tested positive for HPV DNA; four contained HPV-6 and two contained HPV-11. Given that β–globin DNA was only identified in half of the samples, DNA degradation appears to have significantly impacted the results. Conclusions The results likely represent an underestimation of the true number of HPV-positive specimens in our study. Potential explanations for HPV-negative squamous papillomas include transient HPV infection, failure of the experiment to detect HPV if present, or the possibility that some lesions may not result from HPV infection. Key words:HPV, PCR, FFPE, papilloma, oral.
Doxercalciferol Alleviates Bone Deteriorations and Cartilage Degeneration in Aging Mice

Abstract Background Age-related bone deteriorations are the common endocrine disorders in the elderly population, leading to an increased risk of fractures. Therefore, effective treatment strategies provide a way to prevent bone loss and improve the quality of life in the elderly population. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-osteoporotic effects of doxercalciferol (DOX) in aging mice. Methods Bone metabolism-related markers were measured by ELISA assay. The expression of bone formation and resorption-related genes was performed by RT-qPCR analysis. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Safranin O staining were performed to analyze the trabecular bone and cartilage degeneration. Results Aging resulted in urine ca2+ excretion, a decrease in bone ca2+ content and reduction of biomechanical strength in mice. We also found that the level of PTH was increased in aging mice, while DOX administration markedly down-regulated serum PTH in aging mice. H&E and Safranin O staining showed that DOX protected against aging-induced bone loss and cartilage regeneration in the tibia from aging mice. Furthermore, DOX treatment resulted in an increase in Runx2, osterix and Col1a1 mRNA expression and a decrease in Ctsk, MMP-9 and CAII mRNA expression in the tibia from aging mice. Conclusion These findings indicated that DOX had a beneficial effect on age-related bone deteriorations in aging mice by promoting osteoblast activity and cartilage regeneration and inhibiting osteoclast-specific genes expression.
An Organic Flexible Artificial Bio-Synapses with Long-Term Plasticity for Neuromorphic Computing

Artificial synapses, with synaptic plasticity, are the key components of constructing the neuromorphic computing system and mimicking the bio-synaptic function. Traditional synaptic devices are based on silicon and inorganic materials, while organic electronics can open up new opportunities for flexible devices. Here, a flexible artificial synaptic device with an organic functional layer was proposed. The organic device showed good switching behaviors such as ON/OFF ratio over 100 at low operation voltages. The set and reset voltages were lower than 0.5 V and −0.25 V, respectively. The long-term plasticity, spike-timing-dependent plasticity learning rules (STDP), and forgetting function were emulated using the device. The retention times of the excitatory and inhibitory post-synaptic currents were both longer than 60 s. The long-term plasticity was repeatable without noticeable degradation after the application of five voltage pulse cycles to the top electrode. These results indicate that our organic flexible device has the potential to be applied in bio-inspired neuromorphic systems.
Micro-Hole Drilling on Glass Substrates—A Review

Glass micromachining is currently becoming essential for the fabrication of micro-devices, including micro- optical-electro-mechanical-systems (MOEMS), miniaturized total analysis systems (μTAS) and microfluidic devices for biosensing. Moreover, glass is radio frequency (RF) transparent, making it an excellent material for sensor and energy transmission devices. Advancements are constantly being made in this field, yet machining smooth through-glass vias (TGVs) with high aspect ratio remains challenging due to poor glass machinability. As TGVs are required for several micro-devices, intensive research is being carried out on numerous glass micromachining technologies. This paper reviews established and emerging technologies for glass micro-hole drilling, describing their principles of operation and characteristics, and their advantages and disadvantages. These technologies are sorted into four machining categories: mechanical, thermal, chemical, and hybrid machining (which combines several machining methods). Achieved features by these methods are summarized in a table and presented in two graphs. We believe that this paper will be a valuable resource for researchers working in the field of glass micromachining as it provides a comprehensive review of the different glass micromachining technologies. It will be a useful guide for advancing these techniques and establishing new hybrid ones, especially since this is the first broad review in this field.
Acquisition of polarized-light orientation in salmonids under laboratory conditions

Abstract We examined orientation responses of juvenile salmonids to a polarized-light stimulus under laboratory conditions. Juvenile rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss , steelhead (anadromous), O. mykiss , and brook char, Salvelinus fontinalis , were trained using an operant conditioning methodology to orient relative to the axis of a linear-polarized light field. On average, rainbow trout responded correctly relative to the orientation of the light stimulus approximately 70% of the time within five training sessions. The proportion of correct responses increased further under an intermittent reinforcement schedule. We released trained and untrained fish individually in a circular tank and quantified orientation responses using a digital image-tracking system. Experimentally naive rainbow trout had no directional tendency, in contrast to trained rainbow trout, steelhead and brook char, which oriented relative to the plane of polarized light. Trained fish showed no orientation response when a diffuser was used to depolarize the light source. Rainbow trout trained to orient parallel to a polarization axis in the laboratory were tested under natural skylight before sunset. These fish oriented parallel to the bearing of maximally polarized light in the celestial hemisphere. Copyright 2003 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
Recent Advances in Tactile Sensing Technology

Research on tactile sensing technology has been actively conducted in recent years to pave the way for the next generation of highly intelligent devices. Sophisticated tactile sensing technology has a broad range of potential applications in various fields including: (1) robotic systems with tactile sensors that are capable of situation recognition for high-risk tasks in hazardous environments; (2) tactile quality evaluation of consumer products in the cosmetic, automobile, and fabric industries that are used in everyday life; (3) robot-assisted surgery (RAS) to facilitate tactile interaction with the surgeon; and (4) artificial skin that features a sense of touch to help people with disabilities who suffer from loss of tactile sense. This review provides an overview of recent advances in tactile sensing technology, which is divided into three aspects: basic physiology associated with human tactile sensing, the requirements for the realization of viable tactile sensors, and new materials for tactile devices. In addition, the potential, hurdles, and major challenges of tactile sensing technology applications including artificial skin, medical devices, and analysis tools for human tactile perception are presented in detail. Finally, the review highlights possible routes, rapid trends, and new opportunities related to tactile devices in the foreseeable future.
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Method Simulation of Perforated Graphene Nano-Electro-Mechanical (NEM) Switches

The miniaturization trend leads to the development of a graphene based nanoelectromechanical (NEM) switch to fulfill the high demand in low power device applications. In this article, we highlight the finite element (FEM) simulation of the graphene-based NEM switches of fixed-fixed ends design with beam structures which are perforated and intact. Pull-in and pull-out characteristics are analyzed by using the FEM approach provided by IntelliSuite software, version 8.8. 5.1. The FEM results are consistent with the published experimental data. This analysis shows the possibility of achieving a low pull-in voltage that is below 2 V for a ratio below 15:0.03:0.7 value for the graphene beam length, thickness, and air gap thickness, respectively. The introduction of perforation in the graphene beam-based NEM switch further achieved the pull-in voltage as low as 1.5 V for a 250 nm hole length, 100 nm distance between each hole, and 12-number of hole column. Then, a von Mises stress analysis is conducted to investigate the mechanical stability of the intact and perforated graphene-based NEM switch. This analysis shows that a longer and thinner graphene beam reduced the von Mises stress. The introduction of perforation concept further reduced the von Mises stress at the graphene beam end and the beam center by approximately ~20–35% and ~10–20%, respectively. These theoretical results, performed by FEM simulation, are expected to expedite improvements in the working parameter and dimension for low voltage and better mechanical stability operation of graphene-based NEM switch device fabrication.
Comprehensive assessment of nine docking programs on type II kinase inhibitors: prediction accuracy of sampling power, scoring power and screening power

Protein kinases have been regarded as important therapeutic targets for many diseases. Currently, a total of 41 kinase inhibitors have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, along with a large number of kinase inhibitors being evaluated in clinical and preclinical trials. Among all, allosteric inhibitors, such as type II kinase inhibitors, have attracted extensive attention owing to their potential high selectivity. Nowadays, molecular docking has become a powerful tool to search for novel kinase inhibitors. However, as for type II kinase inhibitors, their allosteric characteristics may exert a deep influence on docking accuracy. In this study, a comprehensive assessment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of nine docking algorithms towards type II kinase inhibitors. The calculation results showed that most tested docking programs, especially Glide with XP scoring, LeDock and Surflex-Dock, succeeded in the accurate identification of near-native binding poses, with the success rates ranging from 0.80 to 0.90, and the scoring functions in GOLD and LeDock outperformed the others in the prediction of relative binding affinities. In terms of the P-values, areas under the curve and enrichment factors, Glide with XP scoring, Surflex-Dock, GOLD with Astex Statistical Potential scoring and LeDock had better screening power to discriminate between active compounds and decoys. However, the screening power is sensitive to different initial conformations of the same target. It is expected that our study can provide some guidance for docking-based virtual screening to discover novel type II kinase inhibitors, as well as other allosteric inhibitors.