Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring problems of self‐directed learning within practice and discourse

Self‐directed learning is an important feature in using experiential approaches with adult students. It is both part of a theorisation and the basis of certain kinds of practices which together form a ‘discourse’ of self‐directed learning. The paper critically examines the general characteristics of this discourse and considers the consequences of the assumptions made about adult learning and teaching. Case studies of practice involving experiential teaching approaches with two different groups of adult students are then presented and analysed. The idea is to show how the discourse of self‐directed learning relates to these actual situations of practice, it is clear that the discourse since it cannot take account of context misleadingly assumes adult learners to be naturally self‐directing. Practitioners, therefore, need to have a critical awareness of the frameworks of thinking and action which can be imposed by any discourse even if it purports to be ‘student‐centred’.
Constraint-driven bus matrix synthesis for MPSoC

Modern multi-processor system-on-chip (MPSoC) designs have high bandwidth constraints which must be satisfied by the underlying communication architecture. Bus matrix based communication architectures consist of several parallel buses which provide a suitable backbone to support high bandwidth systems, but suffer from high cost overhead due to extensive bus wiring inside the matrix. Manual traversal of the vast exploration space to synthesize a minimal cost bus matrix that also satisfies performance constraints is practically infeasible. In this paper, we address this problem by proposing an automated approach for synthesizing a bus matrix communication architecture which satisfies all performance constraints in the design and minimizes wire congestion in the matrix. To validate our approach, we consider several industrial strength applications from the networking domain and show that our approach results in up to 9times component savings when compared to a full bus matrix and up to 3.2times savings when compared to a maximally connected reduced bus matrix
The Production of Bachelor's Degrees and Financial Aspects of State Higher Education Policy: A Dynamic Analysis

This study examines how the production of bachelor’s degrees is influenced by selected financial aspects of state higher education policy. This research uses data from 49 states covering a period of 13 years, integrates concepts from the higher education production function as well as the principal-agent model of the state, and employs dynamic fixed-effects panel modeling techniques.
Supplemental Educational Services and Student Test Score Gains: Evidence from a Large, Urban School District

This study examines the effect of supplemental education services (SES) on student test score gains and whether particular subgroups of students benefit more from NCLB tutoring services. Our sample includes information on students enrolled in third through eighth grades nested in 121 elementary and middle schools over a five-year period comprising the 2003–04 to 2007–08 school years. A total of 17 elementary and middle schools were required to offer SES at some point during the period under study, and 9,861 student-year pairings in the sample were eligible to receive SES. Although our preferred analytic approach takes advantage of panel data to implement an analysis strategy with student fixed effect regression methods, we also test the robustness of these estimates to a number of alternative approaches, including a comparison of student test score gains between current and future SES participants. We find consistently significant and positive average effects of SES on test score gains in mathematics. Results in reading tend to be insignificant. SES tutoring does not appear to disproportionately benefit a particular racial/ethnic group or ability level. Female students and students with disabilities appear to benefit more from participating in SES. SES has a significant, cumulative effect on students in both mathematics and reading. We also demonstrate that not accounting for content area of tutoring can cause downward bias in estimates of the SES treatment effect. Our findings are qualified on a couple of dimensions.
PolyphraZ: a tool for the quantitative and subjective evaluation of parallel corpora

The PolyphraZ tool is under construction in the framework of the TraCorpEx project (Translation of Corpora of Examples), for the management of parallel multilingual corpora (coding, format, correspondence). It is a software platform allowing the preparation and handling of parallel corpora (languages, codings.), parallel presentation, and addition of new languages to existing corpora by calling several MT systems, and letting human translators produce the final reference translations by using a web-based editor. It integrates the computation of some objective evaluation metrics (NIST, BLUE), and enables subjective evaluations thanks to parallel presentations, and formating based on distance computations between sentences (at several levels). In the future, PolyphraZ should also support versioning and provide feedbacks to developers of the MT systems used: unknown words, badly translated words, and comparative presentations of the outputs of the various systems.
Fat metabolism during low-intensity exercise in endurance-trained and untrained men.

Whole body lipid kinetics were evaluated during basal resting conditions, 4 h of treadmill exercise eliciting an oxygen uptake of 20 ml.kg-1.min-1, and 1 h of recovery in five untrained and five endurance-trained men. Glycerol and free fatty acid (FFA) rate of appearance (Ra) values in plasma were determined by infusing [2H5]glycerol and [1-13C]palmitate, respectively, and lipid oxidation was determined by indirect calorimetry. The lipolytic response to 4 h of exercise, expressed as the average glycerol and FFA Ra values, was similar in both trained (9.85 +/- 1.02 and 24.64 +/- 3.76 mumol.kg-1.min-1, respectively) and untrained subjects (11.29 +/- 0.99 and 24.13 +/- 0.39 mumol.kg-1.min-1, respectively). However, mean triglyceride oxidation was greater during exercise in the trained than in the untrained group (7.51 +/- 0.26 and 5.67 +/- 0.51 mumol.kg-1.min-1, respectively; P < 0.001). During recovery, glycerol and FFA Ra values decreased more rapidly in trained than in untrained subjects. We conclude that highly trained male endurance runners use more fat as a fuel during low-intensity exercise than do untrained healthy men despite similar rates of lipolysis and FFA uptake from plasma. Therefore, the increase in fat oxidation must be related to an increased percentage of FFA uptake oxidized, a greater contribution from intramuscular triglyceride stores, or both. Additionally, lipid kinetics return to baseline more rapidly in trained than in untrained subjects after completing an exercise bout of the same absolute intensity.
Science-related Aspirations Across the Primary–Secondary Divide: Evidence from two surveys in England

Students' engagement with science and the numbers pursuing further study of science continue to be a concern among policy-makers, particularly in Western countries. Previous research reflects that most children have positive attitudes to science at age 10 but that, by age 14, attitudes towards and interest in further pursuit of science have declined. The Science Aspirations and Career Choice (ASPIRES) project, a 5-year longitudinal study, seeks to trace and track changes in students' interest in science and in scientific careers over the key period of ages 10–14. Building on an initial survey (consisting primarily of Likert-type items) of over 9,000 children in their last year of primary school, we explore shifts in attitudes and aspirations in science as reflected in a second survey of students from this cohort (over 5,600 students), completed when children were in their second year of secondary school (ages 12–13). Survey findings are supplemented by longitudinal interview data from 85 children. Contrary to previous research, descriptive, multivariate and multi-level modelling (MLM) analyses of the data indicate that the majority of our sample enjoy school science in secondary school and hold positive views of scientists. However, as with the primary school data, these positive attitudes also continue not to translate into an interest in ‘being’ a scientist. Attention is drawn to the importance of families and student experiences of school science in helping to explain this gap.
Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Total Phenolic Content and in Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.) Peels

Pomegranate peels were studied for the effect of gamma irradiation on microbial decontamination along with its effect on total phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant activity. Gamma irradiation was applied at various dose levels (5.0, 10.0, 15.0 and 25.0 kGy) on pomegranate peel powder. Both the values of total phenolic content and in vitro antioxi- dant activity were positively correlated and showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) for 10.0 kGy irradiated dose level immediately after irradiation and 60 days of post irradiation storage. At 5.0 kGy and above dose level, gamma irradia- tion has reduced microbial count of pomegranate peel powder to nil. Post irradiation storage studies also showed that, the irradiated peel powder was microbiologically safe even after 90 days of storage period.
Human Leukocyte Antigen and Antigen Processing Machinery Component Defects in Astrocytic Tumors

Purpose: To determine the frequency of abnormalities in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and antigen processing machinery (APM) component expression in malignant brain tumors. This information may contribute to our understanding of the immune escape mechanisms used by malignant brain tumors because HLA antigens mediate interactions of tumor cells with the host's immune system. Experimental Design: Eighty-eight surgically removed malignant astrocytic tumors, classified according to the WHO criteria, were stained in immunoperoxidase reactions with monoclonal antibody recognizing monomorphic, locus-specific, and allospecific determinants of HLA class I antigens, β2-microglobulin, APM components (LMP2, LMP7, TAP1, TAP2, calnexin, calreticulin, and tapasin), and HLA class II antigens. Results: HLA class I antigens were lost in ∼50% of the 47 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) lesions and in ∼20% of the 18 grade 2 astrocytoma lesions stained. Selective HLA-A2 antigen loss was observed in ∼80% of the 24 GBM lesions and in ∼50% of the 12 grade 2 astrocytoma lesions stained. HLA class I antigen loss was significantly (P < 0.025) correlated with tumor grade. Among the APM components investigated, tapasin expression was down-regulated in ∼20% of the GBM lesions analyzed; it was associated, although not significantly, with HLA class I antigen down-regulation and tumor grade. HLA class II antigen expression was detected in ∼30% of the 44 lesions analyzed. Conclusion: The presence of HLA antigen defects in malignant brain tumors may provide an explanation for the relatively poor clinical response rates observed in the majority of the T cell–based immunotherapy clinical trials conducted to date in patients with malignant brain tumors.
The Effects of Circuit Integration on a Feature Map Vector Quantizer

The effects of parameter modifications imposed by hardware constraints on a self-organizing feature map algorithm were examined. Performance was measured by the error rate of a speech recognition system which included this algorithm as part of the front-end processing. System parameters which were varied included weight (connection strength) quantization, adap tation quantization, distance measures and circuit approximations which include device characteristics and process variability. Experiments using the TI isolated word database for 16 speakers demonstrated degradation in performance when weight quantization fell below 8 bits. The competitive nature of the algorithm rela.xes constraints on uniformity and linearity which makes it an excellent candidate for a fully analog circuit implementation. Prototype circuits have been fabricated and characterized following the constraints established through the simulation efforts.
Lymph node ratio as an alternative to pN staging in node-positive breast cancer.

PURPOSE In the current pTNM classification system, nodal status of breast cancer is based on the number of involved lymph nodes and does not account for the total number of lymph nodes removed. In this study, we assessed the prognostic value of the lymph node ratio (LNR; ie, ratio of positive over excised lymph nodes) as compared with pN staging and determined its optimal cutoff points. PATIENTS AND METHODS From the Geneva Cancer Registry, we identified all women diagnosed with node-positive breast cancer between 1980 and 2004 (n = 1,829). The prognostic value of LNRs was calculated for values ranging from 0.05 to 0.95 by Cox regression analysis and validated by bootstrapping. Based on maximum likelihood, we identified cutoff points classifying women into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk LNR groups. RESULTS Optimal cutoff points classified patients into low- (< or = 0.20), intermediate- (> 0.20 and < or = 0.65), and high-risk (> 0.65) LNR groups, corresponding to 10-year disease-specific survival rates of 75%, 63%, and 40%, and adjusted mortality risks of 1 (reference), 1.78 (95% CI, 1.46 to 2.18), and 3.21 (95% CI, 2.54 to 4.06), respectively. In contrast to LNR risk categories, survival curves of pN2 and pN3 crossed after 15 years, and their adjusted mortality risks showed overlapping CIs: 2.07 (95% CI, 1.69 to 2.53) and 2.84 (95% CI, 2.23 to 3.61), respectively. CONCLUSION LNR predicts survival after breast cancer more accurately than pN classification and should be considered as an alternative to pN staging.
Flavonoids from Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb: Free Radical Scavenging and DNA Oxidative Damage Protection Activities and Analysis of Bioactivity-Structure Relationship Based on Molecular and Electronic Structures

To clarify the substantial basis of the excellent antioxidant capacity of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. Fourteen flavonoids were isolated and identified from Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb, seven of which have notable DPPH radical scavenging activities, i.e., catechin, luteolin, quercetin, quercitrin, hyperoside, rutin, luteolin-7-O-β-glucoside with IC50 values of 5.06, 7.29, 4.36, 7.12, 6.34, 6.36 and 8.12 µM, respectively. The DNA nicking assay showed that five flavonoids from Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb—taxifolin, catechin, hyperoside, quercitrin and rutin—have good protective activity against DNA oxidative damage. Further, we analyzed the bioactivity-structure relationship of these 14 flavonoids by applying quantum theory. According to their O-H bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE), C ring’s spin density and stable molecular structure, the relationship between their structures and radical scavenging capacities was evaluated and clarified. We found that among flavonoid aglycones from Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb, the O-H BDE of quercetin is lowest with the values of 69.02 and the O-H BDE of apigenin is highest with the values of 79.77. It is interesting that the O-H BDE value of isovitexin (78.55) with glycoside at C-6 position is lower than that of its aglycone (79.77) and vitexin (99.20) with glycoside at C-8 position. Further analysis indicated that the glycosidation of flavonoids at C-6 in the A-ring makes a more uniform distribution of spin density and improves the stability of free radicals leading to the increase in antioxidant capacity. Flavonoids with good antioxidant capacity might contribute to the pharmacological effects of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb.
Effects of creatine supplementation on body composition, strength, and sprint performance.

PURPOSE To determine the effects of 28 d of creatine supplementation during training on body composition, strength, sprint performance, and hematological profiles. METHODS In a double-blind and randomized manner, 25 NCAA division IA football players were matched-paired and assigned to supplement their diet for 28 d during resistance/agility training (8 h x wk[-1]) with a Phosphagen HP (Experimental and Applied Sciences, Golden, CO) placebo (P) containing 99 g x d(-1) of glucose, 3 g x d(-1) of taurine, 1.1 g x d(-1) of disodium phosphate, and 1.2 g x d(-1) of potassium phosphate (P) or Phosphagen HP containing the P with 15.75 g x d(-1) of HPCE pure creatine monohydrate (HP). Before and after supplementation, fasting blood samples were obtained; total body weight, total body water, and body composition were determined; subjects performed a maximal repetition test on the isotonic bench press, squat, and power clean; and subjects performed a cycle ergometer sprint test (12 x 6-s sprints with 30-s rest recovery). RESULTS Hematological parameters remained within normal clinical limits for active individuals with no side effects reported. Total body weight significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the HP group (P 0.85 +/- 2.2; HP 2.42 +/- 1.4 kg) while no differences were observed in the percentage of total body water. DEXA scanned body mass (P 0.77 +/- 1.8; HP 2.22 +/- 1.5 kg) and fat/bone-free mass (P 1.33 +/- 1.1; HP 2.43 +/- 1.4 kg) were significantly increased in the HP group. Gains in bench press lifting volume (P -5 +/- 134; HP 225 +/- 246 kg), the sum of bench press, squat, and power clean lifting volume (P 1,105 +/- 429; HP 1,558 +/- 645 kg), and total work performed during the first five 6-s sprints was significantly greater in the HP group. CONCLUSION The addition of creatine to the glucose/taurine/electrolyte supplement promoted greater gains in fat/bone-free mass, isotonic lifting volume, and sprint performance during intense resistance/agility training.
Phylodynamics of HIV-1 from a Phase-III AIDS Vaccine Trial in North America

In 2003, a phase III placebo-controlled trial (VAX004) of a candidate HIV-1 vaccine (AIDSVAX B/B) was completed in 5,403 volunteers at high risk for HIV-1 infection from North America and the Netherlands. A total of 368 individuals became infected with HIV-1 during the trial. The envelope glycoprotein gene (gp120) from the HIV-1 subtype B viruses infecting 349 patients was sequenced from clinical samples taken as close as possible to the time of diagnosis, rendering a final data set of 1,047 sequences (1,032 from North America and 15 from the Netherlands). Here, we used these data in combination with other sequences available in public databases to assess HIV-1 variation as a function of vaccination treatment, geographic region, race, risk behavior, and viral load. Viral samples did not show any phylogenetic structure for any of these factors, but individuals with different viral loads showed significant differences (P = 0.009) in genetic diversity. The estimated time of emergence of HIV-1 subtype B was 1966–1970. Despite the fact that the number of AIDS cases has decreased in North America since the early 90s, HIV-1 genetic diversity seems to have remained almost constant over time. This study represents one of the largest molecular epidemiologic surveys of viruses responsible for new HIV-1 infections in North America and could help the selection of epidemiologically representative vaccine antigens to include in the next generation of candidate HIV-1 vaccines.
The blame game in meeting room ASR: An analysis of feature versus model errors in noisy and mismatched conditions

Given a test waveform, state-of-the-art ASR systems extract a sequence of MFCC features and decode them with a set of trained HMMs. When this test data is clean, and it matches the condition used for training the models, then there are few errors. While it is known that ASR systems are brittle in noisy or mismatched conditions, there has been little work in quantitatively attributing the errors to features or to models. This paper attributes the sources of these errors in three conditions: (a) matched near-field, (b) matched far-field, and a (c) mismatched condition. We undertake a series of diagnostic analyses employing the bootstrap method to probe a meeting room ASR system. Results show that when the conditions are matched (even if they are far-field), the model errors dominate; however, in mismatched conditions features are neither invariant nor separable and this causes as many errors as the model does.
The Glycerophosphoinositols: From Lipid Metabolites to Modulators of T-Cell Signaling

Glycerophosphoinositols (GPIs) are bioactive, diffusible phosphoinositide metabolites of phospholipase A2 that act both intracellularly and in a paracrine fashion following their uptake by specific transporters. The most representative compound, glycerophosphoinositol (GroPIns), is a ubiquitous component of eukaryotic cells that participates in central processes, including cell proliferation and survival. Moreover, glycerophosphoinositol 4-phosphate (GroPIns4P) controls actin dynamics in several cell systems by regulating Rho GTPases. Recently, immune cells have emerged as targets of the biological activities of the GPIs. We have shown that exogenous GroPIns4P enhances CXCL12-induced T-cell chemotaxis through activation of the kinase Lck in a cAMP/PKA-dependent manner. While highlighting the potential of GroPIns4P as an immunomodulator, this finding raises questions on the role of endogenously produced GroPIns4P as well as of other GPIs in the regulation of the adaptive immune responses under homeostatic and pathological settings. Here we will summarize our current understanding of the biological activities of the GPIs, with a focus on lymphocytes, highlighting open questions and potential developments in this promising new area.
General ternary bit strings on commodity longest-prefix-match infrastructures

Ternary Content-Addressable Memory (tcam) is a powerful tool to represent network services with line-rate lookup time. There are various software-based approaches to represent multi-field packet classifiers. Unfortunately, all of them either require exponential memory or apply additional constraints on field representations (e.g, prefixes or exact values) to have line-rate lookup time. In this work, we propose alternatives to tcam and introduce a novel approach to represent packet classifiers based on ternary bit strings (without constraining field representation) on commodity longest-prefix-match (lpm) infrastructures. These representations are built on a novel property, prefix reorderability, that defines how to transform an ordered set of ternary bit strings to prefixes with lpm priorities in linear memory. Our results are supported by evaluations on large-scale packet classifiers with real parameters from ClassBench; moreover, we have developed a prototype in P4 to support these types of transformations.
Agglomeration Economies and Location Choice of Inward Foreign Direct Investments in Korea

<Abstract> Employing the micro data for 1997-2005, we analyze the role of agglomeration and geographical characteristics in the location choice of inward foreign direct investments in Korea. Form the estimation results for the overall industries, the nested logit estimation results confirm that not only industry-specific foreign-firm agglomeration economies but also Korean domestic firm agglomeration economies are important main factors in location decision of FDIs in Korea. On the vertical agglomeration backward linkage relationship is important. When we reestimate the model into two industry groups, we can find the location decision factors which is consistent to each industrial characteristics.